Things to do in Isla Holbox
Isla Holbox is a small island off the Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. “Isla” means island in Spanish, and “Holbox” comes from the Yucatec Maya language and means “Black Pit”. It got this name due to the due to the dark color of the water in the mangroves nearby. It can be found 106.254 miles (171 km) off the coast of Cancun and offers 34 miles of pristine beaches. Isla Holbox is considered a small, pedestrian sleepy beach town but don’t let that fool you. There are plenty of things to do in Isla Holbox. Here are 23 things to do in in Isla Holbox.
Check Out the Local Wall Art
Although Isla Holbox is known as a sleepy island beach town, they definitely do not sleep on their art! Around every corner you will find beautiful local wall art as you wander around town. Along the beach, you will also find local wall art painted across remnants of old buildings.
Beach Days
With pristine white sand and clear ocean water, lazy beach days is at the top of the list. There are 5 beaches on Isla Holbox and they are: Playa Holbox, Playa Punta Coco, Punta Mosquito Beach, Punta Piedra Beach and Punta Calavera Beach. We spent the majority of our time soaking up the sun at Playa Punta Coco and Playa Holbox. We really enjoyed walking up and down the coastline to explore the different beaches on Isla Holbox.
Go See Pink Flamingos
Next up, Punta Coco hosts not only a quiet, pristine beach, but it is also the home to the pink flamingos on the island. If you get lucky, you can catch them soaking in the sun along the sand bar at Punta Coco. If you take the 3 Island tour, you might also get a glimpse of the pink flamingos.
Catch a Beautiful Sunset
I spent every afternoon catching the sunset along the beach and I’ve got to say, it did not disappoint. You can post up near one of the beach front bars to enjoy the sunset while sipping a cocktail or head down to the cover where everyone gathers to watch the sunset.
Whale Sharks
Between the months of May through September, you can go snorkeling to see whale sharks! Whale sharks are not dangerous and are gentle creatures of the sea. Make sure to do your research and find a sustainable and environmentally responsible business to take you out to see the whale sharks. In general, don’t encroach on wild animals space and do not touch them. As an advanced diver, I’ve seen too many tour companies not pay any respect or protection to the animals of the region. As tourists, it’s our responsibility to spend our money at businesses that do honor and protect the nature of the region.
3 Island Tour
3 island tour – there are a couple options for the tour. One is to have a private tour $250 USD per person or the other is to take a tour boat which other people $45 USD. Take a half day boat trip to 4 distinctive spots in and around the island. The 3 isla tour includes pit stops to Punto Mosquito, Isla Pasión, Isla Pájaros and Yalahau on the mainland.
- Head to Punto Mosquito in search of flamingos and other birds
- Wander on Passion Island with its uninhabited beaches and lush vegetation
- Get your bird gaze on at Isla Pájaros (also known as Bird Island), where you can find up to 35 different species of birds in their own habitat
- Explore Yalahau on the mainland which is a natural water hole for swimming. Legend has it was a favorite haunt of pirates for its fresh water supply. Have a dip and climb up to the observatory to see the lagoon.
Rent an ATV to get around the island
If you’re looking to explore the island on your own, renting an ATV or off-road golf cart is a great option to get around. Many of the spots worth adventuring to are off the beaten path. The beaches in the north area of the island are secluded and easiest to get to on a vehicle than by foot. This is a great way to explore the island on your own time and at your lesiure.
Lounge around at a Beach Club
There are an abundance of beach clubs where you can lounge in the sun on lovely beach beds and order food and drinks while listening to a live DJ. You usually need to spend a minimum amount per person to enjoy the beach club. At Zomay, the minimum was $600 mxn pesos (about $30 USD) per person to enjoy the amenities.
Snap a Photo at Holbox Letras
Along the beach near the downtown area you’ll find the famous Instagramable “Holbox” letras (letters). It’s one of my favorite letras in Mexico because you get a gorgeous shot of the turquoise ocean in the background. Nothing really beats that!
Beach Yoga
What better way to start the day than with a morning beach yoga session! I enjoyed 9am beach yoga at Samm Wellness while I stayed at Isla holbox. I really enjoyed the vinyasa flow, plus the yoga instructor included guided mediation at the beginning with setting an intention for our practice. We ended our yoga session in savasana while she did a sound bath healing for each of us by ringing a sound bowl above our navels. The energy was perfectly zen and the intensity was just right. Perfect amount of gentle challenge while being in a zen environment.
Enjoy Live Music
There are several spots in Isla Holbox that offer amazing live music. From cumbia, salsa, rock and Spanish acoustic music, you can’t go wrong with enjoying live music with a beer or cocktail.
Late Night Snacks
On Isla Holbox, you’ll see everyone lining up for their late night treat at a marquesita stand located around the plaza. My favorite was the Nutella and banana flavor. A marguesita is a crepe based desert that is wrapped up with delicious treats instead, instead of folded into a quadrant. You can choose from flavors like nutella, banana with nutella, peanut butter and jelly, dulce de leche and cajeta!
Eat Local Yucatán food
Expand your taste palette by exploring local Yucatán food. Cochinita became my favorite yucateco food while in the Yucatán peninsula. Cochinita pibil is a traditional Yucatec Mayan slow-roasted pork dish from the Yucatán Peninsula. A traditional cochinita involves marinating the meat in strong acidic citrus juice, adding annatto seed, which creates a vivid burnt orange color, and roasting the meat in a píib while it is wrapped in banana leaf. It is absolutely deliecious (chef’s kiss). There is a ton of Yucatán cuisine like Papadzules, poc chuc and X’catic relleno.
