Mexico, specifically the stunning Yucatan Peninsula, has become one of the biggest vacation destinations in North America.
If you want a more laid back, boho vibe, visiting Tulum or Isla Holbox are great options for you.
It’s also no secret that we loved Isla Holbox for it’s family friendly atmosphere which allowed us to feel more relaxed visiting with a toddler.
If you are debating on where to book for your next vacation, I’ve listed below everything you need to know about Tulum vs. Isla Holbox Mexico.
Quick Comparison Of Isla Holbox and Tulum
1. Beach Clubs in Holbox vs. Tulum
If you are looking for a great beach club, you’ll be happy in either Tulum or Isla Holbox.
Tulum offers many different beach clubs for those looking to party and have fun with friends.
Whether it’s dancing till dawn or taking in stunning views while indulging in delicious food (who doesn’t love eating tacos and sipping on delicious cocktails on the beach?!!), there’s plenty of options when it comes to beach clubs in Tulum!
We’ve even been able to enjoy day passes at very family friendly beach clubs in Tulum.
It’s nice to have the option of getting away from the partiers and having kids run and play in a kid-friendly atmosphere. Our little one really enjoyed the playground on the beach!
Holbox Island is home to some of the most stunning beach clubs in the world.
Beach clubs in Holbox offer a wide variety of amenities, including hammocks for relaxing, picnic tables for dining al fresco and plenty of lounge chairs for sunbathing.
Most Holbox beach clubs have several restaurants that serve traditional Mexican cuisine as well as international dishes, while some even feature live music or DJs during their summer months.
The key difference to note is that the beach clubs on the island are not as trendy as Tulum and tend to all be more or less similar in what they offer. The vibe would be very similar to how we compare Bacalar and Tulum.
Generally, they are all pretty good for families, couples, or friends looking to have a relaxing time enjoying their day on the beach.
We highly recommend a massage on the beach no matter which you decide to visit!
2. Is Holbox more expensive than Tulum?
Let’s quickly talk about budget for each destination.
When it comes to deciding between Isla Holbox and Tulum, budget-conscious travelers should know that Isla Holbox is the more affordable option.
Not only are the accommodations on Isla Holbox generally cheaper than those in Tulum, but there are also fewer restaurants, bars, and other amenities that can drive up prices.
Additionally, transportation is far more affordable on Isla Holbox because there are fewer options available than in Tulum.
With the only option being walking or renting a golf cart in Holbox, travelers can expect to pay significantly less for getting around.
Furthermore, when it comes to activities, visitors are likely to spend less money on Isla Holbox than in Tulum as well.
There are plenty of free things to do on the island, such as relaxing on the beach or walking on the sand bars.
For those looking for a fun-filled time without breaking the bank, Isla Holbox may be the best bet.
3. Getting To Tulum Vs. Holbox
How to get to Holbox
Holbox is an island off the northeast coast of Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo.
To get to Isla Holbox, you’ll be driving for around 87 miles/139 km in total (around 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic), west along Highway 180D and north on Highway 5.
This will take you to the town of Chiquilá where you’ll get on the Holbox Express ferry to get to the island.
This ferry starts its route at 6:30 am and ends at 9:30 pm daily with ferries departing every hour.
The ferry ride takes approximately 45 minutes, so all told it can take up to three hours to get from Cancun or Playa del Carmen to Holbox island.
Tickets cost $220 MXN each way and are limited to around 130 people per sailing.
Getting around Isla Holbox
Once you get to the the island, you’ll notice that there are no cars! So, how do you get around? Well, most things will be within walking distance if you stay somewhere near the beach.
For those who don’t like walking more than 15 minutes, you can always rent golf carts and zip around the island to wherever you want.
We hired a tour guide who took us to Punta Coco on a golf cart because we didn’t want to walk with our toddler at night to see the bioluminescence.
How to get to Tulum
Getting to Tulum on the other hand is much easier – it is only one hour south of Playa del Carmen by car, taxi, or bus.
To get to Tulum by car, you can expect an easy 81 miles/131 km (between 1.5-2 hours) drive from Cancun and the international airport.
This drive hugs the coastline and involves one direct trip on the highway.
In addition to its closer proximity, you don’t have to take any ferries or additional boats when traveling from Cancun to Tulum.
Geographically speaking, Holbox Island is further north than Tulum – located at the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula while Tulum is located further south on the east coast.
As such, travelers should consider these different locations when deciding which destination might be better suited for their Mexico itinerary.
While it might seem “harder” to get to Isla Holbox, we found it quite convenient and hassle-free, even traveling with a toddler!
4. Which Type Of Traveler Fits Each Destination
Tulum and Isla Holbox both have their own distinct charm. In terms of the types of travelers that each one attracts, there is a stark contrast between the two.
Tulum, with its luxury, uniquely designed beachfront resorts and boutique hotels, upscale restaurants, and ancient Mayan ruins attracts a more affluent traveler who seeks to experience the area’s rich history while also indulging in its finer things.
