Isla Holbox

It all begins with the destination. Holbox Island has an amazing fishery, and well known as a world class Tarpon Fishing destination where you can regularly find migratory giants upwards of 100lbs.

The Fish

Tarpon

Our main season is May to September, in these months we mainly fish for large migratory Tarpon in the 50-200lb range. Our guides mainly fish in open water with depth ranging from 15 - 30ft so we fish 11 & 12wts with sinking line. We suggest 400 -500gram weight on the fly line and 50-100lb leader. The rest of the year the fishing mostly consists of chasing the juvenile Tarpon in the Mangrove lagoons behind the Island. For these fish the guides suggest 8-10wt rods with floating line and 30-50lb tippet.

Snook

Snook are an amazing species to target, they are aggressive like a bass and will inhale your fly as long as you present it right. These fish migrate in the winter time, but you can find nice sized fish year round in the mangrove lagoons. As far as gear is concerned 8 - 9wts are the go to, with 30-50lb tippet depending on the size of fish you are targeting.

Other Species

Holbox is home to a wide variety of species including Permit, Bonefish, Barracuda, Triggerfish, Jack Crevali, Sea Trout, Snapper, Mojarra and more! VIVA Team Guides mainly target Tarpon year round but you never know what kind of opportunities will present themselves when you’re out on the water. If you are interested in catching Permit or Bonefish the fishery for these species is further east, about an hour and a half away. For these trips we require an additional charge of $100 dolars to cover fuel for transport, and guides normally suggest leaving earlier around 5am to make it by sunrise.

FAQs

  • We can provide information to book a private shuttle van from the airport to Chiquila as well as Taxi service in Holbox to your hotel. Otherwise you can take your own airport shuttle or bus to Chiquila and then take the Ferry to Holbox.

  • VIVA Anglers have Lodging Included in some fishing packages at “Casa Mar”. Otherwise Holbox is full of Boutique Hotels and Hostels we suggest booking in between Holidays and high seasons to get the best prices.

  • Holbox has some amazing food to offer and even celebrates with an annual Gastronomic Festival in October. Seafood is always a top choice but there are some vegan and vegetarian options as well. VIVA Anglers can enjoy 10% off dinner at “Raices” Roots Restaurant a few blocks from the town center and 5 min from the lodge. Other recommendations for eating…

    Best Beach Seafood “Mantarayas”

    VIVA Team Choice “Raices”

    Best Tacos “Taco Queto”

    Best Salbutes “Kanasin”

    Best Ambiance “LUUMA”

  • Depending on the time of year there is so much wildlife to see in Holbox. Some of the top species to spot include Whale Sharks, Flamingos, Crocodiles and more! Holbox is also known for having amazing Bioluminescence at night right off the beach or on a boat. The best way to end the day is watching the sunset from the beach on most days it’s absolutely incredible. After the sun goes down you can walk in to town. Holbox is starting to have a little more Night life each year. Some local bars near the beach have DJs come play music and it brings a crowd if you feel like dancing.