Looking for the best Holbox Tours? I got you covered.
Isla Holbox in Mexico is anyone’s dream paradise. You get the perfect combination of great weather, bohemian beauty, and ultimate relaxation.
It’s known for its sandy streets, colorful Caribbean buildings, laidback beach bars, fine sand, and unique greenish waters.
If you’re looking for the ultimate getaway and an escape from crowded Cancun, then Isla Holbox is a must-visit.
The team here in Adventure in You spent a year traveling and living in Mexico and Holbox was a place that they frequented and honestly, I can see why.
What makes Isla Holbox special compared to any other paradise is its lack of paved roads. That’s right, NO cars, NO traffic!
All that surrounds you will be a tropical paradise made for any traveler.
The best way to explore Holbox is by going on a tour. Most tours will take you around surrounding lagoons, beaches, and more.
In this article, I share with you some of the best Hoblox tours and what you must know when vacationing around the island, so read on!
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Where is Holbox Island?
First things first, where exactly is Holbox Island?
Isla Holbox (pronounced as hol-bosh) is located in Mexico, off the north coast of Quintana Roo state on the Yucatan Peninsula.
This island is separated from the mainland by Yalahau Lagoon, situated between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, hence the extremely spectacular waters!
Wondering how to get to Holbox from Cancun? Then check out this post.
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Best Holbox Tours Highlights
- Isla Holbox Taco Tour– Discover the best eats in Holbox island with a local guide! Must-do for foodies.
- Stargazing and Bioluminescent Planktons– Go on a kayaking tour to see the glowing planktons out in the sea!
- Private Boat for the Three Islands Tour– This private boat tour can take you to the best islands around Isla Holbox where you can swim and enjoy the wildlife.
- Whale Shark Tour in Isla Holbox– Swim with the gentle giants of the sea as they are on their migratory path.
- Kayaking through the Mangroves- This incredible tour takes you through the best mangroves around Isla Holbox on a kayaking tour.
13 Incredible Tours in Holbox
If you’re unsure of what Holbox tours to avail of, consider these best-recommended ones with fun activities, delicious food, and awesome tour guides:
1. Stargazing and Swimming with Bioluminescent Planktons
Tour length: 90 minutes
Why choose this tour?
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can watch the beautiful night sky from the waters. The host is also a spectacular guide with fun stories.
While you’re on this tour, expect to see the sky illuminated with stars! Keep your eyes peeled out for shooting stars as well. If you’re an astronomy lover, this tour is also the perfect way to look for constellations and more.
The Stargazing and Swimming with Planktons Tour include:
- Pickup and drop off
- Equipment
- Kayaking
2. Taco Tour with a Local
Tour length: 3 hours
Why choose this tour?
This is perfect for foodies who want to explore one of the most delicious Mexican dishes: The taco! Get to explore four different taco places with drinks for a fun night ahead with a fantastic and knowledgeable tour guide.
Guests have raved about this local tour, mentioning that they end up eating some of the best tacos and drinking some of the BEST cocktails in Holbox during this tour. This tour is the best way to discover the best restaurants on isla Holbox.
The Taco Tour includes:
- Food and cocktails in 4 different bars
- Local tour guide
3. Boat Trip to Pájaros Island, Pasión Island, and Mosquito Bay
Tour length: 3 hours
Why choose this tour?
This three hour tour will allow you to explore the fantastic islands around Holbox, which are known for their white sand, wildlife, and gorgeous beaches.
It is a top rated tour and is recommended by many! During this trip, you will get a chance to admire the wildlife, swim in the crystal clear beaches, as well as walk to a small viewpoint.
It’s a fantastic way to explore Holbox and it’s pristine beaches!
The Ride on a boat to Pájaros Island, Pasión Island, and Mosquito Bay includes:
- Transportation
- Drinks
- Guide
4. Kayak Experience in the Mangroves
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Tour length: 3 hours 15 minutes
Why choose this tour?
Get to enjoy the fantastic Isla Holbox landscapes through this fun kayak tour along the nature reserve!
It allows you to get in touch with nature while seeing amazing wildlife, where you can encounter flamingos, pelicans, baby crocodiles, and other fish and birds.
If you love nature, this tour in Holbox takes you to the mangroves of the Kuka River where you can paddle in peace while observing the local wildlife around you. Bonus points as the tour gives you a good workout as well.
The Kayak Experience in the Mangroves include:
- Snacks and drinks
- Kayak equipment
- Private transportation
5. Guided Sunrise Kayak Tour through Mangrove Reserve
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Tour length: 3 hours
Why choose this tour?
If you’re looking for a unique experience while in Holbox, look no further.
This local tour takes you on a kayaking adventure that gives you the opportunity to view the scenic sunrise on the waters from the Holbox mangrove reserve.
Many people have seen crocodiles, flamingos, rays, and many birds without a ton of people around. It is one of our favorite things to do in Holbox and is a must do for those interested in nature.
The Guided Sunrise Kayak Tour through Mangrove Reserve includes:
- Golf car hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Guide
- Snacks
- Entry fees
- Kayak, paddle, and life vest
6. Horseback Riding in Nature Experience
Rating: 4 out of 4 stars
Tour length: 1 hour
Why choose this tour?
