Located to the northwest of Cancun, Holbox Island is just 42 km long. It is separated from the mainland coast by a shallow lagoon which gives sanctuary to thousands of flamingos, pelicans and other exotic birds and creatures.
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Located to the northwest of Cancun, Holbox Island is just 42 km long. It is separated from the mainland coast by a shallow lagoon which gives sanctuary to thousands of flamingos, pelicans and other exotic birds and creatures. Most of the people in the island make their living fishing, it is common to see fishermen walking through the village with their catch of the day or carrying their nets. The streets of Holbox Island are made of white sand, common of Caribbean islands, and there are very few cars. Holbox is considered a virgin tourist destination because very few outsiders visit the island. In spite of the island's natural beauty, inaccessibility has left it unspoiled by mass tourism.
The Holbox Adventure begins in Playa del Carmen at the airport. Your airplane will fly along the coast heading north. This panoramic view will be one of the best parts of the flight. Starting with a pass over Playa del Carmen, then over the port at Puerto Morelos, and later a bird's eye view of Cancun's hotel zone and the lagoon Nichupte. A bit further north, you will see Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. When you arrive to Holbox the view will be one to remember, flamingos start as pink spots on the lagoon and become clearer as the airplane flies closer, a sign that you are beginning your Holbox Adventure.
The airplane will land at the ecologically friendly aerodrome of the island. The guide will welcome you there with refreshments and a snack to get ready to explore the Holbox Island. At this time you would order your lunch, freshly caught fish of the day, prepared any way you wish. Lobster is also available for an additional $6. The next step is to board a boat bound for Isla Pajaros (Island of the Birds). This tiny island is one of the best bird sanctuaries in the area, and is easily reached from Holbox Island. The reserve protects thousand of fascinating birds and bird nests. Bird watchers usually see mother birds feeding their babies at their nests. Is interesting to see how the birds build their nests in places they consider safe, some on top of high trees, others low to the ground but protected by cactuses with large spines. Frigate birds, white pelicans, cormorants and pink flamingos are common to the island. The island is also home to a variety of iguanas, horseshoe crabs (that had been living our planet since the time of dinosaurs), and an amazing diversity of wild plants.
After this stop at this birders' paradise, the boat will take you to visit the Yalahau Spring. This is an inlet whose source is a fresh water spring. Jump in for a refreshing swim. The water is cool and crystal clear, and you can snorkel if you bring your own equipment.. Heading back to Holbox Island, you will pass through an ocean channel. Visitors frequently see large pods of dolphins swimming in the channel and the island's fishermen at work.
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