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Are you planning a trip to Isla Holbox and looking for hotels?
Holbox Island located off the coast of Yucatan is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, and it’s a good idea to book your accommodations ahead of time ✅
With its clear sure waters, relaxed atmosphere, and slow pace of life, it’s no wonder that this island attracts tons of travelers.
Wi-fi in Holbox is notoriously slow, which makes it a perfect place to put down your phone for a couple of days and spend time basking in the sun and eating delicious Mexican food in Holbox restaurants.
This guide will help you to choose where to stay in Holbox whether you want to splurge and choose one of the luxury accommodations, book a boutique hotel or a budget stay like a hostel.
Best Hotels in Holbox For Luxury Travelers
1. Aldea Kuka
✔️Adults only
✔️Beachfront property
Aldea Kuka boasts an unbeatable location directly on the beach.
This luxury eco-boutique boasts private bungalows, an on-site restaurant that serves delicious meals, a bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a spa.
Guests also have the option to order an à la carte breakfast.
The hotel also has currency exchange, so you don’t have to spend time looking for places to exchange your money, and can focus on having a good time.
Playa Holbox is a 2-minute walk from the resort, while Holbox Island is 0.6 miles from the property.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT ALDEA KUKA
2. Ser CasaSandra
✔️Private beach
Ser CasaSandra boasts neat decor and carefully blends its rustic boho-chic accommodations with nature.
The hotel is surrounded by a lush garden which makes you feel like you are in a real paradise!
Suites in this hotel don’t have TVs which is a welcome change if you want to disconnect and spend some time away from technology.
Ser CasaSandra boasts a private beach with cabanas and the gourmet restaurant, which serves Mexican and international cuisine in an elegant setting.
The snack bar is open all day and offers a variety of snacks and drinks.
✅ Learn about Sisal, a hidden gem of Yucatan!
Ser Casa Sandra faces the Gulf of Mexico, so you don’t have to get outside to enjoy the striking views of the Emerald Green Water.
Visitors also praise the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT SER CASA SANDRA
3. Casa Las Tortugas
✔️Beachfront property
✔️Adults only
This family-run boutique hotel boasts stunning rustic decors with bamboo and wood and is located right in front of the beach.
The hotel has three restaurants where you can try a variety of food, a bar, and an outdoor pool. Breakfast ay Casa Tortuga is truly delicious, as it’s made with fresh local ingredients.
You can also participate in yoga classes, get a spa treatment, or join one of the traditional Mayan ceremonies.
The hotel has a variety of rooms including suites and beachfront rooms that can accommodate between 2-4 guests.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY
4. Villas Caracol
✔️Beachfront property
✔️Family-friendly
Villas Caracol is one of the best hotels for families in Holbox because it offers 15 spacious suites which have enough space and great amenities.
Located on Playa Norte Beach on the northern side of the island, Villa Caracol is a great stay if you are looking for a relaxing vacation away from the traffic and noise.
Each suite at Villa Caracol boasts elegant contemporary décor, cable TV, and a private bathroom. Villas Caracol also has a beach club, a restaurant, and a bar that’s open from 10:00 util 19:00. Breakfast is available from 8:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Holbox is part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, home to many species of birds like flamingoes, sea turtles, dolphins, and whale sharks. Guests can use Villa Caracol’s kayaks to explore the island and sea.
Holbox Ferry Terminal is a 5-minute drive from Villa Caracol and offers whale shark-watching trips and regular connections to Chiquilá.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT VILLAS CARACOL
Best boutique hotels in Holbox
5. Las Nubes
✔️Beachfront property
✔️Family rooms available
Las Nubes de Holbox offers a combination of bungalows and suites. The rooms at Las Nubes de Holbox feature air-conditioning and a balcony. Each accommodation comes with private bathrooms and showers.
The hotel sits along the beach and offers incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico. Guests can rent a paddle board or kayak or arrange a boat tour of the island or go snorkeling at Cabo Catoche.
Massage services are offered at the Orquidea Spa on-site. El Sabor de las Nubes restaurant at the Las Nubes de Holbox serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
If you care about the environment, booking your stay at Las Nubes is a great idea!
