Welcome to Isla Holbox
Isla Holbox (hol-bosh) has sandy streets, colorful Caribbean buildings, lazing, sun-drunk dogs, and sand so fine its texture is nearly clay. The greenish waters are a unique color from the mixing of ocean currents, and on land there's a mixing too: of locals and tourists, the latter hoping to escape the hubbub of Cancún.
Top experiences in Isla Holbox
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Isla Holbox activities
Cancun Swim with Whale Sharks Small-Group Snorkeling Tour
Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is one of the few places in the world where you can share the water with the world's largest fish, the whale shark. Your personalized, small group cruise sets out in search of these gentle creatures for a snorkeling experience you'll never forget. After having spotted a whale shark, you'll have the chance to jump in the water and snorkel alongside it (conditions permitting) for a wildlife encounter few people ever experience. Found in the world's tropical and warm-temperate oceans, the majestic whale shark glides peacefully through the clear waters along the Yucatan coast close to Isla Holbox, Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy during the summer months, feeding on the microscopic plankton which thrives in this environment. You'll then have time to have lunch, relax and unwind off the coast of Isla Mujeres, in Playa Norte, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Be on the lookout for dolphins and manta rays as you enjoy the warm, turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. A biologist/naturalist will be onboard throughout the day to answer questions you may have about whale sharks or any other wildlife you'll see during your adventure. They will also provide you with information on how to interact with the local marine life to ensure you have a safe and fun experience. With a maximum of 10 participants, the Mexican Whale Shark Snorkel Adventure is an intimate experience which will leave you with memories lasting a lifetime.
Isla Holbox Private Half-Day Fishing Tour
Your fishing tour begins as you meet your guide at the pier in Isla Holbox. You will board a boat and your captain will take you to the best fishing spots. The boat will anchor and you will do some bottom fishing (with strings,no gray). Your 4-hour tour will be filled with the best experience as you learn the best fishing techniques with your guide aboard. This is a private tour, so you will be in the comfort of personalized attention. You'll be able to get small and big fish such as sea bass, grouper, snapper, Blonde, Chac Chi and Mojarra among others.After fishing, your guide will suggest you to bring your catch of fish for the day to the restaurant "La Parrilla de Juan." There you will learn how to prepare and make a ceviche in the same way the locals in Holbox make it. Then you will enjoy the best meal of your life.
Isla Holbox Mangrove Forest 3-Hour Kayaking Tour
Depending on where you are staying, you will either be at a walking distance to the meeting point or be picked up from your hotel.Upon arrival, you will get your double kayak and receive a briefing to start the tour. Paddle through these amazing mangroves which are home to different types of bird species that live on the coast. You may even be able to spot some crocodiles basking on the banks of the channels and you might also be able to see flamingos, depending on the season.In the mangroves, the water is calm and relaxing and you can hear the songs from the birds. Your professional guide will provide you with information about the flora and fauna you see to enhance your experience. Your kayaking adventure is divided in two parts of 45 minutes each. After the first half, you will stop to rest and have some water before you continue your way back to the departing point.
Isla Pajaros, Passion Island, Yalahau Tour from Isla Holbox
The exact order of the itinerary depends on the day and the weather conditions. Your sightseeing tour includes visits to:Isla Pajaros (Bird Island): a small island off the coast of Isla Holbox which is famous for its variety of bird species. Depending on the time of year you visit, different species of birds will be there for you to watch. A birdwatcher's paradise and a true spectacle of nature!Passion Island: this island, also known to be the home of many birds allows you to watch different species as they feed and breed. Throughout most of the year, you'll be able to see pink flamingos in the shallow, colorful waters.Yalahau: this cenote (fresh water sinkhole), according to the legend, was used by old pirates and fishermen as a fresh water supply. Now you can swim in the crystal clear water that rejuvenates and refreshes all visitors.Punta Mosquito: depending on the time of year, there is sometimes a larger bird concentration in Punta Mosquito, especially flamingos. If this is the case, you'll be taken to Punta Mosquito instead of Isla Pajaros.
Whale Shark Group Adventure from Isla Holbox
Meet your guide and group at Restaurante Luuma in Holbox at 7am. Receive a short briefing and all the necessary equipment and enjoy a light breakfast before you head off to the pier and board the boat. Head out into the Gulf of Mexico on a 1- to 2-hour ride to find the whale sharks. On the way, keep your eyes peeled for giant manta rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. Once you reach the whale shark area, enter the water two at a time with your guide to get to see these extraordinary giants. The whale shark is the biggest fish in the world at 45 feet long (14 meters. Your guide will show you how to observe and even swim with these wonderful creatures while respecting their habitat. Afterward, pickup the catch of the day from a local fisherman to prepare the freshest ceviche. On the way back, stop near Cabo Catoche, the northernmost point of the Yucatan Peninsula where the Caribbean Sea officially meets the Gulf of Mexico. Snorkel the “cuevones” reef and look for sea turtles, nurse sharks, lobsters, squids, octopi, and other reef fish. Finally, head back to Boca Santa Paula, where you can stretch our legs, have a pleasant swim, and enjoy the delicious ceviche. A 45-minute journey brings you back to Isla Holbox.
Isla Holbox Whale Shark and Snorkeling Adventure with Ceviche
You will meet with your guide and group at the local restaurant Luuma (one block away from the tour operator's office) in Isla Holbox at 7am. There, you will have a small briefing and get all the necessary equipment. You will also enjoy a light breakfast to have a great start. Then, you will walk to the pier, where the boat is waiting to start the journey to find the whale sharks. The trip will take you between one and two hours and you may find different species on the way (if you see a giant manta and its behavior permits it, you can also swim with this harmless creature). Once in the area, you will swim by the whale shark in groups of two plus the guide, for safety reasons and to ensure you get the best experience.On the way back, you will stop near Cabo Catoche to snorkel the "cuevones" reef and maybe see sea turtles, nurse sharks, lobsters, squids, octopuses, and different reef fish. During the journey, you will get some catch of the day from a fisherman and prepare the freshest ceviche. Finally, you will go to Santa Paula, where you can stretch your legs, have a pleasant swim and enjoy the ceviche. From this point, you have a 45-minute journey back to Holbox.