Look no further for The Best Isla Holbox Travel Guide. Isla Holbox, has sandy streets, colorful Caribbean buildings, and sand so fine it’s texture is nearly clay. The greenish waters are a unique color from the mixing of ocean currents. You’ll find a mix of locals and tourists. Most tourists come here to escape the busy Cancun.
There are no throbbing nightclubs here, and it is beautiful. It is however, not super peaceful with the buzzing of noisy gasoline-powered golf carts. You really can away from it all to the more remote beaches either by golf cart or boat.
It’s a fantastic spot for wildlife. Isla Holbox is in the Yum Balam reserve, and is home to more than 150 bird species, including roseate spoonbills, pelicans, herons, ibis and flamingos. In summer, whale sharks congregate nearby. For more information on the Yucatan Peninsula visit here, or visit all the wonderful beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula. Now read all about Isla Holbox travel and start planning your beach getaway.
Isla Holbox Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit the island of Isla Holbox in Mexico is from January thru December, when you will have warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. The highest average temperature on Isla Holbox is 90°F in July and the lowest is 80°F in January. The water temperature is between 75°F and 82°F.
Best Isla Holbox Area Beaches
Punta Mosquito Beach
Punta Mosquito BeachLocated in Quintana Roo, 2.1 miles northeast of Downtown Holbox, Punta Mosquito is on the North East edge of Mexico. You should consider stopping by regardless of whether you are staying very close. For a change from the usual crowded beach spots, you should check out Punta Mosquito, a pretty, but less popular part of the coast.
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Holbox Beach
Holbox BeachThe main beach on Holbox, is probably the best beach in Mexico, and quite possibly the best beach in the greater Caribbean. The beauty of it is absolutely unreal; it’s like something out of a dream. What makes a beach unique colors of the water, and the shallow water has greens and turquoises. Just stunning.
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Isla De La Pasion
Isla De La PasionLocated just 15 minutes from Isla Holbox, Passión Island is a true tropical paradise, far from civilization and noise. The atmosphere is extremely relaxing, accompanied only by the soft sand, birds and palms, here you will find no golf carts, no stores or restaurants. Here you can enjoy pleasant moments in front of the calm sea, if you want you can bring some snacks to enjoy in the company of family or friends.
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Punta Coco
Punta CocoLocated on the western edge of the island, Punta Coco is known as one of the best beaches on the island to witness the famed Isla Holbox sunsets. Punta Coco is tamer than most, and you won’t find any big crowds here.
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Best Isla Holbox Restaurants
El Chapulím $11 – 30
El Chapulím doesn’t take reservations, has no menu, and the kitchen closes when the food runs out – usually by 10pm – so you come here for the quirks involved. Food is excellent, and chef Erik comes to your table personally, offering four meal options, usually including some type of fish or seafood creation. Vegetarians must book 24 hours in advance. Cash only. Telephone: 52-984-137-6069 Web: El Chapulím.
Las Panchas Under $10
Ask just about anyone in town where to go for good, cheap eats and they’ll probably point you to Las Panchas. You can get delicious Yucatecan antojitos (snacks) such as Chaya (tree spinach) tamales, panuchos and salbutes (fried tortillas with tasty toppings.) Telephone: 52-984-875-2413 Web: Las Panchas.
Le Jardin $11 – 30
Very tasty French pastries and morning breakfast selections make this a welcome spot if you’re craving something other than Mexican morning food. Coffee is delicious as well, and the plumeria and butterfly bordered, airy palapa makes for a comfortable spot to sit and chat with fellow diners. Kids will love the large toy selection to play with as adults dine. Telephone: 52-984-115-8197 Web: Le Jardin.
Raices $11 – 30
Don’t let the humble surroundings of this beachfront eatery put you off. This is some of the best seafood in town. The coconut lobster is definitely worth a look, and butter and garlic fish is mouthwatering. The seafood platter for two would easily feed a small army, and eating steps away from the lapping waves is priceless. Telephone: 52-984-136-0017 Web: Raices.
