At only 26 miles long, Mexico's Isla Holbox is a small treasure chest packed with goodness. This island is filled with special moments: colorful sunrises and sunsets, waves and calm waters, beaches and sandbars, and an abundance of wildlife.

In fact, Isla Holbox is part of the Yum Balan Nature Preserve, and is one of the very best places to bird watch in Mexico. 

First, a critical detail: how to get there...

We recommend taking the ferry from Chiquila to Holbox. They run about every half hour from Chiquila Port. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes, and is an inexpensive way to get to the island.

If you're lucky enough to visit Isla Holbox, here are our top 10 things to do:

Swim with whale sharks

The annual migration of whale sharks is an incredible thing to behold. On Isla Holbox, you can see whale sharks between May and September. Go with an experienced guide and follow all local conservation rules. Isla Holbox is a Whale Shark Sanctuary and Whale Shark Nature Reserve.

Get active!

Go snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, swimming, horseback riding, walking, wading, kayaking, or riding bikes. Or, not: lounge in a hammock located right in the water, or read under the shade of a palm tree. There’s so much to do—and also, this is the perfect ambiance to shift between activity and relaxation.

Wander around viewing colorful murals

The island is chock full of beautiful, colorful, local art! Murals are painted almost everywhere, and they are such a joy to behold. It’s a glimpse into local culture, colors, and life. You can wander and discover them on your own, or follow this art mural tour.

Head to Isla de los Pájaros

This deserted island is a bird-watcher’s paradise—there are over 35 species of birds here!  You will need to take a boat to get there; it is about a 30-minute trip. The island is only 200 ft wide! It is a protected island, so foot traffic is not allowed. There is a wooden viewpoint from which to bird watch. 

Enjoy Punta Mosquito

This beautiful beach is protected, which means that visitors must follow local rules and signage regarding exploring. Here, you can see flocks of flamingos, swaths of pelicans, and extraordinary panoramic views. 

This is a white sand sandbar! It is accessible by walking through shallow water to get to the sandbar (be sure to look down while you are walking, to avoid being surprised by any marine creatures), by rented kayak, or by booking a boat or golf cart taxi to get near to the beach. The magic comes from watching all of the bird and marine life and exploring the crystal clear waters—it is truly magnificent. Note: be sure to follow all posted signs and do not intrude on specified nature areas.

See the birds on Isla de la Pasión

This nature preserve is located on an uninhabited island. The shallow waters allow visitors to walk over during low tide (please be careful), or arrive via a guided boat tour. Why visit? More birds! There’s a watch tower that offers an extraordinary viewpoint for birdwatching.

Experience bioluminescence

How cool is this? If you are visiting when there is a dark sky with no moonlight, be sure to head out at night to see the beautiful bioluminescence (it can occur at any time, but is most visible then). Because Isla Holbox has so many beaches, the local conditions are ideal for this natural event to occur. You can walk the beach to see it, or book a guided kayak tour to immerse yourself within.

Go fish

There are many ways to fish in these beautiful waters—deep sea fishing, spear fishing, fly fishing, and even straight up fishing from the beach. Of course, hire a local guide to ensure you’re in the right spot, with the right gear, for the right fish.  

Eat well

There is a slew of delicious local cafes on the island, as well as street food options galore. Of course, there are also higher-end restaurants (look to our next tip for one!). Try some of the local cuisine…it’s delicious, and often features freshly caught fish. 

Get a marquesita (sweet crepe), ice cream, or churros to snack on while you're exploring.
 
Be sure to also visit the local Mercado, located near the airport. Here, you can find delicious local fresh fruits (ask the sellers to make them into juice or a salad for you!).  

Celebrate with art, food, and cocktails at Luuma gathering bar

Eat and drink well at this al fresco local artistic watering hole! The beverage list is extensive. The tropical menu is incredible (for dessert, choose the Choco Blue: rosemary infused chocolate with blue cheese and warm morita chili foam, topped with crispy, spiced, ground corn; or the Roasted Pineapple with spiced yogurt, crumble, worm salt (!!), and mint).

Photo: Luuma gathering bar

What to bring:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a swim shirt
• Cash! Credit cards may not be accepted everywhere; ATMs might not always have cash available
• Mosquito repellant

Tips:

• Buy a local SIM card to install on your phone. The local telecom provider is Telcel.
• Always carry water with you—staying hydrated is key, and there are no places to purchase it once you’re out on islands or sandbars.
• Wifi can be spotty. If you’re intent on working while here, do your research to find the best spots for internet access.
• Pack out what you pack in. 
• Talk with locals! It’s the best way to experience a destination.