Things to do in Holbox.

Take an ADO bus (or drive) to Chiquilá: from downtown Cancún it's about 2h35 and 398 pesos (2026), and the stop is a 5-minute walk from the pier. 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express take turns about every 30 minutes, and the ride is about 25 minutes (330 pesos one way on 9 Hermanos in 2025). The last boat off the island is Holbox Express at 8:30 pm; its last one over from Chiquilá is at 9:30 pm.

Whale sharks are Holbox's big draw from May to September, and July and August are the best months, when the season peaks. In the water it's 2 swimmers plus the guide at a time, no sunscreen, and at least 5 m (16 ft) of space.

Yes! The glowing plankton can show up from March to November, and it's best June to August, peaking in July. Head to Punta Cocos or Punta Mosquito on a moonless night, away from the town lights, and keep the flash off. You can look for it on your own, for free. Bring biodegradable repellent for the mosquitoes.

Holbox has almost no cars: the streets are unpaved, and people get around by bike, scooter or electric golf cart. Carts and bikes aren't allowed on the beaches or sandbars, and the town center is easy to walk.