Isla Holbox is a Spanish-American fishing village that lies in the Mexican Yucatan Peninsula. It is part of the Yucatan Peninsula and separated from the mainstream mainland by the Yalahau Lagoon. The island is well known for its pristine beaches, beautiful waterfalls, and lush marine vegetation. In fact, the island has been ranked among the most ecologically diverse places in the world.
The road access is by the south shore and passes through the last major town of Yucatan. The road leads deep into the jungle and takes about seven hours to complete. The access to the motor boat access is much shorter and only takes about five minutes.
Isla Holbox has its own airport, which is located just twenty kilometres from the centre of the island. Most visitors fly from Mexico City or take local transport. Passengers can also rent bicycles and other forms of transport to explore the island. Tourists fly in from different parts of the world and include US, Canadian, and British tourists.
The most popular and well-known attraction on Isla Holbox is the Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) resort and spa. The resort offers access to a number of luxurious spa facilities and pamper themselves with a range of activities, including swimming, mineral turquoise pools, Jacuzzi baths, and sauna sessions. The resort has been opened to non-members since 2021. However, members are welcome to join the resort as members of the hotel staff and enjoy the perks of being a full member.
The marine environment of Isla Holbox is very unique, as it is one of the last remaining terrestrial habitats on earth.
Only eight species of aquatic mammals call Isla Holbox home. Among these are two varieties of marine mollusks, a rare to find species called the black-eared slipper, and two kinds of sharks: the black-finned type and the blue-ray. The latter is the most dangerous shark in the ocean, capable of killing a human being with just a few swipes! These sharks are protected by a multinational conservation organisation called the Marine Conservation Society.
In addition to the beautiful marine environment, Isla Holbox also has a rich natural history, which includes numerous archeological sites dating back to pre-historical times. One of these is the ruins of an ancient Mayan village, dated between eleven and two thousand years ago. This site, called Chichen Itza, contained many temples dedicated to the goddess of water. The ruins were discovered by divers during a dive conducted by Canadian diver Rob Gaudet in June 2021. Another archeological site in Isla Holbox is called Chinchero, located inside the island’s national park. It contains a museum and is considered as an important archeological site, as well as being crucial for understanding pre-incident life in the area.
The resort is managed by EcoNavy, a marine and wildlife consultancy firm, board of directors portal, and is part of the Eco Caribbean Company, which also manages several other popular resorts. Its employees are trained specially for marine biology and have accreditation from reputable aquarium companies. Furthermore, all employees are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that ensures respect for the marine environment as well as preservation of archeological sites. The resort boasts a comprehensive programme of marine protection work, including the planting of trees and flowers to attract fish.
As well as marine life, Isla Holbox has a good variety of coral and tropical landscaping. There are several sunken islands that offer a wonderful getaway. These islands are home to rare turtle species, and offer spectacular diving experiences as well as snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing. If you want an idyllic getaway, this is the perfect place to choose – you will not even realise that you’re still on earth!