Punta Mosquito

The basics

If you want to learn more about Punta Mosquito’s nature (or want to skip walking through the sea, which is ankle- to knee-deep depending on the tide) plenty of boat and kayak tours visit the wildlife hot spot; some fishing excursions, snorkel tours, and private cruises also stop by. Be aware it isn’t a place to hang out and sunbathe. You’ll likely stay for some photos, look for wildlife from a respectful distance, and then return to shore.

Things to know before you go

• Drink plenty of water before you go and take an extra bottle for the journey.

• Apply strong mosquito repellent and sun lotion, and wear a sun hat and sunglasses as there’s no shade.

• Leave the flip-flops and sneakers behind, and wear water shoes to protect your feet from sea creatures and shells.

• A dry bag will save your belongings from getting splashed as you walk.

How to get there

Take one of the regular 15-minute ferries from Chiquilá on the mainland to Isla Holbox. From the port, walk for 30 minutes along the streets to Hotel Las Nubes de Holbox, which is on the north coast. From here, head to the beach and walk north along the sandbar for around an hour until you reach a narrow strip of sand with boats bobbing around—this is Punta Mosquito.

When to get there

Aim to arrive as early as possible. The tides are higher from noon onwards, and while they’re rarely too high to render walking impossible, the higher water levels make it more challenging, especially in the scorching daytime heat. For the best chance of seeing flamingos, visit between April and October.

Wildlife at Punta Mosquito

If you’re lucky, you can see a lot of wildlife in the area. Watch where you walk as a thin layer of sand often covers the resident stingrays. Tropical fish and crabs are among the other likely sights, while you can sometimes see dolphins, flamingos, and pelicans further away. The flamingos like to feed at the far end of the sandbank, so bring a camera with a long lens if you have one.