Ferry from Chiquila to Holbox Island: All you need to know

When you decide to visit a tourist destination, is not enough to be certain about the places to stay and the spots to discover. It is important to do some research about the means of transportation in order to have a safe trip and without inconvenients.

That’s why we tell you here everything you need to know to travel to Holbox island by the Chiquilá ferry.

Holbox Ferry: Where does it depart from?

Holbox island is located in Quintana Roo state, in Mexico, 145 kilometers northwest of Cancun, in the Riviera Maya, and 10 kilometers from the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. For that reason, it is very easy to take a day trip or stay for at least 3 nights.

One of the ways to get to the island is by the ferry that departs from the Chiquila port in Lazaro Cardenas municipality. Cancun Airport is the nearest to Chiquila village. If you travel by car or bus, the port is two hours away from the airport.

You can also get to Chiquila from other places:

• Playa del Carmen: 3 hours
• Isla Mujeres: 2 hours and 40 minutes
• Mérida: 3 hours and 30 minutes
• Tulum: 3 hours and 40 minutes

You can use Google Maps to make sure not to stray from the route and be in time at the port. You can also go to Holbox with ADO Bus from a bus station.

For further information, here we give you a travel guide on how to get to Holbox. We also leave you a guide with all the things to do in Holbox, including swimming with the whale shark.

How long is the ferry from Chiquila to Holbox?

The ferry ride of the Chiquila ferry to Holbox is so fast. The travel time it´s about 25 minutes, taking into account the weather conditions and the sea.

Ferry schedule from Chiquilá to Holbox 

The ferry service is available during the whole day and every half hour in the high season. The schedule goes from 5:00 h to 21:30 h. 

It is important to check the departure times before planning your trip because there might be some changes due to the season and the weather conditions.

The last ferry departure from Holbox to Chiquila is at 21:00 h, while from Chiquila to Holbox is usually at about 21:30. You should get to the port of Chiquilá with enough time in advance not to miss the last crossing of the day.

There are two ferry companies that offer the ferry service to Holbox: Holbox Express Ferry and Los 9 hermanos.

You can buy the Holbox ferry tickets directly at the pier, or if you are travelling by bus, they might be included in your bus ticket. If you are a Quintana Roo resident, you should show your valid ID card.

The trip is on board of a catamaran with state-of-the-art designs, video screens for entertainment, air conditioning, toilets and comfortable seats.

If you have hired a transfer service with our Hotel Boutique Casasandra, we are in charge of your transportation from the Chiquila port. On the contrary, once at Holbox docks you should get a taxi (golf cart).

Prices of the Ferry service to Holbox

The price of the ferry tickets to Holbox is quite accessible. The average cost of a one way ticket is 220 Mexican pesos (about 13 USD). Therefore, the round trip will cost 440 Mexican pesos (26 USD).

Both companies have the same prices and they could vary according to the season.

Where to leave your rental car when going to Isla Holbox, Mexico?

One of the peculiarities of Holbox island is that cars are not allowed due to the commitment to preserve the environment, since it is located on the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area.

If you travel by car, you should leave it in a parking lot near the Chiquila port, because it cannot be taken in any of the ferries that cross to Holbox.

Nevertheless, that is not a problem since Holbox is a small town, special to make tours by foot, golf carts or bikes. In addition, it counts on taxi services that will allow you to move comfortably during your stay.

Protip about visiting Holbox

In addition to your credit card, it is advisable to carry enough cash since it is the most common form of payment and we have few ATMs on the island, which sometimes run out of cash.

Mexican Pesos and USD are accepted, however smaller denominations of money are recommended as some local businesses often run out of change. $100 USD bills are not generally accepted in the area.

There are different ways to get to Holbox, but the ferry will absolutely give you the opportunity to enjoy a unique travel to paradise. 

Book your stay and enjoy the island from the exact moment you start breathing the incredible breeze of the sea in Chiquila. Our Hotel Boutique Casasandra is your wellness destination in this island.