Holbox Visitors Guide

Enjoy every day. Be lazy. Isla Holbox is the perfect place to be a beach bum. Wander through the town center. Admire the brightly painted buildings. Eat delicious food like the famous lobster pizza. Savor a tropical cocktail. Lounge in a sea hammock. Take a walk along the beach as the sun is setting. This island should be treasured for its slow-paced pleasure.

You will discover many alleys and roads here that have vividly painted monuments, murals, and artistic creations (more on that below). Many vendors sell handmade artisan pieces too, so you can easily take a piece of the island’s art home with you.

Holbox is famous for this exciting water sport. If you are already experienced in the sport you will easily find your favorite spot to soar along the far-reaching, flat coastline, especially during the winter months. Holbox is famous for its ideal conditions for beginners to learn in shallow waters with no big obstacles, a wide coastline and easy wind conditions. There are classes daily from shops on the island year round.

  This popular private kitesurfing lesson by Kukulkite is the top rated on the island.

The highly popular Three Islands boat tour off the coast of Isla Holbox is a wonderful way to experience firsthand the nature of the island and its surroundings. Isla Holbox is famous for having an abundance of wildlife, especially birds, and this tour allows you to witness these nimble creatures in their habitat. Your first stop on the tour is the aptly named Bird Island, (Isla Pajaros). You won’t be allowed to walk among the birds as it is a protected area, but there is a dock and viewing platforms for watching and photographing the flamingos, horned bills, pelicans, and many other species.

Your other two stops will be Passion Island (Isla Pasion) where you’ll be able to wander on the island, go hand fishing and spot wildlife, and visit the naturally bubbling Yalahau Cenote. At Yalahau you’ll be able to spend a good amount of time swimming and exploring in the fresh water. The order in which you visit these locations will depend on your guide and how busy each place is.

  Book your private three islands boat tour here.

While not quite as picture-perfect as beaches on Cozumel or Isla Mujeres, Holbox beaches are beautiful nevertheless and a great way to spend the day relaxing, swimming and snorkeling.

Holbox is truly a nature lover’s paradise. This protected area offers abundant wildlife as much of the island is wild and undeveloped. One of the best ways to experience Holbox is by taking in the scenery up close by kayaking in the mangroves. Kayaking the mangroves on Holbox also allows you to spot some of the island’s abundant indigenous and migratory bird species, including herons, ospreys, and even flamingos! It truly is an unforgettable experience.

There are a variety of options for kayaking the mangroves including visiting during the day, at sunrise, at sunset, or even at night! One of the most popular choices is to paddle through shallow clam waters in the mangroves on this top-rated 3 Hour Guided Kayak Tour during the day. On the tour, your guide will tell you all about the flora and fauna as you listen to the birds in the mangroves. If it’s the right season, you might even see some sunbathing crocodiles or flamingos.

Also be sure to check out this Sunrise Mangrove Kayaking Tour, this Sunset Mangrove Kayaking Tour and this Night Kayak with Stargazing and Bioluminescence! 

If you want to spot the famous Holbox Flamingos, head to Punta Cocos and Punta Mosquito. These elegant birds tend to appear on the beaches in the early mornings when there aren’t too many people around yet. The graceful pink flamingos are typically on the beaches from April through October. 

Most of Holbox’s flamingos live in the nature reserve and are best spotted from the water. You can also park your bike or golf cart at Las Nubes and walk one hour further following the sand bar to find them.

If you decide to walk to Punta Mosquitos, take marine-safe sunscreen, plenty of water, and a hat. Make sure to bring your camera so you can snap a few photos, but please do not approach the flamingos. 

For culinary enthusiasts, is there anything better than learning to cook traditional Mexican cuisine while staying in a tropical paradise like Holbox? Many of the cooking classes offered on the island focus on cuisines of the different regions of Mexico, from Guadalajara and Jalisco to Oaxaca and Yucatan. Each day has a different focus, and each is as delicious as the next. 

One charming little cooking school in Holbox, hidden behind a pink door, is La Puerta Rosa. There are classes every morning and evening. During their cooking classes, you can learn some new tips and tricks in the kitchen and get to eat all of your unique creations. Classes are about 3 hours long and can be booked for 2-10 people. The group classes range from around $65 to $85 USD per person, and private lessons are available for about $105 USD per person.

