Mexico has many beautiful beach destinations, but three islands often stand out: Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Holbox. Each offers a different experience, and choosing the right one depends on what kind of trip you’re looking for.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a small island located just 13 km from Cancun. It’s easily reached by ferry in about 20 minutes. The island is known for its relaxed vibe, beautiful beaches, and friendly locals. It’s perfect for a short day trip or a few nights.

Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres is one of the top-rated beaches in Mexico. It has soft sand, shallow waters, and calm waves. Great for families, couples, and solo travelers. Most beachgoers can walk right into the water and relax all day.

Best time to go to Isla Mujeres: Isla Mujeres is great year-round. High season is December to April. Summers are hotter, but good for fewer crowds. Hurricane season runs from June to November, but many days are still sunny and pleasant.

Cozumel

Cozumel is much larger and sits off the coast of Playa del Carmen. It’s famous for scuba diving and cruise ship visits. Getting there requires a ferry ride of around 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen. Cozumel has more infrastructure and is more developed.

Cozumel has many beach clubs and rocky shores. While not all beaches are great for swimming, some spots like Playa Palancar and Playa Mia are perfect. The coral reef near Cozumel makes it better for snorkeling than simple beach lounging.

Best time to go to Cozumel: Cozumel is busiest during winter and spring. Diving is good year-round, but visibility is best in the dry season. May to October is warm and humid, with fewer tourists and lower hotel rates.

Holbox

Holbox (pronounced “Hol-bosh”) is further north, located on the Yucatán Peninsula, about 2 hours by road from Cancun, followed by a 20-minute ferry. Holbox is a car-free island, known for its laid-back feel, shallow waters, and stunning sunsets.

Holbox offers wide beaches with fewer crowds. The sea is shallow for many meters out, making it ideal for wading and floating. Seaweed can sometimes be an issue, but its remote and peaceful beaches are a major draw for nature lovers.

Best time to go to Holbox: Visit Holbox from March to June for whale shark season and sunny weather. The rainy season runs from July to October, and streets may flood. Still, the bioluminescence during this time is magical and worth the trip.

Which island is best for you?

If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters, white sand, and relaxing under the sun, these islands are great choices. But they each have their own personality. In this guide, we’ll compare Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Holbox to help you decide.

Which island is best for you? Each island offers something different. If you want quick access, beautiful beaches, and an easy trip, choose Isla Mujeres. For diving, adventure, and variety, go with Cozumel. For a peaceful escape in nature, pick Holbox.

  • Choose Isla Mujeres for short trips, beach fun, and family time
  • Choose Cozumel for diving, exploring, and lively nightlife
  • Choose Holbox for peace, nature, and off-the-grid experiences

Whichever you choose, you’re sure to find sunshine, clear water, and the relaxed charm that makes Mexico’s islands so unforgettable.

What to do on Isla Mujeres

Besides the beach, Isla Mujeres has fun things to do. You can rent a golf cart and explore the island in a few hours. Visit Punta Sur for cliffside views and a lighthouse. Snorkel with tropical fish or take a boat tour to see the underwater museum (MUSA).

What to do on Cozumel

Cozumel is perfect for divers. The reefs here are world-famous. You can also snorkel, swim with stingrays, or explore the island’s nature parks like Chankanaab. Cozumel has a vibrant town center with restaurants, shops, and a local market.

What to do on Holbox

Holbox is about disconnecting and enjoying nature. It’s a great place to spot flamingos, swim with whale sharks (seasonal), or take a kayak through the mangroves. You can also see bioluminescence at night and enjoy the slow rhythm of the island.

Dining on Isla Mujeres: Isla Mujeres has great seafood and Mexican cuisine. Try fish tacos, ceviche, or a beachfront dinner at sunset. There are many small restaurants and bars, mostly around the northern end. It’s lively but not too loud.

Dining on Cozumel: Cozumel has both local eateries and international spots. You’ll find everything from street tacos to upscale dining. There’s also more nightlife here, especially near the cruise port. It’s the best of the three for variety and late-night fun.

Dining on Holbox: Holbox has charming cafes and beachfront bars. The food is mostly fresh and local, with a few creative restaurants offering fusion or vegan menus. Nights are quiet, with small beach bars playing soft music under the stars.

Where to stay on Isla Mujeres: Isla Mujeres has a range of hotels, from budget hostels to boutique beachfront resorts. Most places are within walking distance of Playa Norte or the town center. It’s ideal for a short, affordable getaway or a romantic weekend.

Where to stay on Cozumel: Cozumel offers large resorts, all-inclusives, and diving lodges. If you want comfort and more services, this is a good choice. Cozumel also has local guesthouses and Airbnbs, especially near San Miguel, the main town.

Where to stay on Holbox: Holbox has eco-hotels and boutique stays. Accommodations tend to be smaller and more charming. Many are located near the beach or within the sandy streets of the town. It’s popular with backpackers, digital nomads, and couples looking for quiet time.

Getting to Isla Mujeres: Take a ferry from Cancun, usually from Puerto Juarez. The ride is fast and runs often. Once on the island, rent a golf cart or walk. There are taxis, but most visitors enjoy exploring on foot or by cart.

Getting to Cozumel: From Playa del Carmen, take the Ultramar or Winjet ferry. Ferries run every hour. Cozumel has taxis, rental cars, and scooters. Because it’s a big island, renting a vehicle helps if you want to see more than just the town center.

Getting to Holbox: Reach Holbox by driving or taking a shuttle to the town of Chiquilá, then hopping on a ferry. Holbox has no cars—transport is by golf cart, taxis, or bikes. The roads are sandy and often flooded, so pack light and wear comfy shoes.

Isla Mujeres prices: Isla Mujeres is affordable, but has become more popular. Prices for food and hotels are fair, but can rise during peak season. Renting a golf cart adds to your cost, but it’s worth it for the experience.

Cozumel prices: Cozumel has something for every budget. From budget hostels to luxury resorts, you’ll find it all. Food and tours are reasonably priced. However, prices can increase when cruise ships dock, so plan ahead.

Holbox prices: Holbox used to be cheap, but it has become trendy. Now, prices are mid-range to high, especially for beachfront stays. Getting there also costs more due to its remote location. Still, it offers great value for those wanting something unique.