Holbox is a small island located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet. It is part of the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve, a protected area that hosts a rich diversity of wildlife, including flamingos, pelicans, dolphins, turtles, and whale sharks.
Holbox is the perfect destination for travelers who are looking for a more laid-back and authentic experience than the crowded and commercialized Riviera Maya. Here, you can enjoy long stretches of white sand beaches, colorful murals, and a friendly atmosphere. You can also explore the natural beauty of the island by taking a boat tour, kayaking through the mangroves, or snorkeling with the gentle giants of the sea.
If you are wondering what to do in Holbox, here are some of the best things to see and do:
- Discover the town of Holbox and its urban art. Take a stroll along the sandy streets and admire the vibrant murals that adorn the walls of houses, shops, and hotels. These artworks are part of the International Public Art Festival (IPAF), which invites local and international artists to express their creativity and raise awareness about environmental issues¹.
- Enjoy the beach at a beach club. Holbox has many beach clubs that offer comfortable loungers, umbrellas, hammocks, and drinks for a reasonable fee. Some of the most popular ones are Raices Beach Club, El Velero Beach Club, and Casa Las Tortugas Beach Club.
- Visit Punta Mosquito. This is a secluded beach that can only be reached by walking or biking along a sandbar during low tide. It is a great spot to relax, swim, and watch the flamingos that flock to the shallow waters.
- Try kitesurfing. Holbox is one of the best places in Mexico to practice this sport, thanks to its steady winds and calm waves. You can find several kitesurfing schools on the island that offer lessons and equipment rental for all levels¹.
- Taste the local craft beer. Holbox has its own brewery, called Cervecería Holbox, that produces delicious beers with natural ingredients and no preservatives. You can visit their taproom and try their different varieties, such as IPA, Pale Ale, Porter, and Witbier.
- See the bioluminescence show at Punta Cocos. At night, you can witness a magical phenomenon that occurs when tiny organisms in the water emit light when they are disturbed. The best place to see it is at Punta Cocos, a beach on the west side of the island. You can either walk there or take a bike or golf cart. Make sure to go on a dark night with no moonlight.
- Take a boat tour. One of the most popular activities in Holbox is to take a boat tour around the island and visit some of its attractions, such as Isla Pájaros (Bird Island), where you can observe different species of birds; Isla Pasión (Passion Island), where you can relax on a hammock over the water; and Yalahau Lagoon, where you can swim in a freshwater cenote.
- Do some water activities. Holbox offers many options for water lovers, such as stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, and snorkeling. You can rent the equipment from various shops on the island or join a guided tour².
- Swim with whale sharks. From June to September, you have the opportunity to swim with these amazing creatures that migrate to the waters around Holbox. They are harmless and friendly, and you can get very close to them with respect and caution. You can book a tour with one of the authorized operators on the island.
- Relax at a spa. After a day of adventure, you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a facial at one of the spas on Holbox. Some of them use natural products made from local ingredients, such as coconut oil, honey, and sea salt.
Holbox is a place where you can disconnect from the stress of everyday life and reconnect with nature and yourself. It is an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy a simple and peaceful vacation in a beautiful setting.
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