Have you been to Cancun already, and you’re getting tired of the same old expensive Caribbean vacation? Well, several idyllic Mexican islands lie just off the coast of the popular Mayan Riviera, and their magical beaches are beckoning you. We are talking about Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox. Two idyllic island destinations that offer two totally different experiences. Both offer beautiful white-sand beaches, turquoise water, and a laid-back island vibe, but the infrastructure is what makes all the difference; whether that is seen as a good or bad thing is up to personal preference. In this article, we will break down Isla Mujeres vs. Holbox and which island is right for your next vacation in Mexico.
Isla Mujeres: Caribbean Classic
Isla Mujeres is definitely the more popular of the two islands, and that can be chalked up to its proximity to Cancun, along with all of its conveniences. This island has everything one would need to live comfortably, including a large grocery store, a proper hospital, and access to high-speed fibre 5G and Starlink for crisp internet connectivity.
Isla Mujeres is much more developed than Holbox. That being said, there is quite a hustle and bustle to this island, and it’s not really the off-the-beaten-path destination that it once was. It has seen a surge in tourism over the last few years and is now home to tons of Airbnb vacation rentals and boutique hotels, particularly being built on the south end of the island.
Isla Mujeres Hotels
Playa Punta Norte
Playa Punta Norte is widely considered one of the best beaches in Mexico, and Isla Mujeres in general is the best island near Cancun to avoid seaweed. The water literally glows with a vibrant turquoise-blue colour the moment the sun hits it, making it perfect for snorkeling. On top of that, the beach is virtually wave-free due to its naturally protected location.
Getting to Isla Mujeres
Getting to Isla Mujeres is easy, and you should be able to land at Cancun International Airport and be on the island sipping margaritas within 1 hour. The Ultramar ferry from Puerto Juarez takes only 30 minutes and costs around $15 USD per adult and $11 USD per child. If you already have a resort booked on the mainland, then you can easily take a day trip from Cancun. The Cancun to Isla Mujeres ferry is actually quite exciting with live music and smiles all around, and on top of that, the closer you get to the island, the more turquoise blue the water becomes.
A drone shot of Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Getting Around Isla Mujeres
Getting around Isla Mujeres depends on how far your accommodations are from town. If you’re close to everything, you can pretty much just walk if you like. If you’re far from the action and want to explore, then you might want to head over to Google and search for ‘golf cart rentals Isla Mujeres’, and check out what companies have the best rating. Renting a golf cart in Isla Mujeres can be quite expensive, around $60 - $100 USD per day. Otherwise, there are taxis everywhere on the island, so waving one down shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Holbox Hotels
Isla Holbox: Bohemian Escape
Holbox, actually pronounced "hol-bosh," is a car-free island located where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea. The island has no paved roads, and when it rains, walking barefoot is your best bet as the roads essentially become large puddles. That being said, the island is an incredibly beautiful retreat adorned with street art and colorful flags. Holbox is kind of like a glimpse into what Isla Mujeres once was before all the commercialization.
Getting to Isla Holbox
How to get to Holbox from Cancun? This trip requires a bit more of a journey than getting to Isla Mujeres, and if you’re coming from Cancun, it requires a 2.5 - 3 hour bus or car ride to the town of Chiquilá. From there, you will need to take the 20-minute ferry to the island. Make sure to check out a Holbox travel guide as well as the Chiquila ferry schedule, so you don’t end up waiting around too long
The colorful streets of Isla Holbox
Getting Around Isla Holbox
The most budget-friendly way of getting around Holbox typically requires walking, and walking barefoot at that. This is because the streets of Holbox are very muddy if it has been raining, and there are giant, unavoidable puddles everywhere. If that doesn’t work for you, then Holbox is probably not a place you’ll want to visit. That being said, there are golf cart taxis all over the place, so getting around that way would technically work, although it would become quite costly over time.
Isla Holbox Wildlife
Holbox is teeming with wildlife, especially birds at the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, where you may be able to see flamingos in their natural habitat. For experiences in nature, you have the option to take the Yalahau Cenote boat tour or the Passion Island (Isla Pasión) tour. There are also whale shark tours, but they can be seen as inhumane, so I don’t really recommend them.
Punta Mosquito
Don’t let the name scare you away because at the Punta Mosquito sandbar, you’ll find a chain of gorgeous sand islands where you can wander around and possibly spot some flamingos and other birds like pelicans and cormorants.
Punta Cocos
Another worthwhile spot in Holbox is Punta Cocos, a secluded spot on the far western tip of the island. This beach is well known for having crystal clear turquoise water and stunning sunsets. The area boasts several scenic beach bars where you can relax in overwater hammocks and enjoy a cocktail.
Punta Cocos is a hotspot for Yucatan birdwatching, in particular, viewing flamingos. At night, there are bioluminescence tours where you can observe these unique organisms flickering in the water.
Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox
Isla Mujeres Pros
Swimming - You really can’t beat the beaches in Isla Mujeres, and the swimming at spots like Playa Punta Norte is truly magnificent.
Snorkeling - The snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is fantastic due to its amazingly clear water, which is loaded with fish.
Convenience - The island is home to a large grocery store, which is quite convenient and necessary if you’re renting an Airbnb.
Location - Being so close to Cancun means you don’t have to travel that far, and after you get off a long flight, you’re going to want to get to your accommodations as fast as possible.
Family Friendly - As I mentioned, the island has all the conveniences, and as such, it is excellent for people of all ages, making it very family-friendly.
Isla Holbox Pros
Remote - If you’re tired of the busy area around Cancun, or you’re looking for something more off the beaten path, then you can’t beat a trip to Holbox.
Quiet - Due to its location, Holbox is definitely going to be the quieter island, and finding your peace and solitude is pretty easy there.
Budget-Friendly: The island is not really that cheap, but when comparing it with Isla Mujeres, it is definitely cheaper of the two.
Sandbars: Holbox has way more space on its beaches, and with the Punta Mosquito sandbar, you’ll have no problem getting a great spot.
