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Things to do in Isla Holbox

Our most recommended things to do in Isla Holbox

Holbox: Guided Sunrise Kayak Tour through Mangrove Reserve

1. Holbox: Guided Sunrise Kayak Tour through Mangrove Reserve

Search for local flora and fauna as you kayak through the Holbox mangrove reserve on a guided tour. Glide over the water with high-quality kayaking gear on this tour that is suitable for all levels. Take in the wildlife in the morning atmosphere on this sunrise tour.  Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in Holbox a golf cart. Transfer to your kayaking departure point. Listen to a brief introduction to the area you will be kayaking in and get some safety tips that will help you to feel confident in the water.  Hop aboard and set off on an adventure thorugh the mangroves. Feel the warmth of the sunrise and admire its crisp glow. Look for wildlife while they are most active like flamingos, osprey, pelicans, cormorants, and even crocodiles.

Holbox: Guided Horseback Ride on the Beach

2. Holbox: Guided Horseback Ride on the Beach

Get to know the island of Holbox on horseback with the help of a guide. You'll ride across the beaches and through mangrove forests to get a unique insight into the natural beauty of the Caribbean island. After meeting your guide and the friendly horses at the base, you'll receive instruction on how to ride your horse safely if you need it. Then, set off on your guided ride, starting on the white sands of Holbox beach. Admire the dazzling turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico as you trot along the coast. Next, head through the nearby mangroves and marvel at the diverse natural beauty of the island. Keep an eye out for wildlife like flamingos in their natural habitat. Take in the spectacular views of the island before heading back to the base.

Holbox: Stars and Bioluminescent Marine Life Kayaking Tour

3. Holbox: Stars and Bioluminescent Marine Life Kayaking Tour

Cruise along the coast of Holbox by kayak while observing constellations and shooting stars. Swim in the water and enjoy the unique experience of seeing neon-blue bioluminescent plankton up close. Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in downtown Holbox and relax on the drive to the launching point for your tour. Get set up with your high-quality kayaking gear before embarking on your nighttime adventure. Glide over the water and listen to the sound of the water lapping the shore. Look up to see the stars in this area where the light pollution is low and see the stars reflecting off the water. Learn about the constellations you see, spot your own zodiac constellation depending on the month, and see 3-5 planets. Listen as your guide tells you about the local ecosystem before reaching the sandbanks and going for a dip in the sea. Particularly in the spring and summer, witness the bioluminescent plankton glow as it senses your movement in the water. Marvel as this outlines your body with a magic light. Return to your accommodation in downtown Holbox at the end of your tour.

From Cancún/Playa del Carmen: Holbox Island Tour

4. From Cancún/Playa del Carmen: Holbox Island Tour

Discover the natural scenery of a remote island paradise. You’ll be wowed by the untouched beauty with a boat tour of the main Holbox attractions. Enjoy free time to stroll the sandy streets and one of the best beaches in the Mexican Caribbean. Begin with an early morning pickup in comfortable air-conditioned transportation. You’ll be welcomed by your friendly bilingual guide and driver as you make the journey to the port of Chiquila on the mainland of the Yucatan Peninsula. Next, board a boat and take in beautiful views of Holbox Island and its colorful houses. At the port of Holbox, enjoy your lunch before taking a tour of Holbox Island. Your guide will share tales of history, culture and folklore of the island. Look for wildlife in the protected area. Visit Punta Mosquito and Isla Pasion (Passion Island) to enjoy its shallow waters and marvel at its white sand beach before concluding your tour.

From Riviera Maya: Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch

5. From Riviera Maya: Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch

Wander the picturesque streets, take a swim in the clear water, and visit the YalahauCenote (lagoon) in this full-day excursion to the Island of Holbox.   The day begins with pickup from select hotels in the Riviera Maya, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, where guests will travel in an air-conditioned van to this secluded island on the north coast. Board a small boat that will take you to the island and spend the day exploring the small streets and pristine beaches.    

Riviera Maya: Holbox Island Full-Day Trip with Lunch

6. Riviera Maya: Holbox Island Full-Day Trip with Lunch

Cruise to Holbox Island on this day trip with hotel pickup from select Riviera Maya locations. Uncover the rich biodiversity of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve on a boat tour with a local fisherman. Visit Isla Pasion and search for local wildlife, and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.  Be picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in Riviera Maya. Take in the views on the transfer in an air-conditioned van. Arrive at the port of Chiquila and board a private boat with a local fisherman.  Navigate through the Yum Balam Nature Reserve where over 300 different species of birds live freely. Look for whitehead eagles, cormorants, flamingos, and ducks as you cross a lagoon to Isla Pasion. Head to the main harbor on Holbox island and enjoy a mini tour. Fill up with some mouth-watering local fare at a restaurant. Sip on a soft drink or water with your meal. Have some free time to explore the fishing village or chill out at the beach before returning to your accommodation. 

