Along with the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve and Las Coloradas lagoons, Holbox Island is one of the natural wonders that you can find in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. Located in the place where the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet, this island is a small paradise with lots of sunlight, great beaches, and exuberant nature. A magical place where time seems to work in a very peculiar manner.
Holbox is part of the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area, a natural sanctuary where tranquility reigns and harmony between tourism and nature is the key. On the island, the streets are made of sand, and there are practically no cars, only bikes and golf carts that act as taxis and private transport. The colorful houses of the fishermen mix with the small boutique hotels and hostels, with the restaurants and the handicraft shops… The sun marks the hours and the waves are in charge of the rhythm; smiles are simply the main consequence.
- Things to do in Holbox Island
- A little bit of action in paradise
- Bioluminescence: the sea lights up
- Travel tips for visiting Holbox
- Restaurants in Holbox: from cochinita pibil to lobster pizza
In any case, the Mexican Caribbean is an incredible destination, and its islands, including Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and, of course, Holbox, are part of the unlimited charm of the region. So on your next trip to Cancun and Riviera Maya, be sure to visit this beautiful island. You will be able to confirm why Holbox is one of the best things to do in this exciting corner of Mexico.
Things to do in Holbox Island
This island paradise is synonymous with total tranquility, but it still offers you a really diverse mosaic of possibilities. Visiting Holbox allows you to enjoy unique nature, incredible beaches, a bunch of activities, delicious food, and a super relaxed atmosphere. Once again, it seems that time stops so that you can just simply enjoy this magical place.
Passion Island
One of the things that you cannot miss when visiting Holbox is to discover its breathtaking surroundings. And one of the jewels that you will find is this tiny little island or key, located at the southern end of the main island, in front of Punta Cocos. Surrounded by a long sandbar, that allows you to walk into the sea keeping the water below your waist, this small stretch of land is the typical desert island that you have always imagined.
In addition, on Isla Pasion, there is a small jetty with a wooden lookout tower that offers you beautiful views of the island, neighboring Holbox, and the sea channel that separates them. The Yalahau lagoon, which divides the island from the continental mainland, is also visible from the tower.
Bird Island
Inside Yalahau lagoon, there is another charming little island covered with mangroves and tropical vegetation. The place has become home to different bird species: pelicans, frigates, seagulls, white ibis, ducks, herons, storks… From March to October, even the incredible flamingos visit this protected islet. Even though you cannot disembark on the island because it is a nature conservation area, there is a viewpoint from which you can observe its feathered inhabitants.
The tour to Isla Pájaros, together with Isla Pasión and the Yalahau cenote (a water hole located on the continental coast, half an hour by boat from Holbox, to which curative properties are attributed), is one of the most sought-after vacation experiences for those who visit the island.
Beach, beach, and more beach
This paradise island is becoming more and more famous, and a good part of the responsibility lies with its long beaches. Powder-white sand, turquoise blue waters –super calm and shallow–, palm trees…, and a seductive tranquility flood this delightful destination. Just strolling along Holbox beach at sunset or relaxing in a hammock over the water is a true pleasure.
Do not miss Playa Holbox, the lengthy, sandy area that flanks the urban center, with its beach clubs and pleasant restaurants, a kitesurfing school…, and above all, miles of white, sandy beach. A little further to the northeast, Playa Mosquito is an impressive and unspoiled beach, that is famous for its sandy shoals that emerge from the water at low tide. You can walk hundreds of meters along the coast and the water will not surpass your ankles. On the other side (towards the southwest of the island), you will find Punta Cocos and its incredible beach: super crystalline and very shallow waters, and some movie sunsets.
Holbox, a charming town
Despite being a haven for pirates and home to fishermen for centuries, this beach destination is relatively new, so the town center has no historical appeal. But that doesn’t mean it is not a charming place! Restaurants, small shops, art galleries, yoga schools, massage centers, games for children; you have it all. Holbox is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed walk, browse a little here and there for that special something, have a drink, and so forth. Have you realized yet that time is something very relative in Holbox island?
Murals in Holbox
One of the details that make Holbox such a special place is the various murals that have been painted throughout the town. Thanks to several cultural initiatives, many urban artists from different parts of the world have left their works on the walls of houses, restaurants, and other places on the island. Street art has turned Holbox into an incredible open-air museum! So when you go out to explore the village choose walking or cycling, they are the best options to really look at the details on these unique artworks. In some hotels, you can even get a map that marks where the most important murals are located.
