Isla Holbox is an amazing island. How we would love to go back and relax there for a few more weeks!
We really enjoyed this island, and so we would like to give you some tips as well. Considering going to Isla Holbox, but not sure what to do? We’ll help you out!
#1 Watch the sunset at Playa Punta Cocos
You can spend hours here enjoying the countless hammocks that stand side by side. But it’s also a great place to photograph the iconic jetty during sunset. In our video, found at the end of this article, you can also see a timelapse of the sunset.
Punta Cocos is truly a magical place. But be careful not to stay too long after sunset, because this place would have been better called ‘punta musquito’. When I wanted to take some extra pictures when blue hour came up, I was literally attacked by the mosquitoes.
So going back on time (by bike) is the message, or use extra strong mosquito spray!
#2 Hiking at Punta Mosquito
How beautiful is this place!! If you like white beaches and clear water, you have found your dream spot at this one.
During low tide, a giant sandbar forms to Punta Mosquito. A lovely, quiet walk that culminates in a stretch of beach where you can relax some more. You will automatically see the end, because after that it is closed because the nature reserve is protected.
To be safe, bring a waterproof bag for all your stuff. If you are not back in time and the tide has turned, you may well have to swim back 🙂
Also, be sure not to forget sunscreen!Â
#3 Watch birds during sunrise
Get up early to take a walk on the beach pays off. At sunrise, there are many (large) birds feeding on delicious fish on the beach.
Island life comes late, which makes you have the beach almost completely to yourself.
Photo by Pexels
#4 Swimg with whale sharks
We unfortunately came to Isla Holbox outside the whale shark season, but what I have heard very good experiences about is swimming with whale sharks.
These gentle giants can grow up to 13 meters long! From June to September you will find them off the coast of Isla Holbox. If you travel during this period, it’s definitely a fun excursion!
Travelling from Cancun, you can book a tour through GetYourGuide.
#5 Spot some street art
On Isla Holbox you will find endless street art. It makes the streets so nice and colorful. And when you think you’ve seen it all, you come across new ones in the small streets.
If there is a local around, be sure to ask about the story behind the drawings, with great pleasure you will be told the story behind the drawings.
#6 bioluminescence plankton (sea sparkle)
Bioluminescence plankton is a glowing/luminous plankton in the sea. This is a really beautiful natural phenomenon and Isla Holbox is one of the best places to witness it.
It has to be really dark, though, so it’s best to go around during the week of a new moon so that the moon is not too bright. To maximize your chances, you can book a tour where you go kayaking with a small group among the bioluminescent plankton. You can book the tour here.
#7 Lie in a hammock for hours
Mexico and hammocks, you can’t separate them. And during our trip I came to love hammocks very much.
In Isla Holbox you really find hammocks everywhere. It is rare that you can’t find an empty hammock.
So a must-do, several hours of chilling really hard in a hammock half in the water – or higher during high tide.
There are worse things to do, right?
#8 Rent a bicycle
Leave those smelly golf carts and rent a bike. Since no other vehicles are allowed on the island, it’s really great for biking.
The island is not very big, making it perfectly doable to cycle from A to B.
Besides, the breeze actually gives some coolness on the hot days – and you help preserve nature on the island.
Bonus
On most of the islands we have been to, sunset is a special moment.
Even on Isla Holbox. That’s the moment when you do nothing more and just sit at a beach bar and take the occasional picture. It’s not really a “to do,” but just do it anyway.
On Isla Holbox you have numerous beach bars, very simple, or very trendy.
By now we were big Dos Equis fans, sunset was just another reason to order there 😉
And there is so much more to do. For example, we thought the kayaking trip to the mangrove reserve during sunset was also a lot of fun.
Isla Holbox is a super chill island where you don’t really have to do too much.
There is a nice center where you can eat and drink and there are super beautiful beaches.
That’s all you need, right?
Be sure to check out the video we made of Isla Holbox!
