Isla Mujeres vs Holbox: Which Island is Better in 2024? (2024)

Which is Better Isla Mujeres or Holbox?

When it comes to choosing between Isla Mujeres and Holbox, the decision largely depends on what you’re seeking from your island getaway.

If you prefer a more developed and tourist-oriented island, then Isla Mujeres may be the preferred option.

With a wider range of hotels, restaurants, and activities, Isla Mujeres offers a bit more variety for travelers. It also has better infrastructure and is much easier to get to.

However, if tranquility and connection with nature are at the top of your list, then Holbox may be your island paradise.

Known for its relaxed pace of life, stunning beaches, and unique wildlife, Holbox offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

Isla Mujeres vs Holbox: Overview

Isla Mujeres and Holbox are beautiful islands with great sunsets and excellent vibes. I recommend a visit to each island.

About Isla Mujeres

Located just off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a small island that’s only 5 miles long and a half a mile wide.

Meaning “Island of Women”, its name was given by Spanish explorer Francisco Fernandez de Cordoba when he arrived in 1517.

One of the first things he noticed was the many woman statues that Mayans used as offers to their goddesses, thus inspiring the name.

It’s most known for its turquoise-blue waters and gorgeous beaches. The most well-known beach on Isla Mujeres is Playa Norte, consistently ranked as one of the top beaches in the world.

But there are plenty of other things to do in Isla Mujeres besides enjoying the beautiful beaches. There’s boat tours and catamarans, fun water sports, and other adventurous activities.

And the quaint downtown area near Playa Norte is full of restaurants, bars, and shops that you can easily reach on foot.

Outside of downtown, the main mode of transportation on Isla Mujeres is golf carts, giving it a very relaxed vibe and authentic charm.

About Holbox

Holbox (pronounced “Hole-bosch”) is a much smaller and less developed island located on the northwestern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Holbox comes from the Mayan language and means “black hole” in English. The name was influenced by the dark waters of the mangroves in the nearby lagoon.

To reach Isla Holbox, you must take a 30-minute ferry from the small town of Chiquila, which is located about 2 hours away from Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and the Riviera Maya.

At just 26 miles long and just 1 mile wide, Holbox has a very laid back vibe and feels like a small fishing village with stunning white sand beaches, shallow waters, and beautiful sunsets.

With only dirt roads, cars are not allowed on the entire island, so you’ll have to get around on foot or rely on a golf cart or bicycles.

There’s a small downtown area where you’ll find the majority of restaurants, bars, and shops and most of the hotels are scattered along the beachfront.

Holbox is also known for its bioluminescence–an amazing natural phenomenon that occurs when plankton in the water lights up at night.

The island is still up-and-coming and largely undeveloped so it’s best if you’re looking for a quiet beach getaway but willing to forgo some of the comforts of more developed beach towns.

Isla Mujeres vs Isla Holbox: Pros and Cons

Here’s a list of Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox to help you decide which Caribbean Island is perfect for your next trip to Mexico.

Pros of Isla Mujeres

• Home to Playa Norte, one of the best beaches in the world
• Vibrant coral reefs for diving and snorkeling
• Quaint and charming island atmosphere
• Easily accessible from Cancun Airport
• Excellent starting point for whale shark tours

Cons of Isla Mujeres

• Crowded during peak tourism seasons
• Higher prices due to tourist demand
• No public transportation can make getting around more difficult
• Beach erosion in some areas
• Feels more touristy

Pros of Holbox

• Excellent birdwatching and wildlife viewing
• No paved roads on the entire island give it a more authentic feel
• Relaxed, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere
• Generally uncrowded beaches
• Unique opportunity to swim with bioluminescence

See Also

Cancun All Inclusive Catamaran Tour To Isla Mujeres'Almost whole island homeless' in Hurricane Beryl's wake

Cons of Holbox

• Dirt roads can be a mess during the rainy season
• No direct airport must transfer through Cancun Airport
• Fewer upscale accommodations, like all inclusive resorts
• Limited banking and ATMs
• Unstable WiFi and electricity

Isla Mujeres vs Holbox: Location & Accessibility

Isla Mujeres and Holbox are relatively remote islands, but Isla Mujeres is much easier to access than Holbox Island.

