Considering booking a bioluminescence tour on Isla Holbox? From what to expect, to how to capture the moments, this guide will help you plan your adventure!
Seeing clear waters glow and shimmer with bioluminescent plankton is an amazing experience. Isla Holbox, a picturesque and quirky island in Mexico, just happens to be one of the best places in the country to see this phenomenon.
I fell in love with this island years ago. You’ve probably ended up at this post after reading my mammoth guide to the best things to do on Isla Holbox or my round up of my favourite hotels.
While you could plan your own bioluminescence trip by catching a taxi or driving a golf buggy to Punta Cocos on the southwest of the island, I’d recommend booking a tour. It takes all the hassle out of the organisation and your guide will take you to the best spots. You’ll learn all about the island and its marine life from them too. Plus, it’s safer if you’re accompanied, so you’re not trying to figure out where you’re going in the dark!
Planning your trip to Isla Holbox? Here are a few quick highlights:
This is the most popular boat tour from Isla Holbox for a reason!
One of the most beautiful ways to get around paradise for early risers- Amazing wildlife and crystal clear waters – what more could you want?
- The easiest way to get from Cancun to the ferry to Isla Holbox
What is bioluminescence?
Let’s dive into a very quick science lesson! Bioluminescence is a stunning natural phenomenon where microorganisms in the water emit a blue-green glow when disturbed. These almost-invisible creatures are illuminated by the movement of waves, sea creatures and by human intervention, such as when you put the paddle of your kayak through the water. The luminous effect creates a magical experience.
What to expect on a bioluminescence tour on Isla Holbox
There are three options of tour available. Kayak tours, stand up paddle boarding tours and night snorkelling tours. Personally, I’d recommend a kayak tour as it’s a lovely way to get out on the water, for a starlit paddle!
Most kayak tours meet on the beach near Villas Flamingos Hotel between 7-8pm. From there, you’ll get in your kayak and follow the guide out into the shallow waters. The paddle is pretty easy, so you don’t need to be super fit or adventurous to take part! It’s suitable for children too, from age 10 and up.
Some tours have options of kayaking or SUP, so you can do a mix in one group.
You’ll enjoy twinkly stars in the sky, the bright moon and, hopefully, the amazing electric blue glow of the organisms in the water!
Once you’ve been paddling for a while, you’ll reach a sandbank where you can get out of your kayak. You can also have a swim. Here, your guide will tell you more about the island’s marine life and point out constellations in the night sky.
The tours usually last for two hours in total.
What’s it like seeing bioluminescence?
Magical! As you move your paddle through the water you’ll start to see the glow of tiny organisms. They light up with every splash and movement, creating a breathtaking display of bioluminescence. You’ll be away from Holbox’s lights, so your eyes will adjust to the sparkle of stars and bioluminescence.
The bioluminescence responds to your energy, seeming to dance around as you move! The guide will explain that this phenomenon happens when the microorganisms in the water are disturbed. Their glow is a natural defence mechanism.
Things to take on a bioluminescence tour on Isla Holbox
I’d recommend wearing swimwear. There’s usually an option to swim if you wish, and that way you won’t mind if you get a little wet while kayaking!
A lot of guides suggest taking a quick dry towel, but I wouldn’t bother. They just tend to get wet!
Don’t bring valuables, but you may want your phone. It’s notoriously hard to take photos of the bioluminescence, but it’s worth a shot! My phone has a ‘night sight’ mode that is great for these kinds of adventures. You just have to hold it very steady and it uses a slow shutter speed. You might want a waterproof phone case to protect it.
The tour guides usually have dry bags if you have any other items to keep safe.
Pack some water as you may get thirsty with all that paddling.
I’d also recommend putting a layer of insect repellent on before your tour as the mosquitoes can be pretty savage on the island!
You may want a torch to find your way to your accommodation after (if you don’t have your phone torch to hand!)
Other things to know before your tour
There’s a chance to see the bioluminescent plankton on Isla Holbox all year round, but chances are higher in the summer months, between June and September.
This natural phenomenon is easier to see when it’s really dark i.e. no moon. I’d recommend taking a look at the lunar calendar and picking the day when there will be the least light.
Try to avoid looking at your phone screen. You need your eyes to adjust to the darkness, which is harder when they have a bright light in front of them!
If you’re feeling more adventurous, I noticed there are also options to go on night snorkelling tours! You can book tours which will take you out into the illuminated waters, which must be a magical experience too!
The bioluminescent waters of Isla Holbox are a reminder of nature’s incredible beauty and the importance of preserving it. Seeing something like this will make your time on the island extra special.