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Beach · Holbox, Quintana Roo
Playa de Holbox y Punta Cocos
The beach of the village of Holbox, with light sand and shallow sea, which continues westward to Punta Cocos, the island’s sunset spot.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Playa de Holbox y Punta Cocos
Holbox Beach runs along the north coast of the island, in front of the village, with light sand, shallow emerald-green water and hammocks and nets hanging from the palm trees. Because it faces the Gulf of Mexico rather than the open Caribbean, the water is usually calm, and in many places it is shallow for dozens of meters.
Following the beach westward, buildings thin out until Punta Cocos, the island’s tip, where the sand is wider and the view opens to the sea. It’s the spot where locals and visitors gather to watch the sunset. On some moonless nights between summer and autumn, the water near Punta Cocos often glows with bioluminescent plankton.
The island is inside the Yum Balam protected area, and much of the coast has mangroves and birds such as pelicans, herons and, at certain times, flamingos in the lagoon. For this reason visitors are asked not to step on the marked nesting areas on the beach.
From the center to Punta Cocos it’s about 3 km, done on foot along the sand, by bicycle or by golf cart along the dirt trail.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From a few hours to a day; the sunset at Punta Cocos takes about an hour.
Best time
In the late afternoon, for the sunset. The water is usually clearer on windless days. The dry season generally runs from December to April.
How to get there
The beach is two blocks from the central square. To reach Punta Cocos, follow about 3 km west along the sand or the dirt trail.
Tip
Bring insect repellent for the late afternoon: mosquitoes appear near the mangroves. Respect the marked areas for the birds.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Playa de Holbox y Punta Cocos
Where to see the sunset in Holbox?
At Punta Cocos, on the island’s western tip, about 3 km from the village.
Is Holbox’s sea calm?
Generally, yes. The beach is shallow for many meters and faces the Gulf of Mexico.
Can you see bioluminescence in Holbox?
On some moonless nights between summer and autumn, the water near Punta Cocos often glows with plankton. It depends on sea conditions.