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT LAS NUBES DE HOLBOX
6. El Nido
✔️Adults-only
El Nido is one of the most beautiful boutique hotels on the island.
The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, and a bicycle rental and also offers transportation to the airport. All rooms come with air conditioning, a safety deposit box, and a closet, while certain rooms have a patio and others also feature pool views.
Punta Coco is a 4-minute walk from El Nido Holbox, while Playa Holbox is 1,500 feet from the property.
Continental American breakfast is included in the price.💰
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT EL NIDO
7. Soho Boutique Holbox
✔️Adults only
Soho is a rustic stay that offers a combination of charming accommodations and great amenities that include 2 swimming pools, spa services, and an on-site restaurant. Guests love the delicious breakfast served at the property!
The hotel has a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a beautiful garden where you can relax after a day of activities in Holbox. Soho is only a few steps from Playa Holbox and a 13-minute walk from Punta Coco.
The property has room service, a concierge service, and luggage storage for guests.
All rooms come with air conditioning, a closet, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen, towels, and a balcony with a garden view. Each room includes a safety deposit box and a minibar.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT SOHO BOUTIQUE HOLBOX
8. El Corazón Boutique Hotel
✔️Adults only
✔️Sustainable property
✔️Popular with couples
El Corazón Boutique Hotel is an adults-only hotel with an eco-friendly concept. Most of the energy at the hotel comes from solar panels. The property is built in the typical Holboxeño style, with cement moldings and natural palapa roofs. Most of the furniture is made from recycled wood.
El Corazon Boutique Hotel is one block away from the beach. The hotel has 11 rooms, and offers a personalized service in a home-like atmosphere.
You can choose from three different room styles: Two executive suites with private terrace, equipped with king-size beds, large showers to enjoy their privacy and the tranquility. Superior rooms come with king size beds and balcony area with garden view to rest and enjoy of a natural environment.
Five Deluxe rooms come with king-size beds, two of them in the lower level with balcony and outdoor furniture to relax all times of the day.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT CORAZON BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Best hotels in Holbox for mid-range budget
9. Spirit Holbox
✔️Beachfront
✔️Family-friendly
Spirit Holbox offers stunning views of the Gulf without spending hundreds of dollars per night.
This eco-boutique stay offers a spa, a gorgeous rooftop pool, a private beach, a bar, and a restaurant where you can enjoy a daily continental breakfast. A sun terrace is a popular place for guests to relax without leaving the hotel.
All rooms at Spirit Holbox come with free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom with a shower, and air conditioning. Playa Holbox is a few steps from the hotel, and Punta Coco is an 11-minute walk from the property.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT SPIRIT HOLBOX
10. Hotel Boutique Casa Muuch
✔️Adults-only
Casa Muuch is one of the most popular adults-only hotels that sits in a quiet part of the island, less than a mile away from Punta Coco. It has an outdoor swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, and also offers a la carte breakfast every morning.
Staff can help arrange an airport transfer. Guests love the friendly staff, good location, and amazing waterfront views of the property.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT CASA MUUCH
11. Blue Holbox
✔️Beachfront
✔️Popular with couples
Blue Holbox is a perfect place for a relaxed getaway in Holbox. You can choose from several types of bungalows with beach views and garden views.
Blue Holbox has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a bar and small garden. Featuring a terrace and a private beach, this property is just a short distance from Playa Holbox. A continental breakfast is available daily.
👉Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.2 for a two-person trip.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT BLUE HOLBOX
12. Palapas del Sol
✔️Beachfront
✔️Family-friendly
Situated along the beach, Palapas Del Sol is a popular family hotel just a short distance from downtown Holbox.
Rooms at Del Sol are set in 6 beach cottages with palm-thatched roofs and palapa designs. The cottages have their own terrace with hammocks and mosquito nets on each window.
😃 The interiors of the rooms feature tiled floors and gorgeous Mexican décor. Each comes with a private bathroom and an iPod docking station on the seating area. There is also a hammock inside each room.
