Holbox Island, a tiny island just off the coast of Mexico with no paved roads and only dirt paths is your chance for an unrivaled vacation. With stunning white sand beaches where you can swim in whale shark waters or relax on hammocks while watching bioluminescent plankton at night.
There’s always something new happening here! This blog post about what to do in Holbox has all the best things to do when visiting Isla Holbox this year (or any other time).
Whether you’re a fan of swimming, fishing, or simply lounging on the beach, there’s something for everyone on this list. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Is Holbox already part of your two-week itinerary through Yucatan? Check this article about the other highlights during your road trip to Yucatan.
How to get to Holbox Island with the ferry
To get to Holbox Island, you will need to fly into Cancun and take a taxi or bus to Chiquila. From there, you can catch a ferry to the island. The ferry ride takes about an hour. You can book your tickets to take the ferry here.
If you have your own car, you can leave it on one of the parking grounds in Chiquila. If you’re traveling by bus (ADO) the bus will drop you close by the ferry. It’s only a 5min walk to the pier.
Cars are not allowed on the island. You can choose to rent a bike, golf cart, or walk on foot to discover the island.
Best time to go to Holbox Island
The best months to visit Isla Holbox are January through March. The dry weather and nice temperatures make it a great place year-round, but during peak season (July-August) prices can get pretty high!
November – December has lower highs than other times of the year so if you’re looking for more affordable rates this is your chance. During the holiday prices will go up.
Summer months aren’t really recommended because it can get very hot – especially around June when there are often storms coming offshore bringing strong winds that sometimes last longer than 24 hours straight
10 Things to Do in Holbox
Rent a bike to discover Holbox
If you’re looking for a way to explore the island, be sure to rent a bike. This is the perfect way to get around, and you’ll be able to see things that you wouldn’t be able to see on foot.
Most bike rental shops are located in the town of Holbox, and they offer bikes of all sizes. Be sure to reserve your bike ahead of time, as they tend to fill up quickly.
Bikes Holbox offers an unbeatable service with quality bicycles. They also offer great tours on bikes. You can call them or send a WhatsApp message. They will bring your bike directly to your hotel.
Swim with whale sharks
If you’re looking to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures, head to Isla Holbox. Here, you can swim with whale sharks in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. These gentle giants are a sight to behold, and swimming alongside them is an experience you’ll never forget.
The whale shark season is between June and mid-September. Keep your eyes open for other marine life too – you never know what you might see!
We suggest you book a tour with VIP Holbox. It’s a sustainable company that offers different tours in Holbox. Check their website for prices and availability. Other tours can be booked here.
Lounge on the beach
If you’re looking to relax and take in the stunning views, there’s no better place to do it than on the beach. Isla Holbox is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and spending a day lounging on one is a must-do activity.
The main beach is close to the center. Two other beaches are Punta Mosquito and Punta Cocos.
The white sand and crystal-clear waters are the perfect backdrops for a lazy day by the water. Soak up the sun, take a swim, or simply relax and enjoy the view. You won’t regret it!
Bioluminescence Holbox
Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon that occurs when certain types of bacteria react with oxygen. This results in the production of light, and you can see this light when you touch the water.
Isla Holbox is home to some of the best bioluminescent waters in the world, and it’s a must-see.
You can spot the bioluminescence by booking an organized tour. Or you can go by yourself to Punta Coco beach so you will be the only one. Access to the beach is free.
Book your bioluminescence tour here.
Take a boat tour of the 3 islands.
Taking a boat tour of the island Holbox is a great way to see everything the island has to offer. From the beautiful beaches to the mangroves, there’s a lot to see on this small island.
A boat tour will take you around the entire island, giving you a chance to see everything up close. You’ll also get to visit some of the smaller islands nearby, including Isla de Pasion. This laid-back island is perfect for a day trip, and you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and stunning views.
The tour will start at the Whale Shark Pier, where your captain and guide will be waiting for you to explore the 3 most interesting and popular visiting points of Holbox.
