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With Spring Break and Easter just around the corner, many popular destinations in the Mexican Caribbean are seeing record-breaking hotel occupancy rates as travelers book last-minute deals.
One such location is Holbox, a picturesque island off the coast of northern Quintana Roo.
Home to charming boutique hotels and pure tropical nature, the island has become one of the trendiest destinations in the region. Here’s why travelers love this Mexican Caribbean island.
Holbox Hotels Nearly Fully Booked This Spring
Holbox is a tiny island in the northern region of the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo. Home to just several thousand locals, the small island is reporting a nearly 100% occupancy rate as its small family-run hotels surge in popularity.
Although Holbox has several larger properties – such as Mystique Holbox by Royalton – small accommodations predominate, offering a calm getaway from Cancun’s packed resorts.
According to local hospitality representatives, the looming spring travel season is pushing occupancy rates to new highs.
With Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum largely offering all-inclusive luxury, a growing number of travelers are opting for more humble options, such as those found in Holbox.
April is expected to be one of the busiest months on record for the remote island, with many properties already fully sold out.
Some sources suggest the island hasn’t seen such high occupancy rates since 2019, the last year before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.
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Travelers can currently find around two thousand five hundred hotel rooms in Holbox, an impressive number considering the island’s small population.
Travelers Flocking To Holbox To Escape Sargassum
One of the reasons that makes Holbox so popular among travelers is its beaches, which are recognized by many as some of the best in the Mexican Caribbean.
Stretching for over 41 kilometers in length, Holbox is dotted with white-sand beaches, many of which are remote and untouched.
Holbox’s geographical features provide a natural barrier against sargassum seaweed.
The 2023 season is likely to see record quantities of the smelly macroalgae wash up on Mexican Caribbean shores, and although Holbox has dealt with its fair share of the seaweed, much less of it washes up on its beaches compared to the likes of Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
According to the latest sargassum forecast, Holbox’s beaches are expected to have only minimal amounts of the macroalgae this week, and the situation is likely to remain similar for the rest of the month.
Everything Travelers Need To Know About Holbox
Holbox is also a popular choice thanks to its exotic flora and fauna. Visitors can spot flamingos, turtles, and other unique wildlife on the island.
It’s also a hotspot for whale shark spottings from May to mid-Septemebr.
While travelers can spend several days on Holbox to fully soak in the tropical landscape, it’s also a great idea for a day trip from Cancun and the Riviera Maya.
Visitors can choose from many tour companies, such as Cancun Bay Tours, which offers a 12-hour day trip from the resort town to Holbox.
The $76 per person tour includes pick up and drop off, as well as a professional guide for seamless travel.
Travelers that would rather enjoy an extended Holbox getaway can only reach the island by ferry from the fishing village of Chiquilá.
With daily departures from 6 A.M. until 9 P.M., a one-way ticket costs just $12 per person.
After arriving at Holbox, visitors can choose from many boutique hotels, each offering quaint decorations and tropical views.
The island is also home to several affordable but great-quality hostels, making it a hit among young visitors traveling on a budget.
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