The 11 Best Things to Do in Holbox

Palm trees, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, stunning sunsets… Discover Holbox, a small island off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula that is a true paradise on Earth! With its bohemian and relaxed vibe, it boasts of being one of the only natural reserves on the coast of Mexico that still preserves a unique charm. If you’re thinking of visiting this lush island, here’s a handy list of the best things to do in Holbox!

The 11 Best Things to Do in Holbox

1. Relax on a hammock on the beach
2. Swim with Whale Sharks
3. Go horse riding along white sandy beaches
4. See the most beautiful sunset in Mexico
5. Punta Mosquito or Punta Cocos?
6. Stroll along the Holbox Sandbank
7. Marvel at Bioluminescent Plankton
8. Get lost on the dirt roads
9. Try lobster pizza
10. Dance & enjoy live music in the street!
11. Day trips to Holbox

Relax on a hammock on the beach

If there’s one thing that attracts tourists to the island, it’s the beautiful white sand beaches and warm waters. Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Holbox is lie in a hammock while sunbathing under the Caribbean sun. The good thing about these beaches is that, although they receive thousands of visitors a year, they’re still peaceful places where you can spend a quiet morning enjoying the views while drinking out of a coconut. It’s sure to exceed your expectations!

If you happen to be more of an active explorer, why not check out one of our kayaking or paddle-surfing activities?

Swim with Whale Sharks

Another cool thing you can do in Holbox is swim with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world! These tranquil animals usually roam these waters between June and September.

Although their size is intimidating–they can reach up to 12 meters long–whale sharks are really harmless marine animals that only feed on phytoplankton. So what do you say? Are you up for swimming with some sharks?

Go horse riding along white sandy beaches

Without a doubt, one of the most exciting things to do in Holbox is horse riding along the stunning white sandy beaches. It’s no surprise that this is one of the most popular ways to explore the island. If you want to make the experience even more magical, we recommend doing a horse riding tour at sunset.

See the most beautiful sunset in Mexico

If there’s one thing you absolutely cannot miss seeing in Holbox, it’s one of the magical sunsets. People travel far and wide just to catch a glimpse of the deep orange hues reflected on the waters of the Mexican Caribbean.

The best place in Holbox to see the sunset is from the western end of the island. No matter what your day consists of, there truly is no better way to end it than by watching the sunset!

Punta Mosquito or Punta Cocos?

Debating whether to visit Punta Mosquito or Punta Cocos? The answer depends on what you’re looking for! These two beaches are the best beaches in Holbox, and for good reason!

If you’d like to see some interesting wildlife, we recommend heading to Punta Mosquito. Apart from Holbox’s signature white sand and crystal-clear waters, you’ll find some peculiar animals on this beach, including flamingoes! On the short trek there, you might encounter fallen branches after torrential storms and muddy grounds, but we assure you that it’s totally worth it.

If what you’re looking for is some peace and quiet, then we recommend going to Punta Cocos. Located on the other side of the island, Punta Cocos is a quiet and secluded beach with mangroves and hammocks that you can rest in after a short hike. Perfect for relaxing and disconnecting.

Stroll along the Holbox Sandbank

Another fun thing to do in Holbox is take a stroll along The Holbox Sandbank. This strip of beautiful white sand stretches from Holbox Beach out to Punta Mosquito. It’s no wonder why this is such a popular walk for tourists, as when the tide is low, you can follow the path the whole way to Punta Mosquito. Along the sandbank, you may encounter various species of wildlife such as flamingoes, pelicans and tropical fish.

It takes around an hour to get to Punta Mosquito by walking along the sandbank. However, keep in mind the water rises during high tide. We recommend visiting the sandbank in the morning to avoid the high tide.

Marvel at Bioluminescent Plankton

Did you know that Holbox is one of the best places in the world to see bioluminescence? This magical natural phenomenon is the emission of flickering lights by small organisms that create a beautiful glow on the seashore.

The best time to see bioluminescence is during the summer months, between June and August. However, you also have to take the full moon into account as in order to see bioluminescence in all its splendour, there has to be total darkness. If you don’t want to worry about any of these factors, we recommend booking this bioluminescent plankton tour around Punta Cocos. You can also do this kayaking tour! What better way to explore and learn about this curious phenomenon than accompanied by an expert guide?

Get lost on the dirt roads

The most popular means of transportation on the island are bicycles and golf carts. But actually, we’d suggest walking along the dirt roads to truly absorb the essence of this charming island!

Its picturesque streets are a wonderful mix of colourful murals, terraces full of twinkling lights, and little shops with displays overflowing with Mexican skulls and other local handicrafts. This vibrant town is sure to charm you!

Try lobster pizza

Did you know that one of the most typical dishes on the island is lobster pizza? This curious combination surprises even the most demanding palates. The recipe was created due to the surplus of this crustacean. Nowadays, it’s one of the most consumed dishes in Holbox. There are many ways to eat lobster, but we’re sure that none is as unique as this one!

Plus, being right on the coast, other Mexican dishes that you definitely have to try are the shrimp or fish tacos – you’ll be tasting the freshest catch of the day! If you want to make sure you taste the best tacos, why not check out this taco tour?

Dance & enjoy live music in the street!

Of course, when compiling a list of what to do in Holbox, we had to mention the music and nightlife! Although it’s not one of the most party-oriented destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula, the island has a wide variety of venues offering live music for dancing and enjoying a fun night out. It’s hard to walk down the street while Caribbean rhythms play in the background and not get into the mood with a few dance moves.

For those who prefer something quieter, but still looking for a unique night, our Mayan Full Moon Ceremony is the perfect plan for you. You’ll experience mysticism, tradition, and Mexican culture all while under the starry night sky of Holbox – a truly magical experience.

Day trips to Holbox

Just because you’re staying in a different part of Mexico doesn’t mean you should miss out on exploring Holbox! If you’re looking for a way to spend a day on this beautiful island, why not book one of our day trips from Playa del Carmen or Cancun?

No matter what kind of traveller you are, there is an abundance of cool things to do in Holbox. It would be impossible to include every fun activity in just one list, however, if you decide to visit this beautiful island, be sure to check out the activities offered by Civitatis!