Mexico Isla Holbox

How to get fromChiquila to Isla Holbox

Want to explore the 2 best ways to travel from Chiquila to Isla Holbox? In this guide, we'll explain how to travel this 13 kilometers (8 miles) distance and compare each option by duration, price, and comfort. For each transport method, we'll help you pick the best provider and show you where to book your tickets.

Written by Ela - Senior Travel WriterReviewed by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertLast updated: April 5, 2024

Leaving from...

Going to...

Transport Options

Ferry Ferry (the way back)

Show all options

What to expect when visiting Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is a unique destination near Cancun, but not at all as busy. This island paradise is probably Quintana Roo’s best-kept secret. That’s a miracle, considering how even its houses engross visitors with all the amazing street art.

But the island’s main draw is its natural wonders. Perfect for birdwatchers and wildlife lovers, protected areas make up a huge part of Isla Holbox. Our favourite: the whale sharks. This is one of the best places to swim with them ethically. That’s because they created really strict guidelines to make sure the whale sharks are protected while we humans are having fun!

2 ways to get from Chiquila to Isla Holbox

The 2 ways to travel the distance of 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Chiquila to Isla Holbox are by: ferry (20 minutes) and ferry (the way back) (20 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 20 minutes and the quickest way is by ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from €14.40 for the ferry.

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Ferry

20m

From €14.40

Book Tickets

Ferry (the way back)

20m

From €14.40

Where to stay in Isla Holbox?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Isla Holbox at the bottom of this page.

Chiquila to Isla Holbox by Ferry

Duration: 20m

Costs: €14.40

Duration: 20m

Costs: €14.40

Ferries from Chiquila to Isla Holbox depart from Puerto de Chiquilá. If you’re coming from other towns like Cancun, Valladolid, Merida, all buses and colectivos will drop you off at the parking lot next to it.

Holbox ferries sail from 06:00 to 21:30, with a departure every 30 minutes. There are two companies providing the ferry service: 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express.

Both companies offer good service, the only difference is that one operates on the hour and the other one sails on the half-hour.

Whichever ferry you take from Chiquila to Isla Holbox, you will be seated in an indoor area that has A/C and TV screens. You can also walk around the main deck and enjoy the sea views. The journey from Chiquila to Holbox takes approximately 20 minutes.

Ferry ticket prices start from €14.40.

Ferry schedule from Chiquila to Isla Holbox

Chiquila Port

Standard

Holbox Ferry

06:00

0h 20m

06:20

07:00

0h 20m

07:20

08:00

0h 20m

08:20

09:00

0h 20m

09:20

10:00

0h 20m

10:20

11:00

0h 20m

11:20

12:00

0h 20m

12:20

13:00

0h 20m

13:20

14:00

0h 20m

14:20

15:00

0h 20m

15:20

16:00

0h 20m

16:20

17:00

0h 20m

17:20

18:00

0h 20m

18:20

19:00

0h 20m

19:20

20:00

0h 20m

20:20

9 Hermanos

€14.40

Get Your Tickets

Puerto de Chiquila

High Speed

Muelle de Holbox

06:30

0h 20m

06:50

07:30

0h 20m

07:50

08:30

0h 20m

08:50

09:30

0h 20m

09:50

10:30

0h 20m

10:50

11:30

0h 20m

11:50

12:30

0h 20m

12:50

13:30

0h 20m

13:50

14:30

0h 20m

14:50

15:30

0h 20m

15:50

16:30

0h 20m

16:50

17:30

0h 20m

17:50

18:30

0h 20m

18:50

19:30

0h 20m

19:50

20:30

0h 20m

20:50

Holbox Express

€14.70

Get Your Tickets

We recommend booking online so you won’t have to queue at the ferry terminal. If you buy your tickets through BookAway, your ticket will be valid for the whole day, no matter what time you actually booked.

It’s also worth noting that you can buy round-trip tickets through BookAway and get up to 20% off!

Ferries dock at Holbox main ferry terminal. Many accommodations are within walking distance from the port. There are no cars in Holbox. If you’re in need of a ride, you will find many golf carts right outside the dock providing a taxi service. You can also rent one of these carts or a bike to move around the island.

