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
There are two ways to travel the distance of 13 km (8 miles) from Chiquila to Isla Holbox: by ferry (20 minutes) and ferry (the way back) (20 minutes). The journey takes between 20 minutes and the quickest way is by ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from 156 MXN ($9) for the ferry.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
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: Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos.
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 187 MXN ($10.50).
Ferry schedule from Chiquila to Isla Holbox
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)
For your return journey from Holbox to Chiquila, you just need to get to the Holbox main dock, the same port you arrived at.
Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos 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
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.
Our favourite 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
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
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
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 km (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 156 MXN ($9).
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!
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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.
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.
