Why You NEED to Visit This Mexican Island Famous for Whale Sharks, Kiteboarding & Mangroves

In this article, I’ll tell you about all the best things to do in Holbox Island, Mexico.

🗣 How do you pronounce Holbox? If you’re wondering about the pronunciation of Holbox, let’s clarify that now! It’s pronounced hole-bosh, not hole-box.

Though it’s located in the Caribbean, there’s much more to Holbox than beaches.

Holbox is known for its stunning beaches, bioluminescent waters, and wildlife, including opportunities to swim with whale sharks and spot diverse bird species.

The island offers a charming, car-free environment where visitors can explore local cuisine and colorful murals and engage in water sports like kiteboarding.

Ready to explore Holbox? Let’s get to it.

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1. Swim & Snorkel with the Whale Sharks in Holbox

Summer isn’t considered the best time to visit Holbox, but if that’s when you’re going you can take a tour to swim with the Holbox whale sharks.

The whale shark season in Holbox is from about June 15 to September 17, when you can snorkel next to the largest fish in the sea.

Holbox Travel Tips: Book your tour here early, as they do tend to sell out.

🐳 Whale Shark Info

Whale sharks are sharks, but they aren’t aggressive to humans, much like a nurse shark.

They average 40 feet long (12 m), and swimming with them in the wild is a true Mexico bucket list experience that you can only do in a few places, like Isla de Holbox México.

2. Kayak through the Holbox Mangroves

Join Axel, a Holbox local, on this kayak trip through the mangroves that surround this beautiful island.

He offers morning tours and evening tours, so if you want to sleep in, no worries!

There’s so much to see on these tours, including flamingos and other birds, manta rays and even crocodiles.

3. Eat Your Way Around on a Taco Tour

No one knows their town like a local, and on this local Taco tour, Holbox local, Lorena, will take you to eat the best tacos in Holbox Island Mexico 🌮

You’ll visit four taco spots on the island, getting to know the town through food and drinks. Note: The tour includes four tacos and four drinks.

🗣 Don’t miss this guide to the best Holbox restaurants, so you know you’re eating at all the can’t miss places.

4. Take the Three Islands Tour (Most Popular Holbox Tour)

If you can only take one Holbox Island tour, this Three Islands Tour to one of the best Holbox islands is the ideal way to see this part of Mexico.

On the tour, you’ll visit Isla Pájaros (Birds Island), Isla Pasión (Passion Island), and Punta Mosquito, a long white sand beach famous for its giant sandbanks (or sandbars) in the sea.

🦩 Holbox Flamingos at Isla Pajaros

Did you know the Yucatan Peninsula is one of the best places for birdwatching in the world?!

Holbox Bird Island is home to hundreds of species of birds, including flamingos.

From early April to late October, you may see thousands of flamingos near Bird Island in Isla Holbox, Mexico.

4. Admire the Holbox Street Art & Murals

Looking for free things to do in Holbox, Mexico? Spend some time roaming around Downtown, admiring the street art and murals on Holbox Island.

Some of the most popular spots in this vibrant town include the mural of the young girl, the Frida Kahlo mural, and the colorful Restaurante Colibri.

Besides these, street art is all over town for you to discover. Though the murals may change, as street art does, Holbox Island street art is here to stay.

The International Public Art Festival (IPAF) came to town in 2014, and ever since, local artists and visitors have kept the mural tradition alive.

5. Take the Cabo Catoche Holbox Tour

The Holbox Cabo Catoche tour is the best tour you can do in Holbox because it’s the most complete tour.

While it does cost more than this Three Islands Tour, you also get to see and so much more.

I personally did this Cabo Catoche tour, and I recommend it to anyone visiting Holbox Island, Mexico.

You’ll start your Cabo Catoche tour with a boat ride through the Caribbean Sea, and you may see dolphins along the way 🐬

The boat make its first stop at a natural area with shallow water and mangroves, home to flamingos and many other species of birds.

🦩 Holbox Travel Tips: I took the Cabo Catoche Tour in December, and we saw many flamingos in Holbox. However, the best time to see them is during Flamingo Season in Holbox, from about April to October.

