Bioluminescence Holbox: The Ultimate Experience Guide (2023)

Flights and Footsteps contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Trying to see Bioluminescence from Holbox? We’ll tell you what to bring, where to go, and everything else you need to know before you go!

Bioluminescence is a fascinating natural phenomenon. Holbox is one of the handful of places around the world where it’s possible for travelers to see it fairly easily.

I’ve recently traveled to Holbox and experienced the Bioluminescence and have returned full of information and tips for my readers!

Quick Rundown on Holbox Bioluminescence

If you’re not familiar with Bioluminescence, and let’s face it, a lot of people aren’t, I’m going to take a quick second to explain it to you.

Bioluminescence refers to the lighting up of organisms in the water causing a glow-in-the-dark type of effect. You might think that maybe algae is the cause of this. You wouldn’t be alone in thinking that. But that’s a common misconception.

The bioluminescent effect is actually caused by living organisms. Tiny plankton-sized creatures light up in the dark when activated or disturbed.

Does it mean the water looks lit up and glows in the dark? Not quite. At least, not in Holbox. The lagoon where you can see the bioluminescent organisms at their best has very calm waters. You won’t see the light-up effect until the water is disturbed.

So walk out into the water and check it out!

How To See the Bioluminescence In Holbox

We’ve already established that you want to see it! Now, you just need to know how to see it. Well, I’ve done the research for you and found the best ways to see it.

The Best Bioluminescence Tour in Holbox

If you’re looking for the ultimate Bioluminescence experience, this is the experience for you!

This tour includes an explanation of the science behind the bioluminescent phenomenon, along with a stargazing experience.

The pitch-black night conditions are perfect for viewing stars and on this tour, the guide talks about the constellations and when they are visible and their significance to the ancient cultures.

It’s super interesting to learn about the science and the cosmos while paddling a kayak and swimming in the waters and observing the Bioluminescence!

Bonus: Bioluminescence Snorkeling Tour

If you’re into snorkeling, this tour will be right up your alley. Get an up-close view of the Bioluminescence while snorkeling on this tour with all equipment included!

Can You See Holbox Bioluminescence Without a Tour?

You can see it without a tour if you want, but the lagoon is a bit of a tricky drive from town. I was trying to pay attention to see if I could have made it on my own. Suffice it to say I was happy to have contracted the transport.

To get to the Bioluminescence Lagoon without a tour and without transportation, I’d recommend renting a golf cart. The roads are always washed out, making walking miserable if not impossible.

Plus, it’s dark. Really dark. Pitch black once you get away from the town a bit. You do not want to get lost out there.

If you don’t want to see the Bioluminescence in Holbox on a tour, I’d recommend at least paying a taxi to take you there.

When Can You See Bioluminescence In Holbox?

Because of the glow-in-the-dark effect, the darker the night is, the better you’ll see Bioluminescence. This means that full moons provide the conditions least conducive to seeing the Bioluminescence.

If you can see it around the time of the new moon, that’s when the night is the darkest. I wouldn’t advise you to plan your trip dates around this though, and I’ll tell you why.

The lagoon where you can see the Holbox Bioluminescence the best is fairly secluded, blocking the lights from town and even the moonlight most nights.

As long as you go when the sun has been down for a while, you should be able to see it and experience the natural wonder.

Where To See Bioluminescence in Holbox

The best place to see the Holbox Bioluminescence is in the lagoon on the southwest corner of the island, near Punta Cocos.

This is where the waters are calm and the city lights and even the moonlight are blocked out providing you with the best chance to see the tiny sea creatures light up when you touch the water.

Some locals will tell you that you can see the Bioluminescence in other parts of the island, but they’re just trying to sell you their experience. The lagoon is the place most of the tours and guides go for a reason. It’s the best place to see it!

Why You Should See Bioluminescence In Holbox

It’s super freaking cool, that’s why!

Seriously, it’s a unique sight. Holbox is one of the few places in the world where this natural phenomenon can be observed, so take advantage of it while you’re in Holbox.

Come home with a unique story that most people don’t get the chance to experience.

Tips For Seeing the Bioluminescence

I want you to be prepared for your experience, so I’m going to give you a few tips that I wish someone would have told me before I went.

Have Reasonable Expectations

If you search Bioluminescence on Google or Instagram, you’re going to find some pretty spectacular photos with bright blue lights and glowing waters.

Keep in mind that these are taken with specialized cameras, over-edited and enhanced, or even completely fabricated in some cases.

