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Everybody has heard of some of Mexico’s most popular beach vacation destinations, like Cancun, Los Cabos, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, and maybe even Tulum.
These destinations welcome millions of tourists every year, but there are several other quieter destinations that are just as beautiful.
One of them, located in the Mexican Caribbean, is the Island of Holbox, and it’s not only more laid-back but also gets less sargassum than other beach vacation destinations in the region.
If you’re seeking sargassum-free serenity, this island offers the ultimate relaxation escape from Cancun.
Isla Holbox – An Island Surrounded By Two Seas
Holbox is a decent-sized island that is a couple of hours north of Cancun.
It measures 26 miles in length and is just under a mile wide.
One of the things that makes Isla Holbox unique compared to other Mexican Caribbean islands is that it is surrounded by two separate seas, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
Sargassum In Holbox
Similar to the islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, it is the location of Holbox that helps protect it from mass amounts of sargassum.
If you’ve ever been to the Mexican Caribbean, or know someone who has, then you have probably heard of sargassum before.
It’s a brown macroalgae that travels along ocean currents from the Atlantic to the Mexican Caribbean coast and washes up on the beaches.
Holbox typically gets very little of it compared to other destinations in the region.
Holbox’s Stunning Beaches
Like other beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, Holbox beaches are known for their soft white sand and crystal clear aqua-blue water.
The calm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming, and the wide beaches are perfect for soaking up the sun.
The best beach in Holbox for enjoying beach clubs and activities is Playa Holbox, and it’s also within walking distance of Holbox Village.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing beach experience, then Punta Mosquito or Playa Punta Cocos are both better options.
Visiting Holbox Village
When visiting Holbox, exploring Holbox Village is an absolute must because this is where you’ll discover the laid-back, friendly atmosphere that makes the island such a treasure.
The village still exudes much of its old fishing village charm, with sandy streets, colorful houses, and beautiful street art.
You’ll also find many locally owned restaurants, cantinas, and shops throughout the village.
Things That Make Holbox Unique And Special
Aside from often being virtually sargassum-free, there are a few other things that make Holbox unique.
One is that it’s a car-free island, so you’ll have to walk, rent a golf cart or bike, or take a golf cart taxi to get around.
Another thing that makes the island unique is its bioluminescent water, which can be seen best at Punta Cocos Beach between the months of March and August.
Last but not least, Holbox is home to a flock, also known as a “flamboyance,” of flamingos, which can be seen on Punta Mosquito, particularly between April and October.
Where To Stay In Holbox
You won’t find the huge, sprawling all-inclusive resorts in Holbox that you find in many other Mexican Caribbean vacation destinations.
Instead, there are smaller boutique hotels and hostels that offer a more relaxing, intimate experience.
There are three different distinct areas to stay in Holbox.
Holbox Centro, where you’ll be within walking distance of all that the village has to offer, the eastern end of Holbox, which is about a 15-minute walk to town, and the western end of Holbox, where hotels are more luxurious but getting to town will require hiring a taxi or renting a bike or golf cart.
Each area has some fantastic hotels.
Getting To Holbox
To get to Holbox you’ll have to take a shuttle or other means of transportation to get from Cancun to Chiquila first.
You’ll then take a 25-minute ferry ride to the island, which will cost around $13.00.
Once there you can sit back and relax and enjoy the sargassum-free island vibes.
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