Top 7 Reasons Travelers Are Flocking To This Beautiful Island Near Cancun 

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Last Updated 8 months ago

A beautiful tropical island surrounded by crystal clear aqua-blue water is what vacation dreams are made of for many travelers.   

The Yucatan Peninsula, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, is one of the places that can make these dreams come true, as it is home to a couple of different paradisiacal islands that fit this description perfectly.   

But one, in particular, is popular among tourists, and there are seven reasons specifically that travelers are flocking to a beautiful island near Cancun called Isla Holbox.   

Beaches 

The location of Holbox is at the point where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet, and it has no shortage of beaches.   

The water surrounding the island has similar characteristics to that in other regional vacation destinations, like Cancun and Playa del Carmen.   

It’s turquoise in color and crystal clear with beautiful white sand, so there are some pretty amazing beaches in Holbox.   

@travelbyram Isla Holbox has some beautiful beaches and amazing food! #islaholbox🏝 #mexicancaribean #budgettravel #travelbyram #mexicotravel ♬ original sound – Owen

Nature 

The nature that surrounds the island of Holbox is abundant, diverse, and downright fascinating.   

The island, which spans 26 miles, is actually located within a nature reserve, the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, which is protected due to the abundance of flora and fauna.   

Another captivating display of nature that you can see in Holbox is the beautiful bioluminescent water off the coast of the island.   

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Wildlife  

When visiting Holbox, you’ll be sharing the island with a wide variety of wildlife and will also have the opportunity to see some awe-inspiring marine life in the water as well.   

Thanks to being located in a nature reserve that protects the different types of wildlife on the island, you could see a wide variety of bird species, manatees, jaguars, pumas, spider monkeys, whale sharks, stingrays, manta rays, sea turtles, and all sorts of colorful fish.   

And on a tiny nearby island, you can even see a flamboyance, or colony, of flamingoes.   

@regi19846 Isla Holbox. #holbox #mexico #wildlife ♬ son original – Reginald Greindl

Atmosphere  

The atmosphere on Isla Holbox is laid back with a mixed vibe of an old fishing village and a quintessential beach town.   

Restaurants and bars are run by locals, there are no chain establishments, there are no cars on the island, people get around by bike and golf cart, and the streets are unpaved, covered with the same soft white sand as the beaches.   

It is the perfect place to escape the crowds that are becoming more and more common in places like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.   

@ludaalou Holbox, Mexico is a state of mind 🍹✌🏽#holbox #zomay #sunset #danceparty #cocktails #travellife ♬ original sound – L$

Accommodations  

On the island of Holbox you won’t find the sprawling all-inclusive resorts that Cancun is known for, although there are a few smaller all-inclusives.   

But you’ll mostly find charming, smaller boutique hotels and hostels, some with no more than six rooms, and run by staff with no shortage of island hospitality.   

There is a mix of both family-friendly and adult-only properties, and a number of eco-resorts as well. 

@alicefognini Your next Holbox home is here ☀️#fypシ #fypage #holbox #travel #hotels #besthotels #wheretostay #traveltips #placestostay #mexico ♬ Sensual Seduction – Snoop Dogg

Restaurants  

One of the best things about Holbox is that it is not inundated with touristy chain restaurants or fast food outlets.   

The restaurants you’ll find here are much more authentic and serve up everything from flavorful Mexican dishes to the freshest seafood.   

Many of the best restaurants are located in the Centro area, which, as the name suggests, is located in the center of the island.   

@lauraschreppers Most beautiful restaurants in holbox: restaurant Bāsico, with mexican inspired dishes. Follow for more mexico tips! 🇲🇽 #holbox #holboxmexico #islaholbox #basicoholbox ♬ original sound – lauraschreppers

Location 

Finally, if everything you’ve already heard about Isla Holbox is not enough to convince you of what an amazing vacation destination it is, the location might be the driving force to get you going.   

Located at the northeastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula, just off of the coast of Chiquila, where you’ll catch the ferry to the island, Holbox is in close proximity to so many other amazing places.   

In Holbox, you’ll have the opportunity to explore all that the Yucatan Peninsula and the Mexican Caribbean have to offer and have a peaceful place to lay your head at the end of the day. 

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