How to get to Isla Holbox - Mexico
Holbox (pronounced Hol-bosh) is a hidden gem nestled to the north of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. This island is a haven for travellers seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of life. To reach Isla Holbox, as it’s otherwise known, you'll need to take a ferry from the mainland town of Chiquila.
In this blog post, we'll guide you through the ferry journey to Holbox Island, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Top tips for visiting Holbox
Take the Holbox ferry: Every 30 minutes with either Holbox Express or 9 Hermanos (5 am - 9 pm). Book in advance or purchase at the ticket office on the pier (they are well-signposted)
Driving in Holbox: No tourist cars are allowed on the island, so leave your car in Chiquila at one of its many car parks next to the Port. There are plenty of spaces, no need to book in advanced.
Get cash out in advance: ATMs are scarce in Holbox, and even if you find one, there’s a high chance it will be out of cash. Make sure you take enough cash with you before you go.
Taking the Ferry to Holbox
The only way to get to Holbox is by using the ferry services from Chiquila port (unless you want to charter your own private plane). 2 ferry companies operate this route.
Holbox Express
One of the two ferry companies providing service to Holbox is Holbox Express. They operate ferries from Chiquila Port, departing every half an hour from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm. The journey to Holbox Island takes just 25 minutes. Holbox Express offers both indoor and outdoor seating on the top deck of their ferries, ensuring a comfortable ride.
9 Hermanos
The second ferry option is 9 Hermanos, which also departs from Chiquila Port every hour, starting at 5 am and ending at 9 pm.
How much does the ferry to Holbox cost?
The ticket price for both Holbox ferry companies is 220 Mexican Pesos for a one-way journey ($180 for children), and the travel time remains the same – a swift 25-minute ride.
The ferry is free for kids aged 0-2.
How do I book my ferry tickets to Holbox?
To secure your ferry tickets, you have two options. You can either book them online or purchase them at the ticket counters at Chiquila Port.
Online Booking: Visit the official websites of the ferry companies to book your tickets in advance. You can reserve your preferred departure time on:
At the Port: If you prefer flexibility with your travel schedule, you can purchase your tickets directly at the Chiquila Port, either by the jetty or at nearby ticket offices. With ferries departing every half-hour, you'll be free to choose a departure time that suits your plans.
Getting to Chiquila Port
Before getting to Isla Holbox, you will need to find your way to Chiquila Port. You have a few options here:
Taking the bus to Chiquila/Holbox
If you’re travelling around Mexico, you’ll be well aware that Buses are the most common way to get between cities and other places of interest. Chiquila Part is well connected on the ADO bus route. The busses will drop you off right at the port where you can purchase your tickets and get straight onto the ferry (it’s a small port so not a lot of walking is needed with your luggage).
www.ado.com.mx
Cancun to Holbox – 266 Pesos (3 hours 10)
Playa Del Carmen to Holbox – 276 Pesos (2 hours 30)
Tulum to Holbox – 360 Pesos (3 hours 40)
Merida to Holbox – 418 Pesos (5 hours 30)
Valladolid to Holbox – 198 Pesos (2 hours 25)
Driving to Chiquila/Holbox
Our preferred method to explore Mexico was to drive, especially around the Yucatan peninsula, where the roads are well maintained, especially if you take the toll road (also called a “cuota” or “carretera de cobro”).
Just be mindful that the last 20-30 mins of your drive from the main road to the port is full of potholes and speedbumps (“topas” or “reductors”) that come out of nowhere, so be careful!
Driving to Chiquila port is easy. However, since no tourist cars are allowed on Isla Holbox, you must leave your car at the port before getting onto the ferry. The good thing is that parking is abundant and not too expensive.
Cancun to Chiquila – 2 hours with tolls
Playa Del Carmen to Chiquila – 1 hour 46 mins with tolls
Tulum to Chiquila – 2 hours 30 mins with tolls
Merida to Chiquila – 3 hours 45 mins with tolls and time difference!
Valladolid to Chiquila – 2 hours with tolls and time difference! (this is the route we did)
Parking at Chiquila Port
If you're driving to Chiquila, knowing that Holbox Island is car-free is essential. Fortunately, Chiquila provides ample parking options for visitors. There are several car parks along the route to the ferry terminal, all offering similar pricing.
We parked our hire car at Estacionamiento Puerto de Chiquila, which charges a reasonable fee of 100 pesos daily. Payment is made upon your return, eliminating the need for pre-booking. When parking, as is advisable, take all valuables with you and ensure nothing is visible through your car windows to deter any potential temptation.
There is also a large Pemex petrol station at Chiquila Port in case you need to fill up before your drive back after your trip to Holbox.
Getting a taxi once you are in Holbox
When you arrive at Isla Holbox, you will be greeted with a massive line of local taxis (which are essentially supercharged golf buggies) ready to take you to your hotel or Airbnb. taxi fares range from 60 - 150 Pesos depending on which part of the island you are looking to get to.
With your car safely parked, you're now ready to embark on a memorable journey to Holbox Island, where white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere await your arrival.
Enjoy your island escape to Holbox! 🏝️🌞