Luckily, a guide did warn me about this before we went on the tour, so my expectations were managed. I might have been disappointed if he hadn’t talked to me about it.

Bring Mosquito Repellent!

On the island at night, repellent is a must. But let me tell you, it’s not enough to apply it before you leave your hotel. Bring it with you!

In the pitch black night, with the water and surrounding plant life, mosquitoes are everywhere. If you’re not ready for it, you’re going to get attacked by them.

Don’t let a bunch of bugs ruin your experience. Bring the repellent with you, keep it close by. You’ll need it here more than at any other time during your Holbox trip.

Wear Dark Clothing That Can Get Wet

If you wear white or light-colored clothing, it’s not the end of the world. If you can though, I would advise you to wear a black or dark shirt at least.

You’ll be able to see the light-up effect better with dark clothing. Also, I’ll tell you a fun little trick. Once I tell you and you try it once, you’ll be doing it the whole time. Trust me!

What you’ll want to do is use your (dark) shirt to scoop up the water. When you scoop it out of the water, you’ll see all the tiny creatures light up in your shirt as the water filters back through it. It’s so cool!

Don’t Worry About the Pictures!

Guys, enjoy the experience! Sometimes on trips to beautiful places like Holbox, it’s easy to get caught up in taking the perfect pictures.

For this experience, you’re unlikely to get a photo you can even see, let alone the perfect photo. I might even recommend leaving the phone at the hotel. It’s so dark I’d hate for anyone to lose their phone.

It is possible to get some decent photos of the stars (though I did not), but with the kayaks and swimming and the darkness, I almost think it’s best to not even have the phone for this experience.

Go At 9:00 PM Or Later

Some tours start earlier at 8:00 pm or even earlier depending on the time of year. This can work if there are other parts to the tour, but you’ll want it to be totally and completely dark by the time you arrive at the lagoon.

I heard recommendations of waiting until 10 or 11 pm to go, but I went at 9 (I’m a rebel) and everything was perfect.

Where To Stay In Holbox?

In Holbox, it’s good to stay somewhat close to the central square. Maintaining an easy walk to the square is important since the dirt roads are often in bad condition (wet and muddy).

That being said, the Northwestern part of the island has the best balance of nature, clean beaches, downtown accessibility, and value.

I’ve scouted out the options and chosen 3 for you, depending on budget.

Bioluminescence In Holbox FAQs

You’ve probably still got some questions about Holbox and how to see Bioluminescence and have the best experience possible. Let me try to answer them so you know everything you need to know before you go.

Can You Swim In Bioluminescent Water?

It’s important to remember that it isn’t the water itself that is bioluminescent, but the organisms living in the water.

Don’t let the idea of swimming with tiny creatures freak you out!

Anytime you enter the ocean you’re surrounded by tiny plankton and other organisms. It’s perfectly safe to enter the water.

I absolutely recommend getting in and swimming amongst the bioluminescent life. It’s the best way to get the full experience!

Can You Photograph the Bioluminescence?

Like I said before, a lot of the pictures you’ll see of this phenomenon are taken with specialized cameras by skilled photographers. Many of them are very enhanced. Some of them are downright fake and fabricated.

Photographing the Bioluminescence can be done, but it takes skill and special equipment. If you’ve just got your cell phone, like me when I went, your photos won’t come out. If they do come out, it won’t do justice to what you see with your own eyes.

I strongly recommend focusing on the experience with this one. There are so many beautiful places and experiences in Holbox, and Mexico in general. For this one, put the phone away and enjoy it!

Is Holbox Safe?

The economy in Holbox is completely dependent on tourists and travelers. It’s a physically safe place to visit, making our list of safest places in Mexico.

As always, it’s a good idea to check travel advisories before planning your trip.

The crime rate is low and violence against tourists is incredibly rare, but you should still be cautious like you would when traveling to any city.

You’ll also want to read up on how to get to Holbox, as it requires a bit more planning than some other destinations.

Summing Up Holbox Bioluminescence

If you do decide to visit Isla Holbox, Bioluminescence should be on your list of things to do there. It’s a unique sight that you can’t just find anywhere.

Keep in mind all the advice I’ve given you here. I’d hate for you to lose your phone, be disappointed by the sight not living up to your Instagram expectations, or maybe worst of all, end up covered in mosquito bites and itching your skin off.

Whether you decide to see it on one of our recommended tours/experiences or find a driver to take you there to experience it on your own, I’m confident you’ll find it fascinating as I did.

Have fun out there!

Check Out Our Other Mexico Content: