Day Trips to Isla Holbox from Cancun and Riviera Maya | Best Tours 2026
Day trips, Isla Holbox – The Best One-Day Excursions
Want to visit Isla Holbox but only have one day? Here you’ll find a selection of the best tours and day trips to Holbox from Cancun, Puerto Morelos, the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum: boat rides to nearby islands, cenotes, birdwatching, whale shark encounters, and all-inclusive options.
Connect your Holbox tour with a comfortable and safe transfer from Cancun Airport or your hotel.
Why take a day trip to Isla Holbox?
Isla Holbox is a small paradise north of the Yucatán Peninsula, famous for its sandy streets, bohemian vibe, colorful murals, peaceful beaches, and spectacular sunsets.
If you don’t want to change hotels or don’t have time to stay overnight on the island, a day trip to Holbox is the best option: you leave in the morning, visit the main highlights, and return to your accommodation in the afternoon or evening without worrying about logistics.
Comparison of Holbox day tours
To help you choose, here is a table summarizing the main tours mentioned in this guide.
| Tour | Departure from | Duration | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holbox: Yum Balam 3 Island Boat Tour / Holbox: Three Islands Tour | Isla Holbox | Half day | Boat, guide, stops at 3 islands |
| From Riviera Maya: Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch | Riviera Maya | Full day | Transportation, ferry, lunch |
| All inclusive Visit to Holbox Island | Cancun / Riviera Maya | Full day | Transportation, ferry, food, drinks |
| Holbox: Punta Mosquitos, Birds & Pasión Island Boat Tour | Holbox | Half day | Boat, guide, stops at natural spots |
| From Cancun or Puerto Morelos: Holbox Boat Tour with Lunch | Cancun / Puerto Morelos | Full day | Transportation, ferry, boat, lunch |
| Holbox: Whale Shark and Catoche Island Tour with Snorkeling | Holbox | Full day | Boat, snorkeling gear, guide, basic food |
| Holbox Island: Swim with Whale Sharks, All-Inclusive | Holbox | Full day | Equipment, guide, food and drinks |
| Cancun: Holbox plus Island, Punta Mosquito Trip with Lunch | Cancun | Full day | Transportation, ferry, boat tour, lunch |
| Holbox: Tour of Holbox Island, Yalahau Cenote, and Isla Pasión | Holbox | Half day | Boat, cenote access, guide |
| Tour to Holbox with food and transportation from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum | Cancun / Playa del Carmen / Tulum | Full day | Ground transportation, ferry, lunch |
| From Tulum: Holbox Island Full-Day Trip with Lunch | Tulum | Full day | Transportation, ferry, lunch |
| Cozumel: Catamaran Tour To Isla de la Pasión | Cozumel | Half day | Catamaran, drinks, time on the island |
Best Holbox day trips and tours
Holbox: Yum Balam 3 Island Boat Tour
This boat tour from Holbox explores the Yum Balam Reserve and three iconic spots in the area. It usually includes stops at a cenote or freshwater spring, a bird island, and a small island or sandbank where you can swim.
- Ideal if you’re already staying in Holbox.
- Half-day duration, perfect to combine with free time on the beach.
- Usually includes life jackets and a local guide.
From Riviera Maya: Holbox Full-Day Tour with Lunch
Designed for travelers staying in the Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, etc.), this tour includes ground transportation to Chiquilá, the ferry to Holbox, and time on the island, plus lunch included .
It’s a very convenient option if you don’t want to worry about bus schedules or parking.
All inclusive Visit to Holbox Island
The all-inclusive option to visit Holbox in one day. It usually includes:
- Round-trip transportation from your hotel .
- Ferry or boat to Holbox.
- Food, some drinks, and sometimes guided activities.
It’s perfect for travelers who prefer to pay once and not worry about extras.
