Is Isla Holbox Worth Visiting? My Honest Review 2025

One of my absolute favorite places in the entire Yucatán Peninsula and honestly, maybe all of Mexico, is Isla Holbox. It’s a small, sandy island not too far from Cancún, with soft white beaches, turquoise water, and a completely different pace of life. 

There are no cars here, just golf carts and bikes, which already tells you everything you need to know about the vibe.

I’ll try to keep this guide as neutral as possible, but fair warning: I’m a little biased because Holbox truly has my heart. I’ve been a few times now, once about five years ago and again recently and it still feels like one of those rare places that hasn’t lost its charm. 

While other beach towns like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or even Tulum have become super built-up and commercial, Holbox still feels simple, natural, and beautifully low-key.

If you’ve heard of Isla Holbox but aren’t quite sure whether it’s worth the trip, then this post is for you.

In this honest review on ‘Is Isla Holbox worth visiting’, I’ll share what I absolutely love about Holbox, a few things I don’t love quite as much, and some of my favorite things to do on the island, so you can decide for yourself if it’s the kind of place you’d fall for too.

Is Holbox worth visiting? My Quick Answer

A hundred times yes, I don’t even have to think about it. From the first time I visited Mexico, I fell completely in love with Holbox, and honestly, I don’t even know where to start telling you why.

When I first came here, I had already been to places like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum and while all of those are fun in their own ways, none of them had that calm, peaceful island feel that Holbox has.

In Isla Holbox I spent hours walking along endless stretches of powdery white sand and turquoise water (it honestly looks like the Maldives). I ate incredible food, swam in glowing bioluminescence at night, and danced barefoot in the streets during spontaneous salsa nights.

Holbox gives me that island-life fix I crave, the slower pace, the lack of giant resort buildings, and the fact that the beaches are completely free and open to everyone. As cheesy as it sounds, Holbox really does feel like a little slice of paradise rather than another overdeveloped beach town.

Who is Isla Holbox Mexico for?

I want to answer this right at the start because, while Holbox is one of my absolute favorite places in the Yucatán, I can totally see why it’s not for everyone.

Holbox has a very backpacker-style vibe, things here are simple and a little rough around the edges. There are no paved roads (just sandy dirt ones, often full of potholes), no cars (only golf carts), and sometimes the water pressure isn’t great or the power cuts out for a bit. So yes, it’s definitely not luxury-travel smooth. 

But personally, that’s exactly what I love about it. It feels more authentic, less touristy, and still wonderfully underdeveloped compared to other beach destinations. The beaches are quieter, the atmosphere is rustic, and it all feels beautifully untouched.

If you’re someone who prefers a bit more comfort, paved streets, big resorts, plenty of restaurant choices, and a generally smoother experience, then I’d probably recommend checking out Isla Mujeres instead. It’s got more of the conveniences you might want while still being stunning. You can also read my guide Is Isla Mujeres Worth Visiting to see if that might be a better fit for you.

What I Really Love About Isla Holbox

Holbox Beaches

Honestly, not every place in the Yucatán has picture-perfect beaches, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, for example, are nice but not exactly jaw-dropping in my opinion. But the first time I saw the beaches in Isla Holbox, I was stunned. The water is so clear it almost glows, and the sand is that soft, powdery white kind that literally looks like something out of the Maldives. It’s one of those places that actually looks better in real life than in photos.

Peace & Quiet

What I love most about Holbox is how peaceful it still feels. Compared to Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, or Tulum, it’s way less built up and I hope it stays that way. 

Sure, it’s changing a bit (you can tell from visit to visit), but it still has this quiet charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. There are no cars, just golf carts and bikes, and life moves at a slower pace. Some people might find it too sleepy, but I think that’s exactly what makes it special.

Holbox Island Vibes

Holbox just has that perfect island energy, easygoing, friendly, and a little bohemian. It feels more like a backpacker paradise than a polished resort destination, which I love. 

I’d rather stay in a small boutique hotel, walk barefoot to get a coffee and fresh mango in the morning, and spend the day lounging by the beach than be in some overbuilt beach town. It’s simple, it’s beautiful, and it’s exactly the kind of place that makes you slow down and actually relax.

Things I don’t Love About Isla Holbox

Getting to Holbox Island

This one’s a bit of a love-hate situation for me. I really don’t like how long it takes to get to Isla Holbox. It’s a bit of a mission, to be honest. I had to take a bus from Cancún (or even worse, from Playa del Carmen) to Chiquilá, which took about three hours, then I had to hop on a ferry to Holbox, and from there either walk or grab a golf cart taxi to your hotel. It’s a journey. On the flip side, I guess the tricky access is part of what keeps Holbox less touristy, so maybe that’s the trade-off.

