Which is the best (Mexico) Quintana Roo island for you?
- Mexico’s prettiest white sand beaches of Isla Mujeres?
- Clear waters (diving) along the quiet beaches of Cozumel?
- Hippie town beach bum vibes of Holbox?
These 3 islands in the eastern Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo offer a unique vibe from the others. Let’s find out which one fits your best.
Isla Mujeres
Beautiful beaches in an easily-accessible perfectly-sized island.
Isla Mujeres is a great island destination for all visitors in Mexico. It’s accessible (via ferry) only from Cancun, which is where most people fly into Mexico. And offers plenty to do and see. Enjoyable as a day trip, but best experienced as weekend. Many stay a whole week and love every minute of it. I highly recommend EVERYONE to visit Isla Mujeres. There’s no reason not to.
PROS of Isla Mujeres:
- Easy to access. Quick ferry from Cancun.
- Beautiful beaches. The most famous one is Playa Norte near the top edge with white sand, long referred to as the most beautiful beach in Mexico. (I’d have to agree, having been all over Mexico).
- Awesome beachfront accommodations. Nomads Hostel & Selina Hostel. They have private rooms if you need. Nomads is just magical, you have to stay there to appreciate. It’s in the secluded southern part of the island. Selina is super beautiful as well, and also conveniently. located in town.
- Perfect beach town size. Plenty of things to do, but without feeling like a big city.
- Easily accessible to many parts.
CONS of Isla Mujeres:
- Lacks nightlife. Tons of bars are available but not any proper clubs. But even most bars are dead around 12am unless you’re there during peak season. Your partying will likely be unofficial ones at your hostel or place of stay. Or whatever you find around town. With that said, nobody is bored during nights…especially if you’re at a nice spot on the beach. Again…I recommend NOMADS!
Cozumel
A clear-water diving destination for the perfect day tour.
Cozumel is often compared to Isla Mujeres, since they’re both next to each other. And on paper might seem like a bigger island with more things to do, however it’s actually not. Most of the island is a natural reserve and inaccessible. There’s really nothing to do there and I recommend you not to go unless you want to do scuba-diving or snorkeling. It’s super clear waters and underwater visibility is the only thing unique to that island IMO. Even 1 day-trip is enough. No need to even stay the night here.
PROS of Cozumel:
- Mexico’s premier diving destination. Great underwater visibility to see fish, starfish, and massive corals. This is for me the only reason to visit Cozumel. Everything else Cozumel has, you can find elsewhere.
- Fun to drive a car or golf cart around the island and find a beach spot. There are beaches all over the island and many don’t have much people throughout the year. Since nobody stays here. I think a car will get around faster/better since the island is big. Golf cart might be too slow.
CONS of Cozumel:
- Nothing to do or see. The town center is a touristy square with typical cheap tourist goods being sold. Nothing fancy, unique, or boutique-y is sold here. The whole island feels like a tourist trap in general.
Holbox
A hippie island for beach bums escaping civilization.
A fun off-the-beaten-path type of place catering to beach bums and people just looking to chill. It’s a very authentically raw and rustic roots vibe. Kind of like a more real version of Tulum. But without any fanciness whatsoever. Everyone here is bummy. A few days is enough to enjoy the relaxed vibes and explore nature. A week if you love it. Some people REALLY love it and stay months. Not for me, but I understand why.
PROS of Holbox:
- Authentic beach bum hippie vibe. (Hippie, not hipster.) Connect with people and nature, disconnect from civilization and cellphones. (Seriously, WIFI and cell connection can suck here.)
- Lots of nature. Beaches, mangroves, bioluminescent waters! Cool cool cool.
- Actually has nightlife, and clubs that go late. Good for all night partying, and drugs.
- Authentically chill relaxed vibe.
- Great location for surfing. Many surfers out here.
- There’s still tourists but it’s not touristy like Isla Mujeres and Holbox. Everyone coming here is looking for an authentic relaxed beach vibe. All restaurants, bars, cafes, feel super casual.
- Lots of young folks and young locals.
- Parties on the streets and beaches at night. Just buy beer and you’re ready to have fun.
- Cool boutiques and vendors selling unique stuff here. (Hippie vibe, remember?)
- Also super beautiful beaches. Depending on time of year and if you know which beaches to go to. Some people argue Holbox has nicer beaches than Isla Mujeres. And I wouldn’t argue against it. Holbox not only has super beautiful beaches but they can be really secluded and not have people like the ones on Isla Mujeres. The private beaches, like the ones used for kitesurfing, and unreal. Like something out of a movie. The one that you have to hike for an hour is also out-of-this-world amazing.
- Holbox is probably cheaper since it has more accommodation options.
CONS of Holbox:
- Undeveloped. Power cuts out. Lack of cell signal, crappy WIFI. Unpaved road. Everybody needs ATV taxi to go long distances. Or walk through mud. Some streets smell like sewer leakage.
- Cash-only inconvenience. Only 2 ATM machines on entire island and they run out of cash quickly (refilling only once/week) since many places only take cash…because their internet connection cuts out too much that they can’t reliably accept card payments.
- Harder to get to. Not conveniently near Cancun like the other 2, you’ll need a bus and then a ferry. Although this can be a good thing, too. It cuts down on those casual tourists.
Overall thoughts
Pick the beach vibe you want.
Cozumel is skippable, don’t go unless you want to dive. Isla Mujeres and Holbox have their own vibe, and nice things that any type of person would enjoy. Isla Mujeres is just easier to get to and beautiful, so no excuse not to stop by that one. Holbox is harder to get to, but once you reach it, can entertain a longer stay (as long as you like the vibe).