Holbox Punta Mosquito Day Trip: Ferry from Riviera Maya & Tulum

Holbox•easy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

11–12 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for travelers in average physical condition—expect short walks in sand and some standing during transfers

Overview

A long, sunlit day that begins in Tulum and ends wandering sand streets and a surreal sandbar at Punta Mosquito. This full-day ferry trip to Holbox includes round-trip transport, a bilingual guide, a box breakfast, lunch, and two hours to explore by golf cart or bike.

Holbox Punta Mosquito Day Trip: Ferry from Riviera Maya & Tulum

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Date

Thu, Nov 6

Travelers

The sun is still low when the minibuses thread out of Tulum and the road opens onto flat, scrubby karst that smells faintly of salt and dust. By midmorning you’re at Chiquilá, watching the ferry cut through shallow turquoise toward Holbox—an island where streets turn to sand and the ocean dares you to slow down. In less than an hour on the island, the world shifts: colorful murals line pedestrian lanes, pelicans wheel over the docks, and a narrow ribbon of sand at Punta Mosquito throws back a mirror of sky so perfect it makes your camera hesitate.

Adventure Photos

Holbox Punta Mosquito Day Trip: Ferry from Riviera Maya & Tulum photo 1

Adventure Tips

Early start—plan for a long day

Pickups begin around 06:00 and the tour can last 11–12 hours due to transfers and ferry schedules; rest well the night before.

Bring cash for small fees

There’s a dock tax (~$6 USD) and vendors may accept cash only; bring small bills for tips and extras.

Wear reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellent

Biodegradable sunscreen protects coral and skin; repellent helps on shaded island streets and near mangroves.

Footwear for sand and streets

Bring sandals that can handle sand and light walking shoes for uneven, sometimes muddy paths at Punta Mosquito.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Brown pelicans
Wading shorebirds (e.g., herons, sandpipers)

History

Holbox developed as a small fishing community and is part of the Yum Balam protected area; its economy historically centered on lobster and small-scale fisheries.

Conservation

The island’s ecosystems—sandbars and mangroves—are vulnerable to development; visitors are encouraged to use reef-safe products and follow guide instructions to minimize impact.