The brief ferry ride to Isla Holbox, a 26-mile-long sliver of mostly mangrove and beach in the vast Yum Balam biosphere reserve, is only about a two-and-a half-hour drive northwest of Cancún thanks to a new route that opened last summer. The car-free island is a tranquil, unpretentious hideaway for visitors to the Yucatán, a place to swim with gentle whale sharks, to kiteboard above its crystalline waters, and to enjoy some culture at the annual International Public Art Festival, when artists indeed paint the town. In early 2016, LeBazaar, a new art gallery/cafe/boutique with rooms for several artists-in-residence will open.
Source – #32 on the NY Times 52 Places to Travel in 2016
Eat & Drink
There are some really great spots to eat on Holbox, none of which will break the bank. We recommend scouting around for yourself, but check out Viva Zapata for amazing grilling,
El Chapulin for an amazing daily changing menu, and don't miss the Marquesitas - a traditional Yucatan dessert. For some great drinks check out the upper bar at Casa Tortugas or just grab a Michelada or Ojo Rojo pretty much anywhere.
Play
Kite boarding is big on this island, so is fishing, hiking out on the reserve, kayaking, and just chilling on the beach and maybe playing some volleyball. Holbox is a pretty great place to just relax and kick back.
Explore
If you are wanting to get off the island we recommend taking any one of the amazing tours to the near by ruins of Ek Balam,
Chichen Itza, or visit some of the famed cenotes all around the Yucatan.