Palapas Del Sol has an outdoor pool set on the beach sand, featuring views of the Caribbean Sea. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are offered at Del Sol, serving traditional dishes made with local produce and organic food.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT PALAPAS DEL SOL
Best Hotels in Holbox For Budget Travelers
13. Arte Sano Holbox
✔️Sustainable property
✔️Near the beach
✔️Pet-friendly
Arte Sano is a travel-sustainable, vegan property.
The hotel offers great value for your money, as you enjoy nice accommodations and also stay within a quick walk to the center of Holbox. The staff is courteous and ready to help if you have any questions.
Arte Sano is located in a quiet area and makes for a peaceful and relaxing stay. Guests enjoy breakfast and dinner at the property and can fill up their water from the water dispenser available in the kitchen.
The owners of the hotel also run Arte Sano, one of the best restaurants in Holbox that serves some of the best Mexican food on the island.
I highly recommend you stop there and try their mouthwatering pancakes and delicious tacos! 🌮
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT ARTE SANO
14. Don Panchon y Maruxa
✔️Garden views
✔️Sun terrace
Don Panchon y Maruxa is a perfect stay for budget travelers.
Located 5-minutes by walking away from Playa Holbox and 1.7 miles from Punta Coco, this hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom.
Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast and relax at the gorgeous sun terrace.
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT DON PANCHON Y MARUXA
15. El Barco Verde
✔️Downtown Holbox
✔️Sustainable property
El Barco Verde is a cute hostel that has a combination of private and dorm rooms. Tucked away on a quiet street, yet within a walking distance from the center of Holbox, El Barco Verde offers a home-like atmosphere and a nice quiet setting 😌
The property has a shared lounge and organizes tours for guests. All rooms come with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with a shower, while some rooms come with a balcony and others also have garden views.
Located a few blocks from the beach, El Barco Verde is a perfect alternative to many hotels in the same area that cost more money. 💸
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT BARCO VERDE
16. Tribu Hostel
✔️Downtown Holbox
✔️Adults-only
Tribu Hostel is one of the best hostels in Holbox for budget travelers and backpackers 🎒 This colorful hostel is a favorite among travelers thanks to its cheerful atmosphere, colorful decor, and many activities like yoga sessions, concert nights, and kayaking tours.
The hostel has mixed and shared rooms and a common kitchen where you can cook your food. Towel rentals are available on the property.
One of the top-selling points of Tribu Hostel is its great social activities which are great for making friends. Among some of the activities are the Punta Mosquito bicycle tour, sunset tour, and beach volleyball. You can also visit a local shelter as a part where you can spend time with animals or take one of the dogs for a walk.
Tribu Bar hosts events at night like Salsa lessons, open mic, and live music. It’s part of the experience, and if there’s one certain thing is that you will not be bored while staying here!
Free yoga classes are also offered at Tribu! 🧘🏽♀️
Finally, the location of this hostel is unbeatable: it’s only 50 meters from the beach. Are you ready to make your reservation yet? 💛
✅ CLICK HERE TO CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY AT TRIBU HOSTEL
Best hotels in Holbox by category:
- Best overall hotel: Ser CasaSandra
- Best beachfront hotel: Spirit Holbox
- Best all-inclusive hotel: Aldea Kuka
- Best boutique hotel: El Nido
- Best Holbox hotel for families: Villas Caracol
- Best adults-only hotel: Soho
- Best budget hotel: Arte Sano
- Best hostel: Tribu Hostel
How to get to Isla Holbox?
There are a few ways to get to Holbox based on your budget and available time.
Getting to Holbox by plane
The fastest way to get to Holbox is by taking a plane from Cancun. Holbox has a small airport (HOL) that has daily flights from Cancun. Taking a flight from Cancun to Holbox is also the most expensive option, but the upside is that you will save at least a few hours.
Getting to Holbox by boat
Most people arrive at Holbox Island by boat. Boats depart from the town of Chiquila on the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. The channel separates Chiquila and Holbox, and the boat takes about 15-20 minutes.
Chiquila to Holbox ferry timetable
The ferry from Chiquila to Holbox runs daily from 6:00 am to 9:30 pm every 30 minutes. The ferry costs around 7 USD and the ride takes about 20 minutes. Have cash on you, because when I was there, I couldn’t pay with a credit card.