By contrast, Isla Holbox draws a much different type of traveler, one looking for an off-the-beaten-path getaway with fewer crowds, simpler amenities, and stunning natural beauty all around.
Here you’ll find laid back beach bars and unique wildlife experiences like swimming with whale sharks (there’s kitesurfing, too!) – perfect for those seeking an outdoor adventure.
Unlike Tulum, Isla Holbox is far less developed and provides visitors with an unspoiled getaway where they can spend quality time with nature without sacrificing creature comforts like Wi-Fi or air conditioning.
Additionally, Isla Holbox is also one of the few places left in Mexico where you can still find pink flamingos and migrating birds.
If we had to pick one destination, we would definitely choose Holbox island simply for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful nature!
Why is Tulum so special?
Tulum is unique for its combination of ancient Mayan ruins, beautiful beaches, cenotes (natural sinkholes), and a trendy atmosphere.
Tulum is a Mexican town sitting on the Caribbean coastline about 1.5-2 hours south of Cancun Airport (CUN). It’s famous for its boho style where the jungle meets stunning beaches.
With lots of yoga studios, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and dream catcher and macrame stylings, you are sure to enjoy the slow paced hippie vibes of the area.
Top things to do in Tulum:
- The Tulum Archeological Zone: The Tulum ruins, built in the 13th century, is one of the most famous ruins in Mexico for their unique location. These Mayan ruins sit atop a cliff overlooking the stunning turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
- Tulum beaches: There are many great public and private beaches in Tulum including one of my favorites: Playa Paraiso. Beaches in the Tulum area are picture perfect white sand and are great for swimming and snorkeling. Keep in mind that some private beaches will have an entry fee so we recommend bringing some cash just in case.
- Nearby cenotes: This area of Mexico is famous for its underground freshwater river systems that were worshiped by the Mayan civilizations. Today, a lot of these cenotes (underground caves filled with fresh water) are popular spots to enjoy a refreshing swim, or even try your hand at scuba diving. here is no shortage of cenotes in the area, some of my favorites being Cenote Dos Ojos, Cenote Caracol, and Cenote Manati.
- Nearby adventure parks: If you are looking for some adventure mixed into your beach vacation, Tulum has many great options for you. Nearby you will find many large adventure parks such as Xel Ha and Xplor where you can ride down waterslides or zipline through the jungle. Many of the cenotes around Tulum also offer adventure packages that include riding ATVs and ziplining through the jungle.
- Take a day trip to nearby attractions: Tulum’s central location makes it easy to take a day trip to many popular areas including Playa del Carmen. You can easily spend some time swimming with sea turtles in Akumal Bay, explore the nearby Sian Ka’an Biosphere, spend the day shopping on Quinta Avenida (5th Ave) in Playa del Carmen and even marvel at one of the 7 Wonders of the World: Chichen Itza.
If you are looking for one of the best day trips from Tulum, I highly recommend a trip to the Coba ruins located 31 miles/50km from Tulum.
You can rent a bike and travel through the thick jungle to explore the large ruins. A visit to Bacalar Lagoon is also another great option near Tulum!
Why is Isla Holbox famous?
Isla Holbox is famous for its pristine beaches, bioluminescence, whale shark encounters (seasonal), and its relaxed, car-free atmosphere.
Isla Holbox (pronounced “ole-bosh”) is an untouched gem of the Yucatan Peninsula. This island paradise is known for two things: white sandy beaches and laid back vibes.
Isla Holbox is a long and skinny island situated northwest of Cancun.
Only 1 mile wide and stretching 26 miles long, this is a great Mexican island to spend a few days, or more, exploring and enjoying a relaxing getaway.
Escape the over-hyped tourist trap of Tulum and sail away to Holbox, a pristine beach paradise with its own share of adventure. Unwind on secluded white sand beaches as you savor cheaper prices than most!
If you find yourself on the island between June and August, be sure to book a trip swimming with the whale sharks who migrate through the area between May and September when it’s whale shark season.
- Spend your day at the beach: Holbox is known for its picturesque, white sandy, beautiful beaches meaning a right of passage is spending your day living like a beach bum. Isla Holbox makes it easy with hammocks set up where you can dip your feet in the water while sleeping in a hammock.
- Marvel at the colorful sunsets: If you’re looking for something relaxing to do after a long hard day of sitting on the beach, you will want to head back to the beach to experience one of the most famed parts of this small island: the colorful cotton candy sunsets. Head to Punta Cocos Beach or Alma Rooftop Bar and watch the show as the sun disappears. Because of the island’s location, this is one of very few places in the Yucatan Peninsula where you can capture a beach sunset.
- Bike through the colorful streets and spot all the great street art: Bike rentals typically run on a 24-hour rental ranging between 150-250 pesos. The island is small and easily bikable. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as many of the buildings are covered in impressive street art.
- Take a night tour to see the bioluminescence: Talk about a bucket list activity, booking a paddle boarding or kayak tour to see the bioluminescence is one of the best things to do in Holbox. Tours leave around 8 pm from Punta Cocos Beach and costs about 300 pesos.