From there, you’ll venture further out into the Caribbean Sea for some fishing. After working up a sweat catching fish, you’ll boat to Cuevones Reef to snorkel.

This healthy coral reef is teeming with marine life, like tropical fish, colorful coral and even nurse sharks (they are harmless).

The final stop on the tour is Cabo Catoche, which means Catoche Cay. Located 27 miles (43 km) east of Holbox, this is a beautiful, virgin beach area.

There will be a fresh ceviche lunch waiting for you, and hammocks to lay in after you eat, or you can also go swimming or stroll the beach.

6. Lay in the Holbox Hammocks

🏖️ Hammocks in Punta Cocos

There are two places to use the hammocks in Isla Holbox, Playa Punta Cocos and Playa Holbox.

The hammocks at Punta Cocos are usually more relaxed and tranquil, because this beach is just more relaxed overall.

🏖️ Hammocks on Playa Holbox

Playa Holbox is the main beach in Holbox. There are about five hammocks in the water here, and also one of the signs with the Holbox letters.

As the main beach, you can expect larger crowds at Playa Holbox Beach than at Punta Cocos Beach.

7. See the Bioluminescence at Punta Coco

Right off the bat, I only recommend this during the New Moon, when we can’t see the moon in the sky otherwise you likely won’t see the bioluminescence.

I have been a few times, and you either see nothing or one of the coolest natural phenomena ever.

If you’re visiting during the New Moon (check here to see), then make sure to take this Bolbox Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour with Axel.

You’ll explore the island by kayak under the stars above you, seeing the twinkling bioluminescent effect mirrored in the water below you.

8. Volunteer at the Holbox Animal Shelter

One of the coolest things to do in Holbox is volunteer at Refugio Holbox Animal Rescue, a local nonprofit organization working to save animals on Holbox.

They accept monetary donations, but you can also help for a few hours by taking a dog out for a walk, or a ride on your golf cart.

9. Relax on the Best Holbox Beaches

There are really only three beaches in Holbox — Playa Holbox,Playa Punta Cocos andPlaya Punta Mosquito.

The inhabited parts of Holbox is only about five miles (8 km) from end to end, so it’s usually easy to see them all.

Below is a rundown on all the best beaches in Holbox Island Mexico.

🤔 How big is Holbox Island Mexico? The entire island is 26-miles-long (42 km), but it’s largely uninhabited. The inhabited area is only about five miles (8 km), and houses the island’s 2,000 full time residents.

🏝️ Playa Holbox (East side of the island)

Playa Holbox is the main beach on the island, where you’ll find the most restaurants and bars, and all the best resorts in Holbox Island.

It is also the most crowded beach, but definitely the place to see and be seen, and enjoy all the Holbox amenities and ocean hammocks.

🏝️ Playa Punta Cocos (west side of the island)

A much more laid back beach than Playa Holbox, head to Punta Cocos Beach for some relaxation.

There are locals renting beach chairs here, and you can get food service, as well we lay around in the famous Holbox water hammocks.

🏝️ Playa Punta mosquito

Punta Mosquito is a totally virgin beach that’s not easy to access — and if you try, make sure to have this eco-friendly mosquito spray (the beach’s name is no joke 🦟)

Most people actually skip the beach for the giant sandbars you can walk on right in the sea in front of the beach.

10. Do a Photoshoot with a Local Photographer

Holbox Island is one of the most Instagram worthy places in Mexico.

The best way to capture all the Instagrammable moments? By booking this photoshoot with Anna.

She studied photography in London, and has published photos in celebrated French magazines, so you know you’re in good hands 📸

11. Swim in the Holbox Cenote (Yalahau Cenote)

Axel, a Holbox local, hosts several tours of the island, including this tour to see the only cenote in Holbox Island — Cenote Yalahau at Yum Balum Nature Reserve.

You’ll also visit Isla Pájaros (Birds Island), Isla Pasión (Passion Island), and swim in the cenote that’s inside a nature preserve.

Beside the Caribbean Sea, Yalahau Cenote is the best place to swim and snorkel in Holbox.

It is a beautiful freshwater cenote (sinkhole) surrounded by trees in a jungle setting.

You can only get here on a boat tour like this one, but the trek is well worth it.

