Holbox Honeymoon Itinerary: Whale Shark Season 2026

Arrive in Cancún and meet your private driver for a seamless transfer to the Chiquilá ferry terminal. Your ferry tickets can be pre-arranged to facilitate quick boarding. Enjoy the short ride across the water as Holbox’s low-slung silhouette comes into view.

On arrival, a private shuttle whisks you across the island’s sandy roads to Nômade Temple Holbox. Check in with VIP amenities waiting in your room—think thoughtful welcome touches, a chilled drink, and time to unpack at your own pace. Wander through the property’s boho-minimalist walkways to get a feel for the beach, gardens, and common spaces.

As golden hour sets in, settle into a beachfront table for sunset cocktails and a light tasting menu at Nômade’s restaurant. Toast the start of your honeymoon as the sky turns pink and the island quiets down for the night. Evening at leisure: stroll into town for a quick look at the murals, or simply linger in a hammock with the sound of the waves.

Insider tip: Request a room near the western gardens—this area balances privacy with quick beach access and an easy walk to the restaurant.

Wake before sunrise for one of Holbox’s signature experiences—a private VIP whale-shark tour. Your captain and guide will pick you up early for a 3–4 hour outing for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with gentle whale sharks in the open sea. With your own expert guide setting the pace, you’ll head out by boat, and slip into the water for a respectful, up-close look at these ocean giants.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon and move at a slower pace. Book a spa treatment to ease tired muscles or claim a quiet corner of the beach with loungers and a good book. If you’re feeling energized, take a gentle walk along the shoreline at low tide and watch the birds feeding in the shallows.

For sunset, head over to Tuch Holbox by Big Fish. Set right by the whale-shark pier, enjoy a delicious margarita or mocktail as you process the days’ encounter and come down from the adrenaline high of witnessing the world’s largest living fish!

Insider tip: Whale-shark tours are tightly regulated and weather-dependent. Plan this for your first full day so you have a buffer in case schedules shift due to harbor conditions.

Morning: Private Three-Islands excursion: After breakfast, head out for a private excursion with your own boat and captain. You’ll spend the morning gliding between secluded sandbars and dreamy offshore islets. Expect snorkeling stops in clear water, bird-watching, and a curated picnic served in a quiet spot away from the crowds.

Continue your adventures into the afternoon with a private snorkeling experience. Your private guide and transport give you flexibility on timing and pace—you can spend more time in favorite spots or simply enjoy the ride across open water with a cold drink in hand.

By day, Holbox gives you the world’s biggest fish. By night, it shows you the tiniest ones—lighting up the water just for you. Take a guided bioluminescent kayak tour—paddle out under the stars and watch the water explode with tiny blue sparks every time your kayak moves. Cherish the moment as you trail glowing light from your paddle, watch fish streak past like neon comets, and learn how the tiniest plankton power this whole magic show. It’s calm, otherworldly, and feels a little bit like you’re in the movie “Avatar.”

Hungry? Check out Crónicas Taproom, a small brewery serving crisp, wood-fired pizzas, craft beers, and cocktails.

Spend an unhurried day at Fuego Beach Club—arrive for a late breakfast, drift between the sea and your daybed, then stay for Roman-style pizza, seafood, and cocktails straight through sunset. Alternatively, take a guided walk through Holbox’s colorful center, stopping at markets, artisan studios, and small shops. Your guide can introduce you to local makers, arrange tastings of regional snacks, and share stories about how Holbox has evolved from a small fishing village to a boutique destination.

Afternoon: Head back out to the water for a private hand-line fishing experience with local captains. Learn traditional fishing techniques and try your luck pulling in the catch of the day. The highlight comes after—your catch is prepared for a private beachfront lunch—grilled or cooked in a simple local style, served with fresh sides and cold drinks.

Back on Holbox, choose a casual evening and enjoy a taco crawl through town—try the Quesabirria at Lecmu Tacos, and then walk to the end of the block to try Temoc Tacos & Mezcal. Or, finish the day in style with an upscale culinary experience at Awa Hotel or Nomade Hotel.

In the morning, take part in a private kitesurfing lesson—a 3-hour session designed for two. Conditions around Holbox are ideal for learning—your instructor will tailor the basics (or progression time) to your comfort and energy level. Kitesurfing as newlyweds is a fun reminder that you will get knocked down together, and that the marriage wins when you can come up laughing, shake it off, look at each other and know, “we got this—let’s go.”

Prefer something gentler? Swap in a guided paddleboard session instead. Even more gentle?... I’m glad you asked! Sink into a wellness ritual at Nômade or Awa Spa—book a couple’s treatment or a series of spa services that blend local botanicals, aromatherapy, and self-care time in quiet spaces.

That evening, enjoy a farewell private tasting menu, either on the beach at your accommodation or in a tucked-away corner of Africa Restaurant.

On your final morning, get in one last swim or barefoot walk along the beach before check-out. Meet your pre-arranged private transfer, with reserved crossing and a driver waiting in Chiquilá for the onward journey to Cancún airport.

Depending on your flight time, you may have a chance for a relaxed lunch en route or a quick stop for snacks and last-minute souvenirs. Then it’s on to the airport and home, OR down south to Cancun/Playa del Carmen to continue the fun.