Holbox low season hotel rates fall 50% as occupancy dips to 50% in June. Discover sargassum-free beaches, whale shark season, and why now is the right time to visit Holbox Island.
Holbox Island kicks off June with noticeable drops in both occupancy and average nightly rates, according to Christian Stenta, president of the Holbox Hotel Association. After holding steady at around 75% occupancy during the first five months of 2025, hotels now expect occupancy to hover near 50% this month. That shift has driven average room rates down by up to 50% compared with peak season prices.
Stenta points out that June typically signals the start of a quieter stretch on the island. “You can take advantage of a natural and sustainable setting at a very attractive price, and why not take part in whale shark season to enjoy this incredible experience on Holbox Island,” he said. By offering these steep discounts, hoteliers aim to draw in travelers who would otherwise avoid island destinations during low season.
One major selling point is Holbox’s freedom from sargassum. Large masses of seaweed that frequently affect nearby Cancun and the Riviera Maya do not reach Holbox’s shores. Cabo Catoche, at the northern tip of the peninsula, acts as a natural barrier that keeps sargassum from drifting into Holbox’s clear waters. That makes Holbox an appealing June option for visitors looking to avoid seaweed-clogged beaches elsewhere on the Yucatán coast.
Despite this advantage, hotel leaders acknowledge that June kicks off the island’s off-peak stretch. During January through May, average occupancy reached as high as 75%. That figure is projected to drop by roughly 25 percentage points in June, settling around 50%. Tourist traffic usually starts to pick up again in July and peaks in December and January, when North American and European travelers escape winter weather.
Rather than see the slowdown as a setback, many hotel owners and staff use June and July to perform maintenance, updates, and staff training. “It’s common for hoteliers to take this slow period to upgrade facilities and give employees a few days off,” Stenta explained. As a result, guest rooms often receive deep cleaning and repairs during these months, ensuring that properties reopen in top condition for busier periods.
Meanwhile, Holbox remains a prime destination for whale shark encounters. The whale shark season in Holbox runs from June through September, drawing thousands of visitors who seek the chance to swim or dive alongside these gentle giants. Tour operators still report strong interest in guided outings, particularly in June when the water is calm and clear. Local biologists estimate that Holbox draws more than 40,000 visitors specifically for whale shark tours each season, with June accounting for a significant share.
Hoteliers view whale shark watching as a vital offset to slower overall occupancy. “Even though hotel bookings dip, many travelers arrive for whale shark tours,” Stenta said. He noted that tour operators partner with hotels to offer packaged deals that include guided boat trips, meals, and lodging at reduced rates. These bundles allow travelers to save up to 60% compared with peak-season pricing, while ensuring a steady flow of business to local businesses.
Tourism figures from the Quintana Roo Tourism Secretariat reflect Holbox’s growing appeal. Between January and August 2024, the island welcomed over 363,000 visitors. Those numbers helped Holbox claim first place among North America’s best islands in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. That distinction has sparked international press coverage, further boosting the island’s profile as a low-impact, eco-friendly destination.
Still, these accolades have not eliminated seasonality. Holbox counts 2,282 hotel rooms on the island itself, plus another 96 rooms in Kantunilkín, in the northern municipality of Lázaro Cárdenas. During peak holiday periods, those rooms fill up quickly, and rates climb as travelers scramble to secure lodging. But June’s 50% drop in average nightly rates makes the island accessible to more budget-conscious travelers.
At present, a standard double room on Holbox can be found for roughly MXN 1,200 per night (about USD 70), compared with as much as MXN 2,400 (USD 140) during high season. For families and solo travelers alike, that lower pricing gives them a chance to experience Holbox’s laid-back vibe, its white sand beaches, and its famed bioluminescent waters at a fraction of the usual cost.
Local restaurant owners and activity operators also feel the pinch of lower tourism numbers. However, many have begun to adjust by offering seasonal menus and bundled deals. Beachfront palapas that once required minimum spends of MXN 500 now waive those requirements if guests book an additional service—such as a guided fishing trip or a yoga class on the beach. By tuning offers to June’s smaller visitor base, businesses aim to maintain cash flow until the high season resumes.
Some long-time Holbox residents say the June lull even provides an opportunity to experience the island on more local terms. “In high season, it’s hard to find an empty beach or a quiet restaurant,” said Mariana Gómez, a local artisan who sells handcrafted hammocks. “Now, visitors can walk the whole beach without crowds, chat with fishermen, and really feel the island’s culture.”
That quieter atmosphere also benefits wildlife. Fewer boats mean less noise in the lagoon channels where flamingos and other birds feed. Beach nests for loggerhead turtles face lower risk from human disturbance during these months. Environmental groups coordinate with hoteliers to conduct beach clean-ups and wildlife monitoring, taking advantage of the slower pace to deepen conservation efforts.
Despite the lull, local officials remain optimistic about growth. The municipality of Lázaro Cárdenas has invested in improving access roads and renovating the primary ferry docks to expedite arrivals. Plans include adding a small parking lot on the mainland side to reduce bottlenecks during peak times. Officials hope that these upgrades, combined with the island’s reputation as a clean, eco-friendly spot, will encourage return visits.
