15 Awesome Things to do in Isla Holbox with kids
If you’ve found your way to this post, chances are that you’re at least aware of Isla Holbox. But for many, it’s one of those destinations that you discover purely by accident! This small island lies just north of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is the perfect place for you to slow down and relax but also offers plenty of opportunities to explore. Plus, there are tons of things to do in Isla Holbox with kids.
Keep reading and find out what families will love about Holbox, Mexico. I’m pretty sure after you read about this place, you will want to visit, too!
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Why You Should Visit Isla Holbox with Kids
Instead of heading south of Cancun, we recommend heading north, to where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean.
Far from the crowds of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, but only 2 hours from the Cancun Airport, lies the quiet little paradise of Isla Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh). This walkable, bikeable island — not much more than a sandbar — is low-key and family-friendly!
As a barrier island, Isla Holbox Mexico is known for its stunning white-sand beaches and shallow surfs that are perfect for a family beach day. There are amazing tours available to families, as well as exposure to island culture in the local town.
Many spend 5 days to a week on this welcoming island but it is possible to stay longer. Once you visit, you will understand why, and surely plan a follow-up trip!
How to Travel to Holbox, Mexico from Cancun
Reaching Isla Holbox from Cancun is a breeze. From the Cancun Airport, you can find shuttles, buses, taxis, and rental cars to take you on the 2.5-hour trip to the Holbox ferry, depending on your plans and budget. Avoid taxis, which cost the most (especially for a family of 5 like us!). Buses and shuttles are the cheapest. If you are looking for a private transfer, consider Tucan Kin or USA Transfers.
The ferry ride from Chiquila only takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and the schedule runs every half hour all day. It’s a nice, scenic ride on the water. You can sit inside or head to the top deck to enjoy the views.
At the port, get in line for golf cart taxis, waiting to take you to wherever you need to go. There are very few cars on the island; you will only see a few police cars and work trucks on the dirt roads.
The small town of Holbox, with a traditional Mexican plaza in the middle, has shops and restaurants along the sandy roads, but nothing is overly touristy. Friendly dogs nap in the street.
Once you’re set up at your hotel and ready to explore, there are a handful of options for getting around. Since there aren’t any cars on the island, it’s safe and easy to just walk everywhere.
Isla Holbox is 26 miles long, so if your destination is too far to walk, you can find many places in town to rent bikes! Another fun way to get around the island is on a golf cart. There’s a rental shop down the road from the port, or you can find a few places around town to rent them.
What to Do in Isla Holbox with Kids
We were told many families visit Holbox to do a lot of nothing. That is definitely a possibility. But if you are traveling with active kids (like my three), you will have plenty of options to fill your days. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Isla Holbox with kids:
1. Cycle Around the Island
Truly one of the best things to do on Isla Holbox with kids is to ride bikes! You can rent bikes for just a few bucks for half a day or a handful of days, depending on where you go.
Several bike shops and tour companies offer bike rentals, and some offer guided tours as well. Most places allow you to pick up or bike at their brick-and-mortar location, or you can call a number and pick up your bike or a meeting point. However, some renters will even offer to bring them right to your hotel!
You can ride from one end of the island to the other, from Punta Coco to Punta Mosquito, on the sandy roads, and even on the beaches themselves. We recommend packing a picnic and keeping an eye out for pelicans and flamingos on the isolated beaches.
2. Go on a Beach Walk
There are so many amazing jungle hikes in the Yucatán Peninsula, but don’t expect anything especially challenging on Isla Holbox. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a spectacular beach walk.
A beach walk is one of the best ways to see all the white sand beaches of the island’s north shore. The four-mile walk from the central plaza of Holbox to Punta Mosquito takes about 2 hours.
While you walk, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Isla Holbox’s white sand beaches. Try this activity at sunrise or sunset for amazing views! Along the way, you can stop for drinks or food at one of the beachside cafes or bars or spot the island’s famous flamingos.
Pro tip: Beach walks are much more enjoyable during the dry season in Cancun (November through April). During the rainy season, a lot of the routes can easily be washed out with water.
