Holbox and Cenote Yalahau Day Trip from Playa del Carmen — Boat Tour, Isla Pasion & Punta Mosquito
Difficulty
easy
Duration
12–13 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average physical condition; expect long day with brief swims and short walks on sand
Overview
A full-day escape from Playa del Carmen that pairs a freshwater cenote with the shallow beaches of Holbox, Isla Pasión and Punta Mosquito. Expect boat transfers, a relaxed pace, birdlife and long hours of sun and sea.
Holbox and Cenote Yalahau Day Trip from Playa del Carmen — Boat Tour, Isla Pasion & Punta Mosquito
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You step off the skiff and the ocean seems to soften under your feet: ankle-deep water spreads like glass, the sand beneath crinkles, and a warm wind tugs at your hat. That first hour on Holbox travels in slow motion — colorful low-rise houses, bicycles instead of cars, and shallow bays where the sea paints itself a dozen shades of turquoise. This day-long route threads the best of northern Yucatán’s coast: a freshwater cenote that locals call Yalahau, the quiet expanse of Isla Pasión, and the wide, shallow sweep of Punta Mosquito before free time on Holbox.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring biodegradable sunscreen
The region’s mangroves and reefs are sensitive — use reef-safe sunscreen and apply it before boarding the boat to reduce impact.
Pack a waterproof phone case
Shallow wading between boat and sandbars exposes gear to spray — protect electronics and IDs in a dry pouch.
Remember cash for dock fee and extras
A small dock fee (~$6 USD) and optional beach lunches or souvenirs are commonly paid in cash; ATMs are limited on Holbox.
Move slowly at sandbars and shallow points
Soft sand and sudden drop-offs can trip you — water shoes or sturdy sandals improve footing during transfers.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- frigatebirds
- flamingos
History
Holbox evolved from a fishing community and is part of the protected Yum Balam reserve, preserving mangroves and nesting sites for coastal birds.
Conservation
Tours encourage biodegradable sunscreen and limiting plastics; the Yum Balam reserve status means visitors should stay on marked areas and avoid disturbing nesting birds.
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Adventure Hotspots in Playa del Carmen
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
For the cenote dip and beach time — quick-dry fabrics speed comfort on the boat.
Biodegradable sunscreen & insect repellent
Protects skin and the local marine and mangrove ecosystems during sunny, buggy months.
summer specific
Water shoes or sturdy sandals
Needed for rocky or shelly shallows and the soft sand of sandbars at Punta Mosquito.
Light daypack and waterproof pouch
Keeps gear organized on the boat and protects electronics from spray.