How to Spend One Perfect Day in Holbox: Itinerary & Tips

You’re planning to spend one day in Holbox?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared for you the perfect itinerary to visit Holbox in 1 day.

Whether you’re coming from Cancun for a quick visit or you’re on a tight schedule, I’ve got the perfect plan for you. From the early ferry ride to watching a stunning sunset, you will be sure to have an amazing day!

And if you want to spend a night in Holbox, I will also give you my selection of the best hotels at the end of this guide.

So, what are the best things to do in Holbox in 1 day? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Your adventure begins early in the morning, around 9 or 10 AM, when you take the ferry from Chiquilá to Holbox.

Two companies, Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos, operate the route every 30 minutes. Both offer comparable services at the same price, so feel free to board the next available ferry.

Upon arrival, begin with a relaxed walk through the village starting from the main square—the colorful center of town. It is surrounded by charming shops, cafes, and restaurants, set against a backdrop of vivid street art that tells the island’s stories.

Walk along Avenida Damero, next to the beach, as you head to Punta Mosquito. Once there, wander along the stunning sandbank, celebrated as one of Mexico’s most beautiful beaches!

Once back in the center, make your way to the beach to enjoy the soft, fine sand and the clear, inviting waters. There are several great spots along the beach where you can grab breakfast or lunch. And yes, sipping a margarita by the sea is a must – when in Holbox!

For a fun atmosphere, check out the great bars and beach clubs along the shore. I recommend Barbarossa, Punta Caliza, Playa de Ñaña — I loved its delightful tiki cocktails.

Or, try my personal favorite, the comfy Mandarina Restaurant & Beach Club, where the food and cocktails are top-notch.

Afternoon: Adventure and Discovery

After a relaxing morning by the beach and exploring the village, why not rent a bike or a golf cart and go to Punta Cocos?

It’s a very calm place, perfect for a day of relaxing away from the busy tourist areas.

As you walk along the paths, you can see many birds, including flamingos. The water at Punta Cocos is shallow and clear, great for swimming with colorful fish and starfish. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot to visit.

As the day winds down, you have two great options: you can either stay at Punta Cocos to catch one of Mexico’s most stunning sunsets, or head back to the center to be closer to everything.

Personally, I prefer heading back earlier because once you’re out of the center, there are no street lights, or very few, making it difficult to navigate once the sun goes down.

Either way, the sunset is beautiful anywhere in Holbox!

Evening: Return to Chiquilá

As the evening approaches, it’s time to make your way back to the ferry dock.

The last ferry usually leaves for Chiquilá at 9 PM, so you might want to head back a bit early to catch it.

Trust me, cutting it close isn’t fun—I nearly missed my ride on my first trip to Holbox and had to run really fast to make it! 😅

Is Spending Just One Day in Holbox Enough?

While a single day in Holbox lets you dip your toes into its tranquil beaches and lively local scene, this charming island really deserves more time if you want to fully dive into all it has to offer.

If you’re on a tight schedule during your trip to the Yucatan, spending just one day in Holbox is a good start—it’s better than missing it entirely.

However, keep in mind that traveling from Cancun or Playa del Carmen takes about 2 hours one way. This means a lot of your day will be spent in transit, especially if you are traveling independently (ex: ADO bus).

If you can, I highly recommend spending at least one night in Holbox. Staying overnight allows you to truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere and enjoy unique activities.

Here are some highlights (you can click on the name to book the tour):

• Boat tour to the Islands: Isla Pájaros, Passion Island and swimming in Yalahau Lagoon
• Kayaking through the mangroves
• Swimming with whale sharks

To discover all the best activities in Holbox, check out my other detailed guides below:

• Top 12 Things to Do in Holbox
• 2 Days in Holbox – Best Things to Do and See
• 3 Days in Holbox – The Ultimate Itinerary
• Where to stay in Holbox: The Best Areas and Hotels

Where to stay for 1 day in Holbox?

If you’re planning to spend the night (or you miss the last ferry🤭), here are my favorite hotel options in Holbox, depending on your budget:

• Mapache Hostel & Camping: Just a 2 minute walk from the beach, this hostel and campsite is perfect for those looking for a cozy and familiar experience. From 18$ usd per night. Strengths: garden, common room, shared kitchen, barbecue and bike rental. Ideal for enjoying nature and good company.

• Casa Chujuk: A hotel offering excellent value for money, which is becoming increasingly difficult to find in Holbox! Very clean and bright rooms, with comfortable mattresses, a small pool to cool off, and good wifi, from 66$ usd per night! 

• Ensueño Holbox & Beach Club: Suites and flats with kitchenette for up to 5 people. Roof terrace, two swimming pools, a beach club with good food and music! Breakfast is included, from 165$ usd per night!

• Beachfront Hotel La Palapa – Adults only: A nice hotel very well located near the centre, with a beachfront, and a quiet beach that has excellent cocktails at the bar. Spacious rooms and very good service. Excellent breakfast included, from 250$ usd per night!

