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 spent over 6 months exploring Mexico, and I fell in love with its untouched beauty during my travels, of which Holbox is a great example.
On top of my personal experience, I’ve been in the travel industry for longer than a decade, and identifying extraordinary tours and experiences has become second nature to me. I made sure all the activities below, which I hand-picked, are high-quality and offer incredible value.
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 with Lunch |
| TOUR FROM CANCUN | Full-Day Tour to 2 Islands, Cenote & Lunch |
| TOUR FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN | Holbox Island Full-Day Trip with Lunch |
| TOUR FROM TULUM | Holbox & Isla Pasion Tour with Cenote |
OUR PICK: The BEST Holbox Tour (from Anywhere)
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 and bird sightings.
You’ll also marvel at the beauty of Punta Mosquito, a long stretch of soft white sand in the north of Holbox Island, and the most transparent turquoise waters you’ll see. This is the landscape you’d see in postcards!
Then, tour a protected marine area, explore the charming Holbox town, and indulge in a local lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to walk along the island’s streets, relax at the beach, or spot flamingos and marine life in the wild. Make sure to spend some time at the island’s pristine beaches as well.
Benefit from comfortable, hassle-free transfers straight from your hotel door in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum, or Riviera Maya for a completely relaxing journey. At the end of the tour, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation.
➤ Why is this my favorite Holbox tour? Besides offering hotel pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in all the locations (Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Cancun), it offers a full day of enjoyment and the best activities in Holbox.
You’ll be taken to the most important places in Holbox, and your guide will provide interesting facts about the island to make the experience more wholesome. 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:
“What an unforgettable experience! I was so lucky to have Angel as a tour guide and the best group of people with me. Holbox Island’s turquoise waters are stunning. You must check out the Alma Bar! The boat ride can be choppy, but it’s part of the experience that made it thrilling (and wet)! Loved this, highly recommend!!!”
Rachel – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Round-trip transfers, breakfast, lunch, a guide, and bottled water. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Holbox Tour from Cancun
▶️ Escape to a remote island paradise with the Holbox: Full-Day Tour to 2 Islands, Cenote & Lunch included. You’ll first visit the stunning Cenote Yalahau, where you can swim and relax in the refreshing waters.
Then, visit Isla Pasion, and continue on a boat trip to Holbox, where you’ll disembark to indulge in a scrumptious lunch. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore at your leisure, or chill at the beach with a drink.
This tour includes: Transfers, a guide, a boat tour, lunch, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Holbox Island Discovery Tour with Transfer is a great alternative, taking you to the paradisiac island for a full day. You’ll tour around the island in a golf cart, learning about its ecosystem and wildlife from your savvy guide, and visit Isla Pasion and Isla Pajaros, home to countless tropical birds.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and enjoy a free afternoon to keep exploring Holbox (or relaxing on its white-sand beaches) on your own.
This tour includes: Transfers, a guide, visits to the islands, a golf cart, lunch, and drinks. ➥ 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 Adventure from Riviera Maya starts with a visit to Yalahau Lagoon, where you can take a dip in the crystal-clear water surrounded by jungle. Then, travel to Isla Pasion and visit the pristine shores of Punta Mosquito.
In Holbox, you’ll be treated to a delicious lunch featuring local flavors and get to explore the island before returning.
This tour includes: Transfers, a guide, entrance fees, lunch, snacks, and beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Holbox Tour from Tulum
This Holbox & Isla Pasion Tour with Cenote from Tulum takes you to explore the best of Holbox Island. You’ll take a boat tour of the island, complete with a walk on Isla Pasion, and a dive into the crystal-clear waters of Yalahau Lagoon.
You’ll also visit Punta Mosquito and enjoy a scrumptious lunch at a beachside restaurant, as well as beer and water during the tour.
This day trip to Holbox includes: Round-trip transportation, a guide, admissions, all activities, lunch, a boat tour, and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
