Holbox tours by season
Dates are approximate and change every year with the weather and CONANP permits.
| Tour | Best season | Approx. length |
|---|---|---|
| Whale shark | Mid-May to mid-September (CONANP season; dates change every year) | 6 to 8 hours |
| Bioluminescence | All year; best from June to October and on nights near the new moon | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Three islands | All year; more flamingos from April to October | 3 to 4 hours |
| Kayak and mangroves | All year; best early in the morning or at sunset | 2 to 3 hours |
| Catamaran sunset | All year; skies are often clearer from November to April | 2 to 3 hours |
| Cabo Catoche | All year, depending on the sea | 6 to 8 hours |
| Kitesurf | November to May; most wind from December to March | 2 to 3 hours per lesson |
| Mainland | All year | 8 to 11 hours |
| Fly fishing (tarpon) | Big tarpon mostly May to September; juveniles all year | Half or full day |
Whale sharks
Every summer whale sharks come to feed on plankton off Holbox. Swimming is regulated: at most 2 swimmers and a guide per shark, life vest on at all times and never touching it. Only licensed boats go out, in the season set by CONANP.
Isla Pasión, Isla Pájaros and the Yalahau spring
A boat trip across the Yalahau lagoon: a beach on Isla Pasión, birds from the Isla Pájaros platforms and a swim in the freshwater spring. It is calm and good for families.
Punta Mosquito and the flamingos
East of town, the Punta Mosquito sandbar gathers birds and, in season, flamingos. Flamingos get stressed by people: watch them from afar, quietly, and never walk towards them for a photo.
More tours: kayaking, Cabo Catoche, kitesurf and fishing
Paddle the mangroves with no motor, sail to Cabo Catoche where the Gulf meets the Caribbean, learn to kitesurf in shallow water or fly fish for tarpon, almost always catch and release.
How to choose a responsible tour
- Boat and guide licensed for the protected area.
- Small groups and rules explained before you leave.
- Biodegradable sunscreen or a rash guard.
- No feeding, touching or chasing animals.
- A clear policy if the port closes for weather.
Prices and times are approximate and change with the season and weather. Check them before you travel.