How to Get to Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres has no international airport, but getting there is pretty simple as you just have to take a quick ferry ride from Cancun.

There are several ferry companies, but the Ultramar Puerto Juarez Maritime Terminal is the main terminal to Isla Mujeres in Cancun, or you can take the new Xcaret Xailing ferry from the Hotel Zone.

Expect a 20-30 minute ferry ride, depending on which ferry ports you leave from. The ferries run between 6AM and midnight.

Once you’re in Isla Mujeres, transportation becomes a little more complicated because there is no sound public transportation system. Most people get around with golf carts, taxis, or rental cars.

However, if you plan to stay in downtown Isla Mujeres and relax on Playa Norte, you can easily walk to most places of interest.

How to Get to Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is a bit more difficult to get to than Isla Mujeres, as it’s more remote and there’s no international airport or direct transfer.

To get to Holbox, you’ll fly into Cancun International Airport, then take ground transportation to the small town of Chiquila (2 hours), then take the ferry over to Holbox Island.

For the ground transportation portion, you can take a shared shuttle or book a private transfer from the airport. ADO buses also depart for Chiquila from downtown Cancun.

The bus or transfer will drop you off right at the ferry terminal. If you’re with a larger group, you can take the public ferry or one of the private boat trips from the main docks near the ferry.

There are also buses from other destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula to Chiquila. For example, traveling from Playa del Carmen to Holbox isn’t too difficult either.

Once you’re in Holbox, getting around is pretty straightforward. There are no paved roads and very few cars. Most people get around simply by walking or or hiring a golf cart taxi.

Isla Mujeres vs Holbox: Map

Take a look at the map below to get an idea of where Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox are located on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula.

Isla Mujeres vs Holbox: Who Are They Best Suited For?

Let’s take a look at the kinds of travelers that each island caters to:

Who is Isla Mujeres best suited for?

Isla Mujeres is best suited for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and couples or solo travelers looking for tranquility.

Adventure seekers flock to this island paradise, as it’s one of the best starting points for whale shark tours between May and September.

But there’s even more excitement with excellent scuba diving, an underwater sculpture museum, and snorkeling and boat tours.

Finally, couples and solo travelers swarm Isla Mujeres because it’s a very quiet and tranquil getaway away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland.

Between the many boutique hotels, all inclusive resorts, and beachfront properties, you’ll likely find the best spot for relaxation.

Who is Holbox best suited for?

Holbox is best suited for those looking for a secluded getaway where you can truly unplug–the wifi and cell service on the island is pretty spotty!

Although the island does have some restaurants, bars, and attractions, you won’t find the same level of development as in Isla Mujeres.

Holbox is great for travelers looking to relax away from crowds and enjoy nature or do simple activities like lounging on the beach, kayaking, or riding bikes.

The island is a paradise for beach lovers, as its stunning white sand beaches with shallow turquoise water are some of the best in Mexico.

Holbox is not as popular with families, but more suited for couples and younger travelers looking for a low-key beach getaway.

So if you’re someone that likes more off-the-beaten path destinations away from the touristy crowds, Holbox will be perfect for you.

Isla Mujeres vs Holbox: Safety Comparison

Here’s a brief breakdown of how Isla Mujeres and Holbox compare to one another regarding safety and security.

U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory

Isla Mujeres and Holbox are in the state of Quintana Roo. Quintana Roo is currently listed as a “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime.

The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory details a warning to tourists traveling to Quintana Roo precisely because of gang violence that tourists risk getting caught up in and other crimes in tourist areas.

The travel advisory claims tourists should exercise increased situational awareness in downtown Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, but no mention of Isla Mujeres or Holbox.

Crime and Safety Index

Holbox is too small to have a crime and safety index. However, Isla Mujeres currently has a crime index of 14.71 (low) and a safety index of 85.29 (high).

According to the Numbeo crime metric for Isla Mujeres, the level of crime around the island is very low, while feelings of safety around Isla Mujeres are very high.

Holbox is also very safe. The population of Isla Holbox is only around 3,000 people. While becoming a more popular tourist destination, it’s a small community with minor crime.

Is Holbox safer than Isla Mujeres?

