We visited Isla Holbox in November after seeing an Instagram post calling it the “Mexican Maldives,” and we instantly knew we had to experience this little slice of paradise in the Yucatán.

The easiest way to get to Holbox is by flying into Cancun. From there, it’s a two-hour drive to the town of Chiquilá, followed by a 25-minute ferry ride to the island.

We flew out of Tijuana Airport on Volaris, using the Cross Border Xpress (CBX), and landed in Cancun. (Stay tuned for our CBX post with everything you need to know!) Unfortunately, our flight was delayed by three hours, which completely threw off our itinerary. With the delay, we wouldn’t make the last ferry at 9:30 p.m., so we ended up staying our first night in Cancun. While waiting at the airport, we booked a one-night stay at the Westin using Marriott Bonvoy points. We were also able to reschedule our transportation from Cancun Airport to Chiquilá without any issues (private transfer booked on viator). After landing, we grabbed a taxi to the hotel. Taxis from the airport tend to be pricey, don’t take the first offer. Walk away and you’ll usually get a better deal from another driver.

The next day, we left Cancun and headed toward Chiquilá. Halfway through the two-hour drive, we were actually relieved we hadn’t attempted it the night before. The first part of the route is a well-paved highway, but the second half is not. You pass through small, impoverished towns and rougher roads. Once in Chiquilá, we were dropped off right in front of the port and the Holbox Express Ferry ticket office. Tickets were $15 USD per person each way, so we went ahead and booked our round-trip rides. Ferries depart every hour, and although we had pesos on hand, we were able to pay by card.

Holbox is virtually car-free. All transportation is via all-terrain golf carts or beach bikes. Unfortunately, the weather was not in our favor. Heavy rain had just hit the island, and the unpaved streets were completely flooded. Our hotel was only a 10-minute walk from the port, but the line of golf cart taxis waiting for passengers quoted us $70 USD, so we opted to walk. It turned into quite a muddy adventure.

The weather remained gloomy throughout our stay. The streets stayed flooded, it was extremely windy and a bit chilly, with very little sunshine and no sunsets. We didn’t get the postcard-perfect ocean we’d hoped for. Still, we made the most of it, and we can confirm the sand truly is the softest we’ve ever felt.

Where to Stay in Holbox

For an affordable option close to restaurants and bars, we recommend Hotel Para Ti – Adults Only. This is where we stayed during our trip. It’s a charming, older boutique hotel located on the quieter side of town. It even has the sweetest resident cat, Lechuga, who completely stole our hearts.

For a more luxurious stay that still offers boutique charm, Casa las Tortugas is an excellent choice. It’s right on the beach while still being conveniently close to town.

If you’re looking for something newer, there are plenty of hotels located off the beach in both directions (towards Punta Coco and Punta Mosquito). Just keep in mind that getting into town can be a bit more challenging, as you’ll possibly need to rely on transportation.

Hotel Para Ti

Casa las Tortugas

What to do in Holbox

Punta Mosquito sits on the northern tip of Isla Holbox. Since the island is car-free, the only ways to get around are on foot, by bicycle, or by golf cart. If you’re staying in the main hotel zone, the walk to Punta Mosquito takes about 1.5 hours. So, we definitely recommend renting a beach bike or taking a golf cart.

As you get closer to Punta Mosquito, you’ll reach a point where driving or cycling is no longer possible. From there, you’ll follow the path on foot. To reach the sandbank, you’ll need to walk through ankle to knee deep water over a sandy, slightly muddy bottom. Be mindful of where you step to avoid disturbing sea creatures. We actually rescued two small octopuses along the way that hadn’t made it across the sandbank.

Water shoes are highly recommended. If you continue all the way to the end of the sandbank, the walk takes about 30 minutes.

Punta Coco offers a peaceful and scenic beaches on the western side of the island, offering calm shallow waters and a laid-back, untouched vibe. It’s reachable by a 30–40 minute walk, a quick bike ride, or a golf cart taxi. Punta Coco is best known for its stunning sunsets and, on dark nights, the chance to see bioluminescent plankton glowing in the water. With fewer amenities and a more natural atmosphere, it’s a great place to relax and unwind.