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There’s nothing like a tropical island paradise to take all of your worries away, and there are a few in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico that will do just that.
A couple of these islands that are near Cancun are two of the best in the world, according to travelers and Conde Nast readers.
Just visit Isla Mujeres and Holbox, and you’ll have no trouble seeing why travelers love these gorgeous islands so much.
Isla Mujeres – A Mexican Caribbean Paradise
Isla Mujeres is a small island that sits about eight miles off of the coast of Cancun and is home to some of the most beautiful Mexican Caribbean beaches.
Known as a fishing village for many years, the island is still characterized by that laid-back charm, particularly the six-block “downtown” area, and is one of Mexico’s distinctive Magic Towns.
The island is only five miles long and a half mile wide, but it has a lot to offer for tourists looking for a tropical vacation.
@meelcarrion11 #islamujeresmexico #cancun #mexico🇲🇽 #paradaiseisland ##2023 #solplayayarena ♬ Who Loves The Sun feat. Jo.Ke (Edit) – Nu & Jo.Ke
Making The Most Out Of Your Visit To Isla Mujeres
While the relaxed vibe of Isla Mujeres might make you want to spend your days lounging on the beach with a fruity umbrella drink in hand, there’s also plenty of adventure when you’re ready for it.
The waters surrounding Isla Mujeres are home to coral reefs that are part of the second-largest reef system in the world, so snorkeling and diving are amazing.
The calm waters are also perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding, but you’ll want to spend some time on a golf cart or bike exploring the island as well.
@nicolestraveldiary The top 5 things to do while visitng Isla Mujeres 🧜♀️ if you rent a golf cart, you can visit all these places in one day. It takes about 30 minutes to circle this beautiful island 🏝️ Don’t forget to see the baby turtles hatching at sunset in Punta Sur 🌊 #islamujeres #islamujeresmexico #islandtour #bluesea #topthingstodo #mustdotravels ♬ Don't Be Shy – Tiësto & Karol G
Getting To Isla Mujeres
Getting To Isla Mujeres is easy because you fly into Cancun Airport, which is connected by nonstop flights to 38 U.S. cities.
From the airport, you can take a taxi, if you don’t already have private transportation booked, to one of three ferry terminals in Cancun, which are about a half hour away.
The ferry ride to the island takes about 15-20 minutes and costs around $10-$15 each way, depending on the ferry company.
@tequilatofu #islamujeres #cancun#ultramar#mexicotravel #ferryfromcancuntoisla ♬ Island In The Sun – Weezer
Holbox – A Stunning Island Surrounded By Two Seas
Holbox is a 26-mile long, just under a mile wide island that is about six miles off of the coast of a town called Chiquila, and is surrounded by both the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.
The Yalahau Lagoon that separates Holbox from the mainland is home to a colony of flamingos and other wildlife, but the island’s real claim to fame is its stunning white sand beaches.
Holbox is a car-free island where many visitors explore the charming village by bike or foot.
@avenlylane.travel 📍Isla Holbox ☀️🤯🌴👙 #islaholbox #holboxmexico #holbox #holboxisland #holboxcancun #mexicotravel ♬ original sound – Avenly Lane Travel | Claire
Enjoying Everything That Holbox Has To Offer
Holbox is part of the Yum Balam Nature Preserve, and the waters surrounding the island are full of marine life, so there are endless opportunities to enjoy nature in Holbox.
Holbox Village is also popular among tourists and is still characterized by its fishing village past.
It is a place to go to enjoy fresh seafood, enjoy a drink, do a little souvenir shopping, and mingle with friendly locals.
@montanadarby 📍Isla Holbox, an absolute MUST VISIT island located 20 mins off the coast of Mexico! It was my favourite place in Mexico by a mile! 🌴 #mexico #travel #mexicotravel #backpacking #islaholbox #holbox ♬ original sound – Montana | Travels
Getting To Holbox
The best way to get to Holbox is to fly into Cancun Airport and then take private transportation to Chiquila.
Transportation to the ferry dock starts at around $150 each way, but once the Maya Train is complete, it will likely be a less expensive option.
The airport is a little over two hours from Chiquila, which is where you will catch the ferry to the island.
The ferry ride takes about 25 minutes and costs about $13 each way.
@atrujemtravel Holbox is the Maldives of Mexico! A must visit for anyone looking to experience the preetiest water in Mexico! Fly into Cancun Airport How to get there ✈️ Arrive to Cancun International Airport 🚌🛩️🚗🚐 Transportation options to Chiquilá Take the Ado Bus – Public Bus which can take 3-3.5 hours from the airport. Cost around $15 one way! Rent a car- Average cost for rental cars are $15 per day depending on vehicle type. Once you arrive to Chiquilá there are several parking garages that cost $5 per day with 24/7 surveillance. Book a private shuttle- Highly recommend especially if you are on a long flight. There will be a driver waiting upon your arrival and you can relax and enjoy the ride. Transportation starts at $120 each way depending on the amount of people and vehicle type. Book a private flight- one way trip from Cancun to Holbox starts at $714 per plane (one way) which can accommodate 3-5 people. Your total flight time is 35 mins. Once you arrive to Chiquilá you will turn need to take a 30 minute ferry ride to Holbox. We recommend booking with Holbox Express which will cost $12 each way. This daily ferry departs every hour from 6:30am-9:30pm. You can also take a private boat/taxi when you arrive. Pricing will vary for this. Is Holbox on your list? Let me know below👇🏾 Save + Share #holbox #holboxmexico #holboxisland #mexico #quintanaroo #cancun #cancunmexico #maldives #traveltiktok #travelbucketlist #traveling #traveltok #traveltomexico #travelawesome #traveltips #travelmemories #tulum #tulummexico #mexico🇲🇽 #mexicotiktok #mexicotravel #holbox2022 #holboxcancun #travelcurator #travelwithme #travelnoire ♬ soso – Omah Lay
Day Trip Vs Vacation – The Best Way To Enjoy These Stunning Islands
Both Holbox and Isla Mujeres are so close to Cancun that you can easily take a day trip to either.
If you do want to vacation in either place, though, there are plenty of lodging options.
Whichever you choose, you’re sure to fall in love with these stunning islands near Cancun.
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