Holbox, a small and slender island located just north of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico, features an interesting bioluminescence phenomenon. It is a paradise that you need to visit.
Barely touched island
Holbox Island has no cars, no paved roads, miles, and miles of pristine undeveloped beaches where bioluminescence occurs. It is still largely raw and undeveloped. Counts with a nice little town with restaurants, hotels, and everything else you need as a tourist.
Holbox popularity
It has been gaining popularity these days. Not only for its view of the sky upholstered by the brighter stars at night but for the bioluminescence. Lightning the sea, the fascinating sea sparkle or if you prefer it, noctiluca scintillans.
When is the bioluminescence season in Holbox
Seeing the bioluminescence on Holbox Island is an unforgettable experience. We know a lot of travelers would like to live this and enjoy the views of the sea when lit up.
When does bioluminescence occur in Holbox? The best season to appreciate it to the fullest is from June to August, but July is a remarkable month. During July, the sea of Holbox has a higher concentration of bioluminescent microorganisms due to weather conditions and water temperature.
Bioluminescent plankton
The plankton causes this shiny phenomenon in the ocean. As it gets closer to the coast during a certain period, it gets more noticeable.
Other microorganisms, bacteria, and more species can do the same amazing thing, usually to protect themselves from danger. However, we are really happy that this happens right here on our gorgeous island. It is a magnificent thing to see. Hundreds of locals and tourists head to Holbox at nights (20:30 hours more or less) to see these magnificent sparkling microorganisms for a complete hour. Amazing!
How to experience bioluminescence in Holbox?
There are two different options to enjoy this experience. Both will depend on how you want to plan your trip or your preferences.
1.- Booking a tour
Bioluminescence in Holbox can be explored by booking a tour to Holbox that offers this excursion. Actually, there are bioluminescent kayak tours with expert guides that can be shared or private, depending on the company.
It’s important to know these tours are subject to availability; therefore, you should investigate companies and ask about the packages, what is included, such as transportation, the duration of the experience, etc.
2.- Go on your own
If you are planning your vacation in Holbox, going on your own can be the best option, so you can appreciate it during your stay on the Island. It is not necessary to get a tour to see this event because you can walk to the remote beaches where light pollution is minimal.
The best part of this option is being able to see the bioluminescence for free. You can hire a bicycle or a golf car to arrive at dark areas and swim to activate it.
Getting to Holbox
To get to Holbox Island, head to Chiquilá harbor and take the ferry.
If you are going by car, you must take the highway to Merida, and then take the detour towards Kantunilkin, continuing to Chiquilá harbor. It takes 2 hours to get there. You can also take a freeway, but it can take about 4 hrs, and then less than 20 minutes on the ferry, which costs around $330 pesos for a one-way ticket in 2025.
Start packing up because this special event will illuminate this amazing island. If you are traveling around Riviera Maya, you must not miss this for any reason!
Important information you should know
To have a nice experience, keep in mind this information that will help you have the best experience.
- Check the lunar phases: It can be something unimportant or rare to hear that the lunar phases have a relation with the bioluminescence. The truth is, the moon greatly influences this phenomenon. For example, the presence of a full moon reduces the ability to see it due to the intensity of the light it reflects on the beach. To best appreciate bioluminescence, there should be less light and darker skies. This will make it easier to appreciate the phenomenon. For this reason, it is important to be informed about the precise dates of the moon phases and their season.
- Do not take photos with flash: We know that in the absence of light, you will want to see what is around you, but if you want to appreciate this event, it is best to take your photos without flash so that you can appreciate it better. We know that it can be difficult to take a photo without light, so it is best to adjust the ISO and aperture settings on your camera to capture it. Alternatively, adjust the settings on your cell phone.