Day trip from:
Playa del Carmen3 hr 20 min

Isla Holbox

Car-free island paradise with whale sharks, bioluminescence, and pristine beaches

Overnight strongly recommended (2-3 nights ideal)
300 MXN(One-way ferry from Chiquila (~$14-17). Round-trip ~500-600 MXN (~$29-34). Whale shark tours $100-150 USD. Bioluminescence tours ~$30-50 USD.)
June-September for whale sharks (peak July-August). Bioluminescence best May-October on moonless nights. Avoid hurricane season peak (September-October) and Christmas/Easter crowds. March-May offers good weather with fewer tourists.

Overview

Isla Holbox is a car-free island where golf carts rule sandy streets and wildlife abounds. Famous for whale shark encounters (June-September) and bioluminescent waters, it offers pristine beaches without the crowds or development of more touristy destinations. **Getting there from Playa del Carmen:** The journey requires 3-3.5 hours total—driving to Chiquila port (2.5-3 hours via Highway 180) then taking a 20-30 minute ferry. One-way ferry costs 220-300 MXN. You can also take ADO bus from Playa to Chiquila (~4 hours with transfers). **Day trip vs overnight:** Due to travel time, an overnight stay (or 2-3 nights) is strongly recommended. The island's magic reveals itself in the quiet mornings and bioluminescent night kayaking that day-trippers miss. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to boutique hotels.

Highlights

Whale shark swimming tours (June-September)—ethical encounters with the world's largest fish
Bioluminescent waters—kayak or swim through glowing plankton at night
Car-free sandy streets navigated by golf carts and bicycles
Pristine, uncrowded beaches with calm shallow waters
Flamingo watching at nearby Yalahau lagoon and Isla Pájaros
Punta Mosquito sandbar—walk far offshore on ankle-deep water
Laid-back bohemian atmosphere with beach bars and street art
Excellent seafood—lobster pizza, ceviche, fresh catch of the day
No ATMs with reliably working international cards—bring cash

Practical Information

Suggested Duration

Overnight strongly recommended (2-3 nights ideal)

Entrance Fee

300 MXN

One-way ferry from Chiquila (~$14-17). Round-trip ~500-600 MXN (~$29-34). Whale shark tours $100-150 USD. Bioluminescence tours ~$30-50 USD.

Best Time to Visit

June-September for whale sharks (peak July-August). Bioluminescence best May-October on moonless nights. Avoid hurricane season peak (September-October) and Christmas/Easter crowds. March-May offers good weather with fewer tourists.

How to Get There
Car/RentalBus
Location
Open in Google Maps

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Plan Your Base

Explore the destinations where you can make this a day trip.

Playa del Carmen