Written by Andreas Keller, Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
30/07/2025
Gary Godfrey, Pexels
Isla Holbox is a tranquil island escape in Mexico, offering serene beaches and natural beauty. It attracts visitors seeking relaxation, an eco-friendly experience, and a chance to disconnect in a car-free environment.
The main square in Holbox town comes alive at night with food vendors, locals, and tourists, providing a central area for social interaction. While some hostels offer common areas like pools and roof terraces, the island is generally known for a more peaceful and laid-back vibe, with less emphasis on a strong party scene compared to other destinations in Mexico.
Top 8 Things to do in Isla Holbox
Isla Holbox offers a variety of activities focused on nature exploration, wildlife encounters, and relaxed beach experiences.
1. Swim with Whale Sharks
Engaging in a tour to swim alongside whale sharks is a premier experience in Holbox. These gentle giants, the largest fish in the ocean, migrate to the waters around the island from mid-May to mid-September. Tours typically involve a boat ride to their feeding grounds, with opportunities to snorkel near them. It is important to choose operators that adhere to ethical wildlife viewing guidelines.
Cost: Approximately MXN 3,300 per person (around USD 210-211).
Transport: Tours generally include hotel pick-up or depart from the main dock in Holbox town.
2. Experience Bioluminescence
Witnessing the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence in the shallow waters of Holbox is a magical nighttime activity. Tiny microorganisms in the water emit a glowing light when disturbed, creating a shimmering effect. This is best observed on moonless nights, particularly from March to November. Visitors can wade into the water or take a kayak tour to see the light around them.
Cost: Approximately MXN 400-800 per person (around USD 30-50 for kayak tours).
Transport: Tours often include golf cart transport to specific beach areas like Punta Cocos or Punta Mosquito, or depart directly for kayak experiences. Hotel pick-up may be included.
3. Three Islands Boat Tour
This popular boat tour explores three nearby natural attractions: Yalahau, Passion Island, and Bird Island. Yalahau is a freshwater spring where visitors can swim and enjoy a viewpoint. Bird Island is a haven for over 30 species of birds, observed from the boat. Passion Island offers pristine nature and shallow waters for swimming and shell collecting. Dolphins and flamingos may be spotted during the tour.
Cost: Approximately MXN 800 per person for shared tours (around USD 38-47), or USD 247-258 for private tours.
Transport: Tours depart from the main ferry port or offer pick-up from accommodation, typically by taxi golf cart.
4. Kayaking Through the Mangroves
Paddling through Holbox's mangrove forests offers a serene and immersive nature experience. These unique ecosystems are home to a variety of wildlife, including exotic birds and crocodiles. Sunrise tours are particularly recommended for optimal wildlife viewing.
Cost: Approximately MXN 1000-1500 per person (around USD 50-75).
Transport: Tours often include a return taxi to your hotel, with pick-up sometimes excluded.
5. Explore the Island by Golf Cart or Bike
As Holbox is a car-free island, golf carts and bicycles are the primary modes of transport. Renting either allows for independent exploration of the island's sandy roads, colorful town areas, and various beaches like Punta Cocos and Punta Mosquito. It is advisable to inspect golf carts thoroughly before rental and clarify deposit terms.
Cost: Golf cart rentals range from approximately MXN 600 for two hours to MXN 2,500-2,800 for 24 hours (around USD 31-129). Bicycle rentals are also available, offering a more active way to explore.
Transport: Golf carts and bikes can be rented from various providers in the town center, with some offering delivery to hotels.
6. Visit Punta Mosquito
Located at the northern tip of the island, Punta Mosquito is known for its extensive sandbar and tranquil, shallow turquoise waters. It is a secluded spot perfect for walking along the sandbar, sunbathing, and spotting wildlife, including flamingos. It requires a significant walk or a golf cart ride to reach.
Cost: Free to visit; transport costs apply if not walking.
Transport: Approximately 45 minutes to an hour of walking from Holbox town, or a 20+ minute golf cart ride. Some boat tours also visit this area.
7. Go Fishing
Holbox has a strong fishing heritage, offering opportunities for both experienced and novice anglers. Fishing tours target species such as grouper, snapper, and barracuda. Some tours combine fishing with other activities like snorkeling and ceviche preparation from the day's catch.
Cost: Private fishing tours range from approximately USD 274 for 3-4 hours to USD 600 for 8 hours. Shorter, shared tours may be available.
Transport: Tours typically depart from the main docks.
8. Walk Dogs from Refugio Holbox Animal Sanctuary
For those seeking a unique and heartwarming experience, the Refugio Holbox Animal Sanctuary welcomes volunteers to walk their rescue dogs. This activity provides an opportunity to interact with local animals and contribute to the community's welfare, and is a popular choice for visitors looking to give back.
Cost: Free (volunteer activity).
Transport: The sanctuary is located within walking distance or a short golf cart ride from the town center.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