It’s also better to arrive at Punta Mosquito during low tide (usually around midday but check local forecasts for the best up-to-date information). Otherwise, much of the path you’re taking may be inaccessible.
3. Scoot Around on a Golf Cart
Since this is a popular suggestion for how to get around Isla Holbox with kids, I wanted to mention it. Everyone has their personal opinion on whether or not you should rent golf carts.
Note: I don’t think you need to if you can walk or ride bikes, but it might be a fun way to explore this beautiful island!
There are a few places in Holbox where you can rent golf carts for around $25/half a day. During the dry season, it could be a great way to pack up a picnic lunch and head to an isolated beach.
The concern here is that it can be convenient, or a headache if you don’t do your research. First, you need a driver’s license to drive in Mexico. Don’t try to get away with renting a golf cart without one and remember that you must be 18 to legally drive a golf cart here.
For the best experience on the island, we recommend renting a golf cart during the dry season. Renting one during the wet season might leave you with entire routes flooded or difficult to pass through.
4. Rent Kayaks for the Day
If you want to explore the coast of Isla Holbox on your own, you can easily rent kayaks on the beach or at different shops in town. Then just hop from beach to beach or explore the out sandbars. And the double kayaks are perfect for parents and children.
During your kayaking trip, you can spot local animals like raccoons, iguanas, crocodiles, and birds like flamingos, herons, and pelicans! When you need a break, just pull up on one of the beaches.
If you prefer a nighttime experience or want to go on a memorable guided tour, many shops offer them. I suggest checking out Holboxtreme. They rent kayaks but also offer some great tours of the mangrove forests on the south shore, which you can’t visit without a guide.
5. See the Bioluminescence
If you’ve never done a bioluminescence tour (or even if you have!) you will want to take one in Isla Holbox. There’s a lagoon not far from Playa Punta Cocos on the island’s westernmost shore that’s known for the tiny organisms that glow at night when the water is the warmest.
If you’re visiting in the summer, you can book a kayaking tour like this one to see this natural phenomenon at night. This is one of the best things to do in Isla Holbox with kids because it’s not just a fun experience but an educational one.
During your tour, guides will explain the biology and ecology behind bioluminescence. Plus, the lagoon is located on the darkest side of the island, and the area is also known for its minimal light pollution, offering amazing stargazing opportunities!
6. See Whale Sharks and Go Snorkeling
For a more thrilling experience, consider a boat tour off the coast of Isla Holbox to see whale sharks. Holbox is best known for the whale sharks that visit the waters off the coast in the summer months.
You can take a boat tour in Holbox and swim with the whale sharks from June to September, Holbox’s peak season. This whale shark tour off the coast of Isla Holbox promises an unforgettable experience.
It’s a full-day tour with food and drink included, as well as a chance to go snorkeling at the reefs near Cabo Catoche, swimming, and more. Your boat ride takes you to the feeding grounds of these magnificent creatures to witness them in their natural habitat.
Also, because of how shallow the waters are off Isla Holbox, there isn’t great snorkeling on the beaches, but boat tours that go out to the reefs are ideal! Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and get the chance to see a variety of sea life, including sea turtles, manta rays, and some of the largest fish in the world!
7. Cool Off in the Yalahau Cenote
No visit to Cancun with kids is complete without a visit to a cenote. While there aren’t any of these natural freshwater pools located on the island of Isla Holbox, you can find one nearby in Yalahau.
This is one of our favorite experiences. It was part of a 3-island boat tour that we took, which is the way most visitors get to the cenote. You can swim and snorkel in the water, relax in hammocks under the trees, or visit the bar and restaurant.
The cenote at Yalahau is above ground. If you’re interested in finding out about more in-ground cenotes near Cancun, check out this post on the best things to do in Cancun with kids.
8. Visit Refugio Holbox
One of the best places you can visit in Holbox is the Refugio Holbox Animal Sanctuary. It was started by a local woman when she took in a baby raccoon and decided to help local wildlife in need.
Today, the refuge helps dogs, raccoons, and a range of other local animals with the goal of adoption or reintegration into the wild. You can help out by visiting and playing with the dogs, taking them for walks, giving them baths, and more!