Seaweed Season Is Real

This isn’t unique to Holbox, it affects the whole coast, but seaweed season from around April to October is very real. And since the beach is kind of the main attraction here, having it covered in smelly sargassum can easily ruin the vibe of your trip. Definitely plan your visit outside of seaweed season if you can. I only visit this part in Mexico between December and February just to be on the safe side.

Sometimes It’s Too Rustic

As much as I adore the whole “rough around the edges” island vibe, sometimes it can be a bit much. There are moments when I actually look forward to being back in ‘civilization’ with proper roads, reliable Wi-Fi, and all that. 

That’s why I usually stay in Holbox for about four days: long enough to relax and make the journey worthwhile, but short enough before I start missing city comforts again.

Things to Do in Isla Holbox Mexico

• Watch the Bioluminescence: This is honestly one of the most magical things I’ve ever seen. The bioluminescence in Holbox is this glowing plankton that lights up the water at night and it looks like tiny stars swirling around you. We walked to Playa Punta Cocos for sunset, and as soon as it got dark, the glow appeared. Swimming in it felt completely surreal.
  
• Swim with Whale Sharks: From May to September, Holbox becomes one of the best places in Mexico to swim and snorkel with whale sharks. I haven’t done it myself (yet!), but everyone I’ve talked to said it’s an unforgettable experience. Definitely something to add to your bucket list if you visit during that time.
  
• Island Hopping: You can also take island-hopping tours around Holbox that visit nearby islands and hidden beaches. It’s a great way to see more of the area beyond the main beach and experience just how stunning and remote the region really is.

• Walk to Punta Mosquito: I’ve only done this once, but it’s one of my favorite Holbox memories. We walked all the way up to Punta Mosquito, it took about two hours along the beach, and were rewarded with some of the clearest, most beautiful water I’ve ever seen. Bring water, sunscreen, and lots of energy, but it’s absolutely worth it.

• Rent a Golf Cart: The town center is small and walkable, but renting a golf cart for a day is super fun and lets you explore more of the island. We did it once and discovered quiet little bays and beaches tucked away from the main areas, honestly one of the best days we had.

FAQs About Is Holbox Worth It

How do you get to Isla Holbox?

The easiest way, and what I’ve done every single time, is to take the ADO bus from either Cancún or Playa del Carmen to a small town called Chiquilá. From there, you’ll hop on the ferry across to Isla Holbox. It’s a bit of a journey, but totally doable and well worth it once you arrive.

What are the best beaches in Holbox?

My personal favorite is Holbox Beach itself, long stretches of soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Of course, this depends a little on the season and weather conditions, but on a good day, it’s absolutely stunning.

How many days do you need in Holbox Island?

I usually stay around four days. That’s the perfect amount of time to unwind, explore a bit, and still make the journey worth it without getting bored.

What is there to do in Holbox?

Apart from relaxing with a drink on the beach (which honestly is half the fun), Holbox has some amazing things to do, like swimming with whale sharks, watching the bioluminescence at night, or renting a golf cart to explore the island.

Final Thoughts Visiting Isla Holbox

As I’ve mentioned throughout this guide, Holbox tends to divide opinions. Some people (like me) fall in love with its rustic charm, laid-back energy, and untouched beauty, while others might prefer more polished destinations like Isla Mujeres or Playa del Carmen, with their resorts, paved streets, and endless restaurant options.

Personally, I think Holbox is one of the most special places in Mexico. It’s still my favorite spot in the Yucatán, and I’d recommend everyone visit at least once to see what the magic is all about.

I hope this guide on “Is Holbox Worth Visiting?” helped you get a better idea of what to expect and whether this little island paradise is your kind of place.

Check Out My Other Isla Holbox Travel Guides

How to Get to Holbox: A Step by Step Guide

Is Holbox Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

The Best Time to Visit Isla Holbox: My Seaweed & Whale Shark Guide

Where to Stay in Isla Holbox: The Best Areas & Hotels

Best Restaurants in Holbox: My Favorite Places to Eat in Isla Holbox

Cafes in Holbox Island: The Top Cafes & Coffee Shops in Isla Holbox

Things to Do in Holbox: My Favorite Activities in Isla Holbox

Best Beaches in Holbox: My Favorite Holbox Beaches