Holbox — a small island north of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, which is part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve. The name comes from the local dialect and means «black hole». Although the name of the island is correctly pronounced “Holbox”, travelers prefer to call it Holbox. In recent years, the island has gained immense popularity due to its natural pristine nature and the option to swim with sharks here. The island is connected to the mainland by ferry, and the local population lives at the expense of the guest states. There are no tall buildings here, and Holbox — This is a paradise for those who want to spend a few days in unity with nature.
Here are five reasons why you should definitely visit Holbox on your next trip to the Mexican Caribbean.
By bike
The best way to get to know the island — cycling. You have the opportunity to rent a bike by the hour or for the whole day; there are a lot of rental shops. By exploring the island by bike, you don't risk getting lost on its beautiful streets surrounded by vegetation, or among the white sandy beaches during low tide. Everything here is extremely simple, because the island is small. It is best to travel on dirt roads. Another alternative is to rent a golf cart if you are used to being more comfortable. By the way, there are no car rentals on Holbox, and you cannot get here with your own car.
Holbox is famous for its sunsets, so make sure you don't miss every sunset while you're on the island. Take a walk through the center of the village, around the main square, shop for goods from street vendors and feel the vibrant atmosphere of the island, which is also an attraction in itself. There are also plenty of places where you can eat delicious food on the island.
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Three Islands Tour
This is an obligatory part of the trip to Holbox. You will have to visit Passion Island, Bird Island and Saint from Yalahu on the mainland. During your boat ride, you will probably spot dolphins, who will follow you throughout your trip. In Yalahu, a beautiful city under a covered sky, you can swim in its crystal clear waters, surrounded by thick green vegetation, and from the panoramic tower you can enjoy beautiful views of the entire surrounding area.
The uninhabited beaches of the islands amaze with their snow-white sand and lush tropical vegetation. More than thirty species of birds can be observed in their natural habitat. In addition, from here there is a beautiful view of the island from the sea. To understand how magnificent the nature of this part of the world is, it is worth visiting these islands.
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Bioluminescence on Holbox
Bioluminescence — this is a mysterious natural phenomenon. Microorganisms living in the sea produce light through chemical processes, causing the water to glow and beaches to be illuminated with tiny, flickering lights. The best time of year to observe this natural spectacle — June, July, August and September. Ideally at night, but not during the full moon. The darker the better. The guides will pick you up from the hotel in a golf cart and take you to the best beaches where bioluminescence is strongest. The glow lasts about 3 hours.
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Flamingo in Punta Cocos
Punta Cocos, located just 1.6 km west of the village, — This is a public beach with nothing but palm trees and flamingos. Beautiful pink birds love to hang out in the bay very close to the shore. Thanks to the shallow water, you can easily get quite close to them. Flamingos love to be admired and photographed, but at a decent distance, so try not to get too close. You can get to the beach, say, by renting a bicycle. The weather will be hot, but on the beach you can breathe in the shade under a light breeze. While riding a bicycle, you can explore the surroundings filled with tropical vegetation.
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Yum Balam Nature Reserve
Yum Balam — a nature reserve created at the request of local residents in 1994. This is a place with crystal clear waters, where there are many whale sharks and dolphins. Thickets of tropical forests stretch along the banks, providing shelter for rare species of animals and birds. In Yum Balam you'll find mysterious pre-Hispanic ruins, hiking, fishing, diving, swimming with dolphins, kayaking, zip lining, biking and even visiting a butterfly farm. Additionally, consider a tour of Conil or Yalahau Lagoon, home to countless birds nesting in the lagoon and mangroves.
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Holbox — one of the most beautiful beach spots on the Yucatan Peninsula. The island will also be your favorite destination if you love beach life and bohemian culture. Cut off from life on the mainland, Holbox still retains its charm and authenticity.