Holbox by Boat: Two Islands & Yalahau Cenote — Day Trip from Riviera Maya
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels — expect short swims, light walking on sand, and periods standing on boats.
Overview
Escape the bustle of the Riviera Maya for a full-day boat trip that pairs a freshwater cenote with two feathered, sand-sliced islands. Expect swims in crystalline water, shallow glassy flats at Punta Mosquito, and a relaxed afternoon exploring Holbox town.
Holbox by Boat: Two Islands & Yalahau Cenote — Day Trip from Riviera Maya
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The motor stutters awake before dawn and the road unfurls toward Chiquilá, the small spit of land where the mainland hands you over to the sea. By the time the boat lifts from the dock the air tastes of salt and the island horizon reads like an invitation: low white dunes, a village of painted houses, a scattered palapa or two. The guide points to the wake and the sky, and the day slides into motion—first the cenote, then two islands that move across the map like exclamation points.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The region is environmentally sensitive—use reef-safe sunscreen and reapply frequently when you’re on open water.
Wear water shoes
Sandbars, mangrove roots, and shell-strewn shallows make water shoes useful for wading and cenote entry.
Pack a dry change of clothes
A light towel and fresh clothes make the afternoon in Holbox more comfortable after swims and boat spray.
Confirm pickup point early
Operators collect travelers from multiple Riviera Maya locations; confirm your meeting point and arrival time at least 24 hours prior.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelican
- Flamingos and migratory shorebirds (seasonal)
History
Holbox was historically a fishing and salt-harvesting community; its isolation preserved traditional lifestyles and simple architecture.
Conservation
Holbox sits on fragile coastal ecosystems; visitors should avoid disturbing nesting birds, use reef-safe products, and follow local guidelines to reduce plastic waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Tulum
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Swimsuit
Quick-dry swimwear for cenote dips and shallow wading.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects skin and local marine life while spending long periods in the sun.
summer specific
Water shoes
Protects feet on sandbanks, rocky shallows and cenote entry points.
Dry bag
Keeps camera, phone and a change of clothes dry during transfers and boat rides.