Three Islands Tour in Holbox

If you’re planning a trip to Holbox, you have probably already heard about the Three Islands Tour, the island’s classic boat excursion and one of its most popular. It takes you to three spots around Holbox: a bird sanctuary, a freshwater spring and a small island with little more than sand and shallow water. Here is what to expect at each stop and how to get ready.

What is the Three Islands Tour?

The Three Islands Tour is a half-day boat trip, roughly three hours on the water, with three stops: Isla Pájaros, Ojo de Agua Yalahau and Isla Pasión. The boat crosses the Laguna Yalahau, the sheltered water between Holbox and the mainland, inside the Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Yum Balam. Each stop is a different kind of day: bird watching at the first, a swim in fresh water at the second, a beach almost to yourself at the third.

First stop: Isla Pájaros

The first stop is Isla Pájaros (Bird Island), a small mangrove islet in the lagoon where more than a hundred bird species live or pass through. Flamingos, herons, pelicans and cormorants share it, often only a few meters from the boat.

Landing is not allowed. The islet is a nesting site and the birds spook easily, so the boat pulls up to two viewing towers linked by walkways, built precisely so visitors can watch without setting foot on the island. Between April and October you have the best chance of seeing flamingos in numbers; the rest of the year the herons and pelicans are still there. When the captain cuts the engine, all you hear is the birds and the water against the hull.

Second stop: Ojo de Agua Yalahau

Next comes Ojo de Agua Yalahau, a freshwater spring on the mainland shore of the lagoon, about 30 minutes by boat from Holbox. Many people call it a cenote, but it is really an ojo de agua, a spring where fresh water rises into a clear natural pool just steps from the brackish lagoon.

Local legend says its waters take years off you, which is why people call it the fountain of youth. Whether that works or not, a swim here after the sun and salt of the lagoon feels very good.

The spring is ringed by mangrove and the water stays cool, so this is the stop to linger, swim and dry off in the shade. Climb the lookout before you leave: from the top you get the whole picture, the pool below and the lagoon opening out toward Holbox.

Third stop: Isla Pasión

The last stop is Isla Pasión (Passion Island), a small islet a short ride from town. It is the quiet stop: white sand, shallow water and not much else, which is exactly the point, and the reason couples like it. Most tours give you time to wade, swim and walk the sandbar before heading back.

What to bring

To get the most out of the Three Islands Tour, we recommend bringing:

• Biodegradable sunscreen. Regular sunscreen harms the marine ecosystem, so use a biodegradable one and put it on before you board.
• Light clothing and a hat or cap for the sun.
• Swimsuit and towel for the swim at Ojo de Agua Yalahau.