Three Islands, Flexible Timing

Overview

This boat tour from Holbox strings together three stops around the lagoon and the Yucatán coast: Punta Mosquitos, the Yalahau spring, and Pasión Island. The running order on the listing starts at the ferry pier, where the group gathers by the whale shark figure, then heads out on the water to Bird Island before reaching the springs and the sandbars. Timing is flexible, anywhere from about three hours up to a full day depending on the option chosen.

At Yalahau you can swim in clear freshwater ringed by mangroves, and the park has restrooms and other amenities. Punta Mosquitos is what the operator calls the best beach on Holbox, known for its Instagram-worthy sandbars. Pasión Island sits out in the lagoon and, as one traveller put it, there is no other practical way to reach it than by boat.

The tour suits families and anyone who wants a sampler of the area in one outing rather than a full day at any single spot. One reviewer noted that time at each stop is limited, so it works best for people happy with a look and a swim rather than a long linger. Guides lead the trip in English or Spanish, and the meeting point is on Calle Tiburón Ballena in Holbox town, with no hotel pickup or drop off.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the pierMeet at Servicios Turisticos Holboxeños on Calle Tiburón Ballena in Holbox. The group gathers by the whale shark figure at the ferry pier.
2. Boat to Bird IslandDepart from the pier by boat and look out for flamingos, pelicans and other bird species along the way.
3. Swim at Yalahau springSwim in the cool, clear spring waters surrounded by mangroves. The park has restrooms and amenities. Entry is an extra 200 Mexican pesos per person, paid on site.
4. Explore Punta MosquitosWalk the beach and sandbars, take photos and watch for birds at what the operator calls the best beach on Holbox.
5. Return to the main dockThe tour ends back at the main dock in Holbox. Total duration is flexible, from about 3 hours up to a full day.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day smoother, especially around cash fees and what to pack.

• Bring cash. Two fees are paid on site. The Yalahau spring entrance is 200 Mexican pesos per person, and the Yum Balam wristband is 110 Mexican pesos per reservation, paid to the park rangers. One reviewer was caught out at a fee with only a card, so pesos in cash are the safe bet.
• Pack for sun. The listing recommends sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, water, comfortable clothes, insect repellent and biodegradable sunscreen.
• Bring your own water. Several travellers reported that no drinks were provided on the boat even though they expected them. Food and seasickness medication are also not included, so bring snacks and remedies if the water looks choppy.
• Set the pace. One reviewer noted that time at each stop is limited and you cannot linger. It is a sampler tour of three places, not a slow day at one beach, so plan accordingly.
• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup or drop off. Make your own way to the meeting point on Calle Tiburón Ballena, next to the ferry pier, in time for departure.
• Who it suits. More than one reviewer called it a lovely time to share with the family, and another found the landscapes very pretty. It works well as a family outing.

Common issues. The main complaints are about extras and time. Several reviewers said the drinks listed were never handed out, and more than one was surprised by cash fees at the port and at Yalahau, which the listing does state as exclusions but which are easy to miss. One reviewer reported not seeing the guide beyond collecting the tax at the port. Time at each stop is limited, and one traveller wished for longer at the cenote.

Common Questions