Mexico · TOURS IN ISLA HOLBOX

The 15 Tours in Isla Holbox That Earn Their Price

25 tours  ·  from $36 a head

The 15 best tours in Isla Holbox you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.

Holbox: Yum Balam Reserve Classic Boat Tour - Choosing between Yalahau and Bird Island
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Isla Holbox

Holbox: Yum Balam Reserve Classic Boat Tour

1.Holbox: Yum Balam Reserve Classic Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 470 reviews · 3 hours · from $36Our pick

This three-hour boat trip from Holbox visits Yalahau freshwater spring, Passion Island, and Punta Mosquito, or Bird Island on the alternate option. You get a bilingual guide, water, swimming time, bird spotting, and wide views across Yum Balam Reserve. Guides such as Willy, Eddy, David, and Diego are praised for local nature knowledge and easygoing service.

“Great tour, Yalahau was a really nice experience. Our guide Willie was very informative and clearly had lots of experience and knowledge! Would recommend”

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Bioluminescence Experience in Holbox - Walking to the sea or mangroves
Bioluminescence Night Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Isla Holbox

Bioluminescence Experience in Holbox

2.Bioluminescence Experience in Holbox

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 378 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Meet your guide in Holbox for a late-night buggy ride to the coast or mangroves. Alex, Alan, or Javier provides wetsuits, water shoes, masks, and snorkels, then explains the stars and bioluminescent plankton before you wade into shallow water and make it glow.

“Our adventure to see the bioluminescence in Holbox, Mexico was wonderful! Our guide, Alan first showed us the beautiful stars and constellations above us. We learned all about the stars and the stories about the constellations. It was a once in a lifetime experience, because my family traveled from a city with many lights, we had never experienced the bright stars glowing in the sky. And it wasn't only stars we saw, Alan pointed out Jupiter and Venus. When we were done looking up at the mesmerizing sky above us we went back down the steps and took a 5-10 minute walk to the lagoon in Punta Coco. Alan lead…”

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From Riviera Maya: Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch - Isla Pasión and the First Sandbank Views
Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Isla Holbox

From Riviera Maya: Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch

3.Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 322 reviews · 12 - 13 hours · from $104

Travel from Riviera Maya, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen to Holbox by coach and boat. Visit Isla Pasión, Punta Mosquito, Yalahau Cenote, and Holbox town, with lunch, drinks, a guide, and free time included. Guides such as José, Miguel, and Noah may lead the day, which runs 12 to 13 hours.

“Great fun, enjoyed the scenery, the sea, and the wildlife. José was a great guide.”

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Whale Shark and Snorkeling Adventure from Isla Holbox - The boat ride into Yum Balam Reserve
Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours in Isla Holbox, Whale Shark Swims

Whale Shark and Snorkeling Adventure from Isla Holbox

4.Whale Shark and Snorkeling Adventure from Isla Holbox

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 214 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $199

Leave Isla Holbox at 6:30 a.m. with an experienced guide such as Gustavo, Diego, or Eddie, then ride into Yum Balam Reserve to look for whale sharks. You enter the water in pairs with a guide, followed by snorkeling near Cabo Catoche, a swim at Santa Paula, and fresh ceviche. The six-hour trip has a maximum of 10 people.

“Amazing experience! Our guide (Gustavo) and boat captain (Jorge) were excellent. The breakfast provided in the morning was a nice touch and the ceviche lunch on the beach was a perfect end to an adventurous day.”

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Kayak Mangroves Sunrise Experience - Wildlife in Yum Balam Reserve
Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Isla Holbox

Kayak Mangroves Sunrise Experience

5.Kayak Mangroves Sunrise Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 207 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) Top rated

Start before sunrise in Holbox’s Yum Balam Reserve and paddle a quiet mangrove maze with a guide such as Carlos or Diego. Expect a relaxed three-hour outing, not a hard workout, with chances to see flamingos, crocodiles, rays, horseshoe crabs, fish, and birds. Hotel pickup, gear, water, fruit, and reserve entry are included.

“They were very good about communication, they picked us up early. They were very knowledgeable about all the wildlife and did a great job leading our tour through the mangroves.”

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Boat Tour of Three Islands in Holbox with Transportation - Leaving Holbox for Yalahau Lagoon
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Boat Tour of Three Islands in Holbox with Transportation

6.Boat Tour of Three Islands in Holbox with Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 172 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $41

Spend about three and a half hours exploring Holbox by boat, with stops at Yalahau Lagoon, Isla Pasión, and Isla Pájaros when conditions allow. Guides such as Emanuel, Johnny, Alex, and Christian have been praised for their nature knowledge. Seasonal closures may bring a visit to Punta Mosquito instead.

“Great half-day tour. Very friendly English speaking guide, lots of great birdwatching and a relaxing time at the cenote. Just about enough time at each tour stop.”

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Bioluminescence Tour in Kayak in Holbox Island - Why the night sky matters as much as the plankton
Bioluminescence Night Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Isla Holbox

Bioluminescence Tour in Kayak in Holbox Island

7.Bioluminescence Tour in Kayak in Holbox Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 165 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $50

Paddle a short distance from Mosquito Beach to Punta Mosquito, then wade or swim in shallow water as bioluminescent plankton flashes around you. Guides such as Johnny, Alex, Jony, and Abraham also point out constellations. Hotel pickup and drop-off are offered, but timing can shift late at night with the moon cycle.

“Really enjoyed out trip, it’s a short kayak journey and your eyes do adjust to see in the dark (although you get some lights from the hotels nearby). We went in Jan and still saw quite a lot, so would recommend”

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Holbox: Guided Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour - Meeting the guide and getting on the water
Bioluminescence Night Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Isla Holbox

Holbox: Guided Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour

8.Holbox: Guided Bioluminescence Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 143 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $49

Meet your bilingual guide on Holbox’s beach for an easy night paddle toward a sandbank. You’ll kayak about 20 minutes each way, watch bioluminescent plankton glow in the water, swim or walk at the sandbank, and hear about the stars. Pickup is available from downtown, Punta Mosquito, or Restaurante La Cabane.

“Das Glitzern im Wasser sah magisch aus. Es war sehr cool nachts über den Ozean zu paddeln. Allerdings ist es zu empfehlen eventuell Wasserschuhe anzuziehen, da man durch den du dunklen Sand läuft was beängstigend sein kann wenn etwas auf dem Boden ist 😅 Ist zu empfehlen :)”

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Holbox: Guided Sunrise/Sunset Kayak Tour by Mangrove Reserve - The 10-minute golf-cart ride from Holbox
Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Isla Holbox

Holbox: Guided Sunrise/Sunset Kayak Tour by Mangrove Reserve

9.Holbox: Guided Sunrise/Sunset Kayak Tour by Mangrove Reserve

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 127 reviews · 3 hours · from $49

Start early with a golf-cart pickup in Holbox, then paddle quietly through the mangrove reserve with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. Guides such as Carlos, Juan, Ivan, Gustavo, and Diego are praised for spotting crocodiles, flamingos, stingrays, and birds. Expect about 2 hours and 45 minutes on the water, plus snacks and wet clothes.

“It was an awesome adventure - haven’t seen many comparable things in the world. Ivan is a champ in his field and knows his terrain very well. 100% recommend!”

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Holbox: Stars and Bioluminescent Marine Life Kayaking Tour - Key points to know before booking
Bioluminescence Night Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Isla Holbox

Holbox: Stars and Bioluminescent Marine Life Kayaking Tour

10.Holbox: Stars and Bioluminescent Marine Life Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 111 reviews · from $44

Paddle Holbox at night with an English, Spanish, or French-speaking guide, then swim among neon-blue plankton on the spring and summer sandbanks. You may spot planets, shooting stars, a horseshoe crab, and even a stingray. Downtown hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and guides such as Omar and Diego add useful local and astronomy insight.