Holbox: Punta Mosquitos, Birds & Pasión Island Boat Tour
This tour combines three of the most photogenic spots: Punta Mosquitos , birdwatching areas, and Isla Pasión . You’ll see seabirds, shallow turquoise waters, and almost untouched landscapes.
It’s ideal for travelers who love nature photography and observing wildlife.
From Cancun or Puerto Morelos: Holbox Boat Tour with Lunch
If you’re staying in Cancun or Puerto Morelos , this excursion includes transportation to Chiquilá, the boat to Holbox, and a boat tour around the area, plus lunch.
It saves time and avoids having to change transportation several times since everything is pre-planned.
Holbox: Whale Shark and Catoche Island Tour with Snorkeling
One of the most famous tours in the area is the whale shark tour. From Holbox, you head out to sea to try to swim with this gentle giant (in season), often combined with a visit to Isla de la Pasión or Isla de los Patos / Catoche and snorkeling.
- Includes a specialized guide and snorkeling equipment.
- Not recommended for people who get seasick easily.
- Subject to season and weather conditions.
Holbox: Three Islands Tour
Similar to the Yum Balam tour, the Three Islands Tour usually visits three key spots around Holbox: a bird island, a cenote or freshwater spring, and an island or sandbank where you can swim.
It’s an excellent half-day option for those who want to see more than just the main beach.
Cozumel: Catamaran Tour To Isla de la Pasión
If you’re staying in Cozumel , this catamaran tour to Isla de la Pasión offers a similar concept: crystal-clear waters, a quiet beach, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s not Holbox, but it can be a nice alternative if your base is the island of Cozumel.
Holbox Island: Swim with Whale Sharks, All-Inclusive
This is the all-inclusive version of the whale shark tour in Holbox. In addition to swimming with whale sharks (if conditions allow), it usually includes food, drinks, and in some cases photos or video.
It’s ideal for those who want the full experience without worrying about the details.
Cancun: Holbox plus Island, Punta Mosquito Trip with Lunch
From Cancun, this tour combines the town of Holbox , a boat ride to Punta Mosquito , and beach time, usually with lunch included.
It’s perfect if you want to enjoy the most iconic spots in Holbox in a single day without changing hotels.
Holbox: Tour of Holbox Island, Yalahau Cenote, and Isla Pasión
One of the favorite combos: a tour around the island, a visit to Cenote Yalahau to cool off, and a stop at Isla Pasión .
- Includes boat and local guide.
- A good option for those who want nature and a cenote swim.
Tour to Holbox with food and transportation from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum
If your base is in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum , this type of tour includes everything: ground transportation, ferry, a basic tour on the island, and food.
It’s a very convenient option for travelers who want a complete package with no complications.
From Tulum: Holbox Island Full-Day Trip with Lunch
Specifically for travelers staying in Tulum . It includes pick-up at your hotel, the ferry to Holbox, and free or guided time on the island, with lunch included.
Ideal if you’re traveling without a car and want a day-trip to a different destination than Tulum’s ruins and cenotes.
Tips for choosing the best Holbox day trip
- Check the departure point: Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or already on Holbox.
- Define your priority: Do you want nature, snorkeling, whale sharks, cenotes, or just beach and town?
- Verify what’s included: Transportation, ferry, meals, drinks, taxes, access to cenotes or islands.
- Consider the season: Whale shark swimming is only available in specific months and depends on the weather.
- Bring cash: On Holbox, many places still prefer cash payments.
If you are traveling from Cancun Airport or your hotel, you can combine your private transfer with the pick-up time for your tour.
Frequently asked questions about Holbox day trips
From where can I take a day tour to Holbox?
Most tours depart from Cancun, Puerto Morelos, the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum . There are also local tours departing directly from Holbox to visit islands, cenotes, or go on whale shark tours.
How long does a Holbox day trip last?
Full-day tours from Cancun or the Riviera Maya usually last between 10 and 12 hours (including transfers). Boat tours from Holbox itself are usually 3 to 5 hours long.