Holbox Island: Day Trips and Tours from Cancún

An untouched slice of paradise off the coast of Cancun, Holbox Island is a vibrant locale full of unique wildlife, crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.

A Holbox Island day trip from Cancun is perfect for those looking to escape from their everyday lives and explore a new corner of Mexico.

Blending relaxation with picture-perfect views, wild mangroves ready to explore, and an off-the-grid atmosphere – thanks to the strict no-cars policy – beautiful Holbox Island is sure to leave you with a lifetime of memories.

Here's all you need to know about Holbox Island, one of the most exciting day trips from Cancun.

How to get to Holbox Island From Cancun?

Holbox Island is located on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Quintana Roo, north of Cancun. It's about 42 kilometers long and is separated from the mainland by the Yalahau Lagoon. It sits between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

From Cancun to Holbox Island by car and ferry

To get to Holbox Island from Cancun, drive about 2 hours (140 kilometers) up to Chiquilá and then board a 25-minute ferry for the remainder of your trip.

Remember, no cars are allowed on Holbox. To get to Chiquilá, head west along Highway 180 and then north up Highway 5.

Guided tour to Holbox Island from Cancun

The most popular and economical way to get to Holbox Island is by taking an organized tour – round-trip transportation, lunch and friendly guide included – that departs from Cancun every day. These tours either include a stop in Chiquilá for the ferry, or they take you directly to Holbox Island by boat.

What is the typical itinerary?

Every Holbox Island day trip from Cancun is different, depending on the tour you choose. But generally, a typical itinerary starts with convenient pickup from your hotel in Cancun and transportation to Chiquilá.

After taking a ferry across the Yalahau Lagoon, your guide may escort you to hidden locations like Punta Mosquito, a 30-kilometer-long white-sand beach, or some of the viewpoints which dot the island's hills.

Depending on the tour you choose, you might also get the chance to hop on a golf buggy for a 30-minute guided tour of the island, take a scenic boat cruise around the island's shores, or even enjoy a gourmet lunch.

In almost all situations, you'll have time to swim and relax on the beaches and explore Holbox town. At day's end, you'll get dropped off back at your Cancun hotel.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Holbox Island?

There are several tour operators that offer trips to Holbox Island from Cancun. Most day trips are around 12 hours long and include roundtrip transportation, lunch and a friendly guide. The most popular options are listed in further detail below.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Holbox Island from Cancun

These shuttle transfers usually include pickup from your hotel in Cancun and transportation directly to Holbox Island.

The shuttles leave at specific times of the day and no guide is included, so you'll be able to explore the island at your own pace.

Small group guided tours to Holbox Island from Cancun

The most common choice, this style of tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Cancun. Boat cruises, golf buggy tours and time to both relax and explore are usually part of these day trips.

Day trip to the Holbox Island plus Isla Pasion from Cancun

Thanks to their proximity, it's possible to take a tour that visits both Isla Holbox and Isla Pasion in the same day – moving between the two by boat. Isla Pasion is a white-sand beach retreat located just 10 minutes from the tip of northern Cozumel.

These trips tend to be around 12-13 hours, with time for swimming, snorkeling, eating and drinking at both.

Private tour to Holbox Island from Cancun

Suited to couples and families, private tours offer roughly the same itinerary as regular day trips but with exclusive access to a dedicated guide. This is a great way to ensure you get all your questions answered and make the most out of your experience on Holbox Island.

Some private tours travel by road to Chiquilá, while others take a boat from Cancun directly to Isla Holbox.

Holbox plane flight with island tour

Offering a beautiful bird's-eye view of the island, this airplane tour typically involves a flight in a light aircraft from Cancun to Holbox Island, with plenty of time to see the Island's beaches, mangroves and lagoons from the air.

Once on the island, you'll be taken on a guided tour of some of its highlights too. These tours usually last between 6 and 8 hours.

How much does a day trip to Holbox Island from Cancun cost?

The price of a day trip to Holbox Island from Cancun varies but generally starts from US$75 per person.

A shuttle transfer without a guide costs around US$50 each or US$300 per group (up to 8).

Small group guided tours range from US$75 to US$150 depending on the length of tour and activities included.

Combination tours of Holbox Island and Isla Pasion cost around US$130 to US$140.

Meanwhile, private tours usually range from US$250 to US$400, however, these are often per vehicle, not per person.

Plane flights with island tour prices start at around US$275 per person.

What will you see and do?

While each tour is unique, the majority of Holbox Island day tours from Cancun feature a similar itinerary.

This usually includes plenty of time to relax on the island's pristine beaches; swimming, snorkeling and kayaking in its turquoise waters; exploring its picturesque lagoons and mangroves; bird-watching or taking a golf buggy around the Yum Balam Nature Reserve; or visiting places such as Punta Coco beach, Yalahau Lagoon and Punta Mosquito.

In addition to the attractions on Holbox Island, some tours include a visit to Isla Pasion or a stop at the Chiquilá port for a ferry. Tour guides can also provide insight into local culture, history and folklore – giving you plenty of opportunities to learn about the area and take some great photos.

When is the best time to visit Holbox Island?

Mexico is blessed with year-round sunshine, so there's never a bad time to visit Holbox Island. However, the best period generally runs from mid-December to April when it's the dry season.

What other day trips can you do from Cancun?

• Day trips to Chichen Itza from Cancun
• Day trips to Isla Mujeres from Cancun
• Day trips to Tulum from Cancun
• Day trips to Valladolid from Cancun
• Day trips to Contoy Island from Cancun

Travel tips

• Book your tour online and in advance to avoid disappointment – tours book up quickly.
• Make sure you bring your swimming gear, sunscreen and a hat.
• Don't forget to take plenty of photos too – they'll be mementos for years to come.