There are two Islands close to Cancun which are said to tick all the boxes of paradise. The closest and larger island is the Isla Mujeres (Island of Women). Despite its promising name we saw many tours offered from Cancun and we felt we didn’t want to join the two week tourist band wagon.
The second option is the slightly more remote and less developed Isla Holbox, which had been mentioned to us by several other backpackers. With the promise of stretches of white sand to ourselves we decide this is the island we want to head to.
After a four hour journey via second class bus we arrive at the town Chiquilla and swiftly pay for a speed boat to take us to the island. After a half hour bumpy ride we arrive at the harbour, find our hostel and prepare to explore Isla Holbox
We take a walk by the wooden Caribbean style houses with their thatched roofs. Along the sand roads coconuts hang from the palms which wave in the gentle breeze.
The almost empty beaches appear endless, the sand is white and powdery and the shallow turquoise Caribbean Sea allows you to wade out 100 meters or more.
The island is only 500m to 2 km wide and is 30km long. Most of this is part of the Yum Balam nature reserve which protects a large portion of the island from development.
This is perfect, a hidden paradise that still manages to escape the packs of tourists that descend on Cancun.
There are no cars driving around. The main form of transport here is the humble golf cart. However, if you are fit and healthy everything is in close walking distance.
There is not not much to do here except relax and enjoy the surroundings. Crystal clear waters, sun, sea, sand and a few beers.
Perfect…