“Wow!! We had such a wonderful time and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Holbox to create a memory that won’t be forgotten. Our guides were lovely and knowledgable. We were picked up from our hotel as it was on the way. We were given double kayaks which took a bit to get the hang of but caused much laughter (and competition in our teen sons!) by everyone. Not to give too much away but when we arrived at the area with the bioluminescence we saw so much and were given lots of time to learn about it and enjoy it. Our guide also came across a horseshoe crab which…”

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Holbox 3 Island Private Boat Tour - Starting from VIP Holbox near Av. Caleta
Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Isla Holbox

Holbox 3 Island Private Boat Tour

11.Holbox 3 Island Private Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 99 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from Holbox with an English or Spanish-speaking guide such as Eddie, Willy, Gustavo, or Edier. Visit Punta Mosquito or Isla Pajaros, swim in Yalahau Lagoon, and watch birds at Passion Island. The private boat allows flexible timing, binocular use, and possible wildlife sightings such as dolphins, rays, iguanas, and flamingos.

“The guide was very kind and knowledgeable about the island. We saw different birds but also dolphins and a crocodile during the trip”

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Holbox: Bioluminescence by Kayak and Stargazing. - The 15-minute ride from Holbox
Bioluminescence Night Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Isla Holbox

Holbox: Bioluminescence by Kayak and Stargazing.

12.Holbox: Bioluminescence by Kayak and Stargazing.

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 95 reviews · from $49

Kayak from Las Nubes toward the Punta Mosquito sandbanks, then walk and swim as plankton glows around your feet and body. Your English or Spanish guide explains the phenomenon and local reserve. The guide Victor has earned special praise. Transport, kayaks, and instruction are included for $49.

“It's a beautiful show and Victor is a great guide”

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Kayak Experience in the Mangroves of Holbox Island - Starting at Punta Mosquito
Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, Tours in Isla Holbox

Kayak Experience in the Mangroves of Holbox Island

13.Kayak Experience in the Mangroves of Holbox Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 86 reviews · 3 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $56

Paddle from Punta Mosquito into Holbox’s Kuka River mangroves with a guide such as David or Gus. Expect a small group of up to eight, quiet wildlife viewing, and about 3 hours 15 minutes on the water. You may see crocodiles, flamingos, rays, crabs, pelicans, and three mangrove types. Hotel pickup is offered.

“The mangroves were very relaxing and peaceful - we went during high tide and so there wasn’t a ton to see, but our host was knowledgeable and kind. The ride into the inlet is sort of hard, big currents, waves, wind, so be prepared for a work out!”

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Shared Bioluminescence kayak tour in Holbox - The 45-minute Holbox water outing
Bioluminescence Night Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Isla Holbox

Shared Bioluminescence kayak tour in Holbox

14.Shared Bioluminescence kayak tour in Holbox

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $58

Paddle into the dark waters of Holbox with guides such as David, Ricardo, Mimi, or Daniela, then swim among glowing plankton beneath a star-filled sky. This beginner-friendly shared tour lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, includes water, and is limited to 14 people. Bring swimwear, footwear that can get wet, and insect repellent.

“One of the best experiences we had on the island! Definetely you need to try it if you like adventure, be prepared to get into the sea , complete darkness and the sky full of stars … mesmerizing!!!”

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Whale Shark Group Adventure from Isla Holbox - The long ride into the Gulf of Mexico
Tour Reviews, Tours in Isla Holbox, Whale Shark Swims

Whale Shark Group Adventure from Isla Holbox

15.Whale Shark Group Adventure from Isla Holbox

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 82 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $203

Meet your bilingual guide at the VIP Holbox office at 6:30 a.m. for a small-group boat trip into the Gulf of Mexico. Swim two at a time beside whale sharks, then snorkel near Cabo Catoche before ceviche at Boca Santa Paula. Breakfast, gear, water, soft drinks, and government fees are included.

“My boyfriend and I had the most bad ass day ever!!! Pedro, our Captain kept everyone safe and well fed. Our guide was also a very knowledgeable older gentleman who is so well versed in everything Whale Shark that it was like an outdoor classroom!! We highly recommend this tour company 🇲🇽🇺🇸🎯👏”

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New in Tours in Isla Holbox

★ 5.0Tequila Tasting Experience33 reviews
★ 4.5Whale Shark Tour from Holbox IslandFrom $21044 reviews
★ 5.0Holbox Kayak Bioluminescence Experience31 reviews
★ 4.0Holbox: Punta Mosquitos, Yalahau, & Pasión Island Boat TourFrom $3834 reviews

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