12 Things To Do In Isla Holbox, Mexico

Are you looking for best things to do in Isla Holbox?

Just a few hours north of Cancun, there is a tropical island famous for its bioluminescent waters and whale sharks.

This is Isla Holbox, a car-free island between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. The reason for the absence of vehicles is to protect the environment and to keep the roads from accumulating sand.

If you want some place sleepier and less developed than the famous Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, Isla Holbox is your best choice.

Located on the north of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, in Quintana Roo State, Isla Holbox is fast developing a growing tourist industry through whale shark viewing.

Its name means “black hole” in Yucatec Maya, the name given by the first recorded inhabitants who had fled their home city after a Mayan attack. This name seems unfitting because Holbox is one of the most colorful places you can ever be.

Although there are small flights to Isla Holbox, the best way to reach Isla Holbox is via ferry from the town of Chiquila on the mainland. Isla Holbox is a 25-minute ferry ride from there.

If you’re visiting this beautiful Mexican island soon, here are the best things to do in Isla Holbox that you shouldn’t miss.

12 Things To Do In Isla Holbox, Mexico

1. Swim and snorkel with whale sharks in Isla Holbox

Whale sharks in Holbox attract a lot of tourists from all over the world. Isla Holbox is one of the best places in the Caribbean that allow people to interact with these friendly sea giants.

Whale sharks’ diet is mainly planktons, so don’t be cared to swim and snorkel in their presence. Snorkeling is the best you can do to experience these sharks because scuba diving is prohibited. The best season to go is from the middle of May to the middle of September. Book a snorkeling tour ahead.

Please take note of he following guidelines when snorkeling in Isla Holbox:
– No flash photography
-.Don’t wear sunblock; and
-.Keep your hands off the whale sharks.

2. See the water glow at night

As already mentioned, Isla Holbox is famous for its bioluminescent waters. This natural spectacle is brought about by miscroscopic phytoplanktons that float at the surface of the ocean water.

They emit a bright blue light whenever movements in the water agitate them. The best way to witness this incredible spectacle in Isla Holbox is snorkeling or kayaking at night. This can be done in the lagoon called Punta Cocos.

3. Explore Punta Cocos at day time

Located at the western tip of the island, Punta Cocos is a lagoon famous for the bioluminescence that occurs there, which can be observed on dark nights. At day time, Punta Cocos also merits an exploration.

The beautiful virgin beach of Punta Cocos has no hotels and only one bar with sea hammocks and a swing. Explore the beach with the vegetation on the background and with the water just right up to your knees.

It’s a perfect place for getting a tan and enjoying the sunset. You can even see flamingos here. If you love nature, Punga Cocos is a must-not-miss.

4. Wander through the town center and get mesmerized by the street art

Isla Holbox is fast becoming a hipster destination. Here you will meet many street artists that paint the town’s buildings with artwork that will surely captivate you.

The town center itself is rather small. You will only need about a couple of hours to explore all the artwork that’s on the island. Taking a mural tour is definitely of the best activities on the island even if you’re not a big fan of street art.

Buy your ticket online here.

5. Explore Isla Holbox on a golf car

While big cars are a rare sight if not entirely absent on the island, you won’t be short of transportation in Holbox. On its sandy streets you will see golf carts. It is an exciting, novel experience to explore a bohemian town on a golf buggy, so do not skip this activity.

6. Go on a Three Islands tour

Three Islands boat tours off the coast of Isla Holbox are a popular activity here. What better way to experience firsthand the nature of the island and its surroundings than on a boat?

The small island of Holbox is known for its abundant wildlife, especially birds, and a boat tour of the Three Islands allows visitors to see these creatures in their natural habitat.

Isla Pajaros is the first stop on the tour. In English, the name means “Bird Island.” This is a protected area so visitors can’t walk among the birds, but you can observe and photograph them from a viewing dock. Species you can find here are pelicans, flamingos, horned bills, and many others.

The next island is Isla Pasion, or Passion Island, which allows people to walk on the island and go hand fishing. The third stop will be at the naturally bubbling Cenote Yalahau, where you can swim and explore the fresh water.

Book your trip online here.

7. Experience the beautiful Holbox sunrise and sunset

Because of its strategic geographic location, Isla Holbox is a place in Mexico where you can enjoy the beauty of both sunrise and sunset. Take advantage of it!

8. Relax at the beach in Isla Holbox

The beaches on Holbox may not be as picturesque as those on Isla Mujeres or Cozumel, but they are pretty nonetheless. Added with the fabulous sunrise and sunset, then you have the perfect spot for relaxation.

9. Lounge around at a beach bar

Isla Holbox boasts a number of bars on the beaches. You can choose to spend some time on one of those small bars by the waterfront just lounging around on a sun lounger or a hammock, reading a book with micheladas and mojitos on the side. Don’t forget your sombrero!

10. Go kiteboarding

If you haven’t done kiteboarding before, Isla Holbox will give you the chance to do it. The island is noted for this thrilling water sports.

Thanks to its shallow waters with no big obstacles, a wide coastline, and easy wind conditions, Isla Holbox is ideal for beginners to learn kiteboarding. You can take classes from shops on the island and they are available daily all the year round.

For the experienced kiteboarders, you will easily find nice spots to go soaring along the coastline, especially in winter.

11. Do yoga and meditation

Isla Holbox is a place for relaxation. To rid yourself of the stress from home, take a yoga or meditation class – or go on a yoga-wellness retreat. These activities are highly recommended if you want to slow a little bit down and take some time off for yourself.

Isla Holbox has yoga studios where you can take yoga or meditation classes on all levels. They can be found in the town of Holbox. If you want to go on a yoga-wellness retreat, look for a place called Casa las Tortugas.

12. Eat lobster pizza

Isla Holbox is pretty small, but don’t worry – there is no running out of places for eating to your heart’s content. Food here is pretty tasty and cheap, too.

Lobster pizza is the most famous dish you will eat on Isla Holbox. The island has a lot of restaurants that serve this kind of pizza, but if you want the best, try Roots Pizzas a la Leña Isla Holbox – or simply “Roots” for short. Roots only serves wood-fired pizza in an open-air setting, plus wines and a full bar. This is definitely one of the best activities in Isla Holbox that your stomach will definitely enjoy.

Check out these other tours in Isla Holbox!