12. Go Kitesurfing in Holbox Island

KukulKite is the best kite-surfing and kiteboarding school in Holbox.

They offer classes for all levels in the ideal environment to learn how to kiteboard: Holbox Island. You’ll be up and surfing the sky in no time, and this sport is surprisingly easier than it looks.

According to KukulKite Holbox, “Kiteboarding is a sport practiced by people of all ages and does not require much physical strength.”

“It is like riding a bicycle; it takes a little practice to learn, but it is something that is then done naturally.”

13. Snap a Photo at the Holbox Sign

You’ll find colorful signs spelling out the name of the town you’re in all over Mexico — from Mexico City to Cabo San Lucas and Tulum.

In Holbox, the sign (📍 located here) purposefully lacks the letter L, so you must fill that in when you take the photo, using your body to make the L.

14. Eat the Famous Holbox Lobster Pizza

It might surprise you that the best thing to eat on Holbox Island isn’t tacos!

The island is famous for the lobster pizza, using lobsters caught fresh fresh right off the coast of Holbox Island.

There are several places to try this delicious pizza, but for the best one, head to Roots Pizza Holbox.

15. Take Yoga Classes in Holbox

Join Laura for beachfront yoga classes in Holbox Island, surrounded by palm trees and chirping birds, and the sound of waves gently crashing.

These are one-hour Vinyasa flow yoga classes, with a sequence designed to connect the mind, body, and breath.

Note: All levels welcome and yoga mats, blocks, straps and cushions are provided by the instructor.

Remember to bring your reusable water bottle and a bathing suit so you can swim after class

🧘‍♀️ Looking for private yoga lessons in Holbox? Head here to see what studios are offering private lessons.

16. Learn to Dance Salsa on Isla Holbox

On Holbox Island, you can eat salsa, and you can dance Salsa 💃🕺🏼 For the latter, join Hilda of Salsa Lovers Worldwide to learn this fun dance from a pro.

There’s no partner needed, and all levels welcome, at the best place to dance Salsa in Holbox Island.

17. Watch the Sunset on the Holbox Pier

Holbox Island has some pretty epic sunsets on most evenings.

You can watch it away from the crowds at Punta Cocos Beach, or on the Holbox Pier near downtown, where locals and visitors alike congregate to enjoy watching the sun melt into the Caribbean Sea.

18. Get Street Tacos at Night in Downtown Holbox

When the sun sets, head downtown for the best street food and cheap eats in Holbox.

There are street carts and stall surrounding the main park with the bandshell (📍 here), and sample get everything from tacos and tortas (sandwiches), to marquesitas (sweet crepes).

19. Walk the Giant Sandbars at Punta Mosquito

Located on the northern tip of Isla Holbox, you’ll find Punta Mosquito beach.

The sandbars (or, sandbanks) here seem to go on for miles, and allow you to walk through the crystal-clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Punta Mosquito is a virgin beach, and to preserve it, you’re not even allowed to drive to the beach or even bike there.

If you want to go to the beach, pack water, snacks, sunscreen and eco-friendly bug spray because there’s absolutely nothing around.

For this reason, most people only walk the sandbanks and don’t visit this beach. To get there, head to the northern edge of Playa Holbox, near the Hotel las Nubes de Holbox, and walk north through the sea.

Remember to bring your water bottle, waterproof fanny pack, sunscreen and a hat.

20. Cleanse Your Energy in Holbox

Rated 5 Stars! Matías is a Holbox local who performs sound healing therapy.

If you’ve never tried it — it’s one of the most relaxing things ever, and the different frequencies of the crystal bowls and Tibetan bowls he uses will leave you feeling more refreshed and radiant than when you arrived.

🔮 Looking for other must do Holbox experiences similar to sound healing? Don’t miss this Mayan energy cleansing with Laura.

21. Rent a Bike in Holbox (or Golf Cart)

There are no cars allowed on Holbox Island, so the only ways to get around are walking, biking and by golf cart.

Renting a bike or renting a golf cart in Holbox offer a fun way to explore the island.

You will find several places to rent bikes and golf carts in Downtown Holbox Island.

