20 Ways To Spend Your Time On Isla Holbox Island

When you plan your trip to Isla Holbox Mexico, depending on the type of trip you want, there are a number of ways to spend it! Located between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula, this laid back island was a delight to visit.

For the adventurous, there is something for you, from kayaking to swimming with whale sharks. For the beach dwellers, Isla Holbox is the perfect place to lay back, soak up the sun, and try ceviche from every beach bar. Let’s get into it!

You read that right! If you visit from June through September, during Whale Shark season on Isla Holbox you can hire a guide to take you out swimming with them. Keep in mind there are Leave No Trace rules to abide by so it is best to do this with a local who understands these majestic creatures.

Take a boat tour to the island of Yalahau if you want to swim in a cenote. The centote is quite large and isn’t as beautiful to those of Tulum. Still a great way to spend the afternoon nonetheless.

Give yourself 2-3 hours, typically in the morning during low tide, walk a mile in the ocean to this secluded sand bar. If you want to see Flamingoes in Isla Holbox-this could be the place to see them. Don’t forget your bug spray, plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks!

Isla Holbox Mexico is home to many varieties of birds: frigate birds, white ibis, white gazelle, cormorants, pink spatulas, white and gray pelicans, herons. Flamingoes migrate to the island April to October. Holbox is the Yum Balam Nature Preserve, the largest concentration in the world of whale sharks, large fishing area, and bird population. This is why drones are not allowed on Isla Holbox.

This adventure can be done by yourself or with a guide. Tours will cost you around 300 Pesos or $15USD- but it does involve walking through the island in the dark. Around 9PM you can walk yourself to the spot marked on Google Maps on the Punta Cocos area.

If you have an entire day to go fishing and snorkeling, many boat guides will take you out for a day of fun. This can be done year round and is great for the entire family! For about $100 a person go fishing, snorkeling, and have them provide lunch for an 8 hour day of fun in the sun!

What is a tropical vacation without a massage!? If your looking for something more private, I suggest booking one at Ser Casandra. I had a massage there and it was quite lovely for 2,300 Pesos or $140USD. If you want something less expensive, walk to one of the many beach massage tables.

Sunset from the rooftop is not only stunning, it is a great way to avoid the mosquitoes that come out at golden hour. My favorite rooftop bars were Spirit Holbox, Hotel Mittoz, and Soulbox Rooftop. Keep in mind drinks at these places can be quite expensive-about 200 pesos or $18 USD. Pro Top: Arrive at happy hour when 2 for 1 margaritas are available from 3-6.

We found that typically boat guides will incorparate fishing and snorkeling the same day. We also found if you just want to go fishing, it is possible to do that for a full day for about $100 a person. Eat the fish you catch and have ceviche for lunch!

Kitesurfing on Isla Holbox is quite popular because of the amount of wind the island receives. There are quite a few vendors on the island offering lessons if your feeling adventurous or know how to kitesurf! Book in advance to save money and pre-plan your adventure.

Isla Holbox is full of different types of food to enjoy. Octopus, empanadas, tacos, ceviche, lobster pizza! Yes, lobster pizza on the island is very popular. Some of the best wood fired pizza I’ve ever had was on this little 20-mile long island in Mexico.

Street Food is the best way to experience authentic Isla Holbox. After the sun goes down, the city center lights up with food carts.

Often times your AIRBNB host or hotel may have bikes available for rent or for free! If not, you can rent from a bike shop downtown for 250 Pesos ($15USD) for a day. Take a look at the roads before doing this, if they are full of water from heavy rain or very bumpy, you won’t want to bike around on the wet sand.

When the sun is setting on the island, everybody finds time to stop and appreciate the moment together. It’s a beautiful thing to witness.

Since Isla Holbox Mexico is so close to the mainland Yucatan Peninsula, there is a boat tour you can do. For a group of 4 this costs about $280USD and includes: centote swimming at Yalahau. Visit Passion Island and Isla Pajaros where you will see flamingoes, pelicans and frigates.

Sunrise kayak or during the day? You choose! Get closer to nature as the guides take you past crocodiles, flamingoes, pelicans and more! This river is only accessible by kayak and is on the east side of the island. Looking for the best place to experience sunrise on Isla Holbox? This is it!

Ask a local and they might say the remnants of cement you see on the beach are from pirates. But really, they are from when hurricane Wilma hit the island in 2005. Artists have taken it upon themselves to draw beautiful murals on them, making an odd but beautiful thing to photograph.

Take a walk from one island to the other, down the beach and hit all the beach bars. If your looking for a beach chair, keep in mind the restaurants have minimums-500-2000 pesos (30-100 USD). It is worth it! Some of the best ceviche I had were at the beach bars. Added bonus-renting a chair is a great way to get away from sand flies!

Isla Holbox Mexico is home to many delicious restaurants-it is hard to choose where to eat first, and last. Luuma is one of the highest rated restaurants on the island if your looking for upscale. Craft cocktails, unique food items, and immaculate vibes, this is a great date night spot.

If your looking to snag a quintessential tourist photo, the Holbox sign is located near the Whaleshark Pier. Take turns filling in the L part of the sign and savor the memory with your camera like I did!

Support local artisans and hit the town-there are quite a few shops and an outside market to visit! Golden hour and nighttime was my favorite time to visit the market areas. Especially the outdoor markets is where I found my favorite pieces of locally made brass jewelry.