First curated and created on the ground by Bethany Walker – Linkedin | May 2025
Coming up: Four of the best places to stay in Holbox for solo travellers. Covering budget, mid-price, boujee and even something for digital nomad travellers.
Bethany: “I think I found the best Tacos in Holbox“
If you’re heading to Cancun or Tulum soon, do yourself a favour and put this place on your list. It’s a 2-hour drive from Cancun to Chiquila, and from Chiquila, it’s just a short ferry ride over the water to Holbox, an idyllic, sandbar island with white beaches, turquoise water and palm trees (honestly, it looks just like a postcard).
Possible Winner: Che Hostel for solo travellers who like to party
Best Neighbourhood: For solo travellers? It’s not that big a place, but this may help. Learn more.
Jump to: Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | Digital nomads
The main areas of Holbox
Holbox doesn’t have distinct areas or neighbourhoods; all of the places to stay are clustered around the western end of the island, though some are more central and some are further out. Attaching a photo here to illustrate my point.
Zooming in on the livable section, it’s about a 1-hour walk from one end of the island to the other end of the ‘safe zone’. Important to note that I said walk. There are no cars here, so be prepared to travel on foot (unless you want to be boujee and hire a golf cart to chauffeur you everywhere).
The busiest section of the island is the grey and yellow area on the map, so if you’re adverse to walking, you’ll probably want to stay around there.
If you’re reading this, I’m going to assume you haven’t travelled to Holbox yet. I have, so I’ve got that on you. I’ve also helped my mum plan a minibreak here with her best friend, though the advice I give you is going to be pretty different to what I told her.
I’ve also stayed at some of the places on this list, and I have friends who have stayed at the others, so these are first-hand recommendations. Not just random places I found online and decided to write about…
Somewhere with a good blend of social mixing and sit back and relax. What level of social mixing you like is pretty personal.
When I was in my early 20s, I was all over the beer pong tournaments and white parties. Now, trivia nights and card games are more up my street (yep, old before my time). There’s a mix of both of these styles on this list.
A big, heartless hotel with absolutely no chance of meeting people. You might have a beautiful room and a huge pool overlooking the sunset, but chances are you’ll be the odd one out in a hotel full of couples on romantic weekend trips. Or, you’ll bump into my mum and her mate on their 10th margarita of the day at 1 in the afternoon.
The part of Holbox which is developed is pretty small, so there’s not necessarily a “best part”. But, as I said earlier, it is still an hour’s walk from end to end of the main tourist section.
Whilst the island is, on the whole, pretty safe, you probably don’t want to be doing that walk at night, alone, in the dark (especially after a few drinks). There are no streetlights, so it can be pretty sketchy with things rustling in the bushes (animals, not humans, I’m sure).
Also, in the rainy season, which is June to October, there will be heavy rainfall (obviously, bear with me here). Because the roads are just made of compacted sand, they do get very flooded, up to even knee-height in places. You don’t want to be tackling that in the middle of the night. Not just because you’ll get wet, but because who knows how long that water’s been sitting there… and what’s living in it.
Travelling alone is a really brave thing to do, but you may not always want to be on your own. If that sounds like you, then you may find this guide below super helpful.
How to make friends when travelling solo
Quick tip: Stay in a hostel or try a group excursion run by one. You will quickly rub shoulders with likeminded people.
Holbox Travel Safety
Where the quiet Isla Holbox is so heavily dependent on tourism and has fostered a more peaceful nightlife industry, crime rates are very low compared to the rest of Mexico. This also means anti-social behaviour is pretty non-existent too. People come here for the zen not the zambuca, so you’re pretty safe.
If you want a trusted third party resource for safety information, then you could check out the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Mexico Guidance.
Top solo travel-friendly places to stay in Holbox
On to the list you’ve been waiting for, four of the best places to stay in Holbox for solo travellers. This list is broken down into budget, mid-range, luxury and best for digital nomads.
One thing to note, there isn’t a huge range of places to stay in Holbox. If you look at Booking.com you’ll see plenty of hotels, but there aren’t tonnes of hostels. So, all the more reason to take my advice and book one of these tried and tested options.
Best budget solo traveller option in Holbox
Amongst the more affordable options of places to stay in Holbox, this one’s my favourite.
#1: Skycamp Camping
Best for: Solo travellers who are budget-conscious and happy to sleep semi-outdoors.
