Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup

Outty Ranking 68 4.7 · 16 traveler reviews9 hoursFrom $99
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Outty Ranking

68/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 16 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup worth booking?

Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup is a 9-hour experience in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, from $99 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 16 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
68 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (16)
Duration
9 hours
From
$99 per person

Paradise has a name: Hol Box, is located in the extreme north of Q. Roo, Mexico. World-renowned for being the natural sanctuary of the Whale Shark, Manta rays, among other species. In addition to the great diversity of birds that inhabit and visit it during the year, such as flamingos, pelicans and frigatebirds. Discover through a boat tour its paradisiacal and quiet beaches, surrounded by amazing natural views and extensive sandbanks. Free time to explore the picturesque streets of the Island, its murals or enjoy its beaches, enjoy a select menu accompanied by a refreshing water of the day. Refresh yourself and recharge your batteries in the crystal clear waters of Laguna Yalahau.

What you get

    About this experience

    Paradise has a name: Hol Box, is located in the extreme north of Q. Roo, Mexico. World-renowned for being the natural sanctuary of the Whale Shark, Manta rays, among other species. In addition to the great diversity of birds that inhabit and visit it during the year, such as flamingos, pelicans and frigatebirds. Discover through a boat tour its paradisiacal and quiet beaches, surrounded by amazing natural views and extensive sandbanks. Free time to explore the picturesque streets of the Island, its murals or enjoy its beaches, enjoy a select menu accompanied by a refreshing water of the day. Refresh yourself and recharge your batteries in the crystal clear waters of Laguna Yalahau.

    What's included

    Included

    • Carbonated beverages
    • Bottled water
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Lunch
    • In-vehicle air conditioning

    Not included

    • Admission fees

    What you'll see and do

    1. Holbox Island

      Free time on Holbox Island.

      120 minutes here

    2. Isla De La Pasion

      Bird watching and walk on the Island

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Punta Mosquito

      Free time to eat and swim.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Yalahau Lagoon

      Swimming and free time in Ojo de Agua / Laguna

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Playa del Carmen

    Outside the main access to the cafe

    Meeting point

    Playa del Carmen

    Outside the main access to the plaza.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Outside the main access to the cafe

    Ends at

    Outside the main access to the plaza.

    Options you can book

    • Full Day Tour to the Best of Holbox From Riviera Maya

      Pickup included

    • Private Tour

      Private Tour Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Ekinox Tours

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Activity recommended for over 5 years of age.
    • Alcoholic beverages not allowed for minors

    Photos

    Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup in Playa del Carmen, photo 2Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup in Playa del Carmen, photo 3Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup in Playa del Carmen, photo 4Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup in Playa del Carmen, photo 5Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup in Playa del Carmen, photo 6Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup in Playa del Carmen, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 16 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Food and drink

    6 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    16 verified traveler reviews for Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    12
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    1
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    valentinavF8711KS · April 2025

    A day in paradise

    Beautiful island, beautiful colors. Dream beaches. Perfectly organized. To emphasize that there are no cars on the island, only sandy roads and trips by golf cart.

    Response from the operator: Siamo felici che tu abbia apprezzato la splendida isola, i suoi colori unici e le spiagge da sogno. È vero, l’assenza di auto e le strade di sabbia rendono l’atmosfera ancora più speciale e rilassante. Siamo lieti che l’organizzazione sia stata all’altezza delle tue aspettative. Speriamo di rivederti presto per un’altra esperienza indimenticabile!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Carlitos P · November 2024

    The best

    Carlos is an exceptional guide. Thanks to his extensive knowledge and the way he explains every detail, we felt that we knew every archaeological site thoroughly. The tour was interesting, educational and very entertaining. Feel free to book with him!

    Response from the operator: ¡Muchísimas gracias por tus amables palabras! Nos alegra saber que disfrutaron tanto del tour y que pudieron conectar profundamente con cada sitio arqueológico gracias a las explicaciones de Carlos. Nos llena de satisfacción saber que logramos hacer de su experiencia algo interesante, educativo y entretenido. ¡Esperamos verlos de nuevo en el futuro! ¡Gracias por confiar en nosotros!

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Laima_N · October 2024

    Was pleasure to spend day with you

    100% yes, was great trip. Very appreciate effort of Darren and Montserrat. Well organised trip, with super safe feeling from Montserrat and Darren. We seen Flamingos, Pelicans and incredible nature. Over the trip we had stormy weather, even this didn’t change plans. We visited four islands, being provided snacks, drinks and picnic style delicious lunch. Thank you guys for wonderful day, experience!!!❤️ We are very recommending these two Ekinox tour instructors and tour. Was pleasure to spend day with you 🤗

    Response from the operator: Dear, thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great experience with Darren and Montserrat. It’s fantastic to know that despite the stormy weather, you still enjoyed the trip and felt safe throughout. Our team takes great pride in delivering memorable experiences, and your feedback is a testament to their dedication. We’re delighted that you enjoyed the wildlife sightings and the meals provided. Thank you once again for recommending us, and we look forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon! Warm regards, The Ekinox Tours Team

    via Viator

    irminads · August 2024

    Great trip with professional and friendly people!

