We first visited Isla Holbox in 2021, and really enjoyed visiting this small island area off the north coast of the Yucatan. This island has no paved roads or cars, and is a unique experience. I loved visiting this part of Mexico and exploring the island. Getting there is an adventure in itself! Check out how we traveled there and my Tips for Visiting Isla Holbox.
There are so many great things to do in Holbox, so give yourself some time to explore!
Here are some ideas for things to check out.
Visit the beaches
The beaches are what drew us to Isla Holbox. The beaches have beautiful, clear water, even when other nearby areas are being overtaken with seaweed. This is one way to avoid sargassum seaweed in Mexico, for the most part.
There are many beautiful beaches in the area. The first time we stayed in Holbox, we did not stay near town, so the second time we went back, we stayed closer to town and the main beach, and it made it easier to spend time at the beach. The powdery sand and the clear water is just beautiful! Be sure to come prepared with reef-safe sunscreen!
Check out murals around town
Like many other towns in Mexico, there is a variety of art around town to see. The artwork is impressive, and is nice to view while exploring the island. Some, like this one below, which was next to a gelato shop, gained a lot of popularity. (I believe a new mural was painted over it in early 2023).
Enjoy street (or beach!) food
There are lots of places to eat, from resorts to restaurants, to tasty treats on the beach.
We sometimes would go to the beach just for fresh fruits and treats!
There are lots of great eateries around town, where you can find plenty of options, from fresh fish to Italian food. We enjoyed Painapol, where you can get things like smoothie bowls and interesting drinks. You can also find street food carts, such as marquesitas, a famous Mexican dessert.
Check out bioluminescence
We did not have a chance to check out the bioluminescence, but I really wanted to see it. Depending on the time of year and conditions, you can see where millions of microorganisms light up the water.
(stock photo – not from my trip)
Shop & Enjoy the Downtown
The downtown area is fun to explore, from shops to food, seeing the sights, and sandy roads with golf carts.
Visit the animal shelter
We visited the animal shelter in Isla Holbox, and also brought a bunch of donations with us when we went, such as leashes and other pet supplies from the shelter wishlist.
Wildlife, Whale Shark Tours, Bird Island Tours
There are some nice opportunities to see wildlife around the island. You can take a tour to Isla Pajaros to view birds, and there is a tower you can view from. There are also many tours out of Isla Holbox for whale sharks. This is something you would want to plan ahead as far as timing, because the tours do take a good portion of the day, and sharks are best seen at certain times of year.
Pretty! It looks like a wonderful spot to visit. I’d do a whale shark tour.
That looks like such a wonderful place to visit. The food looks really good as well. I would love to go there someday.
This place looks so gorgeous! I’d go just for the veil and food! Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us!
Holbox looks like an amazing place to visit. I’ve been to Cozumel one time and I was amazed that the water was so calm and clear. I’d love to visit the beaches especially at night to try to see the sea creatures light up the water.
Wow! The place looks incredibly beautiful! The beaches are so nostalgic and the food looks absolutely delicious! Hope to visit this place too!
I have never heard of bioluminescence! That sounds like it would be such a cool thing to see. Those beaches are gorgeous!
Wow! This place looks absolutely beautiful and amazing! The whole family would really love to go here for sure
I’ve never seen a place like this before! I appreciate you sharing your photos with us. It feels like I am there too.
That’s too bad you didn’t get to check out the bio-luminescent waves, next time!!
The scenery is stunning! The beaches evoke a sense of nostalgia and the cuisine appears to be mouthwatering. I hope to have the opportunity to visit this place as well!
I’ve not been to this part of Mexico. It does sound lovely. The smoothie bowls would be a good idea to balance your naughty and good food intake especially if you eat too many marquesitas whilst there.
I have never been to Mexico before. It sounds like an amazing place to vacation. The food looks amazing as well. Thanks for sharing this with us.
It’s a beautiful island with so many new things for me. It can give you an unique life experience!
The beach looks absolutely beautiful and that food looks delicious! It’s currently snowing here, I’d love to be somewhere warm and sunny. What a great experience. Thanks so much for sharing!
What a pretty place with good food! I would love to visit Holbox with my family when in Mexico. Thanks for the tips, hun ❤️.
That view of the beach makes me want to have that vitamin “sea” so bad. 🙂 Glad y’all had a fun trip.
Wow…. Holbox looks like a fabulous place to visit and will have to add it ton my ever growing bucket list of places to see! Love all of the beautiful pictures!
Your pictures make me want to go there! I want to see the beach!
Looks like a beautiful spot! I have heard of the bioluminescence and I dream of seeing it one day. I imagine it must be amazing.
I could spend forever at those beaches! Everything you highlighted is just so beautiful.
oh wow! The place is stunning!!! I would love to spend a few weeks there, that would be amazing…
Oh wow this is such a beautiful island! I have never heard of this place before – and the ocean looks so warm and inviting!!
Oh my gosh, that beach! It’s stunning. And the beautiful fresh fruit dishes. It looks like a fantastic place to visit.
I’ve never heard of Isla before but it looks like a beautiful spot. The beach looks lovely and the food is making me hungry x
I love that it is rustic and no roads and such. That is a true getaway and makes you feel like you are in another world especially when coming from the US 😉 Love it and already added to my travel list!