Yum Balam Reserve
Yum Balam Reserve
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
77 reviews
Excellent
43
Very good
21
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Erica Angeline S
8 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
My stay in Yum Balam was a breathtaking experience. I explored mangrove forests, swam in a natural spring, and ate the freshest seafood. Meaning I motor-boated over to the fishermen in the bay and purchased fresh catch from them. Rent is cheap in comparison to Los Angeles, so I got an apartment via AirBnB where I could feel safe (I was traveling alone), cook my own meals and be three blocks from the water. There are NO road signs so the fact that my apartment was close to everything meant I couldn't get lost. But the best part was seeing whole flocks of gorgeous coral-pink flamingos and finding sea turtle nests. That's the kind of wildlife most people will only ever get to see on the Discovery Channel. But I experienced it in person and I'm coming back again next year!
Written September 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
delagene
38 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
The underground freshwater bubbling up into a swimming hole, climbing up wooden outlooks, raccoons, iguanas, etc. may seem mundane by US tourist standards, but the locals are very proud of this reserve, and the government has provided pier, boardwalk, and lookout points. We went to Passion Island and Bird Island also (where hundreds (maybe thousands?) of birds land every evening) It was a rare look into a portions of this huge reserve of flora and fauna that would never be allowed in the US. We enjoyed our day! (Mosquitoes can be an issue .. the guides know their jobs, they will tell you if you need more repellent or different clothing.)
Written December 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sony Per
Mexico City, Mexico205 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
It is a beautiful place, nature is always surprising me! You have to go there, even though it was crowded, you will enjoy the experience! Take your swimming suit, a towel, and take the life jacket with you to relax!
Written October 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ele S
Nuremberg, Germany221 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
This is an obligatory tour in the morning. Amazing views, quietness and raw nature as soon as you enter the Ecological Reserve of Yum Balam. You will be able to walk along kilometers of sand and shallow water on your left, virgin endless beach, and trees on your right. The landscapes will take away your breath. The most far you get, you will find more and more surprises: all kinds of birds, Horseshoe crabs, if you are lucky, you will see small sting rays, and of course colorful Flamingos (please: DO NOT APPROACH THEM. That could scare them and they leave the spot for good, causing lack of Flamingos the whole year, also when they get scared, they may break their legs while trying to fly in a rush, causing death for starvation in the end. Im not kidding. Do not try shooting selfies, just enjoy the view at a safe distance for them). Be aware of the hour: The earlier, the better. The tide comes back after midday. When I walked there at morning (9.30am), the water only covered my ankles, but when I went back, 4 hours later, the water between the sand bank and the beach line had already swelled up till my hips.
Some people rent a guide and a boat ride (kayak) Others enjoy walking around. In my case, I recommend to use a bike. There are small bike paths along the beach. When you get well inside the ecological reserve, choose a spot (any) to start walking. It is so beautiful!
Tip: use long sleeves and pants you can get wet. If you dont have this clothes with you, the use biodegradable repellent. Mosquitoes are ferocious at any time!
Some people rent a guide and a boat ride (kayak) Others enjoy walking around. In my case, I recommend to use a bike. There are small bike paths along the beach. When you get well inside the ecological reserve, choose a spot (any) to start walking. It is so beautiful!
Tip: use long sleeves and pants you can get wet. If you dont have this clothes with you, the use biodegradable repellent. Mosquitoes are ferocious at any time!
Written May 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PeabodyandSherman
Plumsteadville, PA244 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Rent a golf cart and explore this conservation paradise. See wildlife and enjoy the solitude on your vacation.
Written March 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kckaren2017
Chicago, IL3 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Unexpected stop on our way back to the hotel and it was an amazing experience to jump into the water in this scenic place.
Written September 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mafetm
Bogota, Colombia101 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
Holbox is on the Yum Balam Reserve. The whole island has beautiful landscapes, birds and vegetation. We had to wait two days to go on the classic three islands tour, Isla Pajaros, Yalahu and Isla Pasion, but it was worth it. Holbox is really a small piece of paradise.
Written April 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisabeth444
Montreal, Canada22 contributions
Dec 2018
Be aware : travel agencies sell tours around Holbox but it's not the season to see flamingo or to have good snorkeling!
Written February 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ClaireAdamMoss
Ilfracombe, UK5,266 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
We visited Yum Balam whilst on a day tour to Holbox Island. Firstly we stopped at the jetty by the cenote and were given a short while to take a dip in the refreshing water. Our guide pointed out some interesting features and were fascinated by the abundance of wildlife especially the crabs in their holes!
The cenote was quite busy with a lot of different tours but we still enjoyed it and managed to see a few fish in the water.
Next we went over to the "Passion Island" part of the reserve where the waters run so shallow and you can see the flamingos and other wading birds. This place is beautiful and certainly a place to take some magical pictures and create lovely memories.
The lookout tower is wonderful and you get an amazing overview of the area.
Yum Balam was my favourite part of the whole Holbox trip and definitely would recommend to anyone visiting the area.
The cenote was quite busy with a lot of different tours but we still enjoyed it and managed to see a few fish in the water.
Next we went over to the "Passion Island" part of the reserve where the waters run so shallow and you can see the flamingos and other wading birds. This place is beautiful and certainly a place to take some magical pictures and create lovely memories.
The lookout tower is wonderful and you get an amazing overview of the area.
Yum Balam was my favourite part of the whole Holbox trip and definitely would recommend to anyone visiting the area.
Written December 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josh M
NYC57 contributions
Mar 2018
Holbox itself is like the small villages of Mexico on the coast were probably like without giant hotels 40 years ago . Yum Balam is a well preserved part of this . Wonderful cenote , incredible birdlife
Written November 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola ! QuerÃa saber cómo hacer para ir a la reserva Yum balam. Es necesario contratar un tour ?
Written December 11, 2018
Hay dos formas, una contratar la excursion a las tres islas, en una de ellas visitas Yum Balam, y la otra contratar un lanchero particular en la isla de Holbox que te llevan en forma exclusiva, las dos son válidas.
Written October 6, 2019
Hola, estaré visitando el D.F. en septiembre y no tengo mucho tiempo, pero me gustarÃa conocer la reserva. ¿Cuántos dÃas deberÃa calcular?
Written May 14, 2017
mÃnimo dos dias en la isla de Holbox, uno dedicarte a disfrutar las playas paradisÃacas, y el otro con la excursión a las tres islas conocer la reserva.
Written October 6, 2019
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