Holbox Day Trip from Riviera Maya — Pasion Island, Punta Mosquito & Yalahau Cenote
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11–12 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; you should be comfortable spending a long day with short walks, boat boarding, and some wading.
Overview
Spend a clear, long day crossing from Chiquilá to Holbox to swim in the Yalahau cenote, wade over reflective sandbanks at Punta Mosquito, and relax on Isla de la Pasión. This full-day tour from Riviera Maya packs boat rides, wildlife viewing, and free time in Holbox into an 11–12 hour coastal adventure.
Holbox Day Trip from Riviera Maya — Pasion Island, Punta Mosquito & Yalahau Cenote
Select participants and date
You step off the bus while the salt wind rinses the day awake. A line of fishing panga boats leans against the wooden dock in Chiquilá, engines ticking like restless animals. The ferry cuts through turquoise that dares you to jump in; within 25–30 minutes the mainland recedes and Holbox’s low horizon unfurls — wide sandbars, mirror-flat shallows, and a town where streets are made for walking not racing.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring cash for dock tax
Carry small USD cash (around $6) for the port/dock tax and for small purchases in Holbox, as not all vendors accept cards.
Use reef‑safe sunscreen
The marine environment is sensitive; use reef‑safe sunscreen and reapply frequently when you are on the sandbars or in shallow water.
Pack a small dry bag
Keep phone, camera, and extra clothes dry during boat transfers and when exploring the sandbars.
Plan for an early start
Pickup begins around 06:00 across Riviera Maya — expect a long, full day with several transfers and boat rides.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelican
- American flamingo (seasonal)
History
Holbox was historically a fishing and salt-harvesting community; tourism only expanded in recent decades, preserving much of its simple coastal culture.
Conservation
Holbox lies near delicate coastal ecosystems; visitors are asked to use reef-safe products, avoid feeding wildlife, and carry out litter to protect migratory birds and marine life.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Playa del Carmen
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
Necessary for the cenote dip and wading at shallow sandbanks.
summer specific
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
Protects electronics and small valuables during boat transfers.
Reef-safe sunscreen and sunhat
Sun protection is critical on reflective water and open sandbars.
summer specific
Light walking sandals or water shoes
Useful for moving across hot sand, boardwalks, and rocky boat landings.