• Villas Flamingos: Located on a private beach on Isla Holbox, this 4-star hotel offers cozy and colorful bungalows with private terrace and hammock. From 300$ usd per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the stunning sea view, the relaxing atmosphere, the friendly staff, the delicious food. This is my suggestion for a peaceful and charming stay in Holbox!

How to Reach Holbox in Just One Day

Getting to Holbox in just one day is quite doable with a little planning ahead. Your first step is to head to Chiquila Port, which is where you’ll catch the ferry over to the island.

Option 1: Public Transportation

If you’re traveling solo and have only 1 day in Holbox, you might consider taking an ADO bus. While it’s not the ideal option due to the lengthy travel time, it’s certainly the most economical.

They run directly from Cancun (2h30), Playa del Carmen (2h10), and Tulum (3h30). You can check out the timetables and buy your tickets on the ADO website.

The good news? The bus station in Chiquila is right near the ferry terminal, so you won’t have any trouble finding your way.

Option 2: Guided Tour

For a more relaxed trip, a guided tour might be your best bet.

It includes not just your transport, but also boat tour to Isla de la Pasion and Isla Pajaros, a swim in the Yalahau cenote, some free time on Holbox itself, and lunch. It’s a comfy and convenient option, especially if you’re not keen on navigating the journey yourself.

Book your tour here:

• Holbox Tour from Cancun
• Holbox Tour from Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen)

Option 3: Shuttle Service

A shuttle to the ferry is another excellent choice. It offers more freedom than a guided tour and is more hassle-free compared to taking the bus. This way, you can enjoy the journey without the worry of logistics.

Here are your different options; choose the one that you prefer:

• Cancun Airport to Holbox Ferry (shared)
• Holbox Ferry to Cancun Airport (shared)
• Cancun Airport to Holbox Ferry (private) One Way or Roundtrip
• Flight from Cancun Airport to Holbox Island (private) ✈️

My Best Tips for Visiting Holbox in Just One Day

To make the most out of your single day in Holbox, planning is key. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the island:

1. Consider a Guided Tour: If planning isn’t your forte, consider booking a guided tour. Tours are especially handy for efficiently managing time and ensuring you see the top spots without hassle.

2. Check the Ferry Schedule Immediately: As soon as you set foot on Holbox, make it a point to check the ferry schedule and verify that the last ferry is at 9 PM. You can also check the schedule and purchase your tickets online on their website: Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos

3. Navigating Taxi Services at Holbox Port: Upon arriving at Holbox’s port, you’ll find the taxi stand to your left, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Although prices are posted, they may not always be accurate. Prices vary depending on the area your hotel is in, so it’s a good idea to know where you’re headed in advance to avoid overpaying.

4. Rent a Bike or Golf Cart: Since you have only one day, renting a bike or a golf cart allows you more freedom to explore distant parts of the island like Punta Cocos. You could rent it right when you arrive, but since you’ll probably want to relax on the beach for a bit (where you won’t need the vehicle), picking up a half-day rental later might save you some money!

5. Managing Cash and Payments on Holbox: While some restaurants accept credit cards, the island’s spotty internet service can make electronic payments unrel iable. It’s a good idea to bring cash to avoid any payment issues. Although you can find an ATM at Cibanco, keep in mind it is sometimes empty, so plan accordingly.

Rent a car in Cancun

Renting a car is for sure the best way to explore Mexico and make the most of your stay!

While it’s not super useful to visit the city, having a car is a must to discover the rest of the country.

To rent a car, personaly, I always use Booking.com Cars, for a few reasons:

• You can easily compare the rental cars prices between all the agencies: for sure the easiest way to find the best rate!
• Cancellation is often offered free of charge: no need to worry if you change your mind
• Booking Cars offers full insurance coverage at a lower price than the rental companies, so it’s an instant saving with no effort

Simply click on the green button to find your rental car at the best price:

How to find a cheap flight to Cancun

Cancun International Airport is a major hub that welcomes numerous flights from Europe and North America, serviced by well-known airlines such as Air Transat, Air Canada, Iberia, Aeromexico, Interjet, and KLM. This diversity makes it easy to find flights that fit your schedule.

To secure a cheap flight to Cancun and the best domestic flights within Mexico, I highly recommend using our flight comparison tool, powered by Skyscanner. It’s designed to ensure you get the best available fares!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

• The 35 Best Things to Do in Mexico

• Isla Holbox: Top 12 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Where to stay in Holbox: The Best Areas and Hotels
• 2 Days in Holbox – Best Things to Do and See
• 3 Days in Holbox – The Ultimate Itinerary

• Yucatan Peninsula: Top 20 things to Do and See
• Riviera Maya: The 35 Epic Things to Do!
• Cancun: the 35 Best Things to Discover
• Playa del Carmen: Top 30 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions
• Puerto Morelos: Top 14 Things To Do and Attractions
• Tulum: 21 Best Things to Do + All My Best Tips!

• Itinerary: 10 days in Mexico – Mexico City, Chiapas and Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
• Itinerary: 10 days in Yucatan – Best Itinerary for 9, 10 or 11 Days in Yucatan
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Yucatan – Yucatan Peninsula in 29, 30 or 31 days from Cancun
• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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