Isla Holbox
Sand streets, a shallow lagoon and whale sharks draw travelers who want a quiet island with no cars.
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Holbox is an island in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, on the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It is about 41.84 kilometers long and 1.5 kilometers wide, and a shallow lagoon about 10 kilometers across separates it from the mainland. About 75 percent of the island is wild mangroves and empty beaches. No vehicles are allowed, so residents and visitors get around by golf cart or moped on sandy paths.
People come for whale sharks, which are typically seen from June to September, with peak sightings in July and August. The lagoon has flamingos from April to December, plus pelicans and other birds. Reach the island by ferry from Chiquilá, or by charter flight from Cancún or Playa del Carmen to a small airstrip. Snorkeling is best from November to April, when rainfall and winds are lower and the water is clearer. Bring cash, because the island has no bank or post office.
Isla Holbox in five
- Take the ferry from ChiquiláThere is no bridge. Passenger ferries leave Chiquilá through the day and take about 20 to 30 minutes. The bus from Cancún to Chiquilá takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, so time your last bus and last boat.
- Time whale shark seasonWhale shark trips run roughly from June to September. Confirm dates and rules with the operator, and avoid any that let you touch or chase the animal.
- Carry cash from the mainlandATMs on the island are few and can run empty, and not every small place takes cards. Bring pesos from Cancún or Chiquilá.
- Pack repellent for duskMosquitoes and no-see-ums bite after sunset, especially after rain, near mangroves and lagoons. Long sleeves help on evening walks.
- Plan around sargassum and stormsThe Gulf-facing beach can fill with seaweed in some months, and heavy storms close the ferry. Keep a spare night on either side of a flight home.
Things to do in Isla Holbox
See all attractions in Isla Holbox
Need to know
- Airport
- Cancún (CUN), about 2.5–3 hours by road to Chiquilá
- Getting there
- Bus or shuttle to Chiquilá, then a ferry of about 20–30 min
- Getting around
- On foot, bike or golf cart; very few cars
- Best base
- The village center for food; the beach for quiet
- Time needed
- 2–3 nights
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Days with storms
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryRain14 rainy daysHigh26°Low22°Dry, breezyJanuaryRain
Best
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 22°
- Precipitation
- 87 mm
- Rainy days
- 14
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, breezy
- FebruaryPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh27°Low23°Dry, warmFebruaryPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 49 mm
- Rainy days
- 11
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, warm
- MarchPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh28°Low23°Dry, busyMarchPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 28°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 39 mm
- Rainy days
- 9
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, busy
- AprilPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh29°Low24°Warm, quietAprilPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 29°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 45 mm
- Rainy days
- 8
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, quiet
- MayRain14 rainy daysHigh30°Low25°Sargassum riskMayRain
Good
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 103 mm
- Rainy days
- 14
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Sargassum risk
- JuneRain18 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh30°Low26°Whale sharksJuneRain
Mixed
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 215 mm
- Rainy days
- 18
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Whale sharks
- JulyRain15 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh31°Low26°Whale sharksJulyRain
Mixed
- High
- 31°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 101 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Whale sharks
- AugustRain19 rainy daysHigh31°Low27°Whale sharks, stormsAugustRain
Mixed
- High
- 31°
- Low
- 27°
- Precipitation
- 161 mm
- Rainy days
- 19
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Whale sharks, storms
- SeptemberRain22 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh31°Low26°Peak storm riskSeptemberRain
Poor
- High
- 31°
- Low
- 26°
- Precipitation
- 222 mm
- Rainy days
- 22
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Peak storm risk
- OctoberRain21 rainy daysHigh30°Low25°Storm riskOctoberRain
Mixed
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 216 mm
- Rainy days
- 21
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Storm risk
- NovemberRain15 rainy daysHigh28°Low24°Drier, quieterNovemberRain
Good
- High
- 28°
- Low
- 24°
- Precipitation
- 133 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Drier, quieter
- DecemberRain13 rainy daysHigh27°Low23°Holidays, dryDecemberRain
Best
- High
- 27°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 87 mm
- Rainy days
- 13
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Holidays, dry
Average daily high and low in Isla Holbox, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Isla Holbox
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 66%
- Wind
- 9 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 78%
Isla Holbox
05:38 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today30°22°78%Monday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 78%.
- Tue30°22°82%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 82%.
- Wed30°24°88%Wednesday: Clear. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 88%.
- Thu30°24°57%Thursday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 57%.
- Fri30°24°71%Friday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 71%.
- Sat30°24°69%Saturday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 69%.
- Sun31°23°71%Sunday: Thunderstorms. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 71%.
Updated 03:41 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 18.81 MXN
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Isla de la Pasiónabout 30–45 min by boatA small sandbar and mangrove island visited on lagoon boat tours.
- Isla Pájarosabout 30–45 min by boatA bird island in the lagoon where flamingos and pelicans gather.
- Cenote Yalahauabout 15 min by cartA freshwater spring reached by golf cart or tour from the village.
Before you go to Isla Holbox
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Rules for Isla Holbox, checked
- Confirm whether you need a visa or a Mexican tourist permit (FMM) before you fly or take the ferry, using the INM website for current rules.Source
- There is no bank or post office on Holbox, so bring enough pesos in cash for your whole stay.
- Cars cannot enter Holbox. Get around by golf cart or moped, and expect sandy streets rather than paved roads.
- Swim with whale sharks only with an operator that keeps a safe distance from the animals, and do not touch them.
- Hurricanes can force the island to be evacuated, so check the national weather service (SMN) before you book and travel.
Plan around Isla Holbox
Entry, money, safety and the regions on one page
Read the guideIsla MujeresThe other easy island from Cancún, with Playa Norte
Read the guideLaguna BacalarThe southern lagoon at the other end of Quintana Roo
Read the guideValladolidColonial town and cenotes inland from the coast
Read the guidePlan transport in MexicoBuses, ferries, rental cars and the Tren Maya
Read the guideIsla Holbox FAQ
Is Isla Holbox worth visiting?
Yes if you want a car-free, slow island of sand streets and a calm lagoon. Skip it if you want big resorts or nightlife, and note that it is a long transfer from Cancún.
How do you get to Holbox from Cancún?
Take a bus or shuttle from Cancún to Chiquilá, about 2.5 to 3 hours, then a passenger ferry of about 20 to 30 minutes. Some visitors book a private transfer to match their flight time.
When is whale shark season in Holbox?
Trips run roughly from June to September, but conditions and rules vary each year. Book through a licensed operator and ask about group size and how the boat approaches the animals.
How many days do you need on Isla Holbox?
Two or three nights is enough for the beach, a lagoon boat tour and a sunset. Add a day in whale shark season. One night feels rushed once you count the transfers.
Can you use credit cards on Holbox?
Many hotels and restaurants take cards, but small shops and taxis often want cash and the ATMs can be empty. Carry pesos from the mainland rather than relying on the island.