Holbox is safer than Isla Mujeres, although Isla Mujeres is safe compared to higher-density cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Holbox is harder to get to, it has a more tight-knit community, and it feels like fewer visitors are coming and going every day, so you’ll see not as many crimes of opportunity.

Isla Mujeres vs Holbox: Cost Comparison

Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox are becoming more and more popular and are both on the expensive side of Mexico.

That being said, Holbox is slightly more affordable than Isla Mujeres in most aspects. There’s limited accommodation compared to major cities, but all accommodations tend to range on the lower end for islands in the Caribbean.

The tours and activities in Holbox are also very affordable compared to Isla Mujeres. However, Isla Mujeres has more variety and sometimes lower prices in restaurants.

How expensive is Isla Mujeres?

Isla Mujeres is typically a little more expensive than Holbox, with nightly hotel prices starting around $75 USD for budget rooms and up to over $300 USD for luxury resorts.

Restaurant prices in Isla Mujeres are pretty standard for this part of Mexico. Expect to pay around $10 USD for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, and up to over $30 USD for an upscale dinner.

You’ll also want to factor in the costs for ferry tickets (around $30 USD R/T), taxis, or a golf cart rental should you choose to rent one.

Golf cart rentals can cost up to $100 USD per day, and taxi costs will add up if you move around the island, away from Playa Norte and the downtown area.

It’s also important to know that credit cards aren’t widely accepted in Isla Mujeres so it’s best to have enough cash on hand.

How expensive is Holbox?

While Holbox is typically a bit cheaper than Isla Mujeres in terms of dining and accommodation, the major added expense is the cost to get there.

You’ll have to travel from Cancun to Chiquila, which can cost $25-$250+ USD each way depending on if you choose a shared or private shuttle.

And then, you have to hop on a ferry to Holbox, which costs around $25 USD for a round trip ticket.

Nightly hotel prices in Holbox start around $60 USD for budget rooms and up to over $300 USD for luxury resorts.

However, the nice thing about Holbox is that almost everything surrounds the town center and the beach so you can walk almost anywhere you want to go.

It’s also important to know that due to the island’s limited connectivity, credit card machines aren’t always working and ATMs are limited so it’s best to pay for most things in cash.

Isla Mujeres vs Holbox: Beaches Comparison

The beaches in Isla Mujeres and Holbox are both beautiful. You can’t go wrong if you’re looking for the perfect beach vacation.

Isla Mujeres Beaches

Playa Norte is the most well-known beach in Isla Mujeres, and for good reason. The sand is soft, warm, and inviting.

The water is calm, bright turquoise blue, and warm enough to swim all year-round. Plus, it’s usually always seaweed-free!

It’s unbelievably beautiful and is the real star of the show on Isla Mujeres! And aside from Playa Norte, there are several other swimmable beaches on the western side of the island, mainly at hotels.

And while the beaches on the eastern side of the island are incredibly picturesque, they have a rocky coastline with strong waves that are not suitable for swimming.

Holbox Beaches

Holbox boasts dreamy, widespread white sand beaches with really shallow, calm waters that are bright turquoise in color–and they’re typically much less crowded than Isla Mujeres.

The water is so shallow that you can walk a fair distance offshore, making it a quintessential tropical paradise.

However, it’s worth noting that there can sometimes be seaweed present in Holbox depending on the weather and sea conditions.

But I’ve always found that beaches on the eastern side of the island (just to the right of downtown) typically have less seaweed.

Isla Mujeres vs Holbox: Hotels Comparison

The hotels in Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox are both very charming and you won’t find a ton of chain hotels but rather boutique properties and beachfront vistas.

Hotels in Isla Mujeres

There’s more variety and luxury in Isla Mujeres than in Holbox. Even though Isla Mujeres is a small island, it’s more built up and equipped for regular tourism.

There are a few all-inclusive Isla Mujeres resorts, but the majority of the hotels are smaller, boutique-style hotels and guesthouses.

Where to Stay in Isla Mujeres

Here are some of the best places to stay in Isla Mujeres for every budget:

• Luxury: Casa del Jaguar Beach Hotel
• Mid-Range: Hotel Belo Isla Mujeres
• Budget: Icaco Island Village

Travelista Tip: If you’re looking for walkability, you’ll definitely want to stay at a hotel on or near Playa Norte, as it’s right next to the downtown area.

