Holbox Activity Descriptions

THREE HOLBOX ISLANDS

Available everyday

Visit Bird Island, which features an observation tower where you can admire various bird species that nest on this small island. Pelicans, cormorants, and frigatebirds are the most common, and during the summer, you may also spot flamingos. Next, explore Passion Island, a small island perfect for walking along its beautiful sandbanks and climbing the tower to take stunning photos while admiring the surrounding natural beauty. Finally, visit Yalahau, a freshwater spring where you can swim (life jackets are mandatory).

Highlights:

• Island-hopping adventure
• Spectacular bird watching opportunities
• Refreshing swim in the mystical Cenote

Duration: 3.5 hours

Time: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

BIOLUMINESCENCE TOUR 

Available January 26th – 29th

It’s a comprehensive experience to witness this natural phenomenon; it’s not just about observing the glowing plankton, but also about navigating under the starlight and all the constellations that adorn the Holbox sky. During the tour, you will swim with the glowing plankton and dive with masks to see the light underwater. It’s like swimming among the stars.

Highlights:

• Experience the natural phenomenon
• Navigate under the starlight and constellations

*This activity is dependent on weather and lighting conditions. We will do our best to inform you as soon as possible if the tour is cancelled.

Duration: About 1 hour

Time: 7:15 PM – 8:15 PM

TOUR CABO CATOCHE 

Available January 27th-30th

Fifteen miles from Holbox Island is Cabo Catoche, a fishing camp on the coast. From this point, you can enjoy bottom fishing, snorkeling, and visiting beautiful beaches.
The tour starts with a bottom fishing activity to catch fresh fish, which will be used to prepare ceviche onboard the boat. The second stop is snorkeling at “Los Cuevones” near Cabo Catoche. While you swim, the crew prepares the ceviche, which you can enjoy after a short break on the beach.

Highlights:

• Mini Fishing excursion
• Professional native guides
• Enjoy fish ceviche during the excursion

Duration: 6.15 hours
Time: 7:45 AM – 2:15 PM

KAYAK TOUR IN THE MANGROVES

Available January 27th-30th

A truly fun and relaxing activity is admiring the natural beauty that Holbox Island offers, exploring the mangroves aboard a kayak. It’s also possible to see a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat, as Holbox Island is considered part of the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve.

Highlights:

• Explore Holbox’s Natural Beauty:
• Observe Diverse Wildlife
• Relax and Enjoy

Duration: 3.5 hours
Time: 7 AM – 10 AM

TOUR TO EK BALAM AND CENOTE

Available January 27th and 28th

Expert guides will take you through the ancient Mayan ruins of Ek Balam, where you will learn about the rise and fall of the powerful Tah empire. While exploring the ruins, you will see stunning examples of Mayan architecture and intricate carvings that offer a glimpse into the daily life of the people who once inhabited this city.
After your tour, enjoy a relaxing break with a refreshing swim in a crystal-clear cenote, a natural sinkhole unique to this region. You will also have the chance to bike along the Mayan Sac-Be trails (white dirt roads) until you reach the Xcanche Cenote, a Maya Community Cenote Park.

Highlights:

• Explore the Ancient Mayan Ruins of Ek Balam:
• Swim in a Crystal-Clear Cenote
• Bike the Mayan Sac-Be Trails

Duration: 11 hours – please note that this excursion is extremely long due to transportation. The tour will require you to take the ferry back to the mainland and drive a few hours into the Yucatan peninsula for the excursions.

Time: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Mexican Cooking Class

Available on January 26th, 29th, and 30th

You will prepare, cook, and eat breakfast style, authentic Mexican dishes taught by Chef Bruno. He has trained all over Mexico while studying gastronomy. The menu changes daily, depending on what is in season, fresh and available. The menu will be catered to guests, taking into consideration any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours 

Start Time: 10:00 AM

Horseback Riding

Available everyday

Enjoy riding a horse in a small group of seven, while your guide takes you through the mangroves and along the beach. Although cantering is not permitted on the beaches, more experienced riders may be allowed to canter in other areas. Due to the limited number of horses available, we will do our best to schedule you at 9:30 AM on the day you select. Depending on availability, we may need to select other appointment times.

Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Start Times: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM or 2:30 PM

Bike Riding

Available for a 2-hour rental everyday

Enjoy a 2-hour bike rental to ride wherever you would like on the island. Get away from the hotel for a bit to explore the town or beaches. Due to the nature of the remote island, the bikes may be somewhat rustic. If you select this activity, we will work with you to coordinate a time suited for your schedule.

Duration: 2 hours

Time: Morning or Afternoon

SPA 

Available upon request, must replace another activity selection

Spa options are available on the island and a short walk from the hotel. 50-min massage appointments are available. Because masseuses, treatment areas, and appointment times are limited, we will do our best to get you scheduled. Please note that the massages take place in outdoor huts, and you may be in a massage bed alongside other guests. If you opt in for the spa, we will work with you to get an appointment time that works. The spa will take the place of your schedule excursion should you opt in.