Holbox, the island

From Casa Cat Ba, in the centre of the village and on the beach, the island offers:

• the lagoon and its birds;
• the beach of Cabo Catoche, reached only by sea;
• the mangroves by kayak;
• time for what it does best: nothing, facing the sea.

Holbox lies at the northern tip of the peninsula, within the Yum Balam protected area, between the Gulf of Mexico and a lagoon of clear green water. Its streets are sand and there are almost no cars: people get around on foot, by bike or by golf cart.

The island is also bird country. Flamingos, pelicans and herons live and feed in its lagoons, mangroves and islets, and most outings are organised around them and the water.

Casa Cat Ba is about three minutes’ walk from the village’s restaurants and bars. From the door:

• The beach, in front of the house, for a walk at dawn or the sunset from the terrace.
• Punta Coco and Punta Mosquito, two of the places where the house suggests looking for flamingos. Punta Mosquito can also be reached by boat.
• The village, explored by bike or on foot in an afternoon.
• On horseback or by bike along the shore, as the house suggests among its activities.

Trips leave from the village with local operators. The house works with some of them and arranges private outings.

• The lagoon: Isla Pasión, Isla Pájaros and Punta Mosquito.
  • The classic trip visits the islets where the birds feed and nest, including the pink flamingo.
  • Depending on the operator, it may include the Yalahau spring for a swim; the route and its length, about two hours, vary from one operator to another.
  • Trips must respect the distances and rules of the protected area.
• Cabo Catoche. A beach reached only by sea, where the first Spanish expeditions to explore Yucatán came ashore. The house recommends it for snorkelling. A half-day trip.
• Fishing, with the operators the house recommends.

The birds are not always in the same place: flamingos are seen most often between May and November.

• Kayaking in the mangroves and paddleboarding, setting out from the island.
• Kitesurfing, with the school the house recommends.

On Holbox you eat facing the sea. The house publishes its own selection of restaurants on its website:

• fish and seafood from the day’s catch;
• Italian cooking and pizza;
• grill and wood-fired oven.

Breakfast is served at the house, at the bar or on the terrace.

• Mornings for the water. The boat to the lagoon or to Cabo Catoche is best early, with soft light and active birds; so is the kayak in the mangroves.
• Midday in the shade. Back to the house, lunch in the village and a siesta.
• Afternoons on land. A bike ride through the village, a walk to Punta Coco and the sunset from the terrace.
• A day without plans. The island is also good without leaving the beach.

If the trip continues inland, leaving the island counts too: the ferry to Chiquilá and the road to Espita take a good part of a day.

Casa Cat Ba gathers its recommendations for activities, restaurants and shopping on its website, with the operators it works with for kitesurfing, kayaking, fishing and trips to Cabo Catoche. It can also arrange private boat trips. Ask the house directly.

Casa Cat Ba’s activities (opens another website in a new tab)

• On to the town: the Holbox → Espita leg leads to Casona Los Cedros via Tizimín, or via Río Lagartos with a day on the coast.
• Arriving and leaving: times from Cancún airport to Chiquilá and for the ferry, in “Arriving and leaving via Cancún”.

Do you need a car on Holbox?

No. The island is explored on foot, by bike or by golf cart. Cars are left in Chiquilá, on the other side.

When are there flamingos?

They can be seen at different times of year, most often from May to November, according to local operators. Their presence depends on each year’s conditions.

How do you arrange a boat trip?

With local operators or through the house. It is best to book a day ahead and leave early.

Casa Cat Ba is independent. Bookings, rates and policies on its official website.

About Casa Cat Ba → · Official website (opens the official website in a new tab)

Reviewed in October 2026.