Located in completely different spots in the Yucatan Peninsula, Bacalar and Holbox Island are both ideal for travelers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas.
Both of these Mexico destinations offer so much to see and do and act as the perfect quiet getaway for people visiting Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum.
Below, we’re getting into all the details you need to know before planning your trip to answer the question: Isla Holbox or Bacalar, which one is better to visit?
Key Differences Between Holbox and Bacalar:
- Isla Holbox is a long and skinny island located off the northern tip of the Quintana Roo province sitting on the Mexican Caribbean Sea.
- Bacalar is an inland town located in the southern region of the Quintana Roo province, roughly 133 miles/215 km south of Tulum.
- The main draw of Bacalar is the freshwater lagoon that stretches 30 miles/48 km long. In Bacalar, there are no real beaches, instead, access to the lagoon is mainly through piers.
- Holbox, being an island, is surrounded by saltwater. There are many different beaches that can be visited in Holbox including the most popular: Playa Holbox.
- Both locations are perfect for water activities and seeing stunning nature!
What To Expect From Isla Holbox And Bacalar
Visiting Bacalar will give you that idyllic lakeside getaway.
The water quality here is absolutely stunning, the locals are incredibly friendly, and you are practically guaranteed a relaxing getaway where you can go to unwind and defuse.
Acting as a secret hideaway, this beautiful lake town is a great place to escape the crowds and forget about regular life.
Staying in Holbox will give you that slow-paced paradise-style island life where the hardest part of your day will be deciding which beach to sit on.
Here you will have your choice of restaurants and beach clubs and a stunning wilderness escape.
This island will have more amenities than you’d expect while escaping the typical tourist track.
Who Would Prefer Holbox Island Over Bacalar
Holbox is a stunning island full of wholesome charm. There are no cars on the island and instead, the primary mode of transportation is golf carts.
Holbox is a popular island destination for couples looking to escape the crowds of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera.
It is also a popular place for wildlife enthusiasts to visit thanks to being a part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve.
Here you will find a large presence of wildlife including flamingos, dolphins, and crocodiles.
Bacalar has an authentic feel with significantly fewer tourists than Holbox. This is a great place to visit for those looking to escape the crowds and have a relaxing lakeside vacation.
Bacalar Lagoon is known as the Lake of Seven Colors and for good reason with the stunning freshwater that is begging to be swum in.
Whether you choose Bacalar or Holbox both of these places offer small town vibes and will make you feel as though you’re a million miles from the hustle and bustle of Cancun.
As a family, we have stayed in both Bacalar and Isla Holbox and had amazing experiences.
Living in Playa del Carmen has made it easy for us to take visiting family over to Bacalar as well.
We like that there are more amenities available in Bacalar with access to things that we may need which makes it a little more convenient for families with small children like us.
Getting To Bacalar vs. Holbox Island
If you’re coming from Cancun, getting to Bacalar or Holbox is quite similar in price, although the travel time is certainly different.
If you are looking to get to Isla Holbox, you will first need to take a bus, taxi, or rental car to the Chiquila Ferry Terminal.
This ride takes about 2.5 hours and then you will have to catch a ferry to Holbox.
If you are looking to get to Isla Holbox from Cancun airport, you can organize private transportation in advance to make it easy.
If you are renting a car, it is important to note that there are no cars allowed on Holbox so you will have to pay for parking your vehicle in Chiquila.
On the island itself, all cars are replaced with golf carts which are used as the primary mode of transportation.
If you are traveling from Cancun to Bacalar, you again have the option to travel by bus, taxi, or private rental car. The drive to Bacalar is fairly direct and takes about 5.5 hours.
Where To Stay In Holbox and Bacalar
Isla Holbox will give you that picturesque Mexico vibe with stunning beachfront resorts and dreamy rooms overlooking the Mexican Caribbean ocean.
- One of my favorite hotels on the island is Casa Cat BA Beachfront Boutique Hotel thanks to its central beachfront location and friendly staff.
- If you’re looking for a mix of quality and affordability, my go-to hotel is Villas Caracol. The pool is amazing and it is located right on the beach.
- While not on the beach, a great budget hotel is Hotel Para Ti. This adults only hotel has an authentic vibe and a gorgeous pool.
Accommodations in Bacalar are typically cheaper meaning you get more bang for your buck if you are staying in town.
The main draw to the area is the lagoon so I highly recommend booking accommodation on or near the lake (these will be pricier, of course).
- One of my favorite hotels in the area is OurHabitas Bacalar which has a stunning location right on the lagoon and a great jungle vibe throughout.
- If finding budget friendly accommodation is your focus, Casa Chukum is a great option where you will find friendly staff and a very homey charm with beautiful views.
- If you’re looking for a midway option that is affordable yet full of luxurious amenities, Hotel Rancho Encantado is a great place to stay.
