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You can visit anywhere in the Mexican Caribbean for any amazing tropical vacation, but there are a few islands in the region that really give off that vibe, and Holbox is one of them.
Located off of the coast of a town called Chiquila, which is about two hours from Cancun, Holbox is the perfect island paradise to escape the cold winter weather.
This is one of the reasons why hotels on this idyllic island are expected to be completely full this winter, but escaping the cold isn’t the only reason to visit Holbox.
Unbelievable Nature
Located at the point where the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico meet, it goes without saying that there is some pretty unbelievable nature to explore on the island of Holbox.
The island itself is located within the Yum Balam Nature Preserve, so it’s filled with fascinating flora and fauna, including a colony of flamingos that lives on the island.
Holbox is also home to a bioluminescent beach that radiates a beautiful turquoise blue light at night.
Additionally, the waters surrounding the island are full of marine life.
@ninsadventures ♬ My Love Mine All Mine – Mitski
Pristine Beaches
In addition to the other fascinating nature on the island of Holbox, the pristine beaches offer another way to experience nature on the island.
Known for their crystal clear turquoise water and soft white sand, some of the beaches on the island offer the perfect opportunity to relax the day away and others are ideal for those looking for a good time.
The main beach, Playa Holbox, is known for its mix of vibrant beach clubs and laidback beach bars.
@nature_paradise3 😍#holbox #mexico #🇲🇽 #travel #nature #fyp ♬ original sound – lisu edits
Charming Accommodations
The sprawling all-inclusives that you’ll find throughout much of the Mexican Caribbean are great, but sometimes you just want something smaller, and more relaxed.
Holbox is full of smaller, more charming accommodations like hostels and boutique hotels.
There are several great options in the $ 100-a-night price range and even some highly-rated options for less for dates in January.
@nomadespaces A sneak peak of our idyllic room on #holbox island in #mexico. The #nomade is an ultimate tribute to nature. Restoration, renewal and reconnection are at the heart of each persons stay; curated through wellness programmes, holistic design and the scent of copal burning ubiquitously. #travel #holbox #mexico #yucatan #foryoupage #like #follow #fyp #hotels #retreat #outdoorbath #wellness #reconnect #explore #repost #duet #trending #holiday #nomad #yoga ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
Amazing Food
Holbox is also known for its culinary scene, which is made up of a variety of options.
You’ll find authentic casual Mexican cuisine and fresh seafood dishes to be the norm here.
From budget dining options to mid-priced, laidback restaurants to high-end establishments, there is a lot of variety on this small island.
@zachhenault Where to eat in Holbox! 🍍🌴 We loved this little Island. There are so many restaurants to explore but these were 3 of our favorites. All of them accept dollars and the last two take card. Your exchange rate will be better if you use Pesos. #recommendations #food #holbox #mexico #explorepage #explore #travel ♬ Beyond the Sea – Bobby Darin & Richard Wess And His Orchestra
Endless Activities
On an island that sits within a nature preserve and is surrounded by water, it’s not surprising that there is plenty to do.
All kinds of tours are offered that can take you to not only explore the island, but the surroundings too.
One of the best things to do is book a tour to explore the two small nearby islands and a cenote, which starts at around $40 per person.
@vasotequedas Tour a Holbox 🥰✨🏝️✈️ #travel #holbox #playita #clavadoschallenge #cenotes ♬ sonido original – YMar
Laidback Atmosphere
One of the differences between many of the other Mexican Caribbean beach vacation destinations and Holbox is the atmosphere.
Holbox has a laid-back fishing village/beach town atmosphere that is unique to the destination.
If you’re looking for a quieter, more charming destination for your vacation then Holbox is an excellent option.
@nataliadenise Isla Holbox is a slice of heaven #islaholbox #holboxmexico #visitmexico ♬ vlog, chill out, calm daily life(1370843) – SUNNY HOOD STUDIO
Getting To Holbox
If you fly into Cancun Airport you can book transportation to Chiquila from the airport, which will cost you around $40 for shared shuttle one-way transportation.
Upon arrival in Chiquila, you’ll go to the ferry port, where you’ll take about a 20-minute ferry ride to the island.
Tickets for the ferry cost about $13 each way, a small price to pay to experience such a charming island paradise.
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