2. Explore the stunning sandbanks of Punta Mosquito

When we imagined what Mexico would be like, a tropical paradise with idyllic beaches and absurdly clear water repeatedly came to mind.

Punta Mosquito was exactly that.

The splendour that characterizes Punta Mosquito is acquired by a pristine, secluded sandbar that stretches out along the idyllic shoreline of Isla Holbox.

The shallow turquoise water awaits under the bright Carribean sun, inviting you to take a peaceful walk on the widely stretched sandbar.

If you’re fortunate, you might even spot flamingos around Punta Mosquito.

For safety purposes, we’d highly recommend visiting Punta Mosquito during ebb tide, meaning you should go well before noon. Once the water level rises you may not be able to walk on the sandbar. We’d also suggest being extra careful regarding your electronic equipment.

Ooh, and don’t forget to bring enough bug repellent, it is named ‘Punta Mosquito’ after all, and that’s for a good reason.

3. Take an amazing 3 island tour in Isla Holbox

Imagine a short and relaxing private boat tour that takes you along the appealing nature that surrounds Holbox, that’s what this 3 Island Tour from Isla Holbox is all about.

The 3-hour tour is a calming experience and brings you, as the name might suggest, to 3 distinct islands, which are all extremely charming in their own way.

The 3 islands include:

Yalahau Cenote | The Yalahau Cenote is a crystal clear freshwater cenote, that invites you to jump in straight away. The cenote is fueled by groundwater, making it distinctly colder than the sea.

Isla Pajaros | A small deserted island that owes its name ‘Bird Island’ to the 35 bird species that house here throughout the year. It’s quite a spectacle to see so many different species of birds in their natural habitat.

Isla de la Pasion | Once you set foot on Isla de la Pasion, there’s a good chance you’ll see flamingos and Pelicans. It’s an unspoilt paradise, one you’ll obviously admire, especially if you’re a birdwatcher.

Punta Mosquito | In some cases, you’ll head to Punta Mosquito instead of Isla Pajaros, which is a great bonus, given it’s already in this list of things to do in Isla Holbox. This often depends on the number of flamingos you spot at Isla de la Pasion during the tour.

3. Have lunch at Painapol

Painapol is a trendy vegan-friendly café that combines a laidback vibe with healthy and delicious food, which if you ask us is perfect for breakfast and lunch.

We pulled up here for a late afternoon lunch and treated ourselves to a true health feast, consisting of a large nourishing smoothie bowl, freshly made avocado toast, and two delicious smoothie jars.

Besides the aforementioned options, they serve plenty of other great healthy dishes, including a wide variety of vegan options, all for a reasonable price.

The café houses an artistic interior with swings, comfortable corners and a large colourful mural, making it a cosy place to hang out while enjoying a great cup of coffee or fresh-pressed juice.

Painapol has a good reputation on the island, and we truly believe that you should visit at least once.

5. Swim with whale sharks

Isla Holbox is acknowledged as one of the few places on Earth where you can actually get up close and personal with whale sharks.

So if you had a long-time desire to swim with whale sharks in a responsible and ethical manner, Holbox might be the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Despite their somewhat frightening name, these majestic creatures are known to be completely harmless to people. Fortunately for us, their diet consists only of plankton, krill and other aquatic microorganisms.

It is said that swimming around whale sharks is one of the most thrilling and exceptional experiences ever. However, please keep in mind that the well-being of these creatures is far more important than your personal bucket-list experience.

If you’re considering joining a whale shark tour, we’d sincerely recommend putting significant importance on finding a tour operator who specialises in ethical tourism practices and nature conservation.

6. Unwind on Isla Holbox best beaches

Very often, the best things in life are quite straightforward and if we had the drawback of using only one word to describe Holbox, it would definitely be: easygoing.

As soon as we had set foot on Holbox, the tranquil atmosphere that prevails on the island, made sure that life slowed down a pace or two.

The island houses a bunch of laidback beach clubs, of which we’d guarantee, you’ll stay longer than initially planned.

Which is exactly what we did.

We spent numerous hours with our feet dimpled in the sand, occasionally reading a book or taking a dip in the clear water – we were even caught napping away the afternoon.

And why not, it is a tropical holiday after all.

8. Have dinner at Luuma Holbox

Even though Holbox is home to a broad selection of restaurants, I Believe it’s Luuma that stands out above the rest.

Luuma is a trendy restaurant that provides a tranquil ambience in a secluded outdoor garden, which is accomplished by a fine sand floor, illuminating lanterns, and an abundance of verdant palms.

But it isn’t just the admirable atmosphere that makes Luuma so sensational.

No, it is their eclectic menu of delicate bite-sized tapas and appetizing signature cocktails that get the job done.

Besides their amazing tapas, they serve unique worldly dishes based on fresh Mexican sourced ingredients – plus a handful of vegetarian and vegan options.

Eating here has a relaxing, yet sophisticated feel to it, and in our opinion, there is no other restaurant like this on the island.

9. Sit down on a dock and watch the sunset

Sunsets on Isla Holbox are absolutely glorious, and not an afternoon on the island should pass by without admiring them.

Punta Coco and Playa Holbox’s pier are clearly the places where you want to be when the sun slowly drops below the horizon.

Alongside the aforementioned spots, any spot on the island’s north shore, will be great to see the last rays of sunshine illuminate the sky.

Probably the best tip we can give, is to sit back, relax and take in nature’s daily show.

Naay Salad Bar

Naay is a cosy cafe that serves ‘feel-good’ food, among which you’ll find salad bowls, fruit bowls and other vegan alternatives. Their biggest asset is a salad bar where you could create your own salad bowl by selecting from a list of vegetables, proteins and toppings, including falafel and tofu.

Roots Pizza’s

If you’re craving for pizza while on Holbox, head over to Roots. The pizzeria is often considered the best on the island, and that’s for a good reason. Roots is well-known for its famous lobster pizza and also offers the opportunity to be creative by putting together your own pizza.

Rosa Mexicano

A charming outdoor restaurant at the heart of Holbox’s spirited main square. Serves a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes with a modern touch and is the perfect spot for a few late-night cocktails.

Restaurante & Beach Club Mandarina

What’s a tropical holiday without dining directly at the beach while watching the sunset. Mandarina is a seaside restaurant that combines Mediterranean, South American and Caribbean flavours to create excellent and unique dishes. The sea view and use of local and homemade ingredients ensure that it’s one of the top restaurants on Holbox.