Isla Holbox

Tiny Isla Holbox (25 km [16 miles] long) sits at the eastern end of the Ría Lagartos estuary and just across the Quintana Roo state line. A fishing fan's heaven because of the hordes of pampano, bass, barracuda, and sharks just offshore, the island also pleases bird-watchers and seekers of tranquillity. Birds fill the mangrove estuaries on the island's leeward side, whale sharks cruise offshore April through September, and sandy beaches are strewn with seashells. Although the water is often murky—the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean come together here—it's shallow and warm, and there are some nice places to swim. Sandy streets lead to simple seafood restaurants where the fish fillets, conch, octopus, and other delicacies are always fresh.