Yum-Balam Nature Reserve, near Holbox Island in Mexico, beckons nature enthusiasts with its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore a variety of trails winding through mangroves, coastal areas, and dense forests, offering an immersive experience in the heart of nature.

One of the reserve’s highlights is the Yalahau Cenote, famed for its clear waters and snorkeling opportunities. Along the trails, keep an eye out for vibrant flamingos, playful dolphins, and elusive sea turtles. Birdwatchers will find joy in spotting different avian species that call the reserve home.

For those seeking adventure, kayaking is a popular activity to navigate the reserve’s waterways and discover hidden treasures along the coast. With well-marked trails catering to various interests and abilities, Yum-Balam Nature Reserve promises a memorable journey through Mexico’s natural wonders, inviting visitors to connect with the beauty of the outdoors in an unspoiled setting.

For those who like to stay active while traveling, Holbox is the perfect island to explore by bike. Renting a bike here is also a budget-friendly way to travel around the island, as bike rentals usually only cost around $2.00 USD (35 MXN) per hour. 

Explore the colorful streets of Holbox Village by bicycle, taking in the vibrant murals, quaint shops, and local eateries. Cycling through the village provides an authentic glimpse into island life and allows you to interact with friendly locals.

Cycling around the perimeter of the island provides a leisurely way to soak in the island’s charm. The main road, which circles the island, is flat and relatively easy to navigate, offering picturesque views of pristine beaches and turquoise waters.

Head to the northern tip of the island to Punta Coco Beach, where you can ride along the sandy shores and enjoy panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. This area is less developed and offers a tranquil setting for cycling.

Visit ecotourism parks like Punta Mosquito and Yum-Balam Nature Reserve, where you can bike along well-maintained paths and discover unique ecosystems teeming with flora and fauna.

Remember to bring plenty of water and sunscreen for your cycling adventures!

One of the things that makes Isla Holbox special is the gorgeous and colorful murals that adorn buildings everywhere on the island. You’ll see themes that honor Diego Rivera, Frida Khalo, and the spirit and history of the island. Holbox is an island of fishermen, and you will find plenty of tributes to the island’s rich fishing history.

Discover beautiful murals of flamingos, hummingbirds, sunsets, and lots of strong, beautiful women. We recommend just wandering and taking in the beauty. Though bicycling is another way to cover more ground. Holbox is a paradise for artists and photographers, and the murals have become part of the island’s identity. 

Holbox sunsets are really something special to witness. Every evening, locals and travelers gather on the pier or the beach to watch the sunset over the sea. 

The best places to watch the sunset are probably Punta Coco Beach, Holbox Village Pier, Paseo Kuka, or any number of beachfront or rooftop bars. Alma Bar is a local and traveler’s favorite. Halfway from Punta Coco to Holbox town, is also a great place to stop and watch the sunset. 

Also check out this Sunset Mangrove Kayaking Tour.

The climate and wild nature of Holbox support a variety of local wildlife. Between jungles and mangroves, lagoons, and warm coastal waters, you can find animals in the waters surrounding the island and in many protected areas of Holbox. 

The island is a paradise for flamingos, herons, and pelicans, and the waters surrounding the island are perfect for whale sharks, dolphins, and manta rays. Keep an eye out for iguanas and crocodiles during your visit as well. 

This private Holbox Tour is a small group tour that offers flexibility and the opportunity to spot wildlife. The tour also takes you to places that can only be reached by boat and provides pickup and drop-off from your accommodations. 

If you would rather have a more adventurous experience on your own, you can walk to Punta Coco or Punta Mosquito early in the morning, and you will see plenty of wildlife.

Holbox has traditionally been a fishing island, which means there is plenty of fresh seafood to indulge in during your visit. Local fishermen still supply incredibly fresh and delicious seafood to the island’s best restaurants.

You may have heard of the island’s signature dish, the infamous lobster pizza, but Holbox has many excellent restaurants that serve up the freshest ceviche, sushi, octopus, coconut shrimp, and phenomenal fish tacos as well! 

Las Panchas is one of the best seafood restaurants on the entire island. The casual atmosphere and simple seafood-forward dishes are beloved by locals and visitors. We also love Ser Esencia and recommend trying the multi-course menus there.