    Great trip from A to Z. Very friendly driver picked us up on time at the hotel in Puerto Morelos.Than we were transferred to a comfortable bus. Everything was well explained during bus trip so we knew what to expect.Our guide Jose Rivera was very knowledgeable and helpful. The boat ride was fun even tho was raining like always during our day trips... but we can't control nature 😄.Take extra plastic bags just in case of rain so you can keep your belongings dry during boat rides. Punta Mosquito was our favorite stop. Good ,homemade lunch on the boat between stops. We came back to the hotel around 8 pm with the same super nice driver like in the morning. Ekinox tour feels really professional, and we enjoyed all day under their wings. Do not hesitate to book the trip with them! They are responding fast on Whatsapp when you have any questions!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had a great trip from start to finish and that our driver provided friendly service right from the hotel pickup. It’s great to know that Jose Rivera made the experience enjoyable and informative, despite the rain! Thank you for the helpful tip about bringing extra plastic bags to keep your belongings dry during the boat rides. We're glad you enjoyed Punta Mosquito and the homemade lunch. Your kind words about our professionalism mean a lot to us. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future!

    via Tripadvisor

    Rosa_S · June 2024

    One of the best excisions I’ve ever done!!

    Amazing day trip!! I honestly want to do it again while I’m down here!! We’ve been to Mexico before, and I’ve always wanted to do this trip. We just weren’t sure. Of all the places we’ve been and of all the excursions we’ve done (Iceland, London, Paris, US) this was our second most favorite and it comes very close to first. (Nothing beats the Icelandic food tour). From start to finish, this excursion was amazing. We started by boarding a bus from our hotel to a meeting point. Once we got onto the bus, they took us to the boat. By boat, we went from one spot to the other. We got plenty of time to swim and take pics at each location. Punta Mosquito was my absolute favorite. Holbox was amazing. Be sure to try the Holbox ice cream!! Lunch was delicious. It was served on the boat with a table down the middle, picnic style. They kept you hydrated and happy. One of my favorite things was while driving in between the spots while we were cruising on the boat, that alone was an experience!! They were going like 100mph just blaring music while the water splashed us and the wind blowed through our hair. It was so much fun!!! What an experience!!! Now for the people…. Maria was our host and she was absolutely amazing. I can’t say enough about how kind she was. She didn’t speak English well, but her speech was very punctual and she spoke clearly in Spanish that I was able to understand every bit of what she said. Sometimes when there is slang or slurring of words together, I don’t always understand, but she spoke very clearly. I really appreciated that as a foreigner trying to speak and understand the language. The guys driving the boat were wonderful. Super kind and helpful getting in and around the boat. The gentleman who helped Maria on the other boat (I don’t remember his name) was also very kind and helpful. He spoke English, Spanish and French! The only bad part about the experience was the first guy who gathered us at the hotel and took our extra cash payment that you have to pay. He wasn’t the kindest and I understand that they have a schedule to keep. My husband ran a little behind and needed to go back to the room to get something. He had 5 mins before our scheduled time so he thought he would run back. They guy got there one min before our time and my husband and was on the way back to us. The guy was rude about it saying we needed to go and he needed to be there in less than a minute or he had to leave us. I also pointed out that the email states we have a 5 min grace period and he ended up taking 3 mins more than our scheduled time. They guy wasn’t so nice about it. We hate being late, but it was also just 3 mins when we were supposed to have a 5 mins grace period. That was the only unpleasant thing about the whole entire trip. From the arrival with Maria until the very end, this was one of the best days we’ve ever had!! If you’re questioning this tour, book it. Do it. You won’t regret it!! Next time we come, we’re doing this tour again!!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your detailed and enthusiastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that this was one of your favorite trips, ranking so close to your Icelandic food tour! It’s wonderful that you enjoyed every part of the excursion, from Punta Mosquito and Holbox to the delicious boat lunch and the fast-paced boat rides. It sounds like an unforgettable experience! We're glad that Maria’s clear and friendly communication made you feel comfortable, and it's great to hear that the boat crew was so helpful and kind. We appreciate your feedback about the initial pickup, and we apologize for the inconvenience—it’s something we’ll work to improve. Thank you for recommending the tour so highly, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another incredible adventure in the future!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    9 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $99 to $1,299
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    6
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Ekinox Tours, who run 14 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Ekinox Tours runs

    Why this scores 68

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)77
    Review evidence (18% weight)44
    Booking momentum (14% weight)36
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)83
    Local standing (8% weight)53
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa del Carmen.

    How much does Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup cost?

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    Prices start at $99 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Playa del Carmen usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup take?

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    Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Playa del Carmen is not rushed.

    Is Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 16 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Playa del Carmen, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup?

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    Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Playa del Carmen can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Playa del Carmen and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Playa del Carmen within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Playa del Carmen?

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    On Outty we rank every Playa del Carmen experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Ride to a life changing cenotes tour, Chichén Itzá, Cenote and Valladolid with Lunch and transportation, From Playa del Carmen ATV Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Playa del Carmen?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup?

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    Included: Carbonated beverages; Bottled water; Alcoholic beverages; Lunch; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Admission fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 67 listed pickup locations in and around Playa del Carmen. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup?

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    Across 16 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    What booking options are available for Riviera Maya: Full-Day Holbox Excursion with Pickup?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including Full Day Tour to the Best of Holbox From Riviera Maya, Private Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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