If you love horses, this tour is a must do as it’s such a unique way to tour Isla Holbox! Get to explore the whites and beaches via horseback riding with trained horses, a peaceful way to go around the island.
The tour takes you on a trail through forests as well as the beach allowing you to really see the Island in a different way. The best part, no prior experience is needed as the guide will make sure you’re well taken care of.
The Horseback Riding in Nature Experience includes:
- Horses
- Equipment
- Local guide
7. Kayak Experience and Cacao Ceremony
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Tour length: 2 hours
Why choose this tour?
Looking for something unique to do while in Holbox? This tour ticks all the boxes. Join a local Shaman in a cacao ceremony where he explains the significance of this sacred fruit.
Afterwards, you will go on a magical kayak ride in Holbox’s shallow waters under the light of the full moon to fully immerse yourself in nature.
It’s a wholesome and enlightening spiritual journey you’ll never forget.
The Kayak experience and cacao ceremony include:
- Kayak and equipment
- Cacao ceremony experience with a Shaman
8 . Whale Shark Tour from Holbox Island
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Tour length: 6 hours
Why choose this tour?
If you’re lucky enough to be in Holbox during whale shark season (May to September), this tour is a must! Explore the best of Isla Hoblox’s wildlife as you snorkel with whale sharks and other marine life!
Expect a slightly bumpy boat ride but the journey will be worth it as you swim eye-to-eye with huge whale sharks as well as visit other neighboring islands for more snorkeling. Having personally snorkeled with whale sharks before, this experience is truly unforgettable.
The Whale Shark Tour from Holbox Island includes:
- Local guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Snacks and drinks
- Fish ceviche
9. Private Fishing Tour from Isla Holbox
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Tour length: 3-4 hours
Why choose this tour?
If you’re an avid angler or want to explore the world of fishing, get to catch a few fish on this tour! Cast lines for species like grouper, sea bass, red mouth, yellow tail, and more!
The Private Fishing Tour from Isla Holbox includes:
- Local experienced fisherman
- Water
- Fishing equipment
- Ceviche
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Best Tours to Holbox from Cancun
Are you vacationing in the spectacular Cancun and want to explore the gorgeous Isla Holbox? You can avail of awesome tours that come from Cancun so that you can hit two birds with one stone!
Here are three of the best tours to Holbox from Cancun:
10. Guided Day Trip to Isla Holbox
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Tour length: 11-13 hours
Why choose this tour?
This is an amazing full-day tour in Isla Hoblox where a private guide will teach you all you need to know about the remote island while relaxing on the amazing beach and eating delicious food.
The tour guides are fantastic and will be able to show you around while sharing the best of what the lovely Isla Holbox can offer.
If you’re short on time and can’t stay on Holbox, this is the perfect day tour for you.
The Guided Day Trip to Isla Holbox includes:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Tour guide
- Transportation
- Set lunch and bottled water
11. Swim with Whale Sharks from Cancun / Playa del Carmen
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Tour length: 9 hours
Why choose this tour?
As mentioned previously, if you’re in Holbox during mid-May to September, you get the unique chance to swim with whale sharks!
The tour starts from either Cancun or Playa del Carmen and includes all transportation. It is perfect for adventure seekers who want to swim with whale sharks in pristine waters after riding on a power boat to the beautiful Isla Holbox!
This is an all-inclusive tour so you won’t have to worry about anything but having a ton of fun.
The Swim with Whale Sharks Tour includes:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transportation
- Boat cruise
- Swimming with whale sharks and other marine life
- Lunch and snacks
12. Holbox: Full-Day Tour with Lunch
Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Tour length: 1 day
Why choose this tour?
This tour takes you out for an entire day around the beauty of Isla Holbox, from the sand bars at Secret Beach down to Yalahau to swim in a cenote!
It is a great way to discover the best of Holbox for those who can only afford to do a day trip! This tour is highly rated and is a great activity to explore this beautiful island.
The Holbox: Full-Day Tour with Lunch includes:
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Private guide
- Admission fees
- Boat tour
- Lunch and beverages
Frequently Asked Questions: Holbox Tours
On average, a tour of Isla Holbox costs between $50 to $100. The prices can go higher, depending on the tour duration, inclusions, privacy, and activities you prefer to experience.
If you plan to take a tour going from places like Cancun to Isla Holbox, the prices will again depend on the length of the trip and inclusions.
On average, a short trip lasting 3-4 hours is about US$60. However, the prices can go up to US$200 per person, which already includes everything, including unique water activities to make your time on the island worthwhile.
There are a ton of popular tours in Isla Holbox we have listed above, and the most popular tours offer guided sunrise or stargazing kayaking activities. You can also find private tours where you head to the island via speedboat and swim with whale sharks!
As mentioned, Isla Hoblox has no paved roads, so there is no car in sight. Rather, you can take taxi-like golf carts to get to your destination.
Bicycles are also an ideal mode of transportation, so make sure you know how to ride one! Isla Holbox is so small, so you can go around the entire area via bike.
For more tours around Mexico, check out these guides:
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