Take an Excursion from Cancun to Holbox

Just a few miles away from Cancun lies Holbox Island, an enchanting secluded island that is located in the Yum Balam Nature Reserve. Because the island is remote, you can only reach it by boat or plane and it makes a wonderful excursion from Cancun.

Holbox Island
This quaint little piece of tropical wonder resting in the coral waters of the Yalahau Lagoon is only 26 miles long and 1.2 miles wide island, but it is a lush habitat for a variety of species. Because of its diverse animal life, Holbox Island is considered to be one of the world’s most significant ecological locations. If you take an excursion from Cancun to Holbox between the months of May and October, you will have the privilege of seeing the island’s most popular marine attraction: the whale shark.

The waters embracing the island is rich with nutrients and makes an ideal habitat for a host of marine creatures. Besides the popular whale sharks that you can get an opportunity to swim with between the months of May and October, you can marvel over the dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles. You may also schedule adrenaline-pumping snorkeling and scuba diving tours that will rejuvenate you and take you away from the cares of the world.

Not only is Holbox a bird haven, it is also a haven for a vast array of reptiles that you can observe while taking a nature hike. Animals like roseate spoonbills, white and brown pelicans, pink flamingos, and double-crested cormorants are sure to peak your interest as you stroll through the barely touched landscape. It’s no secret that this secluded retreat is a nature lover’s dream, but it is also an ideal location for kiteboarding because of the constant winds that breeze through the island.

You can even get a touch of Mayan culture while visiting Holbox. Like Cancun, the island has a history of Mayan traditions—especially surrounding the Yalahau Lagoon, which is also known as the Ojo de Agua Cenote or pit of youthful water. It is believed that swimming in the lagoon will make you feel younger, but most modern visitors just love the relaxation from soaking in the waters. Also, the name of the island itself was named by the Mayans in reference to the dark looking waters of the lagoon (hence the term “black hole” or “holbox”). One thing’s for sure: you will never get bored during your stay on Holbox Island!