Skycamp is toward the Punta Cocos end of the island, surrounded by nature and just steps away from the beach.
The accommodation is basic, two-level wooden huts with a tent on the top floor and a place to sit on the bottom floor, but for the price you pay, I’d say it’s good value for money. There’s a shared kitchen and shared bathrooms (both are kept very clean), plus communal areas and regular campfires.
Why stay here?
- You want to go back to basics and not spend too much.
- You’re a deep sleeper and you don’t mind the open-air vibe, with the occasional raccoon rustling around you in the middle of the night.
- You’d rather be on the quieter side of the island (more raccoons but fewer people).
What’s around?
Word of warning, you are a 30-minute walk from the ferry drop-off point. There’s plenty around Skycamp (restaurants, shops, and direct beach access), but you’re not right in the middle of it.
When we arrived here, it was already getting dark, I’d grossly overpacked, the roads were flooded, and by the end of the walk there, I was basically one big mosquito bite. Use some of the money you save on accommodation towards a golf buggy, if you want to learn from my mistake.
What’s the solo vibe like?
Whilst there’s no bar, beer pong, or spin the wheel challenges, there’s still a good solo vibe at Skycamp. Granted, that vibe is more guitar sessions and chess around the campfire, but it’s refreshing, and the people who stay there are very friendly and keen to chat.
The numbers
- Price per night: From 500 MXN (£19) for a 2-person tent (so you’ll get a whole double bed to yourself).
- Address: Calle Cherna Manzana 0101 Predio 005, Zona 002, 77310 Holbox, Q.R.
- Overall stars: 4.7 – Google; 8.4 – Booking; 7.8 – Hostelworld
View Prices: Hostelworld | Booking
Check Best Rates Seen View MoreBest mid-range place to stay in Holbox
If you have a little more to spend on your travels but still want to rein in your spending, then our best pick for mid range accommodation in Holbox is a definite winner.
#2 Tribu Hostel
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/tribuhostel/
Best for: Solo travellers who are past their days of pool parties and ‘pass the ice cube’ games.
It’s still a hostel, still social, just a little tamer, a little older, and a little more authentic.
Group activities are Margarita-making classes, art sessions and open mic nights, not spin the wheel and truth or dare.
The hostel has both 8-bed and 10-bed dorms, with female-only options too. Plus, there are private rooms, though these will set you back 1300 MXN (just over £50) per night.
Solo vibe
There’s something for everyone at Tribu, so you’re bound to meet ‘your people’. Activities include:
- Free yoga
- Slackline sessions
- Volleyball
- Open mic nights
- Breathwork and sound baths
- BBQ nights
- Group walks
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be glad to know not everything revolves around alcohol, which is always a breath of fresh air when it comes to hostel accommodation. Whilst there’s no pool, there are plenty of chill-out areas, including a bar and a common room.
Why stay here?
- You want to meet people, but ‘down a shot or jump in the pool naked’ isn’t your style.
- You’re looking for a traditional, Caribbean island experience with hammocks, palm-tree roofs and salsa classes.
- You’re not bothered about lounging by the pool as long as you have the beach nearby.
What’s around?
You’re still in the middle of the action here, just slightly further away from the ferry (a 15-minute walk). You’re not far from Hot Corner, which is a great bar/restaurant that has people spilling out onto the street most nights, with live music playing and plenty of salsa dancing going on.
- Price per night: 610 MXN (£23) for a single bed in a 10-bed mixed dorm – not cheap considering another 9 people are bunking with you.
- Address: Av. Pedro Joaquín Coldwell Mz.19 Lt 6, 77310 Isla Holbox, Q.R.
- Star rating: 4.5 – Google; 9.2 – Hostelworld; 8.9 – Booking
Best luxury solo travel stay in Holbox:
You’ve avoided spending a ton of pesos in Playa Del Carmen’s bars and decided to treat yourself. Here’s where I’d suggest you go.
#3 Luna y Sol Glamping
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/lunaysol_holbox/
Best for: You want to stay somewhere on the boujee end of the scale, but that’s still a bit social.
If my using ‘luxury’ and ‘glamping’ in the same sentence is giving you Fyre Festival alarm bells, hang on a minute. These glamping huts are actually nice, they’re actually called ‘cabanas’, not huts. They’ve got proper doors, windows, mattresses and electricity, too.
