Back in January, Diana and I had the opportunity to do a day trip to Isla Holbox in Mexico! It’s becoming more and more popular lately, due to its incredible beaches with white sand and clear blue water. If you’re short on time, a day trip is all you need to explore the island and bask in the Mexican sun. You can also take advantage of an organized tour and go see the nearby islands. It’s worth it!

Isla Holbox, located in the northern part of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is car-free, so keep that in mind when planning your adventure. Holbox is also part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve and separated from the mainland by the Yalahau Lagoon, which is home to flamingos and pelicans.

How to get to Isla Holbox?

You can go on a day trip from Cancun to Holbox Island, which is exactly what we decided to do. We also got to visit Isla de la Pasión, a beautiful wild bird refuge, and Yalahau Lagoon, an island with a cenote for swimming and a cool observation tower. We opted for an organized tour, and lunch on Holbox was included. Plus a fun one-hour bike ride, which you should definitely add to your list of things to do while visiting Holbox. We booked our tour through Carlos, and if you’re in Cancun and ready for an adventure, feel free to reach out to him on Whatsapp at +52 9982008767.

Day trip to Holbox Island

What to do on Isla Holbox in 2023

Keep in mind that the part of the island where you will arrive by boat isn’t as nice as the other end of the island, which is called Punta Mosquito. There you will find the best beaches and the cleanest nicest parts of the town. You can also stay there overnight. Just keep in mind it can be pricey, especially to stay closer to Punto Mosquito. I’ve heard that in the early morning hours, you can book a bioluminescent algae tour by boat and that it’s incredible! You can get to Punto Mosquito by renting a golf cart, a bicycle, or by a long walk.

Here are the top 10 things to do on Isla Holbox:

1. Check out the Bioluminescence experience tour
2. Go on a boat trip to Isla de la Pasión (Passion Island)
3. Discover the island and cenote Yalahau (don’t forget to go up the observation tower)
4. Take a bike ride around Holbox Island
5. Relax and swim at Punta Mosquito
6. Go on a kayak stargazing tour (time to see the Milky Way!)
7. Take a day trip to Playa Punta Coco and chill at the beach
8. Explore Holbox Village and immerse yourself in the local culture
9. Do a kayaking tour through the mangroves (can also be done at sunset)
10. Go snorkeling and swimming with sharks

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