Holbox and Pasión Island Day Tour from Playa del Carmen with Lunch
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with basic fitness; involves short walks on soft sand and several boat transfers.
Overview
A full‑day boat loop from Playa del Carmen to Holbox and Isla Pasión that pairs shallow sandbars, beach swims and a two‑hour island lunch. Ideal for travelers who want wildlife, warm water and an easy day on the water.
Holbox and Pasión Island Day Tour from Playa del Carmen with Lunch
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The boat slips away from Chiquilá before the sun climbs too high and Holbox’s low skyline — a smattering of palms, wooden piers and a single church steeple — grows sharper on the horizon. Salt spray and the chatter of seabirds stitch the morning together; the engine hum is a steady metronome as the reef flats and sandbars unroll beneath the hull. By the time you tie up at Isla Pasión, the water is a drawer of clear turquoise where you can see your hand reach toward a scattering of shells.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
Plasticizers and oxybenzone harm coral and local seagrass—use biodegradable sunscreen and reapply often after swims.
Wear secure water shoes
Sandbars are easy to walk but can hide shells and sharp coral fragments—closed water shoes protect feet when wading.
Expect hotel pickup early
Pickup windows begin about two hours before departure—confirm your exact pickup time the day before to avoid delays.
Carry small cash
Local vendors and restaurants may not accept cards for souvenirs or extra drinks—bring pesos for tips and purchases.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- frigatebirds
- brown pelicans
History
Holbox and the surrounding flats have long been fishing grounds for coastal communities; their low-lying geology is the result of Holocene sea‑level changes on the Yucatán carbonate platform.
Conservation
The islands’ mangroves and seagrass beds are fragile; choose operators who follow no‑anchor guidance and avoid disturbing nesting birds and turtle nesting zones.
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Adventure Hotspots in Playa del Carmen
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Water shoes
Protects feet on sandbars and when stepping onto piers and boats.
Biodegradable sunscreen
Protects skin while minimizing impact on marine life and seagrass.
summer specific
Waterproof phone case or small dry bag
Keeps electronics and cash dry during boat transfers and swim stops.
Light sunlayer (long-sleeve quick-dry shirt)
Shields skin from sun and doubles as a wind layer on the crossing.
summer specific