Holbox Island

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Isla Holbox ("eeslah hole-bosh" = "black hole") is a Caribbean island just off the North coast of the Yucatan peninsula. The village of Holbox is the only populated area, with a square grid of sand-covered streets. There are no cars on the island, as everything is in walking distance, though there are some golf carts. Formerly, shark fishing was the main occupation of the residents. Today, tourism has become the main activity. Small hotels dot the North shore, facing the Caribbean sea. A bird sanctuary is on an islet on the south side. There is no snorkeling nor diving: the seabed is just sand. However, in May, you can take a boat to watch the whale-sharks migrating in the waters north of the island.

It can be reached by ferry from the village of Chiquila, 2 miles south-east of Holbox Village. By land, the trip from the Cancun airport takes a few hours, and an overnight stay in Cancun is usually necessary. At the landing strip next to Holbox village, a small-plane is available for charter flights, such as directly from the Cancun airport.