Travel Guide Isla Holbox

Located in the extreme north of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is the paradise of the Mexican Caribbean. Its name is somewhat misleading since Isla Holbox is not strictly speaking an island, but a narrow strip of land separated from the peninsula by the Yalahau lagoon. But once you arrive at Holbox, you feel the same sense of isolation as if you were on an island in the middle of the ocean. Until recently, birds almost outnumbered humans and it was mainly with them that you shared the island's sandy beaches, where most of the shells used to make the necklaces and lamps that are sold in Cancún's craft markets are found. Although Isla Holbox now has a few hotels, the majority of the island is still untouched most of the year and the locals continue to fish, just as their grandparents did... If you choose to explore the island independently, you will have to spend at least one night there, due to the bus and boat schedules. Organized tours allow you to go there and back in a day from Cancún, while discovering the island's must-see attractions (around 90 US$ per person for a 12-hour tour, including meals and drinks), but it is really a pity to stay only one day in this small paradise. Bring enough cash because the only ATM on the main square is sometimes empty (go there early in high season).