Mexico's Best Kept Secret

No cars, no paved roads, and miles of pristine undeveloped beaches – this is our kind of place.

Holbox (pronounced ole-bosh) today is still known as one of Mexico’s best kept secrets, where spotty wi-fi and mid-day siestas are part of daily life. Living up to its name, meaning 'black hole’ in Mayan, Holbox feels like a portal to one of Mexico's last unspoiled tropical islands.

Despite only being located 40-miles northwest of Cancún, this small island has remained completely rural thanks to its protected location in the Yum Balam Biosphere, Mexico’s largest ecological reserve. The island only stretches 26-miles in total, meaning you won’t find any cars or traffic jams (golf carts and bicycles are the only form of transportation), just rich wildlife lagoons and time for yourself to disconnect. If you are looking to unwind even more, you can visit between April and September where you’ll be blessed with uncrowded beaches and daily sunshine. Between these months is also the season for whale sharks.

Pink flamingos at Punta Mosquito

Although by day the island gives off a sleepy and calm vibe, at night the town comes to life with vendors selling marquesitas (crunchy Yucatán crepes) and tacos al pastor. If you're looking to try something different, yet local to the island, head to Roots and order their famous lobster pizza. This washed down with a cold artesanal beer does not disappoint! Make sure to get there early because lobster is served fresh daily and is based on availability.

If you have time and are up for more adventure, you can take an excursion to the inhibited side of the island called Punta Mosquito. Instead of seeing human civilization, imagine pink flamingos roaming free to feed on algae. To get there, head east by bike, foot or ATV until you reach a coastal trail. If the tide is low, you can even walk on the sandbar! This part of the island is where you would go for all kitesurfing excursions as well.

Another fun and relaxing activity is to wonder around and look at the street art. Often called ‘Graffiti Island,’ the majority of murals were painted back in 2014 during Mexico’s first International Public Art Festival. Several international artists were invited to create works of art throughout the island, giving the island a beautiful eye-popping visual aspect. Artists still visit the island to leave their mark on its walls.

To round out your time on the island, head to Punta Coco beach for sunset. You’ll notice it’s an island tradition, with locals and visitors gathering on its in-water swing sets and hammocks. After a few days connecting with nature and exploring Holbox, you’ll be able to say you achieved complete relaxation in Mexico’s black hole of bliss.

How to get there:

There are only two options to travel to Isla Holbox - 15-minute ferry from Chiquilá or fly. From Cancún, the easiest and fastest way is to take a private shuttle or taxi from the airport or your hotel. If you're taking a shuttle, you’ll need to book online in advance to get the cheapest rates.

Once you get to Chiquilá, there are two ferry companies that run daily to Holbox and back. Both ferries charge the same price and offer the same service, they just run on opposite schedules to maximize transportation.
Interested in exploring this paradise? Check out how we like to indulge ourselves in the art of relaxation by clicking the link below!