PUNTA MOSQUITO SANDBANK IN HOLBOX – The Ultimate Guide
Punta Mosquito is a huge sandbank right off the coast from Holbox island. Depending on the tides you can walk on the sandbank and spot all sorts of wildlife. The waters around the sandbank are crystal clear and shallow, perfect to take a dip in. Visiting Punta Mosquito Holbox is definitely one of the best things to do on Holbox island, so here you’ll find all the information you need.
About Punta Mosquito Holbox island
The beautiful Punta Mosquito sandbank is home to all sorts of wild- and marine life such as flamingos, pelicans, osprey, tropical fishes and some of the oldest creatures on earth; the horseshoe crab. With low tide you can easily access the sandbank and walk all the way to the end where you might have the chance of spotting flamingos. The water will never get too high to cross back to the mainland of Holbox, but always make sure to keep an eye on the circumstances.
Exploring Punta Mosquito is a fun morning adventure. In the middle of the day it is almost too hot to walk on the sandbank as there is no shadow around. So depending on the tide, the best time to explore Punta Mosquito Holbox is early in the morning as the tide goes up in the early afternoon. Early morning is also the best time for pictures if you want to have soft light. The sea water will never get too high that you can’t make it back. But especially if you have cameras and a drone like us, you just wan’t to be sure you will make it back in time with your backpack.
Tours to explore Holbox island
If you want to explore Isla Holbox then there are some great options to do this. All of the tours mentioned below include air conditioned transport with hotel pick up and drop off, certified guides, lunch and the entrance fees. You can reserve now and pay later, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
- Full day tour around Isla Holbox including lunch. During this day tour you will explore the quiet beaches of Holbox with the amazing crystal clear water. You will be picked up from your hotel, wander the picturesque streets of the island and visit the Yalahau cenote.
- Holbox Island Full-Day Trip with Lunch from Tulum. Explore Holbox island, its neighbouring islands of Isla Pájaros and Isla Pasión on this full-day tour from Tulum.
- Kayak sunrise tour at the mangrove forest. Watch the sunrise from a kayak and discover the beauty and wildlife of the Holbox mangrove reserve. Spot flamingos, ospreys and pelicans while enjoying the silence of paddling through the mangrove. Hotel pick up and drop off is included as well the nature reserve entry.
- Bioluminescence kayak tour. Paddle along the coast of Isla Holbox by kayak under a sky full of stars and see the neon blue bioluminescence from up close.
Where to stay on Holbox island
From beachfront villas to funky hostels and luxury eco-lodges, Isla Holbox has accommodation for every budget. Below some great options to stay in Isla Holbox.
- Ser Casasandra Boutique Hotel
- Las Nubes de Holbox
- Villas Flamingos
- Casa HM Villa del Mar
- Casa Las Tortugas
How to get to Punta Mosquito Holbox
Punta Mosquito is located on the northern tip of the island. Getting around on Isla Holbox is only possible by foot, bicycle or golf cart. If you stay in the main hotel zone of Holbox, it takes about 1,5 hour walk to Punta Mosquito. So if you’re planning a day of exploring around on Holbox, the best and most fun way to do is with a golf cart.
Close to Punta Mosquito at Las Nubes de Holbox hotel you will see a sign that it’s forbidden to drive any further with the golf cart. Make sure to respect the local rules and this protected nature area and walk the last bit to the sandbank. The first part to the sandbank you have to cross ankle or knee deep water with a bit sandy and muddy ground. Check where you set your feet so you won’t step on a sea creature.
What to bring to Punta Mosquito
Be well prepared before you make your way to this beautiful sandbank. Because there are no shops around, you have to bring enough water to stay hydrated. If you walk all the way to the end of the sandbank, you’ll be around 30 minutes on your way.
Put on sunscreen and take a hat with you if you can’t stand the bright sunshine and of course some sunglasses. Bring a towel if you want to sit down and enjoy the surroundings for a moment. But keep in mind that the water comes and goes, so the sand might still be a bit wet. Especially if you have valuable stuff, bring a waterproof bag so you’re sure it’s safe.
If you have a drone you can make some epic footage here, as well with a GoPro and camera of course!
Punta Mosquito Holbox flamingos
Besides exploring the vast sandbank and some wading through the water, you can also spot wild flamingos! Officially the Holbox flamingo season is between April and October, but it is still possible to see them in the other months as well if you’re lucky. The flamingos are wild animals, so they won’t let you get close to them. Respect the nature and take a zoom lens with you if you want to capture them. It takes about 30 to 50 minutes to get to the part where the flamingos are. They are located all the way at the end of the sandbank on the tip.
More Mexico travel inspiration
We hope you enjoyed reading our tips about Punta Mosquito on Holbox Island.
If you’re looking for more things to do in Mexcio, more specifically Yucatan, then read these blog posts:
Best things to do on Holbox Island
11 best cenotes to visit in Yucatan
Hi Ilse, just read your info about Punta Mosquito, the big sandbank at the coast of Holbox island in Mexico. So beautiful to be able to walk on the sandbank and see all the wildlife there. The colors are gorgeous, blue crystal clear water, top !