Cancun to Holbox
If you are traveling from Cancun to Holbox, you can take a public bus to Chiquila. But taking a private transfer is a much better option as you will save a lot of time and hassle.
How to get to Chiquila?
To get to Chiquila, you will need to take a bus or taxi. Buses to Chiquila depart daily from Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and Cancun. You can check the bus schedule online on the ADO website. ADO is a bus company that serves the Yucatan Peninsula and other parts of the country.
Another option is to check schedules to Chiquila on busbud.com., a third-party website where you can purchase bus tickets.
Best Isla Holbox Hotels: FAQs
What part of Holbox is best to stay?
If you want to be in the center of the action, the best part is downtown, where you will find most bars and restaurants in Holbox. Downtown Holbox is popular with backpackers and younger travelers, while those who want a more tranquil setting can choose from the west or east end of the island.
Is Holbox safe?
Holbox is a perfectly safe island, but like anywhere you are the only one responsible for your safety. Always be aware of your surroundings, stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings. When you go out, keep an eye on your food and drink, and don’t share your personal information with strangers.
If you want to be extra safe, buy travel insurance for your trip to Holbox. Travel insurance will come in handy if you visit other destinations in Yucatan or travel more around Mexico. World Nomads insurance is the most popular choice among travelers that protects you if you get sick, lose your luggage, or your flight gets canceled.
Another choice is Safety Wing which is suitable for long-term travelers and has several plans.
How long to spend on Holbox Island?
I suggest no less than 3 nights on Holbox, and ideally between 5-6 nights on the island to you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Holbox.
Can you swim in Holbox?
Holbox is home to many amazing beaches with shallow waters where you can swim and enjoy the sun. At night, you can watch bioluminescent plankton and enjoy the clear dark skies, since Holbox has virtually no light pollution.
When should I go to Holbox?
If you are looking for the best weather, the best time to go to Holbox is from December through April.
How much money do I need for Holbox?
The amount of money that you need for Holbox depends on your travel lifestyle. Budget travelers can visit Holbox for as little as 1,000 Pesos per day (about 50 USD), stay in hostels, eat street food, and cook their meals. Mid-budget travelers can expect to spend between 1,000-1,700 Pesos per day, and luxury travelers usually spend anywhere from $150-300 per day on hotels, food, and activities.
Are there mosquitoes in Holbox?
Holbox has many mosquitoes, so you should bring some mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes tend to concentrate especially around Yum Balam Nature Reserve, as well as other lagoons.
Is Holbox too touristy?
Holbox is touristy, but it’s still not as busy as other popular beach towns in Mexico like Tulum or Sayulita. You can find budget accommodations outside of Holbox Hotel Zone and eat inexpensively if you are a budget traveler.
Are there jaguars on Holbox?
There are no jaguars on Holbox. The island is part of the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve, that’s home to flamingoes, manatees, and crocodiles. Jaguars live on the mainland Yucatan.
Best hotels in Holbox: final words
Isla Holbox is one of the most popular places to visit in Yucatan. It’s home to some of the best beaches in Mexico, has a relaxed atmosphere, and offers a perfect getaway to nature with Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve, where you can enjoy kayaking and wildlife watching. I hope this guide answered most of your questions and was able to find aplace for your stay.
More resources for planning your trip to Holbox
- Agoda – a great website for budget hotels in Holbox and other parts of Mexico.
- WorldNomads – Great service for insurance coverage that will keep you safe on the road.
- Safety Wing – Excellent insurance plan for long-term travelers that offers competitive rates is you are planning to stay on the road several weeks in a row.
- iVisa – the best website for getting help with your Mexico visa
- DiscoverCars – Rent a car at Discover Cars to explore the area
- GetYourGuide – This is one of the best platforms for finding best tours in Holbox. Get Your Guide is my favorite platform that offers awesome tours and top-notch guides in many destinations in Mexico.
- CheapoAir – One of the best platforms for saving money on flights within Mexico and beyond.
- Booking – a popular website with tons and tons of options for accommodations of all sorts.