Sports and Fitness
Kitesurfing, horseback riding, running, boot camp and gym
Sports Activities on Isla Holbox
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Holbox offers a wide variety of sports activities. Options range from kitesurfing and horseback riding to running, boot camp, and strength and endurance training at the gym. You will find everything you need right here to stay in shape while on vacation.
Kitesurfing on Isla Holbox
Have you always wanted to learn kitesurfing, improve your skills or just have fun with like-minded people? Then Holbox is the place for you! The shallow water on the 25 km long sandy beach and the wind, which usually blows onshore or side onshore, make the island an ideal spot for beginners and advanced kite surfers. Depending on the wind direction, there are two hotspots that are mainly used for kite surfing. One is in the west at Punta Cocos and the other in the east at Hotel Las Nubes.
The ideal Holbox kitesurfing season
The best weather conditions for kitesurfing on Holbox are in winter and spring, from November to April, with winds between 12 and 25 knots. Most of these months fall in the dry season, when the climate on Holbox is generally at its best. From May the wind dies down and the rainy season begins, often with heavy thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons. In the hot and humid summer, the wind is rather weak and there are only a few days suitable for kitesurfing.
Kitesurfing Schools on Holbox Island
Learning to kitesurf is not difficult and requires less effort than it seems at first glance. There are taster courses for beginners that last 2 to 3 hours. You will learn all the basics, from handling the kite correctly in the dry, to getting on the board and your first maneuvers in the water. A 3 day beginner course is recommended for safe and independent handling of the kiteboard. At the end of the course you should be able to kitesurf well enough to enjoy it.
Experienced kiters can book private lessons and rent equipment. There are three kitesurfing schools in Holbox where you can book lessons or rent equipment. All three offer similar services and are equally recommended.
Holbox Kiteboarding School
Holbox Kiteboarding School was founded in 2009. The multinational, IKO certified instructors teach in almost all languages, including German. The best hotspots are reached by the school’s own rescue boat, trailer or electric vehicle. Trial courses are available from 70 USD (97 CAD / 53 GBP) per hour. A 3-day basic course with a total of 9 hours starts at 585 USD (808 CAD / 442 GBP). There are also offers to learn how to use a foil and to surf with a wind or wing foil. You can rent good kite equipment for 3 hours from 90 USD (125 CAD / 68 GBP).
Kukulkite – Holbox Kitesurf School
Kukulkite has only been on Holbox for a few years. The school also has well trained, IKO certified instructors. Prices here are a little lower here: A 2-hour introductory course starts at 120 USD (166 CAD / 91 GBP), a 9-hour basic course costs from 440 USD (608 CAD / 332 GBP), depending on the number of participants. Modern equipment is also available for rent. The price for complete kitesurfing equipment for one day is 85 USD (117 CAD / 64 GBP).
Holbox Lifestyle Kiteboarding School & Rental
Lifestyle Kiteboarding is the newest kitesurfing school on Holbox Island. The instructors are IKO-certified and the latest equipment is used for the lessons. A 3 hour taster course costs from 3,645 MXN (203 USD / 282 CAD / 154 GBP), a 2 day beginner course with 6 hours starts at 9,180 MXN (511 USD / 711 CAD / 387 GBP) and full equipment for 3 hours is available for 1,200 MXN (69 USD / 93 CAD / 54 GBP).
Horseback Riding on Isla Holbox
You can also go horseback riding on Holbox. This is a slightly different way to explore the island.
Los Potrillos Horseback Riding
Los Potrillos Horse Rental offers horseback rides along the coast, through the mangroves, and through the jungle. It is located between the airport and the Hotel Puerto Holbox.
Prices start at 68 USD (94 CAD / 61 GBP) for a 1–1.5 hour tour. It takes you through the island’s interior to Punta Ciricote, near Punta Cocos, and back along the beach. You can book this tour directly in Holbox with local tour operators. For a private excursion, it is best to inquire about the options in person.
Running and Jogging on the Beach
Jogging or running on Holbox’s long sandy beach is a wonderful way to get some exercise during your vacation. Due to the slightly higher Caribbean temperatures, it is advisable to start early in the morning around 7 a.m., when the sun is low and the beach is still almost deserted. Once the sun hits the shore, it gets very hot.
For those who prefer running in a group rather than alone, we recommend the Holbox Run Club, organized by Hotel Casa Las Tortugas. Every Monday and Thursday at 7:00 a.m., the club hosts a sunrise run that starts on the beach near the adjacent hotel restaurant, Mandarina Seaside.
Evening temperatures are also good for running, although many visitors to the island head to the beach at this time to enjoy the usually spectacular sunsets.
Fitness Boot Camp
The Holbox Bootcamp is much more intense than jogging on the beach. This combination of functional and strength training, interspersed with endurance sessions, allows you to push yourself to the limit. It’s popular not only among tourists but also among locals and others who live here.
The boot camp takes place Monday through Friday at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. on the beach at Hotel Puerto Holbox. The prices for group workouts are reasonable and depend on the number of sessions. You also have the option of booking private personal training sessions. Sayde, the super-friendly trainer, is an excellent coach who will ensure you have a great time.
Holbox Gyms
Believe it or not, the small island of Holbox actually has two gyms where you can build your strength and endurance.
El Gym de Ali
The long-established “El Gym de Ali” is centrally located near the main square and is popular with locals and tourists alike. The equipment in the small Holbox gym is quite basic and a bit outdated. But it’s certainly good enough for a vacation workout or two.
In addition to dumbbells and barbells, there is a variety of equipment that works quite well. However, some of them have become rusty due to the warm and humid weather, so take extra care with your clothing when working out with them. Treadmills and cross trainers are available for endurance training or cardio sessions.
Prices are unbeatably low at 60 MXN (3 USD / 5 CAD / 3 GBP) per day and 250 MXN (14 USD / 19 CAD / 11 GBP) per week.
Rever Gym Holbox
The second Holbox gym is called Rever Gym and is located on the main road near the port where the ferries dock. It is larger and more modern, but also considerably more expensive. There is a large selection of weights, benches and equipment, so you can do extensive workouts. There is nothing to complain about in terms of cleanliness and service. Since there are more people here, it can get a little crowded, especially at peak times. On the other hand, the gym is air-conditioned, which allows for more flexibility in terms of time. There are even special evening classes for cardio, Zumba, yoga and more.
A day pass costs 150 MXN (8 USD / 12 CAD / 6 GBP), and a trainer is available in the gym to provide support. For a week you pay 300 MXN (17 USD / 23 CAD / 13 GBP).
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