Looking for fun things to do in Isla Holbox with kids? In this blog post, you will learn some of the top things to do on the island, especially for families who love to be outdoors in nature.
Isla Holbox is the smallest island in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and it is gorgeous! It is almost 40 miles away from Cancun airport and can be easily accessed by all of the main tourist destinations in the area. Read this post to learn how to get to Isla Holbox!
Holbox is full of cute hotels, there are no cars or roads, and it has endless white beaches, flamingos, romantic sunsets, and rainbow-colored cocktails. Holbox was once known as Mexico’s best-kept secret because of its endless charm and beauty. However these days as more and more people are traveling there, that secret isn’t so closely guarded.
Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
Best Isla Holbox Tours: Click here to check out the top Isla Holbox tours
Best Isla Holbox Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Isla Holbox
Best Isla Holbox Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Isla Holbox
Is Holbox Safe For Families?
With its turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, Isla Holbox is a great destination for families looking for a quick getaway from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen or anywhere else in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Isla Holbox is also completely car-free, which makes it super easy and safe to get around the island.
If you are looking for a reliable company to
What To Do In Holbox
There are so many things to do in Isla Holbox for vacation, the number one being, getting offline and chilling on the beach. But failing that, this list of Holbox activities will help get you started and make the most of your time on the island.
PS. If you don’t want your family vacation to get offline for a whole day, we tested out this WIFI hotspot for you, and believe it or not, it worked on Holbox!
1. Explore The Island On a Bike
Given that Holbox is 100% car-free, you will find no shortage of bike rental shops on the island. Most will rent you a bike by the hour, half a day, or even a full day. We highly recommend renting a bike in Holbox for at least one day.
It is the best way to explore and experience the relaxed chilled-out vibes on the island. We’ve ridden a bike to both Punta Coco and Mosquito Beach in Holbox. Mosquito beach can be a little tricky and there comes a point where you will need to leave the bike and walk the rest, so be sure you have a lock and chain with you.
Not really into cycling? Then you can also rent a golf cart in Holbox to get you and your gang around!
2. Go On a Boat Trip
Thousands of travelers go to Isla Holbox every year to swim with the whale sharks. This only happens during a few months over the summer though from May till September. But don’t be disappointed if you won’t be in Isla Holbox during whale shark season as there are lots of other water adventures you can have.
Book your Holbox Vacation Whale Shark tour here. One of our favorite boat trips is the 3 Islands tour where they take you to 3 different islands and a cenote. If you’re lucky you will also get to see the flamingos. We did manage to see them, but they were quite far away.
There are also lots of snorkeling and fishing tours, kitesurfing, and SUP adventures to have. You can either book a tour or rent the gear and go by yourself.
You can also read about: The Best Things to Do in Playa Del Carmen With Kids
3. Go Kayaking Through the Mangroves
If you are looking for more things to do on Holbox vacation that involve water, how about a kayaking adventure? One of the best ways to spend your day on the island is by kayaking through mangrove forests.
You can spot lots of different species of birds there and even some crocodiles too if you get lucky. The area is famous for its flamingo populations. The tour takes around two hours and you get to enjoy the lush green sceneries. You can book this tour by clicking here.
4. Experience a Stunning Sunset
The sunsets in Holbox are to die for. The sky is pink like cotton candy one day and the next day it turns into fire and in the shades of red and orange. Punta Cocos and the pier are the best places to observe beautiful and colorful sunsets.
Make sure your camera is ready and fully charged as you won’t want to miss capturing this. If you have space it’s also worth packing a travel tripod if you can. Oh and if you want to go all out, then pack a drone too!
Quick Tip: You can also book tours for the trip here:
Bioluminescence Tour in Kayak in Holbox Island
Whale Shark Group Adventure from Isla Holbox
Fun Things to Do in Holbox With Kids
Is Isla Holbox Kid Friendly? See our list of the best things to do in Holbox with kids below!
1. Walk Around Playa Holbox Beach
Palm trees, white sand, turquoise waters… Do we need to say more?
2. Explore The Island by Golf Cart
Golf carting around the island is not only one of the best things to do in Holbox with kids but is also a great way to experience the super chill vibes of a car-free island.
3. Street Art Spotting
Surprisingly enough, Holbox is often referred to as “graffiti island” as it is home to a famous piece of street art: Himalaya Maya, painted by Jano Jace. In addition to this gorgeous piece of art, you will also find several beautifully painted murals all over the island, and can even take part in an art mural tour if you are into that kind of stuff.
4. Watch The Magical Bioluminescent
So you have options here. We’ve actually seen the bioluminescent several times while in Holbox and it’s super cool! We have never taken a tour, but we also were with a local guide who knew where to go. So it is up to you. You can take your chances and head out once it becomes dark or you can book on a tour. Either way, this is a must-do activity in Holbox.
If you choose to take a tour, then do this kayak tour. The guide will take you to the best spot where you can see this incredible blue light phenomenon. Make sure that the moon isn’t so bright though. We went once on a full moon and it was really difficult to see anything until very late. Click here to book a Bioluminescence tour.
I recommend doing this tour with Living Dreams Mexico. They are the most ethical and awesome company around and it’s a flat fee, no hidden costs.
They even give you all of the photos included in the price, most companies charge $80 or more for this alone!
You can check the current pricing and book by clicking here.
Outfit Inspiration for Mom
Outfit Inspiration for Dad
Outfit Inspiration for Kids
If you are planning to extend your family adventure, check out this Best Things to Do in Playa del Carmen with Kids.
You might also want to read about:
The Benefits of Traveling Slowly with Kids: A Guide for Parents
The Best Things To Do In Merida With Kids
The Best Family Friendly Things to Do in Bath
Map of Accommodation in Isla Holbox
Looking for somewhere to stay? Check out these options!
Casa Luz Beach Front Holbox
Casa Pirata
Casa Calamar
Isla Holbox Travel Guide Planning
🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Isla Holbox?
Yes! You can check out my packing list for Isla Holbox on Amazon here.
🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Isla Holbox?
I strongly recommend using GottoGo. You can book almost all transport in the major Mexican tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.
🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Isla Holbox?
I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options available!
If you are traveling from Playa del Carmen then I recommend booking through my friend Vanessa at Turismo Channel. You can check out their tours by clicking here and using the following discount codes for the best prices clairecaroff (car rental), claire10off (for 10% off group tours), claireprivate (for a discount on private tours). You can also send her a WhatsApp message quoting the above codes to receive the discount.
👩⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?
I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat.
✈️ Any flight recommendations?
Kiwi offers you affordable flights. You can book service for flight, train, and bus tickets.
📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?
I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.
You can also opt to use Solis Wifi for their Wifi plan.
🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?
The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.
🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?
I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.