Our favorite lagoon front hotel is Los Aluxes. We enjoy the swings and water slide and the entire lagoon setup they have.
Our daughter loved playing in the lagoon and even swimming up to the sand bank in front.
Aside from the friendly and helpful staff, they also have a great restaurant on site with spectacular views! If you are traveling with small kids, this is where you should stay!
Activities in Bacalar and Holbox Island
Holbox is a great place to visit if you’re looking to do traditional island activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sitting on the beach, and island hopping.
Top Things To Do In Isla Holbox:
- If you’re staying in the Mayan Riviera, you can organize a day trip to explore Isla Holbox and visit the flamingos.
- This is also a great island to visit if you are an animal lover. If you find yourself visiting between June and September, you can book a snorkel trip and swim alongside whale sharks.
- There are also a few different beaches to choose from in Holbox including Playa Holbox, Punta Mosquito, and Punta Coco where you will find tours to kayak through the bioluminescence.
- The island is a stunning wilderness paradise making kayaking through the mangroves one of our favorite ways to spend a day.
In contrast, Bacalar being on the mainland allows you to travel to different areas easier and without a ferry ride.
- In Bacalar, the lake is the main draw of the area. You can book a catamaran boat tour that will take you out on the lake and have you swimming in the gorgeous waters.
- If you’d like to do some snorkeling and stop at a few nearby cenotes, there are great boat tours that include that too. The lake is stunning no matter what time you visit but my favorite is being out on it in the twilight hours.
- Taking a sunrise stand up paddle board tour is one of the best ways to start your day in Bacalar.
- If you’re not a morning person, renting a kayak to explore the lakes for a day is an absolute must! You can even see some of the oldest living organisms in Bacalar!
Is Bacalar cheaper than Holbox?
If you are looking for the best budget conscious destination, you will have more luck in Bacalar. In Bacalar, both food and accommodations are available at cheaper prices.
Holbox, like many other islands you may visit, will have an island tax which is an unofficial inflation found on many islands.
While Holbox is cheaper than other islands in the area such as Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, it is slightly more expensive than Bacalar.
What is better, Bacalar or Holbox?
If you’re trying to decide between Bacalar or Holbox for your next Mexico getaway, rest assured that both are great vacation destinations.
Why go to Bacalar:
- Bacalar offers a serene lagoon experience with freshwater activities and Mayan ruins nearby.
- Bacalar is ideal for those seeking relaxation, water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, and exploring cenotes and Mayan ruins.
- Bacalar Lagoon is a great option for those looking for an authentic resort style getaway with a beautiful freshwater lake.
- Bacalar is also better in that you can easily get to it and have a car to explore more.
- We also like Bacalar better for its variety of food options and excellent dining experiences.
If you would rather enjoy island life, Isla Holbox will provide a stunning remote island getaway full of picturesque beaches and lots of wildlife.
Why go to Isla Holbox:
- Holbox provides a laid-back island vibe with pristine beaches, wildlife encounters, and a car-free environment.
- It will certainly give you peace and tranquility thanks to being less touristy and its vast beaches.
- Holbox is perfect for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and those seeking a tranquil escape.
- It’s known for its bioluminescence, whale shark encounters (seasonal), and laid-back atmosphere.
Both of these destinations provide a refreshing and authentic Mexican vacation in contrast to visiting Cabo, Cancun, and other such cookie-cutter-type locations.
I hope this article has helped you to plan your next vacation and decide which of these remote destinations will be best for you.
Bacalar vs. Holbox FAQ
How many days is enough in Holbox?
3-4 days is usually sufficient to explore Holbox’s main attractions and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere.
Is it safe to walk around Holbox at night?
Holbox is generally safe, and walking around at night is usually fine. However, exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Is Bacalar cheaper than Tulum?
Yes, Bacalar tends to be more affordable than Tulum in terms of accommodation, food, and activities.
How do I get from Bacalar to Holbox?
Take a bus or drive from Bacalar to Chiquila (approximately 5-6 hours). From Chiquila, take a ferry to Holbox.
How long is the drive from Holbox to Bacalar?
You cannot drive directly from Holbox to Bacalar. Holbox is an island, so you need to take a ferry to the mainland and then drive approximately 5-6 hours to Bacalar.
What is the closest city to Bacalar?
The closest major city to Bacalar is Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo state.
Are mosquitoes bad in Holbox?
Mosquitoes can be present in Holbox, especially during the rainy season. It’s recommended to use insect repellent.
Why is Holbox called black hole?
The name “Holbox” is derived from the Mayan language and means “black hole” in Yucatec Maya.
Does Holbox have crocodiles?
Yes, there are crocodiles in the mangroves surrounding Holbox. It’s important to be cautious and avoid swimming in these areas.
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