Outside of Yucatán cuisine, Chaya became one of my favorite ingredient to eat as well! Chaya is a super food of the Yucatán Peninsula; it’s similar to spinach. For several centuries, Chaya was the staple food of the Mayas, who had named it Chay. Chaya provides enormous benefits for humans such as regulating blood pressure, improves blood circulation, helps reduce body weight, increases calcium in the bones, and helps the digestive system. Any chance I got, I’d grab a jugo de chaya (juice of chaya).
Kayak through the Mangroves
Did you know Isla Holbox has a large mangrove? You can take a kayak tour through the mangroves to explore the gorgeous natural treasure around the island.
Go Paddle Boarding
Soak up the sun and get some light exercise by paddle boarding on the clear turquoise water. Better yet, catch the sunset from the paddle board.
Experience the Bioluminescence
Although the optimal time to go on the kayak bioluminescence tour is during a new moon (little light pollution), you can still enjoy the magical experience of the bioluminescence all year round. The bioluminescence is created by the light production of phytoplankton, a type of microalgae that floats at the surface of the ocean water. They emit a mesmerizing bright blue light after they become agitated by wave movements or nearby swimming fish. Isla Holbox is home to a large number of species known as phytoplankton, which create a majestic luminescent effect within the water.
Try Out Kite Boarding
There’s a couple kite boarding spots on the island that look very fun! If you’re into extreme sports, this paradise is definitely the place to do it!
Eat Local Tacos
You don’t have to venture far to find cheap and delicious local tacos spots! I enjoyed tacos de arachera at Tacos Bebote Holbox spot, tacos de barcacoa at Tacos Mateo and for the win this trip, quesabirrias from Los tacos de Barbacoa taco stand. I paid between $35-$60 mxn pesos ($2 – $3 USD) per taco depending on the type of meat. The line for the Quesabirrias was long but totally worth it. Quesabirria is a cross between a taco and a quesadilla. It is comprised of a corn tortilla with either mozzarella or Chihuahua cheese melted with stewed meat. The meat is often beef – commonly brisket – in contrast to birria, which is traditionally made with goat (also delicious).
Vibey Dinner Spots
While on Isla Holbox, we got to try out 3 really Vibey restaurants: Momono (Japanese food), Lazaro (Rooftop wine club and eatery above Momono) and Basico. My favorite spot of these 3 was Basico! The vibe and music was unchallenged and the food included a wonderful mix of yucateco food and seafood. I enjoyed the cochinita pibil. These restaurants are a bit pricey (~$30 to $60 USD per person) but worth it if you plan to splurge.
Shop till You Drop
There are a ton of local shops that sell artisan bohemian clothing for both men and women. I found a gorgeous multi wrap dress and a 2 piece outfit that I wore for the New Years Eve celebration on Isla Holbox. I really enjoyed the vibes at Boutique Xaman, especially since the stylist helped me choose color tones that complimented my skin tone. With my purchase, she even gifted me a amethyst stone for good energy.
I also recommend buying some luxe perfume and body oil at Gianeti Apotherapy. When it comes to facial creams, body oils and perfume I am a bougie gal! I love scoping out high quality, luxe fragrances wherever i go on vacation. I found this intimate cute shop near the plaza on Calle Palomino between Avenida Caleta and Calle Xpil that had the best regional products around the Yucatan. They had products from Perfumeria Coqui Coqui and other luxe Mexican brands. I bought palo santo essences, a heavenly soy candle, cempasuchil facial cream, and body oil.
Instagrammable Beach Swing
Make sure to capture your main character moment on an instagrammable beach swing with an mesmerizing backdrop of the gorgeous Yucatán Peninsula. There are a couple of swings like these along the beach near beach clubs and hotels.
Try Mariscos (Seafood)
Obviously, while on the island I had to try out the mariscos (Spanish word for seafood). I had a recommendation from a local resident to try out La Barracuda which was a local mariscos shop on the island.
Participate in a Mayan Cleansing Ceremony
A Mayan cleanse hosted by a descendant of a Mayan shaman is a very unique and rare experience. If you’re looking to clear your chakras or cleanse your energy, I’d recommend participating in a Mayan Cleansing ceremony. The ceremony entails guided meditation, the burning of copal which was sacred to the Mayans for cleansing and a sea shell for chakra alignment. You can book a Mayan Cleansing experience here.
Summary of 23 Things to do in Isla Holbox
In summary, whether you are into traveling for the pristine beaches, food experiences or to catch relaxing vibes, Isla Holbox offers all of that and more. Even though it is considered a pedestrian sleepy beach town, there are an abundance of things to do in Isla Holbox, including amazing weather, beautiful beaches, and both relaxing and adventure activities.
Now, if you’re looking for how to travel in the Yucatán peninsula, check out these blog posts:
- How to get to Isla Holbox
- Things to Know Before you Travel to Isla Holbox
- How to Celebrate New Year’s Even in Isla Holbox
- Best Cenotes to Visit Near Valladolid
- How to Celebrate Christmas in Valladolid, Mexico
- Things to do in Valladolid, Mexico
- Best Day Trips from Valladolid Mexico
- Solo Travel Essentials for Women
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Evie
Female solo traveler, blogger and personal finance nerd helping women plan their solo travel adventures!
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