Holbox, Mx

Last weekend, we headed up to Chiquilá, left the car behind, and took the ferry over to Isla Holbox. If you’re looking for a spot where the "roads" are made of sand and nobody is in a rush, this is it. It’s a bit more of a trek to get there, but for a family reset, it’s hard to beat.
 

The drive to Chiquilá is easy enough, but you’ll want to bring plenty of pesos. Holbox is notoriously cash-heavy, and while there are ATMs on the island, they run out of money constantly. We parked the car at a secure lot called 5 Hermanos right near the dock for about 100 pesos a day (as of March 2026) and hopped the ferry. It’s a quick, 30-minute ride, and once you land, the vacation actually starts.
 

Punta Cocos: The Quiet Side of the Island
We stayed at Casa Corazon in Punta Cocos, on the western tip of the island. Most people stay closer to the center, but if you have kids, this is the move. It’s a 20-30 minute walk from town, but we just grabbed a golf cart taxi (10-15 minute drive from town) or used bikes to get around.
 

Punta Cocos is exactly what you want for a relaxing afternoon. The water is shallow, warm, and dead calm—perfect for letting the 3 and 4-year-olds wade in without a worry. There are hammocks literally sitting in the water where you can lounge while the kids hunt for small stingrays and pelicans. We spent our evenings here watching the sunset, which is easily one of the best views on the island.
 

Island Life and Central Park
For the kids, we found a great spot called "K'íiwik Holbox" Central Park. It has two playgrounds and is surrounded by restaurants, so you can actually sit and eat while the kids burn off some energy. We grabbed some ice cream at Sabor Amar—it’s 40 pesos a scoop and worth it—then walked over to A by Amaité for dinner to watch the sun go down.
 

One thing to keep in mind is that Holbox is a bit more expensive than Playa or other spots on the Riviera Maya because everything has to be shipped in. You can save a good amount of money if you plan ahead and bring your own beer and snacks from the mainland. Since you're already saving in those areas, just buy your water once you get to the island. The last thing you want is to show up in Holbox already exhausted because you decided to lug around a heavy case of water. It’s just not worth the hassle. Sticking to the free stuff like the sandbars and the town square is another easy way to keep the budget down.
 

The Water: Bioluminescence and Boat Tours
One of the big draws here is the bioluminescence. The phytoplankton in the water glows when it's stirred up, making the sea look like a starry night. Most tours take you to Punta Cocos at night, but our hotel suggested just walking to a dark stretch of beach near Raices to see it for ourselves. We saw a bit that night, but it was still a fun adventure for the family. If you really want to see it, July to January is the best window.
 

On Sunday, after we checked out, we left our bags behind at the hotel. I know that can be scary for some people, but it felt safe enough and let us enjoy our last day. We booked a boat tour that hit three main spots. First was the Yalahau cenote, a natural freshwater pool about 30 minutes from the island. Legend says the water makes you feel 10 years younger—I don't know about that, but it was a great refresh. We also hit Isla Pasión, a tiny islet with virgin beaches, and finished at Punta Mosquito. The sandbars there are unreal; you can walk for miles in knee-deep, crystal-clear water with wild pink flamingos wading nearby.
 

Skip the Trial and Error
Holbox is a paradise, but the logistics of the ferry, parking in Chiquilá, and finding the right boat captains can be a headache if you’re doing it for the first time with kids. I’ve done the legwork so you don't have to.

I’m building out full weekend itineraries and private, family-tailored tours to help you navigate the island like a local. Whether you want a door-to-door private transfer or a curated plan for your own weekend getaway, I can get you set up.