The 11 Best Things to Do in Holbox: My Favorite Activities 2025

Isla Holbox often gets this reputation for being too laid-back, people say it’s underdeveloped, a little rough around the edges, and that “there’s nothing to do.” Especially if they’re comparing it to Isla Mujeres.

But after visiting Holbox a few times now, I can confidently say that’s not true at all. I absolutely love it here. Every time I come, I have the best time, and honestly, it might just be my favorite place to visit in that whole part of Mexico. I’ll happily defend my little favorite Mexican island any day.

To prove that Holbox is far from boring, I’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Holbox including a mix of my favorite activities from recent trips and a few iconic ones still on my bucket list. Let’s get into it.

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The 11 Best Things to Do in Holbox: My Favorite Activities 2025

Things to Do in Holbox – My Experience

I’ve been to Isla Holbox a few times now, the first was during a backpacking trip about five years ago, and then again more recently. And wow, it’s changed a lot since then. It’s still got its sandy roads and golf carts (which I love because they give it that charming, rustic island feel), but there are now so many more cafés, restaurants, boutique shops, and even a few fine dining spots. It’s definitely not as sleepy as it used to be.

After spending roughly four weeks in total here, I feel like I’ve gotten a pretty good sense of what there is to do on Holbox, and there’s more than people think.

One of my absolute favorite experiences was witnessing and swimming with the bioluminescence. The whole ocean glowed a surreal shade of blue and it was honestly magical – definitely one of my highlights.

I also went on a sunset catamaran sail around the island, which was just as dreamy. But honestly, one of my favorite things is simply cruising around on a golf cart, stopping at my favorite coffee shops, and spending lazy afternoons at the beach (which is stunning, by the way).

One thing that’s still on my Holbox bucket list is swimming with whale sharks. I haven’t done it yet, but it’s high on my list for my next visit, and definitely one of the most iconic things to do here.

Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Isla Holbox Mexico

It’s Rough Around the Edges

Holbox definitely has a reputation for being a bit more rustic than places like Isla Mujeres or Cancun and honestly, that’s exactly why I love it.

It’s got dirt roads, laid-back energy, and a more authentic island vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere.

If you’re after big resorts and fancy beach clubs, Holbox might not be your scene. But if you’re a traveler or backpacker who appreciates charm and character over polish, you’ll love it here. The beaches are beautiful, the food scene is incredible, and the vibe is pure magic.

Getting to Holbox

Getting to Holbox isn’t difficult, but it does take a bit of effort. From Cancun, it’s about a 2–3 hour drive or bus ride to Chiquilá, followed by a short ferry ride across to the island (about 20 minutes). In total, you’re looking at roughly 3–4 hours of travel.

Personally, I think it’s absolutely worth it,the journey itself kind of sets the tone for the adventure ahead. Just make sure to book your transfer or ferry ticket in advance, especially in high season.

Check the Seasons in Holbox

Like much of the Yucatán coast, Holbox is very seasonal. The seaweed (sargassum) tends to show up between April and November, but that’s also when you can swim with whale sharks, so it’s all about priorities!

If you prefer calm seas and clear beaches, visit between December and March.

Get an eSIM for Mexico

I always travel with an eSIM so I can skip the hassle of buying local SIM cards. I’ve been using Sim Local, and it’s been great, super easy setup and reliable coverage. You can sign up here and use my code GIRLONAZEBRA for a discount.

No Cars in Holbox Island

One of my favorite things about Holbox is that there are no cars. The roads aren’t even paved, it’s all dirt tracks and golf carts, which adds to the castaway vibe. You’ll see locals zipping around on bikes or carts, and honestly, it’s such a refreshing change from the chaos of mainland Mexico. It’s part of what makes Holbox so special.

11 Things to Do in Isla Holbox

1. Watch the Bioluminescence

One of my absolute highlights in Isla Holbox was swimming with the bioluminescence, those magical, glowing plankton that light up the ocean at night. In case you haven’t heard of it before, they’re microorganisms that emit light when the water moves which creates this beautiful blue glow. The best time to see them is usually between May and October, when the glow is at its strongest.

I first did this on my very first trip to Holbox, when I stayed at a little hostel. One night, a group of us walked down to Playa Punta Cocos, watched the sunset, grabbed a few cold beers from the beach shack, and then jumped into the water once it got dark.

The entire ocean shimmered with this incredible blue glow every time we moved, it was just so cool and beautiful. It’s definitely one of my favorite and also one of my most unforgettable experiences and best of all, it’s completely free.

