Isla Holbox holidays

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Holidays to Isla Holbox dial the pace right back, with beaches dotted with sea hammocks and lagoons full of exotic birds.

Secret island

This tiny tropical island’s just off the north coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, and can only be reached by a ferry from the small town of Chiquila. Thanks to its remote location, it’s become a bit of a hidden gem, planted right where the Caribbean Sea swirls into the Gulf of Mexico. Its go-slow atmosphere’s often a welcome contrast for those trying to escape the hustle and bustle of Tulum or Cancun. Everyone has bikes instead of cars, barefoot living is encouraged, and the only fast-paced things here are the watersports and whale sharks.

Bioluminescent beaches

This place was designed for lazy beach days. The whole of the island’s coastline’s smothered in powder-soft white sand and surrounded by shallow water. By day, you can swing in rainbow-coloured sea hammocks at Playa Holbox – the island’s main beach right by the town – and go on whale shark-spotting tours. When the sun goes down, head up to the north of the island to see bioluminescence in the water. Thanks to microscopic phytoplankton, the sea illuminates like something out of Avatar, with glowing blue water.

Flock for the flamingos

Isla Holbox isn’t just a relaxing haven for people – plenty of wildlife choose to reside here, too. One of the best ways to see the local residents is by kayaking through the mangroves. As you weave between the shrubs, keep your eyes peeled for birds like herons, ospreys and of course, the island’s iconic candy floss-pink flamingos. You may even spot some crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks. If kayaking doesn’t take your fancy but you want to eye up some flamingos, make a beeline to Playa Punta Coco or Yalahau Lagoon for a vision of pink.

Popular hotels in Isla Holbox

Facts about Isla Holbox

Currency
Mexican Peso
(MXN)
Language
Spanish
Time zone
GMT -6
Flight duration
From 10 hours 45 minutes to 12 hours 15 minutes from Gatwick

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