Viva Zapata $11 – 30
You really shouldn’t leave the island without trying the mixed seafood platter here. It’s a wonderful feast usually consisting of grilled lobster tail, fish, crab and other fresh shell fish, or you can opt for the surf-and-turf option. Just off plaza’s northwest end. Telephone: 52-984-875-2362 Web: Viva Zapata.
Best Isla Holbox Nightlife
Arena Lounge Bar
Visit the tallest bar in Holbox, were you will be able to experience the real feeling of being in an island. In its privileged location, you will be surrounded by the sea. They have a pool for 12 people, ideal to watch the sunset over the sea and the stars. Enjoy from their list of original cocktails from the bar. Telephone: 52-984-875-2169 Web: Arena Lounge Bar.
Raices Beach Club and Marina
Raices opens from Noon to Midnight for those who seek the beach, smooth reggae music and a great cocktail. Full moon, torches and a Romantic beachside Lobster Dinner are the perfect scenario for those in seek of Romance. Telephone: 52-984-136-0017 Web: Raices.
¡Viva Zapata!
The bar is available for all those thirsty early birds seeking for shelter from the sun and a nice Ice Cold Beer. The largest bar on the island is open for serive at 10:00 am, along with lunch and dinner service. You really can’t say that you visited Holbox Island if you didn’t visit Viva Zapata. Telephone: 52-984-875-2362 Web: ¡Viva Zapata!.
Tiki Tiki
Built in the traditional “palapa” style of the island, this airy, two-story bar is decorated with unique local and regional handicrafts. It features a relaxing atmosphere with lounge and chill out music, perfect for a drink and an informal gathering. On the second floor, Tiki Tiki offers a view of Holbox’s main square, where locals and visitors enjoy the stress-free atmosphere of this magical Caribbean island. Telephone: 52-984-875-2017 Web: Tiki Tiki.
Best Isla Holbox Hotels
This place looks incredible! I would love to hopefully have the chance to visit it one day and come back to your website for all the info I need. 🙂
When you do, please let me know and I can help you get the best deal. Thanks for visiting Isla Holbox Travel!
Looks beautiful! I’ve never heard of this island in Mexico – very interesting! This would definitely be a great place to go where its not super busy. And with an easy way to get around, where you don’t have to travel far – thats a bonus! I love exploring 🙂
Yes Anna, the perfect destination in Mexico! I hope you can start planning soon, you will have a blast 🙂 Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com.
Isla Holbox, looks like a wonderful place to visit. I was glad to see the information on credentials that is needed and the suggestion to put them in a safe place and carry a copy. As an older person and not into the nightclub life, this place sounded like it could be quiet and serene. I would have liked to see a price range on the rooms without having to enter times of stay. Definitely would love to check Isla Holbox out!
Yes Linda, Isla Holbox is quiet. Much more so than some of the more well known Mexico destinations. The problem with not putting a date in for hotel prices, is that they vary so much from month to month, depending on if it is high season or low season. Thank you for visit Isla Holbox Travel.
You know, planning a vacation can be extremely overwhelming, and by the time you get done, it makes the travel all the more rewarding.
Half the battle is knowing where to go, the other half is knowing what to do when you get there. I would like to thank you for laying it out as you did, and guiding us to different selections/options.
Isla Holbox sounds (and looks) like a lovely place I would love to visit one day!!
Thank you Brandon, I am glad you enjoyed and it was helpful for you. Isla Holbox is beautiful and worth vacationing to. Thank you for reading!
WOW Isla Holbox looks gorgeous! I’m really glad you took the time to put together all this information in a single post!
I’d never heard of this place before, but reading your article now has seriously picqued my interest.
Just reading through the different things to do and seeing those images of places to visit makes me wish I was there! Isla Holbox has definitely jumped to the top of my list of places I plan to visit.
Thanks again for taking the time to put this together!
You are welcome, and I am glad you found everything you need to start planning your trip to Isla Holbox. It is gorgeous and you will enjoy it. Please let me know if I can help in your planning. Thanks for reading Isla Holbox Travel!
