Mexico Isla Holbox

How to get from Chiquila to Isla Holbox

In this in-depth route guide, you’ll find the best ways to travel the 13 kilometre (8 miles) distance from Chiquila to Isla Holbox. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Isla Holbox as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.

Written by Maarten & Selene - Trip Planning Expert & Travel WriterReviewed by Ela - Senior Travel WriterLast updated: February 23, 2025

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Why visit 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!

What are the 2 ways to travel from Chiquila to Isla Holbox?

There are 2 ways to travel the 13 kilometre (8 miles) distance from Chiquila to Isla Holbox. You can choose between the ferry and ferry (the way back). The journey takes 20 minutes and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by ferry with tickets starting at 260 MXN ($14.50).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Ferry

20m

From 260 MXN ($14.50)

Book Tickets

Ferry (the way back)

20m

From 260 MXN ($14.50)

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: 260 MXN ($14.50)

Duration: 20m

Costs: 260 MXN ($14.50)

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

Holbox ferries depart every 30 minutes. There are two companies providing the ferry service: Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos. They take turns sailing — one on the hour, the other on the half-hour.

Both companies offer good service, with indoor seating, 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 around 20 minutes, and ticket prices start from 260 MXN ($14.50).

Ferry schedule from Chiquila to Isla Holbox

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

260 MXN ($14.50)

Get Your Tickets

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

270 MXN ($14.90)

Get Your Tickets

We recommend booking your ferry tickets online to skip the queues at the terminal.

Ferries dock at the Holbox Ferry Terminal, just a short walk from many accommodations. Since there are no cars on the island, golf cart taxis are the main way to get around. You’ll find them right outside the terminal if you need a lift. You can also rent a golf cart or a bike to explore Holbox at your own pace.

Chiquila to Isla Holbox by Ferry (the way back)

Duration: 20m

Costs: 260 MXN ($14.50)

Duration: 20m

Costs: 260 MXN ($14.50)

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

Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos operate this route as well, following the same operation scheme. One ferry departs on the hour, while the other leaves on the half-hour.

The first ferry departs at 05:00. After that, you can catch a ferry every 30 minutes from 06:30 to 20:30. The journey takes about 20 minutes.

Ferry schedule from Isla Holbox to Chiquila

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

260 MXN ($14.50)

Get Your Tickets

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

270 MXN ($14.90)

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

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!

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 kilometre (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 260 MXN ($14.50).

About the author(s)

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.

selene

Selene is a writer who loves coffee, travel, and planning. After spending a decade in Manila, she left the city and her career in banking to embrace a more laid-back lifestyle. Now, she is discovering the beauty of slow-paced travel and finding joy in meaningful experiences.

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.