The Best Beaches in Holbox

Holbox sits at the northern tip of the Mexican Caribbean, inside the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area, and its beaches look like something out of a tropical daydream: white sand, clear shallow water and a pace of life that slows you down within an hour of stepping off the ferry. The beaches of Holbox are made for switching off. Here is a tour of the ones worth knowing.

1. The main beach: total relaxation

The main beach runs along the island’s north shore, right in front of town. It is the heart of Holbox, where most visitors spend their days between the sun and the sea. The sand is soft and white, ideal for walking barefoot while the water laps at your feet.

It is also the easiest place to settle in under an umbrella, order a drink at one of the beach bars and simply look at the view. Everything is within reach here, and yet the beach keeps the calm, bohemian feel that defines the island.

2. Punta Cocos: the place for sunset

Punta Cocos is one of the quietest beaches in Holbox. It lies at the western end of the island, a 20 to 30 minute walk from town (or a short golf-cart ride), far enough that the crowds thin out and the evening feels private.

The water here is shallow and calm, good for a swim or for sitting waist-deep while the sun goes down. Punta Cocos is also the island’s best-known spot for bioluminescence: on dark, moonless nights the water lights up with every movement of your hands.

3. Punta Mosquito: a natural sanctuary

If what you want is nature, head to Punta Mosquito. This beach at the northeastern end of the island is famous for its long sandbar reaching out into the sea, where the water stays knee-deep for what seems like forever. At low tide you can wade out and walk with nothing but sky and shallows around you.

Punta Mosquito is also a favorite among birdwatchers. Flamingos feed in the shallows, along with pelicans, herons and many other water birds. Keep in mind that part of the sandbar is a conservation zone closed to visitors: respect the signs, stay out of the restricted area and watch the birds from a distance.

4. Boutique hotel beaches: luxury and exclusivity

Along the coast of Holbox you will find stretches of beach in front of boutique hotels and small luxury properties. These spots offer a more exclusive atmosphere, with sun loungers, umbrellas, craft cocktails and personalized service in a dreamlike setting.

Among the most recommended are the beaches in front of Las Nubes de Holbox and Ser Casasandra (the former CasaSandra), two of the most exclusive properties on the island. Beaches in Mexico are public, so you can walk them freely, but these areas tend to be quieter and more refined, ideal if you are after a more polished experience.

5. Deserted beaches: find your own corner of the island

One of the charms of Holbox is that you can still find empty beaches if you venture past the busy areas. Walk away from the town center along the coast and you will come across near-untouched stretches where the sea and the sand are all yours.

These beaches suit anyone looking for real contact with nature, without the distractions of tourism. Bring water, sunscreen and a good book, and settle in for a full day of doing nothing at all in your own piece of paradise.