Holbox Island Tour: Punta Mosquito, Punta Cocos & Lunch from Riviera Maya
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–9 hours
Fitness Level
Light-to-moderate: comfortable walking on sand and short bike rides; suitable for most fitness levels.
Overview
Spend a day exploring Holbox: a ferry ride from Chiquilá, bike or shared golf-cart access to Punta Mosquito and Punta Cocos, lunch in town, and a visit to Cenote Yalahau. This practical day tour blends shallow sandbanks, mangrove-fringed beaches and island culture.
Holbox Island Tour: Punta Mosquito, Punta Cocos & Lunch from Riviera Maya
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You arrive in Chiquilá before dawn, the ferry light a small pulse against the dark skin of the Caribbean. The boat cuts through water that seems to push forward like an impatient guide; the horizon loosens and the island appears as a pale ribbon of sand and mangrove. By the time the sun tips the palm fronds gold, Holbox’s broad beaches are already busy with birds and the slow in-and-out breath of the tide.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring reef-safe sunscreen
The sun is strong and you'll be in shallow, reflective water—use reef-safe SPF and reapply after swims.
Choose your transport wisely
Bikes are great for a relaxed pace; shared golf carts shave travel time but limit where you can stop—pick based on fitness and mood.
Hydrate and carry cash
Bring at least 1–1.5 liters of water per person and small pesos for snacks, tips, or market purchases.
Check tide times
Sandbanks and access at Punta Mosquito change with the tide—low tide reveals dramatic shoals, high tide smooths the swimming areas.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Flamingos
- Whale sharks (seasonal, offshore)
History
Holbox has long been a fishing community on the northern Yucatán shelf; its economy historically centered on small-scale fishing and trade with the mainland port at Chiquilá.
Conservation
The island’s mangroves and sandbanks are protected; visitors are asked to stay within marked areas, avoid anchoring on reefs, and minimize plastic use to protect bird and marine habitats.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cancún
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial in the heat and refill stations are limited.
Reef-safe sunscreen & hat
Protects skin during prolonged sun exposure while minimizing reef impact.
Water-ready footwear
Sturdy sandals or water shoes make walking on wet sand and in mangrove channels comfortable.
summer specific
Light rain jacket or wind shell
Afternoon squalls are possible—keep a packable layer for wind and brief showers.
fall specific