Wow!! thank you for posting this information about Isla Holbox. I have never heard of this place in Mexico but it looks absolutely gorgeous and if I all I had to worry about was the sound of golf carts, I’d be ok with that. Sounds like a very unique and untouched spot from a tourists overall, not like Cancun. I think on our next trip we will explore the area of Mexico we visit as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta has enough of our money. TIme to see somewhere new and Isla Holbox looks like a great option. Thanks!
Great Lyndsay and yes, much less untouched and less expensive. And with all the gorgeous beaches, culture, food, and history. Can’t be beat for sure 🙂 Thanks for visiting Isla Holbox Travel!
I really enjoyed reading your post regarding Isla Holbox. Just looking at your main picture at the top of the post, makes you want to go, just to see the flamingos.
I enjoy going to hot sunny beaches, and the Punta Coco one looks absolutely breathtaking. This is definitely one I’m going to have to visit soon.
Great Post and thanks for sharing.
Great Steven! Isla Holbox is definitely worth visiting for sure. And yes, Punta Coco is gorgeous! Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com
Hi, Leahrae!
Very nice post and a website. You did a great job.
Great places. I would like to jump there immediately.
The Caribbean is always attractive.
Also, you created a great list of other destination.
Great work. Traveling is a great niche. Pointing great places is a plus.
There are so many nice places around the world to visit. Your site will definitely help to chose some attractive destinations easier.
There is a for anyone something to chose.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you Igor for taking the time to comment on my website. I am glad you enjoyed visiting and reading about Isla Holbox Travel. Please visit BeachTravelDestinations.com again!
Wow! that was really a very nice article and information giving. I have never hear of Isla Holbox or even knew where it was.After reading your article and seen all the beautiful pictures, adventure to take and most of all my favorite the Restaurants options. it make my want to go there. Also am really great for you sharing this information with us.
Thank you and yes, great beach destinations are a bit of a passion for me. Glad you enjoyed reading about Isla Holbox Travel!
Nice article! You make me want to go there. Like the pictures and the way you described all the places! Thanks for sharing this beautiful place with us.
All the best!
Caro L.
Thanks Carole and thanks for visiting Isla Holbox Travel. Please come back again when you are ready to start planning!
You said the bicycles are an hourly rate. Is there an all day rate available.
Ok, what kind of sharks would I be swimming with?
This sounds like a great vacation spot and it looks absolutely beautiful. Thank you for the review.
Hi Rick and thank you for reading Isla Holbox Travel! Yes, there is a daily rate as well 🙂 Guess I will have to add that in the post! There are whale sharks that are quite a distance (2 hour boat ride) out. Hope I answered your questions, please let me know if you have any other questions 🙂
Do you happen to know the age you have to be to rent there? In the US traveling has been difficult for me and my boyfriend because most hotels require you to be 21 and for all car rentals you need to be 21, too. This place looks amazing though, I’ll have to put it on our list of places to go one day! Thanks for all the information, I’ll definitely be saving this page for later
You know it depends on the hotel. Actually you can be 16 at some, but the general age is 18. I think you and your boyfriend would have a blast on Isla Holbox!
Oh what a beautiful place to go, makes me realise just what I’m missing out on when I see places like this :). I love birds so this would be ideal for me considering there are 150 species, that’s just crazy!
Also, I have always wanted to go scuba diving as I have never actually done it properly, just with a pair of googles and holding my breath. That’s why I would love to do something like that black hole excursion as the things you see and find would be awesome.
With all the birds and the turtles, beautiful beaches, snorkeling and scuba diving, you just can’t go wrong with Isla Holbox. And yes, every vacation to Isla Holbox has to include a trip to the black hole, its stunning!
This sounds great I think I would be taking advantage of unexplored experiences. That sounds like it could be a lot of fun. And the weather, wow that sounds like it is a pretty good temperature all around. Those waters are a beautiful color. Really makes me want to go. Thank you
You are very welcome Melissa and thanks for visiting Isla Holbox Travel. The beautiful color of the water is so inviting! And yes, Unexplored Experiences is a great choice! So much to do 🙂