A little bit of action in paradise
Holbox is a great place to relax, but the island also offers you several options to include a little bit of action in your vacation.
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Cruising the waves
Leaving from the Holbox dock, all kinds of boats can take you to explore this incredible area. You can take a tour to Isla Pasión, Isla Pájaros, and the Yalahau cenote, but also the one that takes you to Cabo Catoche. You have dolphin watching tours, visits to the best snorkeling spots, fishing charters, catamaran cruises at sunset… From a couple of hours to a whole day trip, you can choose the adventure that suits you the most.
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Swimming with giants
Without any doubt, one of the most spectacular activities you can do in this destination is swimming and snorkeling with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Between June and September, these huge and friendly creatures visit the area to feed on the phytoplankton that breeds in the warm waters of the Caribbean. From Holbox, you can hire the excursion (only with authorized boats) that will take you directly to the sighting points of these beautiful giants. A truly unique experience!
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Self-propelled
To lose that extra pound or not to gain it during the holidays, or simply to enjoy the experience, Holbox is the perfect place to carry out all kinds of water activities. Kayaking among mangroves or in the open sea, paddle surfing, sailing straight away from any beach… You name it! The island has also become one of the best spots to practice kite surfing, and several schools can teach you this incredible sport on site.
Bioluminescence: the sea lights up
One of the most impressive natural spectacles that you can enjoy in Holbox is bioluminescence. This phenomenon (which is best appreciated on moonless nights during the summer months) is caused by small marine organisms that gather near the seashore. Thanks to a biochemical reaction, they produce a bright light, especially when the water shakes slightly.
To enjoy this phenomenon in Holbox, you just have to go to the beach. But remember! It is better on moonless nights, in shallow areas, and, preferably, away from sources of light pollution. There are also small tours that organize night kayaking or paddle surfing outings to enjoy bioluminescence. Usually, they also include an interesting explanation about the phenomenon and even about the impressive celestial vault that, of course, you can also admire on the magical nights of Holbox.
Travel tips for visiting Holbox
Holbox is a super quiet and uncrowded natural paradise, but it still is a great tourist destination, so visiting this place in the Mexican Caribbean is the easiest thing in the world. Everything is prepared for you to live a wonderful experience. However, as on any trip, it is worth keeping a couple of things in mind. For example: in most restaurants and tourist attractions you can pay with a major credit card, but you should have some cash (Mexican pesos) for small purchases, souvenirs, tips…
Another important thing is to protect oneself from the two most dangerous tropical threats: The Sun and mosquitoes. So make sure you pack good sunscreen and a good repellent. Don’t forget the sombrero (ok, a hat can do just fine), and sunglasses are also welcome. Just keep one thing in mind, Holbox is a super-rich ecosystem, but also very fragile. It needs everyone’s care, so make sure that your sunscreen, repellent, or any other care product is 100% biodegradable.
Now, the most important advice of all to visit Holbox is the following: forget the clock, relax and let yourself be captivated by this incomparable natural paradise.
Restaurants in Holbox: from cochinita pibil to lobster pizza
Like any good beach paradise, this corner of the Mexican Caribbean has seen dreamers come in from all over the world. Many of them have stayed and (you guessed it!) opened restaurants of all kinds. So along with traditional Yucatan-style cuisine and typical Mexican snacks, in Holbox, you can find Italian pizzas, Japanese sushi, Argentine steakhouses, and everything in between. Of course, fresh fish and seafood are specialties of the house. Here are some examples of what you can expect:
Edelyn
A Holbox “classic” and creators of the authentic lobster pizza, the island’s star dish (although the one from Cariocas or Roots is also quite good!). Right in the center of town.
Viva Zapata
Another of Holbox’s most famous spots. Specialized in fish and seafood with a Mexican and Mediterranean touch, this restaurant has a “revolutionary” atmosphere.
Luuma
Typical example of the island’s cosmopolitan, chic and relaxed mood, mixed with Caribbean flavors and local ingredients. In addition, its cocktails are reason enough to visit this place.
Ser Esencia
Flavors and smells rooted in Mayan culture are what you can find in this restaurant. The place is headed by chef Roberto Solís, one of the most renowned renovators of Yucatan-style cuisine.
Mahi Holbox (Big Fish)
The place you hope to find on an island like this one: relaxed, authentic, fresh, friendly, colorful … and with fish and seafood that will drive you crazy!