Chiquila to Isla Holbox by Ferry (the way back)

Duration: 20m

Costs: €14.40

Duration: 20m

Costs: €14.40

For your return journey from Isla Holbox to Chiquila, you just need to get to the Holbox main dock, the same port you arrived at.

9 Hermanos and Holbox Express are also the ferry operators for this route. They keep the same operation scheme so one departs on the hour while the other departs on the half-hour.

You can expect a ferry departure every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 20:30. The journey takes about 20 minutes.

Ferry schedule from Isla Holbox to Chiquila

Holbox Ferry

Standard

Chiquila Port

05:00

0h 20m

05:20

07:00

0h 20m

07:20

08:00

0h 20m

08:20

09:00

0h 20m

09:20

10:00

0h 20m

10:20

11:00

0h 20m

11:20

12:00

0h 20m

12:20

13:00

0h 20m

13:20

14:00

0h 20m

14:20

15:00

0h 20m

15:20

16:00

0h 20m

16:20

17:00

0h 20m

17:20

18:00

0h 20m

18:20

19:00

0h 20m

19:20

20:00

0h 20m

20:20

9 Hermanos

€14.40

Get Your Tickets

Muelle de Holbox

High Speed

Puerto de Chiquila

06:30

0h 20m

06:50

07:30

0h 20m

07:50

08:30

0h 20m

08:50

09:30

0h 20m

09:50

10:30

0h 20m

10:50

11:30

0h 20m

11:50

12:30

0h 20m

12:50

13:30

0h 20m

13:50

14:30

0h 20m

14:50

15:30

0h 20m

15:50

16:30

0h 20m

16:50

17:30

0h 20m

17:50

18:30

0h 20m

18:50

19:30

0h 20m

19:50

20:30

0h 20m

20:50

Holbox Express

€14.70

Get Your Tickets

The ferry will drop you off at Chiquila Port, the same port you boarded from on the way to Holbox Island.

From Chiquila you will find many bus options to other cities such as Cancun, Valladolid and Merida.

Best places to stay in Isla Holbox

La Casa del Alux - Treating Yourself

This adults-only hotel offers luxurious suites and spacious apartments rather than just rooms. Most of which come with balconies overlooking the nearby idyllic lake. If you opt for an apartment, you’ll also be able to enjoy your own kitchen facilities.

Scattered throughout the hotel there’s plenty of places to chill, from hammocks to sun loungers and little sun decks. La Casa del Alux is like a little oasis situated on the outskirts of Holbox town.

Chill out area and hammocks
Lake views
Huge suites and apartments
Adults only

Double rooms start from $80 per night

Check Available Rooms

Isla Bonita - Mid Range

Isla Bonita makes sure that you’re stay on a tropical island is comfortable. Their rooms are spacious, well air-conditioned and have their own private balcony for you to relax on. Did we mention that there’s also a swimming pool at the centre of the hotel?

Some of the rooms also come with their own kitchen if you fancy whipping up a snack. If not, you’re only minutes from Holbox’s best restaurants and the beach.

Outdoor swimming pool
Rooms with private balconies
Great location
Airconditioned, spacious rooms

Double rooms between $50-80 per night

Check Available Rooms

Kin Camping - Budget Friendly

Finding good accommodation on a budget is a relatively hard task on Holbox. Kin Camping is one of the best budget friendly options. And it also offers an unforgettable experience. Each of their tents comes with a comfy double bed, so you won’t be slumming it if that’s what you had in mind when you first saw the word camping.

They’ve created a campsite with great facilities, including a communal kitchen, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to chill out and meet other like-minded travellers. The friendly staff are always there for anything you need.

Everything you need for camping
Communal kitchen
Great atmosphere
Relaxing chill out spots

Tent with double bed between $15-50 per night

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Chiquila to Isla Holbox

What is the distance from Chiquila to Isla Holbox?

The distance from Chiquila to Isla Holbox is 13 kilometers (8 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Chiquila to Isla Holbox?

The fastest way to get from Chiquila to Isla Holbox is by ferry and takes 20 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Chiquila to Isla Holbox?

The cheapest way to get from Chiquila to Isla Holbox is by ferry with ticket costs starting from €14.40.

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Chiquila to Isla Holbox. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

About the author(s)

Ela

Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.

Maarten

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

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