3 Best Hostels in Holbox, Mexico – Wild Pool Parties, Water Hammocks, and Crystal Clear Water

3 Best Hostels in Holbox, Mexico - Wild Pool Parties and Water Hammocks

Visit this island and enjoy the best hostels in Holbox. I promise you will LOVE IT! Holbox is a serious paradise. I spent my birthday here, cruising around the beaches in a tiny, pink golf cart, and had the time of my life.  This is why I poured a lot of passion into this specific guide to the coolest hostels Holbox has to offer.

If you are backpacking around Mexico and looking for a place to relax while enjoying the Caribbean flair, then we have the right place for you – Holbox.

With its colorful buildings, laid-back vibes, tropical charm, and beautiful beaches, it is a must-visit place in the country! 

Our favorite hostels in Holbox are:

  1. Tribu Hostel - best for Backpackers
  2. Che Holbox Hostel & Bar Adults Only - best for Party Travelers
  3. Mapache Hostel - best for Solo travelers

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

Holbox is the best-kept secret of Mexico, giving travelers a chance to relax on white sand beaches and listen to the sound of crashing waves without hoards of the crowd.

The main objective of our article is to provide you with insights about this beautiful island, along with our preferred choice of best hostels in Holbox for your comfortable and affordable stay.

But before we dig deeper and share our hostel recommendations, let’s give you more information about this place. Holbox is located north of the Yucatan Peninsula and features dense jungles, secluded lagoons, broad sanded streets, cozy hammocks, and shallow turquoise water.

The little Caribbean island’s name comes from the Mayan language and means “Black Hole.” As you reach it, you won’t hear any disturbing vehicle sounds, as the only means of transportation are bikes, scooters, and golf carts.

You will experience a long coast with crystal turquoise water and palm trees stretching as far as you can see!

The good news is that this hidden gem is still not overrun by tourists and has maintained its laid-back charm and friendly backpacker vibe. This means that you can escape the crowd of bustling cities and looming tourist hotels.

To make this experience more meaningful and memorable, we have researched and prepared a list of the best hostels in Holbox. Let’s review these in detail and learn more about what they have to offer!

Make sure you also check our larger guide to the best hostels in Mexico. If you’re traveling in the surrounding region, we also recommend checking out the best hostels in Tulum and top hostels in Cancun in particular.

This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…

  • are tired of crappy hostels!
  • want a social Hostel to actually meet people
  • are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience

What we cover in this article?

  • cheapest hostels in Holbox
  • best hostels in Holbox for solo traveler
  • fun party hostels in Holbox
  • discounts and promo codes
  • How to book?
  • All hostel and sights on a map
  • Flights
  • You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.

    Quick Introduction to Holbox

    Average price for a bed: Hostels in Holbox cost $19 – $35 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average price of $95. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.

    Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.

    Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later.

    Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

    Food: Enjoy the local cuisine – There is no shortage of restaurants in town around the central market square. Several restaurants and bars are running promo deals, so you can easily find a place to try some of the characteristic dishes for this area.

    Beach: Enjoy the beach life – Holbox is the best place for living the ultimate beach life. Getting there won’t be an issue if you live close to the beach, as all beaches are just a short walk from your accommodation, no matter where you stay.

    You will find less crowded and natural beaches towards Punta Cocos. Sunsets here are particularly noteworthy.

    Water hammocks: Chill and relax in a water hammock – Water hammocks have become the thing Holbox is especially known for. These can be found at several places on and around the island, but the most popular are in front of Carolinda beach club.

    Street art: Look for some amazing art – It is one of the best budget-friendly activities to do in Holbox. As you wander through the rustic town, you can check out all the fantastic colorful street art.

    Getting around Holbox: The island is small and basically you can walk anywhere. However, there are plenty of bike rentals and even golf cart rentals. The golf carts are epic. Remember to negotiate a price, we paid around $40 for a day. The golf cart fits 4 to 5 people, so it gets really cheap when sharing.

    🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:

    The 3 Best Hostels in Holbox are …

    Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Holbox.

    1. Tribu Hostel – best for Backpackers
    2. Che Holbox Hostel & Bar Adults Only – best for Party Travelers
    3. Mapache Hostel – best for Solo travelers

    These are our favorite hostels in Holbox. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.

    Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
    🦸 Solo Traveler: Mapache Hostel
    🙎‍♀️Female Solo Traveler: Tribu Hostel
    🥳 Party Hostel:Che Holbox Hostel & Bar Adults Only
    👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads: Mapache Hostel
    🎒 for Backpacker:Tribu Hostel

    1. Tribu Hostel

    Of the hundreds of accommodations, Tribu Hostel is one of the best hostels in Holbox. This beautiful and colorful hostel is located 50 meters from the beach and is approximately a 10 minutes walk from the ferry docks and all convenience stores.

    The owners are lovely and do their best to provide a comfortable and relaxing stay whenever you are here.

    As travelers themselves, they deeply understand your expectations and have crafted this fantastic hub that reflects every backpacker’s needs.

    Tribu Hostel offers a garden with hammocks and a roof terrace overlooking the island. The rooms are spacious and feature ensuite bathrooms and wooden bunk beds.

    The hostel gives an artistic feel and a welcoming vibe, as the owners have tried to make it look earthy and tribal.

    Book Tribu Hostel here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

    Tribu Hostel Bar

    There is an abundance of common spaces for guests to spend their free time. A kitchen is provided in the upstairs region and is well supplied with cookware and groceries. It’s large enough so that many people can cook at one time.

    There is also a dining space with tables on the balcony just outside the kitchen, where people can spend their time socializing.
    The ground area has a lot of hammocks where you can sit, relax and enjoy.

    The hostel also has a cocktail bar facility, which is usually full of people during the peak season.

    You can rent bicycles, and they also run kayaking tours through the lagoon, which is a great way to experience the amazing wildlife.

    The social environment at Tribu hostel is excellent, and if you love mingling with new people, socializing, and enjoying your life as a local on Holbox, this is the perfect place for that!

    This is the best hostel in Holbox for:

    • Backpackers
    • Solo Female Travelers
    Book Tribu Hostel here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

    Tribu Hostel Dorms Tribu Hostel

    Tribu Hostel Yoga

    2. Che Holbox Hostel & Bar Adults Only

    Che Holbox Hostel & Bar Adults Only is a party hostel in Holbox where you can indulge in social activities while sporadically getting offered free shots and cocktails throughout the day. You can also opt to relax near the pool in total tranquility. 

    Here, you’ll never run out of things or people to meet, but you’ll be glad to note that the music stops at midnight to allow guests to spend a quiet and restful night after a day of fun. 

    The interiors reflect Holbox’s overall atmosphere, with characteristic colorful murals and staff walking around barefoot, promoting a connection with nature.

    We really like the daily activities they organize, as every day brings something new and exciting, from delicious BBQ nights to great games, beer pong tournaments, roulette wheels with dares, and a variety of themed parties.

    If you prefer heading out, they will even show you around the best local venues and bars.

    As for the facilities, they are as exceptional as the overall atmosphere: 

    • Restaurant
    • Bar
    • Shared lounge
    • Garden
    • Pool
    • Terrace

    Location-wise, this one is not in the middle of the city center, but Holbox is such a small island that you’ll only need to walk for around 5-10 minutes before you reach the main area or the beach.

    This is the best hostel in Holbox for:

    • Party-lovers
    Book Che Holbox Hostel & Bar Adults Only here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

    Che Holbox Hostel & Bar Adults Only Rooftop Che Holbox Hostel & Bar Adults Only Pool Che Holbox Hostel & Bar Adults Only Common area Che Holbox Hostel & Bar Adults Only BBQ

    3. Mapache Hostel

    Mapache Hostel is a small yet beautiful hostel featuring the most amazing garden on Holbox island. It’s conveniently located and is just a 10-minute walk from the ferry port. The property is located within 3 km of Punta Coco and features a shared lounge, garden, and barbecue facilities.

