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Holbox

Mexico · Island · MXN · 21.523900, -87.378000
Family friendly 6.6/10 · Rank 1182 of 2 709
Best season: November-March (dry and cool)

Best for

For beach lovers, nature, whale shark watching and a peaceful atmosphere.

Best season

November-March (dry and cool)

Daily budget
$141.00 (≈ 11 833 ₽ · ≈ 2 397 MXN)
For 7 days
$987.00 (≈ 82 829 ₽ · ≈ 16 779 MXN)
Holbox is a small island in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula, one of the most pristine and secluded places in Mexico. The island is famous for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and car-free environment, where golf carts and bicycles are the main modes of transport. Holbox is the perfect place for those seeking complete solitude and wanting to enjoy the natural beauty of the Caribbean Sea.
Summer
32.0°C
Winter
20.0°C
Sea
30.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, laid-back, with a Caribbean vibe.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Unique nature
  • Whale sharks
  • White sand beaches
  • Tranquillity

Cons

  • Limited infrastructure
  • Rainy season
  • Mosquitoes
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.3°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
31.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
32.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
23.2°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
26.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
20.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
30.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
September-October, June-November
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
white sand (fine, powdery)
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
white
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
mild
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
crystal clear (turquoise)
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Holbox (north coast)
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
No
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Dangers are minimal: sharks, jellyfish and sea urchins are absent.

Sea urchins — details

  • Astichopus multifidus (sea cucumber) — recorded in Holbox waters, not dangerous to humans
  • Sea urchins found on reefs, special swimming shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral formations — coral reefs, sponges, seagrasses and mangroves occur in the Holbox area
  • Corals can cause cuts on contact, caution recommended

Jellyfish — details

  • Moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) — small jellyfish, appear during the rainy season (June-September), stings are mild but unpleasant
  • From November to April, jellyfish are largely absent
  • Rash guards recommended during jellyfish season

Sharks — details

  • Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) — hundreds aggregate in Holbox waters from May to September, harmless to humans, feeds on plankton
  • Nurse shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) — inhabits the sea floor, not aggressive
  • Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi) — found on reefs, usually not dangerous to humans
Attractions

Punta Mosquito

Picturesque sandy spit on the east of the island with pink flamingos and shallow waters.

Playa Holbox

30-km stretch of white sand along the north coast.

Yucatan Biosphere Reserve

Huge reserve with mangroves, birds and sea turtles.

Whale Shark Watching

Season from June to September, swim with the largest fish in the world.

Isla Pajaros

Small island refuge for pelicans and cormorants.

Holbox Sunset

Famous sunsets with pink and orange skies.

Best areas

Holbox Centre

Main town with hotels, restaurants and shops.

Punta Caleta

Area near the pier with bay views.

Must-try food

Langosta Holboxeña

Local spiny lobster grilled at beachfront palapa restaurants.

Tacos

Street tacos with various fillings, ~30-50 MXN each.

Ceviche

Fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onion and pepper.

Empanadas

Pastries with filling, a popular snack.

Where to go next

Cancun

Resort town on the mainland, ~90 km.

Isla Mujeres

Neighbouring island with beaches, ~80 km.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Cancún International Airport (CUN).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required for most countries (up to 180 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-March (dry and cool)
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 680 MXN
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 1 700 MXN
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$180.00
≈ 15 106 ₽ · ≈ 3 060 MXN
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$300.00
≈ 25 176 ₽ · ≈ 5 100 MXN
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽ · ≈ 3 400 MXN
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$130.00
≈ 10 910 ₽ · ≈ 2 210 MXN
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 170 MXN
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 425 MXN
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 60 MXN
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 68 MXN
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 26 MXN
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$14.00
≈ 1 175 ₽ · ≈ 238 MXN
Burger
Average price for a burger
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 170 MXN
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 102 MXN
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 136 MXN
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 595 MXN
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 34 MXN
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 170 MXN
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 850 MXN
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 255 MXN
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 425 MXN
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 850 MXN
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽ · ≈ 1 530 MXN
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 1 020 MXN
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 340 MXN
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 255 MXN
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Frequently asked questions
Holbox: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-March (dry and cool). At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Holbox: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +32.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Holbox: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +20.0°C, during the day — up to +26.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Holbox: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +30.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Holbox: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on September-October, June-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Holbox: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "white sand (fine, powdery)" surface, white sand, crystal clear (turquoise) water. The most popular beaches: Playa Holbox (north coast). The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Holbox: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry.
Holbox: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $141.00 (≈ 11 833 ₽ · ≈ 2 397 MXN) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Holbox: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $40.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $100.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $180.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $300.00 per night, an apartment — $130.00 per night, a villa — $200.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Holbox: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $10.00, dinner at a restaurant — $25.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $4.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Holbox: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $35.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Holbox: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Punta Mosquito — Picturesque sandy spit on the east of the island with pink flamingos and shallow waters.; Playa Holbox — 30-km stretch of white sand along the north coast.; Yucatan Biosphere Reserve — Huge reserve with mangroves, birds and sea turtles.; Whale Shark Watching — Season from June to September, swim with the largest fish in the world.; Isla Pajaros — Small island refuge for pelicans and cormorants.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Holbox: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Langosta Holboxeña — Local spiny lobster grilled at beachfront palapa restaurants.; Tacos — Street tacos with various fillings, ~30-50 MXN each.; Ceviche — Fresh fish marinated in lime juice with onion and pepper.; Empanadas — Pastries with filling, a popular snack.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Holbox: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Holbox Centre — Main town with hotels, restaurants and shops.; Punta Caleta — Area near the pier with bay views.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Holbox: is a visa required?
Visa: not required for most countries (up to 180 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Holbox: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Cancún International Airport (code CUN). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $35.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Holbox: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — MXN. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $141.00 (≈ 11 833 ₽ · ≈ 2 397 MXN). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Holbox: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Holbox: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Holbox: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Cancun — Resort town on the mainland, ~90 km.; Isla Mujeres — Neighbouring island with beaches, ~80 km.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.6/10
Overall rank: 1182 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 759