From Cancun or Puerto Morelos: Holbox Boat Tour with Lunch

7. From Cancun or Puerto Morelos: Holbox Boat Tour with Lunch

Wander the picturesque streets, take a swim in the clear water, and visit the YalahauCenote (lagoon) in this full-day excursion to the Island of Holbox.   The day begins with pickup from select hotels in Cancun and Puerto Morelos, where guests will travel in an air-conditioned van to this secluded island on the north coast. Board a small boat that will take you to the island and spend the day exploring the small streets and pristine beaches. Discover through a boat tour its paradisiacal and quiet beaches, surrounded by amazing natural views and extensive sandbanks. Free time to walk the picturesque streets of the island, its murals or enjoy its beaches. Choose and enjoy a select menu accompanied by a delicious water of the day. Refresh yourself in the crystal clear waters of Laguna Yalahau. Visit Passion Island, enjoy free time on the sand bars at Secret Beach. Reach Holbox Island for more free time and lunch in a restaurant, then stop by Yalahau Lagoon.

Private Luxury Transfer from Cancun Airport to Chiquila Port

8. Private Luxury Transfer from Cancun Airport to Chiquila Port

Enjoy exclusive transportation from Cancun International Airport (CUN) to the paradisiacal island of Holbox, aboard a luxury Mercedes Benz vehicle. Don't waste time on your vacation in a shared shuttle that makes many stops before you get to your destination. A Mercedes Benz deluxe vehicle will take you directly to the port of Chiquila, where you can buy your tickets to take the ferry to the beautiful tropical island of Holbox in the Caribbean. Experienced bilingual drivers will greet you and assist with baggage handling. A cold bottle of water and free Wi-Fi service will be provided. A car can carry up to 3 passengers, a van can carry up to 7 passengers. Vehicles depart 24 hours a day, all year, including holidays.

From Playa del Carmen or Cancun: Swim with Whale Sharks

9. From Playa del Carmen or Cancun: Swim with Whale Sharks

Swim with the mighty whale sharks off the coast of Cancun on this guided boat trip. Be surrounded by these massive creatures, learn about their behavior, and enjoy a hearty lunch after your swim. Start with pickup from your hotel and then hop on a small powerboat from Cancun. The conservation and protection of the area is of top concern so the number of visitors is limited every day and you can only swim with whale sharks with a certified captain and expert guides. Your guide will teach you how to swim with whale sharks in Cancun with instructions that ensure you maximize your experience while causing no harm to the delicate ecosystem. Swim with the whale sharks as many times as you wish during a 3-hour stay in the area. Professional guides will make sure you feel safe and you have the best possible views of the whale sharks – even if you are not an experienced snorkeler. Learn why the whale sharks are called “dominos”, what is “bottling” and why these gentle giants are only interested in eating microscopic meals. Thankfully. Your whale shark adventure from Playa del Carmen or Cancun includes a lunch of the freshest local ingredients to refuel after your huge adventure.

From Holbox: Speedboat Cruise with Lagoon Swim

10. From Holbox: Speedboat Cruise with Lagoon Swim

Explore Holbox Island’s hidden gems on a speedboat trip. Join your local guide as you set out to see 4 of the area’s most idyllic locations, including Passion Island, Punta Mosquito, and Hoyo Negro Yalahau. Start your island adventure with a convenient pickup by golf cart and head to the dock to begin your cruise. Uncover the fascinating history of this tropical paradise and learn about the local fauna and flora as you make your way to each of the island's top destinations. Visit Passion Island and stop at Bird Island, a natural bird sanctuary where you can admire flamingos, pelicans, ducks, and other native birdlife. Take a look along the Punto Mosquito sandbank surrounded by crystal-clear waters and keep an eye out for local wildlife. Head to a protected ecological reserve to swim in a freshwater cenote. Fed by the water that crosses the island’s jungle, the Yalahao cenote is rumored to be a fountain of youth. Discover the lagoon’s mystical properties for yourself as you take a dip in its refreshing waters. complimentary bottle of water along the way. Your tour ends with a drop-off at a centrally located dock.

Other Sightseeing Options in Isla Holbox

Want to discover all there is to do in Isla Holbox? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Isla Holbox

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 264 reviews

The bus picked us up in front of the hotel at the exact time. The bus had restrooms and usb charging. We went to 2 different beaches (isla pasion and punta mosquito). We had lunch on the boat. We had cold juice , water and beers several times during the day. We had the choice between 2 free hours in Holbox or following the guide. We ended up with the cenote Yalahau. It was a good well organized day.

Even if the weather was not ok, our guide did everything he could to give us a nice experience . Highly recommended!

Excellent driver. Excellent service. Gorgeous large Mercedes sedan. Couldn't have hoped for better!

We really enjoyed the trip! Carlos and Diego were amazing !

A full day activity, lots to see. Gardens are a highlight