Where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean meet, there lies Isla Holbox (pronounced hole-BOSH). Located just an hour and a half drive from Cancun, the border island is still a lesser known tourist destination in the Yucatan compared to Tulum and Playa del Carmen. It’s the perfect getaway if you want white sandy beaches and clear waters, but not the crowds or price tag.

Getaway Guide: Isla Holbox, Mexico

Accommodations for every budget & style:

Find the perfect place to stay in Isla Holbox, Mexico with our recommendations below.

• TIERRA DEL MAR // $ - While it’s not oceanfront, this boutique hotel is an easy walk to the beach for those who want comfort and affordable luxury without the waterfront prices.

• VILLAS CARACOL // $$ - Every room at Villas Caracol faces the pool and ocean and is only a short walk to the beach. Boasting only 15 rooms, you’ll feel like you’re at a private resort during your stay. Bonus, because this property is located closer to the end of the public beach, less people walk in front of your chair all day long providing you with an even more private beach experience. Breakfast is included and can be enjoyed every morning beachfront at the on-site restaurant, Las Hamacas. Due to its more remote location, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk into the heart of town (or short drive via golf cart).

• ALDEA KUKA // $$ - Offering both suites and private bungalows, Aldea Kuka is the trendy spot your Instagram dreams are made of. You will fee like you’re staying in an island treehouse perched on the beach. This property is next to Villas Caracol also on the end of the public beach adding to its exclusive feel.

• CASA LAS TORTUGAS // $$$ - This luxury hotel and spa is located both on the beach front, and right on the edge of downtown making it incredibly easy to walk anywhere. This large property offers lots of amenities, restaurants, and room options. The only downside is that because it’s closer into town on the public beach, your beach chair will be farther from the water and will have people walking in front of you all day long.

Savor the local flavor of Isla Holbox, Mexico:

There are plenty of delicious places to grab food and drinks on the beach. We definitely recommend walking and let a place speak to you to pop in. Many of the hotels also have incredible bars and restaurants along the beach. Since we know you’ll be walking the beach daily, below we’ve listed our favorites places to eat in Holbox that AREN’T along the water but absolutely worth a visit.

LUUMA // Located right across the street from Casa las Tortugas, Luuma gives us all the Tulum vibes. Order any of their handcrafted cocktails (you can’t go wrong with any of them, believe us…we tried a few!), and pair it with one of their boards.

BASICO // The atmosphere at Basico is worth the visit alone, but they complete the experience by also serving incredible food and drinks. You can’t miss it with its incredible macramé tapestry that adorns the entire front facade of the restaurant. The menu changes regularly, and they pride themselves on using only local ingredients. Everything is served tapas style, so be sure to order several options! PRO TIP: Make a reservation as the space isn’t large and it’s a popular joint.

TACO QUETO // We never miss a chance to eat street tacos and Taco Queto is the best in Holbox. Located on Avenue Pedro Joaquin Coldwell, this taco stand is a must try for authentic Mexican street tacos.

ROOTS // Pizza is probably not the first food you think of on a tropical island getaway; however, lobster should be. Holbox is known for its lobster pizza and Roots has the best pie in town. Since the lobster is brought in fresh every day, make sure you plan to go earlier in the evening to ensure that they aren’t sold out.

BARBA NEGRA // Located in the open air Holbox Foodie Market, Barba Negra is a delicious Baja style taqueria. We went for the fish and shrimp tacos, and washed everything down with a local cerveza.

Walk the Sandbar

As the tide dips, a huge sandbar emerges just feet off the shoreline. You can walk for miles along this sandbar, taking in the scenery and wildlife and watch the sunset.

Kayak through the Yum Balam Nature Preserve

The majority of the island is covered in the protected forests and mangroves of the Yum Balam Nature Preserve. There are lots of beach shacks along the waterfront where you can book a kayak tour through the mangroves and see lots of wildlife.

Dive with Whale Sharks

Where the currents of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico meet there is a surge of nutrients that attract the whale sharks. If your trip is between June and September, you can take a tour to swim with these gentle giants for a unique experience.

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Check out our Tulum Travel Guide for lots of other suggestions of day trips in the Yucatan.

Check out more amazing destinations with our other travel guides in Central America: