Holbox - Activities
The beautiful and isolated Holbox Island located in the Caribbean offers you endless and exciting activities for all those nature and adventure lovers. At Holbox you will find the ideal conditions to practice ecotourism, discovering tracks trough the mangroves while rowing on a kayak, riding horses on the wonderful white sand beach with the Caribbean at your side; or swimming next to one of the most big and fantastic species on this planet, the whale shark; as well as dolphins, giant rays, shoals of fishes, groupers, tarpons and tons of other species that this rich ocean may offer.
On the island of Holbox, you'll have the opportunity of riding on a boat between the rivers surrounded by the exuberant vegetation on the shadow of the mangroves and appreciate the long list of creatures that hide between the bushes, such as huge reptiles like crocodiles; exotic birds and mammals that are endemic of this region. You can also visit Isla Pajaros and Isla Pasion or swim at the Yalahau cenote, part of the mysterious lagoon of Yalahau.
One of the greatest things about Holbox Island is the capability of mixing the comfort of the modern life, the friendly welcome of their people and the wild life that surrounds it.
Whale shark watching
It is an unforgettable and unique experience that you can't miss. Being side by side with the largest mammal on earth, the whale shark, watching it swimming just a few meters from you, as well as the possibility of sieeing dolphins, and giant sting rays (they don't sting humans); it's truly something to remember. Even though the whale shark is the biggest mammal (almost 13 meters long) on the planet, it only eats plankton, what makes it harmless to humans. Thanks to the weather, the warm and rich waters that surround Holbox area, it is considered one the best locations to admire these animals, gathering the biggest number of whale sharks in the world from May to September.
Birds Island
Come and admire the flamingos, ducks, seagulls, herons, and grey and white pelicans which are just a few of some of the more than 100 species of birds that inhabit the island. Native and migratory species all get together here to nest. This island is located only 10 minutes away and can be reached by boat trip from Holbox. Surrounded by the 60 meters diameter Yalahau lagoon, your adventure will start before you get there. When you visit this magic place you will be able to relax on a hammock enjoying the sun and the beautiful view, unique in its style.
The main reason of Isla Pajaros preservation is to protect the birds that nest here; some of them are endangered species. Two observation towers were built to avoid disturbing the birds; from here you will have an amazing and special view. The twilight and the dawn are the ideal moments to appreciate the birds; but doesn't matter what itinerary you may have, the spectacle worth it.
Dolphin watching
The first hours of the day are the best moment to spot these intelligent and friendly creatures near the Yalahau lagoon. Dolphins live on fish that come to the lagoon looking for shelter. You may see an entire family of dolphins showing their hunting skills, you can ask a local to drive you on his boat to appreciate them from a closer spot. The summer is the best time of the year to snorkel with the dolphins because it's the birth season, the ideal moment to observe them interacting in family.
Traditional fishing
Enjoy the experience of catching your own food. Depending on the season, you will find octopus, crabs, and fish for lunch. The delicious ceviche in the true style of Holbox style is something you simply must try. Catch a boat ride in the mornings accompanying up to 5 people boat, leave every morning for you to have fun trying to catch your meal!
Turtle sightings
Watching a turtle lay their eggs is an unprecedented spectacle, and Punta Mosquitos in Holbox is one of the best places to see it; thanks to the lonely and clean beaches that make it the perfect location for these big animals to nest and lay their eggs. During the months of May, Jun and July, hundreds of female turtles take presence at the Holbox beaches to lay their eggs. The most interesting fact about this animal is that they always return to the same beaches they were born on in order to lay their eggs. It can take the whole night to dig the hole, lay the eggs and cover the hole again before returning to the safety that the ocean offers. It is an emotive experience that is not to be missed.
Passion Island
After a 15 minute journey you can reach Isla Pasion from Holbox. This is a place where you are going to be able to relax and enjoy a romantic and cozy evening. Bring along your own hammock which can be purchased in the artisan shops located in town, and enjoy a fantastic sunset that only Isla Pasion can offer you. This small Caribbean island will allow you to let yourself go and forget about the outside world.
Yalahau cenote
For the dive lovers, the Yalahau cenote is an excellent site to experience some unforgettable Cenote dives. You can also snorkel or just simply relax and enjoy the flamingos and dolphins that come by to feast upon the shrimp that abound the area. One of nature's most fascinating shows, this fresh water eye surrounded by salt water is known as the "fountain of youth". You can access it only by boat and it's located 20 minutes from Holbox Island; an adventure that you can't miss.