If you stop by, also think about picking up items to donate, like dog toys, leashes, food, or treats! They accept monetary donations as well.
Refugio Holbox is open to visitors every day of the week, between 8:30 AM And 7:30 PM. They walk their dogs twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
9. Explore in Town
To truly experience the laid-back vibes on the island, one of the best things to do in Isla Holbox with kids is to hang out in town! If you’re in town on a rare bad weather day, this is one of the top ways to spend your time.
Most Isla Holbox hotels are on the east end of town and a quick 5–10-minute stroll down the beach puts you in the middle of everything. Just walk along the main streets, off the main square, to find open-air bars, family-run cafes, a local tortilleria, and more.
For the shopper, there are storefronts full of handmade jewelry and textiles, art galleries, and beachy items like swimsuits and sunglasses. At night, there is live music on the beaches and in the square.
You might catch a salsa class geared towards tourists or join a cooking class at a local restaurant. In the morning, TRIBU offers free yoga classes (check out this local spot for a variety of experiences).
10. Enjoy All the Seafood
Fresh seafood is a must-try food while on Holbox Island. You can watch local fishermen bringing in the daily catch and being prepared in a variety of ways at beachside grills.
If you ask any local, something you must try while you’re here is the lobster pizza! You can find it at several places all over town, but hands down the best one can be found at Roots Pizza a Leña.
Or head to El Crustáceo Kascarudo, which does everything well and includes a menu with lots of variety for even the pickiest eater.
Ceviche was a daily indulgence and my kids learned to love it! Grouper, red snapper, shrimp, lobster, and octopus come straight from the small fishing boats that line the beach near town.
Perhaps the best meal I’ve ever eaten was the lunch provided on our boat tour. While we were swimming in the cenote, our boat captain, Fausto, made ceviche and grilled grouper with roasted tomato salsa, served with fresh tortillas and avocados. Ask for Fausto on the beach near the pier where boat captains schedule tours.
11. Try More Delicious Food in Holbox
If you get tired of fresh seafood (if that’s possible?), there are other options in town. Go to Los Pinshis Tacos for the best tacos. Et Voilà! has crepes and French sandwiches. Carioca’s has great wood-fired pizza.
Some of the best restaurants in Isla Holbox can be found at the local hotels. A great spot is Hotel La Palapa near the beach, where we enjoyed fresh coco frios.
Before a day out, I suggest walking to town for breakfast and then stopping by the small daily market for lunch. El Limoncito, on the beach side of the square, was a favorite, with great Mexican dishes, coffee, and agua frescas.
Head over to the square for fresh juices at Angeles y Diablitos (southeastern corner of the square). Or their specialty, the macachado: shaved ice with mashed fruit, condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.
You are sure to see an old-fashioned shaved ice bike cart cruising the streets. Flag down the driver and watch him shave the block of ice by hand. After dinner churros or crepes on the square in the evening were a big hit for my clan too.
12. Find All the Street Art
A great place to find street art is Holbox. During your walks around town, look out for the vibrant murals with a Caribbean flair and take a few pictures!
Start in the main square, and then move outward. There are murals of every shape and size with elements of the tropical island’s diverse colors, referencing local sea life, important people, Mayan culture, and more.
An annual art show on Isla Holbox contributes to new murals showing up on the island every year. You can find them on the beach, on the sides of buildings, and in the main square. Keep an eye out for art pieces down an alley or on the wooden beams of a beachside dock!
If you prefer a guided experience, just ask someone at the front desk of your hotel about a local guide they recommend.
13. Relax at Your Resort
When you’re traveling with kids, you will often have the best time just enjoying the amenities at your hotel or resort! You won’t find high-rise hotels, all-inclusive resorts, or fancy condominiums on Holbox, only small hotels and eco-resorts (think no-flush toilets and solar hot water).
We stayed at the Villas Delfines, a relaxed, eco-resort with palapa-roofed bungalows with views of the beach, a small but beautiful pool, and 15 resident iguanas. It was eco-friendly and charming, fitting in perfectly with the flip-flop lifestyle of Holbox!
There’s also a ping pong table outside and hammocks and lounge chairs near the beach. Hang out on your porch and read a book or play cards or board games with the kids. Let the kids grab a coconut or two and try to crack them open.