    Many travelers claim this to be the accommodation with the fastest internet connection and the only one offering free breakfast included in the room rate.

    If you are interested in outdoor activities, the staff can help you rent a bike and organize boat tours. You will be able to see the famous whale sharks or the three islands within the nature reserve of Yum Balam! Epic, right?

    The hostel offers eight-bed dormitories with air conditioning, hot showers, comfortable mattresses and fans, spacious tents with air mattresses and fans, and glamping tipis for privacy.

    In addition, it also offers two private rooms – one double room and one triple room with kitchen amenities. There is a fully equipped communal kitchen, book exchange services, laundry services, and a garden area for you to relax and enjoy in the company of fellow backpackers!

    Overall, the hostel provides a wide range of conveniences to ensure you have a great and comfortable stay. The warm hospitality and lovely ambiance will make your stay on Holbox island unforgettable.

    So, if you are looking for a conveniently located hostel that offers a social-friendly and relaxing stay, look no further than Mapache hostel.

    This is the best hostel in Holbox for:

    • Solo travelers
    • Digital Nomads
    Book Mapache Hostel here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

    Mapache Hostel outdoors

    Mapache Hostel dorms

    Best Hostels in Holbox for Solo Travelers? 

    The best hotel in Holbox for Solo travelers is Mapache Hostel because it provides all the amenities and facilities you’d want as someone who’s traveling alone.

    You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to meet other people and go on activities and tours with them.

    The staff are also super warm and friendly and will ensure you have a great and memorable stay.

    Book Mapache Hostel here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

    Mapache Hostel tents

    Best Party Hostels in Holbox?

    The best party hostel in Holbox has to be Che Holbox Hostel & Bar Adults Only because of the number of parties, events, and social activities they host and create on a daily basis.

    Here, you’ll get free shots, cocktails, and various events to pick from.

    While the music cuts at midnight, the majority of travelers and staff tend to head out to bars and clubs after that, so you’ll always have something to do, somewhere to go, and someone to go with. 

    Book Che Holbox Hostel & Bar Adults Only here

    Check prices at:
    Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

    What about the cheapest hostels in Holbox?

    Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Holbox.

    1. Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Holbox
    2. add your dates
    3. Order the listings by price

    Simple as that.

    Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.

    Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.

    Any Discounts?

    You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.

    It is completely free to join!

    How to book?

    The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.

    We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.

    Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld

    We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Holbox best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

    The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.

    Download the Hostelworld App here

    QR Code to Download your Hostelworld app with one scan
    Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!

    The best way to find hostels: Hostelgeeks website and Hostelworld App

    Need an eSIM Card for Holbox?

    Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.

    No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.

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    Need an eSIM Card for Holbox?

    Our Favorite Hostels in Holbox put on a map + sights

    We put all the best hostels in Holbox on a map to help you out with planning your trip.

    We personally love using maps to research the things to do and see in the countries we visit. We also included a few notable sights in Holbox to help you get started if you want to do the same.

    Any questions about hostels in Holbox? 🤔

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    Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥

    FAQs

    Here we share with you the most asked question:

    Flights to Holbox?

    Holbox has no airport and you will need to take a boat here. The nearest Airport is Cancún. Here you can find cheap flights to coming from Europe and the US.

    We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.

    Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.

    Our Step-by-Step Guide to Skyscanner

    review of Skyscanner flight searches

    We created more handwritten hostel guides for you.

    Party Hostels:

    Surf Hostels:

    You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels here.

    We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.

    Over to you

    Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!

    Your question will help us to improve this Holbox guide.

    Last note: Our commitment

    This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.

    Safe travels,
    The Hostelgeeks

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