- Visit neighboring islands: Taking a 3 island tour is one of the most popular things to do in Holbox. The tour takes a few hours and costs around 400 pesos and is a must do in the area. You will visit the flamingos of Rio Lagartos and, if you’re lucky, will see some dolphins jumping through the water on your route. Finally, you will dip in the mineralized waters of Cenote Yalahu.
Is Holbox The Next Tulum?
Holbox is often referred to as “the next Tulum” as this tropical haven is growing in popularity and offers an off the beaten track beach getaway.
Tulum has received a ton of buzz in the last decade with flocks of influencers showcasing the dreamy boho vibes of the area.
This buzz has brought a huge influx of tourists to the area and has made it so the beaches are now studded with large all-inclusive resorts.
In contrast, Holbox, while gaining in popularity, aims to maintain its laid-back character and avoid overdevelopment.
What’s Better, Tulum Or Holbox?
The truth is you really can’t go wrong with either of these amazing Mexican destinations.
Tulum offers a mix of Mayan ruins, cenotes, and a lively atmosphere, while Holbox is a laid-back island known for its beaches, wildlife, and relaxed vibe.
Tulum has a lot in the way of amenities and things to do while still maintaining a lot of authentic charm. Another big draw is Tulum’s proximity to nearby cities like Valladolid.
But if you are looking to escape the crowds and be a beach bum, I highly recommend booking a trip to Isla Holbox instead.
Tulum is nestled in the heart of Mexico’s tourist zone making it easy to spend a day in popular tourist areas such as Playa del Carmen and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere.
Isla Holbox on the other hand remains remarkably untouched by Mexico’s budding tourism scene.
One main difference we noticed from our experience visiting both locations was how accessible the beach was in Holbox.
In Tulum, it feels like the beaches are closed off to guests of the resorts or those spending big bucks at the beach clubs.
While getting to Isla Holbox may seem like a bit of a trek compared to Tulum, once you are there, you will feel more free to enjoy either the beach or the town.
Tulum felt a bit claustrophobic to us. To get to the beach you need to taxi, drive, or bike down a very narrow and congested one way road that is usually slow with traffic.
To get to Tulum town you have to make the annoying trek back. We didn’t feel very relaxed unless we were spending a couple of days just at the resort and not going anywhere.
For those traveling with little ones as a family, we suggest staying in a beach resort in Tulum for 2 to 3 nights to really feel relaxed as we did on our recent trip.
However, you should be prepared to spend quite a bit on accommodations and food. If you want a more hassle-free family vacation, we suggest you visit Holbox.
We stayed there for a few days and loved being able to stay on the beach at a very reasonable price and having the ability to walk to the town for food and shopping.
A feature that Isla Holbox offers that is not present in Tulum (or Riviera Maya in general) is the fact that you can see the sunset over the water.
Because of the geography of the location, the beach is facing slightly west over the Gulf of Mexico so the sunsets are amazing! You just won’t get this kind of sunset in Tulum.
FAQ: Tulum vs. Holbox
Is Holbox worth it in 2024?
The answer is ABSOLUTELY! That is if you’re looking more for a lazy beach vacation than a go-go-go adventure packed trip. Holbox remains a popular destination for its unique charm and attractions. Regardless of how many days you spent on Holbox, I highly recommend to visit.
Where is better than Tulum?
Depending on your preferences, alternatives could include Bacalar, Holbox, or other smaller towns along the Riviera Maya. We suggest visiting Isla Holbox to anyone wondering where to go instead of Tulum, especially families with small children.
What is better, Holbox or Bacalar?
When considering Isla Holbox versus Bacalar, both destinations offer stunning natural beauty and unique experiences. Holbox is an island with beaches and marine life, while Bacalar is a lagoon town known for its stunning freshwater lagoon.
Is Tulum nicer than Cancun?
Tulum and Cancun offer different experiences. Tulum is more bohemian and laid-back, while Cancun is known for its resorts and nightlife.
Is Holbox better than Cozumel?
Holbox and Cozumel are distinct. Holbox is more rustic and focused on nature, while Cozumel is known for its diving and cruise ship port.
How bad are mosquitoes in Holbox?
Mosquitoes can be present, especially during the rainy season.
Is it safe to walk around Holbox at night?
Holbox is generally safe, and walking around at night is usually fine.
Where can I go instead of Holbox?
Alternatives could include Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, or other less crowded beach destinations.
How many days in Tulum?
3-5 days is a good amount of time to explore Tulum’s attractions.
How do I get from Holbox to Tulum?
You can take a ferry from Holbox to Chiquila, then a bus or taxi to Tulum.
What is the easiest way to get to Holbox Island?
The easiest way is to fly to Cancun, then take a bus or taxi to Chiquila, and then the ferry to Holbox.
Where to sleep in Holbox?
Holbox offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to more upscale boutique hotels and villas.
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