Almost all of Holbox’s open space is natural: the island sits inside the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area, with shallow beaches on the Gulf side and mangrove lagoon on the south. Most of the sites below are reached by golf cart, bicycle or a short boat ride from town.
Each listing includes the location, a link and a map. Places change, so we review this list regularly; last reviewed October 2026.
Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area
Holbox, Chiquilá and surrounding coast · Federal protected area
Northern Quintana Roo coast, Lázaro Cárdenas municipality; includes Isla Holbox, the Yalahau lagoon and Cabo Catoche
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Why we recommend it: Decreed in 1994, this reserve of about 154,000 hectares covers Holbox, the Yalahau lagoon and a long stretch of mainland coast, and hosts hundreds of bird, reptile and amphibian species plus the seasonal whale sharks. Its management plan shapes daily life on the island, from wildlife tour permits to the 12 meter building height limit.
Playa Holbox
North shore, in front of town · Main beach
North shore of the island along Avenida Damero, Holbox, Q.R. 77310
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Why we recommend it: The island’s main beach runs along the north shore in front of town and the hotel strip, with fine white sand and shallow, calm, warm water that stays waist deep far from shore. It is the everyday beach for residents, within walking or biking distance of most of town.
Punta Cocos
West tip of the island · Beach and sunset point
Western end of Isla Holbox, reached along the beach road west of town
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Why we recommend it: This quieter beach at the island’s western point is the classic place to watch the sun set over the Gulf. On dark nights it is also one of the two main spots on Holbox for seeing bioluminescence in the shallows.
Punta Mosquito
East of the hotel strip · Sandbar and bird area
Eastern shore of Isla Holbox, beyond the last hotels; on foot along the beach or by boat
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Why we recommend it: Punta Mosquito is an undeveloped sandbar shaped by wind, waves and currents, where flamingos and other wading birds feed in the shallows for much of the year. It is part of the three-islands boat route, a spot for advanced kitesurfers, and a bioluminescence viewing site.
Isla Pájaros
Yalahau lagoon · Bird sanctuary
Yalahau lagoon, about 30 minutes by boat from Holbox
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Why we recommend it: This small mangrove island in the lagoon, also called Isla del Tan, is closed to landing and is viewed from observation walkways and platforms. It shelters around 150 bird species, including flamingos, white pelicans, frigatebirds and roseate spoonbills.
Cenote Yalahau (Ojo de Agua)
Mainland shore, west of Chiquilá · Freshwater spring
Mainland coast facing Holbox, about 10 km west of Chiquilá; usually reached by boat
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Why we recommend it: A freshwater spring on the mainland edge of the lagoon, with wooden walkways, a viewpoint and clear water for swimming, and a modest entrance fee paid on site. It is a standard stop on the three-islands tour and locally nicknamed the fountain of youth.
Isla Pasión
Yalahau lagoon · Islet and beach
Small islet in the Yalahau lagoon, reached by boat from Holbox
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Why we recommend it: A small sandy islet in the lagoon used for swimming and sunbathing on boat tours. It is one of the three stops on the island’s classic three-islands excursion.
Cabo Catoche
Northeast tip of the peninsula · Remote cape and beaches
About 43 km east of Isla Holbox by boat, at the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula
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Why we recommend it: Cabo Catoche is a semi-inhabited cape where the Caribbean meets the Gulf of Mexico, with empty beaches, reef snorkeling, dolphins and the early colonial chapel ruins of Boca Iglesia. It is reached only by boat and is often combined with whale shark or fishing trips.
Living in Holbox
Thinking about buying in Holbox? Playa Realtors is a licensed boutique brokerage that has represented buyers in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and across Quintana Roo since 2008, and we never represent developers.