Solo vibe
This is the only downside; the solo vibe here isn’t as good as most of the other places on this list.
There are common areas like a cute little pool, a very Instagram-worthy kitchen, and a roof terrace, but it doesn’t have that social hostel vibe. But, I didn’t want to go ‘too luxury’ with the price here. If you’re happy to spend a lot more, but you still want your private space and to meet people, maybe go for a private room at Che or Tribu.
Why stay here?
- You want a whole double bed to yourself, but don’t want to fork out 2500 MXN+ for a private room in a hostel.
- You want to be in the main area of town, halfway between the beach and the busy bar/restaurant area.
- You want luxury with money to spare
What’s around?
You’re just one block away from the animal shelter, which you can visit morning and evening to walk dogs. On top of that, you’re right in the busy area of Holbox, surrounded by bars, restaurants and cafes.
- Price per night: 850 MXN (£33) for a double-bed cabana.
- Address: Avenida Damero esquina con calle Lisa S/N, Isla, 77310 Holbox, Q.R.
- Star rating: 4.9 – Google; 9.2 – Booking
Best places to stay for digital nomads
Holbox, as does much of the Yucatan Peninsula, finds itself attracting a lot of digital nomads. Popular in the web 3 world and for travel industry workers who can all work from a laptop; you’ll find meetup groups and a host of kindred spirits working remotely in the area.
(Editor: I spent a month in Tulum and the same in PdC doing this – it’s practically a pilgimage! 😂)
If you’re thinking about where to work while travelling solo in Holbox and want somewhere that gives you the best of both worlds, you should check out Che.
#4 Che Hostel
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/chehostels/
Best for: A more traditional (Ie: more party), solo traveller experience, at a reasonable price, with good places to do some work (if you can tear yourself away from the pool).
Che Hostel is pretty much exactly what you imagine when you think backpacker hostel. It’s got private and dorm rooms, a bar, a great pool, table tennis, and common areas like games rooms.
It’s super social with loads of activities to get involved in, including beer pong, karaoke and family dinners. They have a couple of social butterflies working there who are responsible for encouraging people to get involved in the fun (though not pushy at all).
Solo vibe
Put it this way, you won’t be solo for long. This is one of those hostels where anyone alone is quickly pulled into a group. Of course, the booze and ice-breakers help, but it’s not all about the alcohol; some wholesome things are going on too.
Best of all, there’s an actual coworking area. Not just a table in the bar, but a proper coworking room with big desks and comfy chairs.
Why stay here?
- You want a traditional, solo backpacker experience in a social hostel.
- You want to be in the main busy area of Holbox, in the middle of the action (most of which happens at Che).
- You want to party hard and work hardish.
What’s around?
First off, you are a 2-minute walk from the ferry port, so as soon as you arrive, you can dump your bags and get stuck in. You’re also in the main, busy area of the island where most of the bars, restaurants and shops are, so you’re never a far walk from some fish tacos.
- Price per night average: From 450 MXN (£17) for a single bed in a 10-bed mixed dorm.
- Address: Avenida Carito Xcaret, 77310 Holbox, Q.R.
- Star rating: 4.4 – Google; 8.3 – Booking; 8.7 – Hostelworld
View prices: Booking | Hostelworld
Check Best Rates Seen View More#AD: Slightly unrelated – but related. Looking for a ready made group of friends? Try G Adventures solo-ish group trips linked below.
SOLO TOUR DEALS: Up to 25% Off Solo-ish Tour Deals – G AdventuresTime to check out
And that’s it, where to stay in Holbox if you’re a solo traveller, whatever your budget.
Best for budget travellers: Skycamp camping, cheap, cheerful, friendly guests and wholesome vibes.
Best for the best of both: Tribu hostel. A good mix of party and peaceful activities, plus plenty of social areas.
Best for boujee travellers: Luna y Sol. Get your own, private cabana for a very fair price, but maybe don’t meet as many people.
Best for digital nomads: Che hostel. Slightly strange that the best place for partying is also the best place for working, but there we are!
Thanks for reading; thanks for supporting us by getting this far and most importantly, enjoy Holbox. If you’ve got a deep knowledge of a location like our writers and fancy your writing abilites, then get in touch as we are always on the lookout for more locally based writers.
NEXT UP: Mexico 3 Week Itinerary