Cancun may be known for its noisy and crowded resorts, but it has an advantage for travelers looking for a more low-key and intimate getaway. Head here and hop on a ferry to reach the little-known and incredibly peaceful Holbox Island.
Just a decade ago, this Mexican paradise was completely unknown to most tourists. Electricity arrived on the island in 1987 and only a few visitors decided to live the experience of living on the island. Among them was Cuban artist Sandra Peréz, who fell in love with this destination and bought a tract of land near the ocean along the west coast. It seemed like the perfect retreat – there were no paved roads and almost no cars, just tropical vegetation, some mangroves, and miles of glorious beaches.
Things you can do on Holbox Island
Holbox Island is paradise. If you’ve never heard of it or visited it, imagine a happy island with no roads, with palm-fringed white beaches, flamingos, stunning sunsets, and colorful cocktails drunk in a hammock. This is Holbox, the best kept secret in Yucatan that, without a doubt, should be on your itinerary if you travel to the Caribbean.
Walk with Flamingos around you
Holbox Island is part of the Yum Balam Natural Reserve , an idyllic white sand bank in the middle of the ocean that takes you directly to Punta Mosquito, where if you are lucky you will be able to see the beautiful flamingos. However, do not expect an experience like in Aruba , they are wild animals and they will not let you get too close to them . The locals say that you can find them all year round, but officially the flamingo season in Holbox is between April and October.
Relax and rest
Anywhere on the island you will have easy access to the beach and all areas are pleasant enough to relax and unwind sunbathing and listening to the waves of the sea , but keep in mind that most of the beach is privately owned. and you will have to consume something to be able to use the facilities.
Discover his street art
Holbox Island is small but has a lot of street art . The murals are in all its streets. You just have to walk around the city and discover your favorite. Probably the most famous is that of a child so expressive that it almost looks like a photograph.
In 2014 Holbox participated in the first International Festival of Public Art (FIAP), also called the International Public Art Festival , in which a group of international artists came to the island to paint all these precious murals.
Kayak in its mangroves
If you’re wondering what to do on Holbox Island that doesn’t involve lying on the beach and sunbathing, consider kayaking in the mangroves . You can join an excursion or simply rent a kayak and walk through the island’s mangroves. Most hotels have guest kayaks, but they also rent them to non-tourists.
Enjoy a cocktail and a dip in the pool
Boho chic trendy bars similar to those in Tulum are popping up overnight all over the island, and offer a good alternative to beach clubs if you fancy something different . One of the best known is the Alma Bar , which offers exquisite cocktails, a beautiful pool with hammocks and a spectacular view of the ocean. It is located on the terrace of the Hotel Villas Tiburon . Other popular bars are the Hotel Arena Lounge, the Mandarina Rooftop Bar at Casa Las Tortugas, and the Blue Bar at CasaSandra.
Swim with whale sharks in Holbox
Holbox Island is considered one of the best places in the world to see and swim with whale sharks , along with La Paz in Mexico. Despite their name, these giant animals are harmless and swimming with them is simply spectacular. Try not to go in December, as it is not the right season to swim with the whale sharks. Boat tours to go swimming with whale sharks usually cost from 90 to 140 euros per person.
Regarding the regulations on this activity, in Holbox there are strict rules regarding the number of people who can visit the whale sharks every day. Only two people are allowed in the water with a guide at the same time, and you cannot feed.
Take a nap in the water hammocks
You can find the water hammocks in front of the Villas Flamingos hotel . Even if you think they may be busy most of the day, don’t worry, you can go at any time and you will have no problem reserving one. You can also find water hammocks in front of Villas Tiburon.
