An untouched island far from the madding crowd, people walking barefoot, palm trees, white sand… sigh… I feel more relaxed already.
Holbox is a little slice of heaven in the form of a rustic, car-free island. With its pristine beaches, crystal clear blue waters, and marine fauna, it’s perfect to enjoy peace and nature (and it’s probably my favorite place in Mexico together with Bacalar!).
Thankfully, Holbox is still mostly unknown by the hordes of tourists who flock to the Riviera Maya every year. It might well be one of Yucatan’s best-kept secrets (although they’re starting to build big resorts, so the time to go is NOW!).
There are many things to do around the island, so it’s worth staying a few days. I highly recommend doing so if you can! However, if you have limited time, a day trip is also a great idea.
Holbox is located off the northern coast of the Mexican Caribbean, north of Cancun. While this city makes for a good base to visit the island, there are also Holbox tours from Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
I’ve compiled a list of the best Holbox Island tours that leave from each of those locations, so you have an option regardless of where you’re staying.
➥ Why can you trust my recommendations? I’ve gained a deep appreciation for unique destinations like Holbox through my extensive travels in Mexico, where I’ve spent over 6 months. Thanks to a decade of experience in the travel industry, I’ve been able to select tours that truly capture Holbox’s charm.
These tours are carefully handpicked for their itineraries, knowledgeable guides, and raving reviews from other travelers.
I use and recommend Viator and Get Your Guide for booking tours and activities, as they offer a great cancellation policy. For most tours, they allow you to cancel your booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Do you want the short version? These are the top tours:
| THE BEST HOLBOX TOUR (FROM ANYWHERE) | Holbox Island Tour |
| TOUR FROM CANCUN | Full Day Excursion to the Best of Holbox |
| TOUR FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN | Holbox Full Day Tour with Lunch |
| TOUR FROM TULUM | Holbox Full-Day Tour from Riviera Maya |
OUR PICK: The BEST Holbox Tour (from Anywhere)
The Holbox Island Tour from Cancun / Playa del Carmen/ Tulum takes you on a full-day tour to Holbox, offering transportation from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Tulum.
After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll be driving to the Chiquilà port by an air-conditioned van, and here you’ll board your boat for the day. As your guide tells you the stories and legends of the island, you’ll enjoy a boat trip to discover its most beautiful locations.
Your first stops will be Punta Mosquito and Passion Island, both of which feature crystal waters and white sand beaches to relax on. Be alert to spot the wildlife that inhabits this beautiful place – everything from flamingos, frigate birds, pelicans, dolphins, and manta rays can be seen!
Then, you’ll have 3 hours of free time to stroll around Holbox Town, which boasts sandy streets, colorful murals, and laid-back vibes. Otherwise, you can lie down on the beach or have a few cocktails at one of the many beach bars, or even rent a golf cart to go around the island and explore other beaches before driving back to your hotel.
➤ Why is this my favorite Holbox tour? Besides offering hotel pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in either Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, or Cancun (so it’s available to almost everyone), it offers a full day of enjoyment and all the best activities in Holbox.
You’ll be taken to the most important locations in Holbox, and your guide will recommend a beloved local restaurant for lunch, as well as provide interesting facts about the island. I love that this tour mixes a guided part with a few hours of free time. Overall, it’s a comprehensive and great-value excursion.
Read what the reviews say:
”We really enjoyed the tour. The guide was very personable and gave us a lot of information. The boat tour was a lot of fun. The boat driver even stopped once when we saw dolphins and drove there so we could take photos and videos. That was a really nice experience. The islands we stopped at were gorgeous. And we each had enough time to explore the islands.”
Yasemin – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, all activities, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Holbox Tour from Cancun
This Full Day Excursion to the Best of Holbox From Cancun takes you from your hotel to the paradisiac island of Holbox. There, accompanied by a professional guide, you’ll get to enjoy everything Holbox has to offer.
Discover the diversity of marine life – which includes fish, sea turtles, corals, and even whale sharks during the season! – during one of the island’s best boat tours.
You’ll also have free time to wander around Holbox town or relax at the beach. Savor a delicious lunch to refuel, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Yalahau Lagoon before going back.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, all activities, lunch, drinks, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Holbox Tours from Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya
▶️ The Holbox Island Full-Day Trip with Lunch from Playa del Carmen is a magnificent tour that allows you to visit many of Holbox’s highlights. You’ll walk along its white-sand beaches, swim in turquoise waters, and enjoy a boat ride on a lagoon.
Explore Isla Pasion, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife, and visit Yum Balam Nature Reserve, where over 300 bird species live. End the trip with a visit to Holbox Town, and indulge in lunch at a local spot.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, all activities, bottled water, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Holbox Island Tour in Mexico with Lunch is a jam-packed excursion to see the wonders of Isla Holbox. With a friendly guide, you’ll make your way to Isla Pasion, known for its diverse wildlife. You’ll also marvel at the turquoise waters of Punta Mosquito, one of the island’s gems.
Tour a protected marine area, explore the charming Holbox town, and indulge in a local lunch. Make sure to spend some time at the island’s pristine beaches before going back!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, breakfast, lunch, a guide, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Holbox Tour from Tulum
This Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Riviera Maya takes you to explore the best of Holbox Island. You’ll have time to relax at the beach and explore the spectacular sand bars of Secret Beach, but that’s not all!
You’ll also visit Yalahau Lagoon, where you’ll swim in a beautiful cenote surrounded by natural beauty. Wander around the sandy streets of Holbox Town, and make the trip to the gorgeous Isla Pasion. Finally, enjoy a boat trip with beer, sodas, and water.
Pick-up is available from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya.
This day trip to Holbox includes: Roundtrip transportation, a guide, admissions, all activities, lunch, a boat tour, and 3 drinks per person. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