Book Here: Guided Bioluminescence Kayak Tour

2. Swim with Whale Sharks

I had to put this one high on the list because it’s such an iconic Holbox experience, swimming with whale sharks! These gentle giants are the largest fish in the world, and despite the name, they’re completely harmless. Think of them as peaceful plankton-eating sea giants rather than actual “sharks.”

There are a few places around the world where you can swim with them, the Philippines being one of the most famous, but sadly, it’s often done in unethical ways there.

In Holbox, however, the tours are known to be much more responsible and respectful toward the animals. The whale shark season runs roughly from June to August, with the best chances to spot them in July.

I personally haven’t done it yet (and I’m so gutted about that). I’ve always wanted to, but every time I’ve been somewhere it was possible, like Australia, it was the wrong season. And in the Philippines, where it’s easy to do, it’s sadly super exploitative and harms the animals, so I skipped it.

But it’s absolutely on my bucket list for next time I’m in Holbox (or Isla Mujeres, where you can also do it). Fingers crossed that “next time” comes sooner rather than later!

Book Here: Guided Tour Swim With Whale Sharks

3. Watch Sunset at Playa Punta Cocos

Sunsets on Holbox are pretty awesome no matter where you are, but my personal favorite spot to watch the sun go down is Playa Punta Cocos.

It’s located at the far southern tip of the island, a bit out of the way, but that’s exactly why I love it so much. The beach is beautiful, quiet, and easily one of the best places to end the day.

Depending on my mood, I either walk, bike, or take a golf cart down there (all work perfectly fine). But one thing I always bring is a small bag of cold beers, because what’s a sunset without a sundowner, right?

If you stick around after dark, this is also one of the best spots to see the bioluminescence. So grab a drink, stay a little longer, and watch the beach transform into something magical.

4. Try Street Tacos (Birria Tacos)

One of the main reasons I love spending time in Mexico, and honestly, one of the reasons I think it’s such an incredible country, is the food.

For me, getting to know a country means eating like the locals do, and that usually doesn’t involve fancy fine dining. It’s about the little street stalls, the plastic chairs, and the smoky scent of a grill that’s been working all day.

I’m a massive street taco fan, and on Holbox, I’ve had some of the best tacos ever at Lecmu Tacos, a small stand right by the main square. I’ve been there an embarrassing number of times, but it’s hard not to, since their birria tacos and quesabirrias are out of this world.

In case you’re not familiar, birria is slow-cooked, tender meat (usually beef or goat) served with a rich, flavorful broth for dipping. A quesabirria takes things up a notch and it’s basically a cheesy, crispy version of the same thing, and honestly, it’s impossible not to fall in love with it.

5. Take a Kite Surfing Lesson

A little random, I know, but Holbox is actually an amazing place for kite surfing, especially if you’re a beginner. The water around the island (particularly near Punta Mosquito) is super shallow, which makes it much easier to learn and practice without constantly falling into deep water.

I didn’t try it myself (yet!), but I had some friends who took lessons here last year, and they absolutely loved it. They said the conditions were perfect, calm, shallow, and breezy, which makes Holbox one of the best places in Mexico to learn kite surfing. Definitely something I’m keeping on my list for next time.

Book Here: Learn How to Kite Surf

6. Join an Island Hopping Tour (Three Island Tour)

One of the most popular things to do in Holbox is the Three Island Tour, a half-day boat trip that takes you to some beautiful nearby spots, including Isla Pájaros, Isla Pasión, and Cenote Yalahau on the mainland. It’s the perfect mix of nature, swimming, and a little adventure.

I’m a huge fan of being out on the water in general, especially in the Caribbean where it’s that perfect turquoise blue. I try to do some kind of boat or sailing trip everywhere I go, and the Holbox one didn’t disappoint. It’s such a fun, easy way to explore beyond the main island and see a different side of this part of Mexico.

Book Here: 3 Island Hopping Tour Holbox

7. Relax on the Beautiful Beach (or at a Beach Club)

Not every day in Holbox, or in Mexico in general, needs to be packed with activities. Honestly, I think it’s quite the opposite. Some of my favorite days here were spent doing absolutely nothing except lying on the beach, cold drink in hand, watching the turquoise water do its thing.

When I visited recently, the sand was powdery white and the water so clear I didn’t even think about the pool. I just wanted to swim, nap, and repeat. It was my perfect version of island life.

That said, there are certain times of year when Holbox gets some seaweed (like much of the Yucatán coast). When that happens, I’d personally rather spend the day at a beach club.

My go-to spot is Restaurante La Playa de Nana. It’s laid-back, right on the sand, and they don’t charge for sunbeds, you just have to meet a 600 MXN per person minimum spend. Between margaritas, beers, and lunch, that’s never been a problem for me.

8. Walk to Punta Mosquito

One of the most beautiful parts of Holbox, hands down, is Punta Mosquito, a wild stretch of sand at the very northern tip of the island. You can only reach it by walking for hours along the beach or by catching a boat, which makes it feel even more remote and untouched.

I did the walk once from Holbox town and, wow, it took forever, well over an hour in the sun. But honestly, it was worth every sweaty step.

When I finally got there, I was rewarded with endless sandbanks, glass-clear water, and loads of birds, including flamingos (it’s part of a protected wildlife reserve). It’s an absolute dream if you love quiet nature spots.

A little word of advice: wear a hat, bring plenty of water, and don’t underestimate the heat, especially if you’re not used to long walks or the tropical sun.

💡 Tip: If you don’t want to walk the full way, you can ride your golf cart or bike to Hotel Las Nubes (a super cute boutique hotel worth checking out on its own) and start the walk from there. It cuts the distance quite a bit.

9. Catamaran Sunset Cruise

One of the most beautiful experiences I’ve had in Mexico was a sunset catamaran cruise in Holbox.

I joined a shared sailing tour that came with wine and guacamole (a winning combo, if you ask me), and it was absolutely stunning. The catamaran itself was gorgeous, perfect for photos, and watching the sun dip into the ocean from the deck was one of those moments where everything feels perfectly calm and golden.

If you love being on the water, this is easily one of the best things to do in Holbox. Just make sure to book in advance during high season, as spots can fill up quickly.

Book Here: Catamaran Sunset Cruise

10. Rent a Golf Cart

Renting a golf cart is kind of a Holbox classic and, honestly, such a fun way to get around. I usually grab one when I’m visiting with friends or family since it’s easier to explore together and reach spots like Punta Cocos or Punta Mosquito.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, a bike is also a great option (and cheaper), but there’s something about cruising the sandy streets in a golf cart that makes me feel like I’m truly on island time.

Book Here: Golf Cart Rental Holbox

11. Enjoy Great Coffee & Breakfast

Holbox has changed so much since my first visit five years ago. Back then, I think there were maybe one or two cafés worth mentioning and now, there are loads of amazing breakfast spots and coffee shops scattered across the island.

I love starting my day with a good coffee, or taking a little break in the afternoon to hide from the heat and enjoy some AC. My favorite cafés are Another Clandestino and Complemento, both great for coffee, brunch, and people-watching.

If you’re planning your caffeine route, check out my full guide to the best cafés in Holbox to find your favorite spot.

FAQs About What to Do in Holbox

How do you get to Holbox?

The easiest way to get to Holbox is by taking an ADO bus or private shuttle from Cancun to Chiquilá, then hopping on the short ferry across to the island. The whole trip takes around 3–4 hours. Alternatively, if you’re feeling fancy, you can charter a private plane directly from Cancun Airport to Holbox, which, not gonna lie, is on my bucket list for next time.

What are the best restaurants in Holbox?

There are so many great restaurants on the island, but my personal favorite is Piedrasanta, a gorgeous fine dining spot with incredible cocktails and the best grilled octopus.

Is Isla Holbox worth visiting?

Absolutely. Holbox is my favorite destination in this part of Mexico. Just keep in mind, it’s not as resort-style as Cancun or Isla Mujeres, it’s a little more rustic, but that’s exactly what makes it so charming and that’s also why I love it so much.

Isla Mujeres or Isla Holbox?

That’s a tough one because I genuinely love both. If I were solo traveling or visiting as a couple, I’d pick Holbox. But for a family trip, Isla Mujeres might be a bit easier and more convenient.

What to do in Holbox when it rains?

Rainy days in Holbox are perfect for slowing down. I’d recommend finding a cozy café, restaurant, or beach bar to relax in, check out my Holbox food guide for inspiration.

Final Thoughts on the Best Activities in Isla Holbox

Holbox has changed so much over the past five years and in all the right ways. While it still keeps its rough-around-the-edges charm (hello, dirt roads and golf carts), the island now has so much more to offer. From catamaran trips and swimming with whale sharks to incredible restaurants, beach clubs, and cafés, there’s something for every kind of traveler here.

Personally, I can easily spend a week doing a bit of everything including lazy beach days, good food, sunset drinks, and the occasional adventure.

I hope this guide on the best things to do in Holbox helps you get a feel for what this little island paradise is all about.