Holbox (pronounced “hole-bosh”) is about as close to an unspoiled Caribbean paradise as you will find in Mexico today. This long, narrow barrier island sits off the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico, separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon teeming with flamingos, pelicans, and other wildlife. There are no cars on Holbox, only golf carts, bicycles, and sandy unpaved streets lined with colorful wooden buildings. The beaches here are wide, wild, and uncrowded, and the water is shallow and warm. From May through September, Holbox becomes one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants that gather in the nutrient-rich waters nearby. The island also offers excellent birdwatching, kayaking, paddleboarding, and some of the most spectacular sunsets in Mexico. Holbox rewards slow travel and a willingness to unplug. Our Holbox travel guides cover the best hotels, all-inclusive resorts, restaurants, activities, and everything you need to plan your visit to this extraordinary island.