Located just three hours from Cancun, to the north of the Yucatan Peninsula, is a small island surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Its name is Holbox, and it's often described as heaven on earth. Considered the last point of Mexico within the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean, Holbox is part of the Mayan territory, and the influence of this mythical civilization can be felt in every aspect of the island. From the people and their gastronomy to their laid-back lifestyle, warmth, and vibrancy, Holbox is a true paradise.
Holbox’s charm lies in its geography, with the island boasting a plethora of virgin beaches. Every morning, the turquoise waters bathe the coral sand of its coasts, creating a breathtaking sight to behold. Some of these beaches are so small that they can be crossed on foot one after the other thanks to the lagoons and sandbanks that form during low tide. In other cases, a boat trip is necessary to explore and fall in love with each one of them. You will reach a point where you won't know where one beach begins and the other ends. It’s on these beaches where flamingos fly above the water, whale sharks claim their soft sand floors during the summer and fish, sea turtles, and dolphins swim freely in what has always been their home.
To visit Holbox is to awaken your senses and discover new horizons. The island is a perfect blend of stunning turquoise waters, colorful sunsets, and fragrant flora that is sure to entice your senses. With each meal prepared in the village, you will find new aromas that tantalize your taste buds. As you walk through the island, you will be greeted by melodious bird songs and the gentle murmur of the people. Even the breeze has a unique flavor and texture that is distinct to this corner of the world. Holbox is a love letter to nature, and loving this place means taking care of it with every action you take. It is important to be aware of your footprint and the impact your actions may have on the environment.
This small island, basking under the Caribbean sun, is part of one of the most important ecological reserves in Mexico and the world: the Yum Balam flora and fauna protection area. This biosphere, covering 154,052 hectares, is home to the Yalahau lagoon, mangroves, wetlands, and low and medium jungles, all of which host the richest diversity of species from all kingdoms and coexist in perfect harmony. This reserve alone provides refuge for gum, ramon, cedar, tulle, and palm trees, as well as ocelots, pumas, spider monkeys, jaguars, sea turtles, manatees, and the whale sharks mentioned earlier in our article.
But also, Holbox is an important refuge for a diverse range of birds, some of which are threatened or in danger of extinction. On a small islet nestled among the mangroves of the Yalahau lagoon, known as Isla Pájaros, it is possible to spot several of them in a moment of tranquility. To do so, there are lookouts and walkways where they will not be threatened, and you can admire them in their natural habitat: entire colonies of flamingos, gulls, herons, wild ducks, pelicans, among others. Remember that all these birds arrived here long before you did, so you must protect their space and ensure that none of your actions can affect them.
Also part of its biodiversity, and perhaps one of the most beautiful natural phenomena that can be seen on the planet, is the presence of bioluminescence on the island's beaches, achieved by the bioluminescent organisms that abound in its waters. Around the island there are tour agencies, where you can ask and get the best tour to witness it. Most tours leave at midnight from the Marina and take about 2 to 3 hours to be completed. Although it is present all year round, the small luminous beings react better to warm waters, between March and September. Also, the darkest nights are the best for observing how nature is full of light.
The island benefits from the unique climate formed by the coalition of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico seas. For years, Holbox was called a hidden paradise because, before the operation of the ferries, few people had heard of this "black hole", its Mayan meaning, in the Caribbean. Much of that has changed today with the increasing flow of tourism; however, the island seeks to maintain this fragile balance with limited access, as well as severe restrictions on the establishment of activities that could compromise the quality of life within it.
Since 2019, the people of Holbox have started a series of initiatives to take proper care of the local environment. Mangroves and beaches are constantly being cleaned up to protect the animals that live in them; the use of plastic bags, unicel and straws has been banned throughout the island; most of the inhabitants seek to recycle the waste they produce to prevent the soil and water from being contaminated, and the wildlife that lives on the island from being affected. This is one of the strongest philosophies of Holbox, all action is aimed to achieving an eco-friendly and sustainable society to sustain the fragile environmental balance.
The essence of Holbox is not different from other Mexican beach towns, its architecture is simple and coastal, with sandy floors soft to the touch of the feet (did someone say exfoliation?); its facades keep the colors of the Caribbean alive, even though this small global village is being nourished by more and more people coming from all corners of the world. One of the main attractions of this island is the warmth of its inhabitants, with their relaxed lifestyle and that habit of walking around the island barefoot.