Hotels in Holbox

Hotels in Holbox have a more beachy vibe and generally focus less on luxury. A lot of them have older Mexican-style rooms with wood accents.

The amenities and standards are slightly lower in Holbox, partially because it’s a small island with a still-growing tourism industry and somewhat because it’s held onto its traditional charm.

Where to Stay in Holbox

Here are some of the top hotels in Holbox for every budget:

• Luxury: Hotel Villas Flamingos
• Mid-Range: Villas HM Palapas del Mar
• Budget: Madre Holbox

Travelista Tip: If you’re looking for the best beach, the hotels on the eastern side of the island (to the right of downtown) typically have more picturesque beaches with less seaweed.

Isla Mujeres vs Holbox: Activities Comparison

Isla Mujeres offers a coastal paradise centered around its pristine beaches and ocean adventures.

Top activities in Isla Mujeres include unwinding on Playa Norte, discovering the cliffside park at Punta Sur, and going on a boat ride or catamaran sail.

Holbox, while providing fewer tour choices, still provides a diverse travel experience with both relaxation and nature activities.

You can relish in the tranquil waters along the main beach, ride bikes around town, go on an eco-tour, or indulge in beachfront co*cktails while waiting for your bioluminescent plankton tour to begin.

Best Things to Do in Isla Mujeres

• Set Sail on a Catamaran: Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island surrounded by blue waters, and a catamaran cruise is one of the best ways to experience it.

• Visit Punta Sur: Punta Sur on Isla Mujeres is the southernmost point on the island and the easternmost point in all of Mexico. A lighthouse, sculpture park, and cliffside views are on this side of the island.

Best Things to Do in Holbox

• Go a Bioluminescence Tour: Holbox is the perfect place to swim with bioluminescent plankton. On a nighttime Holbox bioluminescence tour, you can wade through the calm waters surrounded by glowing water.

• Go Swimming with Whale Sharks: Most people travel to Isla Mujeres for a whale shark day trip, but Holbox is an excellent starting point as their natural habitat isn’t too far from the island. Whale shark season is between May and September.

Isla Mujeres vs Holbox: Restaurants Comparison

Isla Mujeres and Holbox have limited restaurant choices compared to larger cities like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. However, there’s still some good food to be found.

Isla Mujeres Restaurants

Isla Mujeres has a surprising amount of delicious food, particularly seafood.

Most restaurants are located on the north end, on Hidalgo Street in the downtown area. However, there’s a smattering of restaurants throughout the whole island.

Isla Mujeres is known for its mouthwatering island cuisine, primarily centered around fresh seafood.

You’ll have to try the fresh fish of the day, ceviche, shrimp co*cktail, and fish tacos. You can pair any of these with a margarita!

Holbox Restaurants

Holbox has even fewer restaurant options, but you won’t go hungry. Most Holbox restaurants are located within a one-mile radius in downtown Holbox, and are pretty casual with dirt floors.

Restaurants range from local taquerias (taco restaurants) to vegan-friendly restaurants. You’ll also find Italian and Argentinian cuisine.

One of the most famous Holbox dishes is the Lobster Pizza, made with fresh lobster caught in the waters around the island. You can try this at any local restaurant, including the beach bars.

Isla Mujeres vs Holbox: Nightlife Comparison

Even though it’s a more low-key island, Holbox is the better choice for nightlife fun. However, each island has its positives and negatives.

Isla Mujeres Nightlife

Isla Mujeres has a more mellow nightlife than places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Holbox.

Isla Mujeres tends to bring in more families, scuba divers, and solo travelers looking for a relaxing time. None of this goes hand-in-hand with partying.

However, there’s still some fun to be had. There are several bars near Hidalgo Street and along the waters. Some even have live music.

Holbox Nightlife

Holbox has a surprisingly good party scene for such a low-key island. Since it’s more “off the beaten path” it tends to draw in a much younger crowd than Isla Mujeres.

Many of the bars on the main street like “The Hot Corner” play live music and some of the hostels and restaurants turn into lively clubs after dark.

All the bars and clubs are only a few minutes walk from one another so that you can easily hop from place to place.

Isla Holbox vs Isla Mujeres: FAQs

Final Thoughts: Is Holbox or Isla Mujeres Better?