Other properties that are great for families are Hotel Siesta, Villas Caracol, Hotel Villas Flamencos, and Casa Las Tortugas.
14. Visit All the Kid-Friendly Beaches
And of course, there are all the beautiful beaches in Isla Holbox, from the main beach at Playa Holbox to the isolated sands of Punta Mosquito.
Some of the best beaches for families in the Yucatan Peninsula can arguably be found here, because of the shallow waters and white sandy beaches. Parents can relax on the beach because you don’t have to worry about the kids being swept away in the surf!
You can cycle out to an isolated beach and have it all to yourself or stay near town and hang out at a beach club.
Pack a lunch and set yourself up on a quiet beach near the calm waters. My kids loved playing on the sandbar right off the beach. We built sandcastles and collected an astonishing variety of seashells. We even found an octopus and a sea turtle shell!
If you choose to go with a beach club, you will probably need to pay a fee for a day pass. But it’ll get you all kinds of perks, like hammocks under the palm trees, great food, and live music. There’s usually a beach bar and restaurant or cafe.
Tip: Don’t let kids run through the vegetation near the beach. It protects the dunes and it is also filled with stickers!
15. Watch the Sunset in Isla Holbox with Kids
One of the most popular things to do on Isla Holbox with kids is watch the sunset! Even if you’re coming for the day, it’s worth visiting and taking a later ferry back just for the unobstructed views from the beach.
Because the island angles to the southwest, you can enjoy the setting of the sun from just about anywhere. Go with a rooftop bar or the porch of your bungalow. Or order dinner at a beach club while you take in the views.
Probably the most popular spot is Playa Punta Cocos, the westernmost beach on the island. Pack up a picnic dinner for the family and head to the beach in the evening. Just grab a 4×4 taxi back to your hotel afterward.
About the author: This post was originally written by Nikki Woodson Blair, but was edited and updated by Elizabeth Ramos.
Looks absolutely amazing there!
Doesn’t it? Would love to go!
Doesn’t it?
It really was! We will definitely go back!
Isla Holbox sounds great, never heard of that place. Beautiful and peaceful, just what you want in a vacation.
Doesn’t it sound fantastic?
We fell in love with it!
I’ve kinda always fanciec Mexico, you’ve persuaded me to look into it firther x
It’s amazing!
You should!
It looks so absolutely gorgeous! I would love to visit here!
Me too!
It’s hard to do it justice in pictures. Lovely place, lovely people.
This looks like my beach !
Cool!
Life in flip flops with a margarita in your hand! 😉
I’ve never heard of Holbox, Mexico. The pictures look beautiful. I’d love to visit. Thanks for sharing!
Me too! It looks gorgeous doesn’t it?
Glad you enjoyed the blog post!
I had never heard of Holbox, but it looks and sounds amazing! I’d love to visit there!
I would too!
Just do it! 🙂
So jealous!
I know I’ll got back too. It’s that kind of place!
the water and food look amazing! i would love to visit there.
Doesn’t it look awesome?
That’d be a great trip!
Oh my!! How gorgeous!! I have visited Cancun and while I loved it it was so so touristy!! I almost couldn’t take it! This looks waaaaay more my pace!!
I have never been to Cancun, but this place sounds amazing and definitely with fewer tourists. On my to visit list for sure!
The Spending time with family while travelling is one of the most blissful thing
Wow … this sounds like a really nice place to go. I have not been to Mexico yet… and this place sounds like a place I would love to visit.
Doesn’t it sound great Doreen? I want to go there too!
Looks like it was a wonderful trip! I never heard of this Island of Mexico. Aren’t the Maya Pyramids awesome??!! We toured them all over Belize with four young ones 🙂
It looks fabulous! Can’t wait to make the trip with our kids!
Don’t know how I could thank you for your wonderful read. I’m planning to travel with my (3) daughters ages 9, 7 and 5 and by reading your piece I feel more confident now to take them there. How long did you stay in Holbox?
I think May to September is the best time to swim with whale sharks in Holbox. When is the best time in Australia? Would love to do it in either destination!