The first stop is Isla Pájaros which is a protected sanctuary. There is a lookout platform, where you can admire the frigate, the white ibis, the snowy egrets, the double-crested cormorants, the reddish egrets, the roséate spoonbills, the white pelicans, the grey pelicans, the occasional stork, and, in season, flamingos.
Next is Passion Island, where you will find white sand beaches with glittering crystal-clear waters. This small island is full of dense shrubs and has a great lookout to see the entire area.
The last stop is the protected area of Yalahau, where you can enjoy a dip in a freshwater eye lagoon.
You can book this 3 island tour on Holbox with VIP Holbox.
Explore the town of Holbox
If you’re looking to explore the town of Holbox, there’s no better way to do it than on foot. The town is small and easy to navigate, and you can see everything it has to offer in a few hours.
Be sure to check out the main square, which is home to some of the best restaurants in town. You can also find a few souvenir shops and art galleries here.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy a drink, head to the beach bars. Here, you can enjoy cocktails while watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. Alma Bar is one of the coolest rooftop bars on Holbox Island. It is a great spot to watch the sunset and have a cocktail. The bar is located in the Hotel Villas Tiburon.
Enjoy the views from Punta Cocos
Punta Cocos is a beautiful beach located on the eastern side of Isla Holbox. It’s well-known for its stunning views, and it’s the perfect place to watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. It is also here that you can see the bioluminescence.
The beach is accessible by foot, and it’s a short walk from the town of Holbox. Be sure to pack a picnic dinner, as there are no restaurants or bars here. You can enjoy peace and quiet while watching the waves crash against the shore.
If you’re looking for a romantic spot to watch the sunset, Punta Cocos is hard to beat. So be sure to add it to your list of things to do on Holbox Island.
Visit the mangroves by kayak or SUP
If you’re looking for a way to explore the mangroves on Isla Holbox, be sure to kayak or SUP. These are the perfect way to get up close and personal with the mangroves, and you’ll be able to see things that you wouldn’t be able to see from land.
Kayaking through the mangroves is a great way to get some exercise, and you’ll get to see some of the wildlife that calls the mangroves home. Be sure to keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees.
Suping through the mangroves is a great way to relax and take in the sights. You’ll be able to paddle through the mangrove.
Go on a fishing trip.
Fishing is a popular activity on Isla Holbox, and there are plenty of fishing spots to choose from. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, you’ll be able to find a spot that’s perfect for you.
The best time to go fishing is early in the morning or in the evening. This is when the fish are most active, and you’ll have a better chance of catching something.
Be sure to bring your own gear, as there’s no rental shop on the island. You can purchase bait at one of the local stores, or you can use live bait.
Of course, you can also book a fishing tour. you will be taken to the best fishing spots in the area.
So if you’re looking for things to do on Holbox Island, be sure to add fishing to your list. You won’t regret it.
Go walking with the dogs of the Refugio animal
If you’re looking for a way to get some exercise, be sure to go walking with the dogs from the Refugio animal. The Refugio animal of Holbox is located in the north of the island. Check their website here.
You don’t need to reserve in advance. Just go to the Refugio center, they will assign you a dog. Usually, this is in the evening. The beach is close by so you can enjoy the beautiful sunset during your evening walk with the dog.
Take a yoga or meditation class
If you’re looking to relax and de-stress, be sure to take a yoga or meditation class. Both of these activities are perfect for slowing down and taking some time for yourself.
There are a few yoga studios on the island, and most of them offer meditation classes as well. The studios are located in the town of Holbox, and they offer classes for all levels.
So if you’re looking to relax and de-stress, be sure to take a yoga or meditation class while you’re on Isla Holbox.
Casa las Tortugas is a great spot where you can have a yoga-wellness retreat.
Where to stay in Holbox
Best budget options
Mid-range and best location
Higher end options
Other places to stay in Holbox
Booking.comWhat to do in Isla Holbox Mexico: 10 Best Things to do
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