🚕💨 Holbox Travel Tips: The taxis in Holbox Island are golf carts or 4X4s, and they are all over. You should have no trouble getting one all day and most of the night.

Bike rentals are reasonably priced at about $15 USD per day. Golf carts are a bit pricey, averaging about $20 USD per hour, or $200 USD for the day.

They are a fun way to get around, and with a three hour rental, you can explore the whole island.

22. Have a Drink at a Rooftop Bar

Looking for more Holbox hammocks time? Head to the pool at ALMA Bar at Hotel Villas Tiburón — the best rooftop bar in Holbox Island.

They have two hammocks there for you to enjoy, plus a food and drinks menu, DJs on weekends, and amazing views of the beach below.

23. Shop & Eat at Mercado Municipal

As Holbox has become more popular, prices have gone up. If you’re visiting Holbox on a budget, don’t miss the Mercado Municipal de Holbox, where the locals eat and shop.

If you forgot anything, like a towel or sunglasses, go to the market. You can also get $1 Holbox tacos there.

24. Eat at the Best Restaurants in Holbox

If you love tacos and fresh seafood (🤔 wait, who doesn’t?!), then you’re going to love eating your way through Isla Holbox.

Below, you’ll find a list of the best places to eat in Holbox — like El Chapulim in downtown, which has no menu because they make daily dishes with what’s freshest.

🌮 Prefer a local show you her picks for best Holbox restaurants? Join Lorena on this Holbox Taco Tour, one of the highest rated tours, with a near-perfect 5 Star rating.

• Best food, ambiance & cocktails: Big Fish — and they also have rope swing seating!
• Best tacos in Holbox (restaurant): Barba Negra
• Best tacos in Holbox (street tacos): Barbacoa Tacos Holbox (📍here)
• Best Holbox seafood restaurant: Las Panchas and Restaurante Viva Zapata
• Best Holbox restaurant to splurge: Luuma, Ser Esencia and Piedrasanta Holbox
• Best cafe in Holbox: Clandestino Coffee Shop
• Best pizza in Holbox: Roots Pizzas a la Leña y Mezcaleria (try the lobster pizza)
• Best vegan restaurant in Holbox: Arte Sano Vegan

25. Spend the Day at Coquitos Beach Club

If you’re not staying at one of the best Holbox resorts on the beach, you can always spend the day at a beach club in Holbox to enjoy some resort-style amenities.

Coquitos Beach Club is a visitor favorite for their yummy tacos, creative cocktails and picturesque bohemian ambiance.

There are also some other great Holbox beach clubs to check out, like these:

• The Beach Club at Posada Mawimbi Hotel (my personal favorite)
• Las Nubes Beach Club (day pass required)
• Arena Lounge Bar
• Fresco Bar & Grill
• Raices Beach Club & Marina

26. Enjoy Live Music at The Hot Corner

Looking for things to do in Holbox at night? For the best Holbox nightlife, head to The Hot Corner, a place beloved by locals and visitors.

They have live music or a DJ every night of the week and a fun-casual environment on the beach.

27. Take a Cooking Class in Holbox

Most people don’t know this, but traditional Mexican food is very regional — and it’s not all tacos and burritos.

Get to know Mexican cuisine better at a three-hour Holbox cooking class, where everyday of the week, you can learn to cook food from a different state in Mexico.

All ingredients are included and you’ll learn to cook and eat at least three dishes in each class. The classes are:

• Monday – Mexico City cuisine
• Tuesday – Puebla cuisine
• Fridays – Guadalajara and Jalisco cuisine
• Saturdays – Oaxaca cuisine
• Sundays – Yucatan cuisine

Final Thoughts on Traveling to Holbox Island Mexico

Is Holbox worth visiting?

It’s a bit of a trek to get to, but Holbox Island is worth visiting for those who love venturing off the beaten path and want to see one of the best Mexico hidden gems.

Holbox is perfect for a quieter trip, surrounded by beautiful nature and gorgeous beaches.

If you want a similar feel to Holbox Island but a much shorter commute from Cancun, consider:

• Puerto Morelos
• Akumal
• Bacalar Lake
• Puerto Aventuras
• Playa Maroma Beach, home to the best Mexico overwater bungalows in the Caribbean