If you wonder how to get to Holbox island, you might be surprised by the fact that is actually not difficult, even though there are no direct flights neither from abroad nor from nearby locations.
This beautiful island is often searched by adventure seekers and nature lovers, since it’s one of the few spots in the world where, during certain dates, a biolumiscence phenomenon takes place on its coasts; plus, it’s practically unspoiled: there are no roads nor motor-vehicles.
Although there are other beautiful islands to visit in the Mexican Caribbean, such as Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, Holbox is unique due it’s preserved nature where pelicans, flamingos and many other wild species can be seen in their natural habitat.
Location
Quintana Roo state of Mexico is home to this paradise. It is located near Yucatan Peninsula and relatively close to Riviera Maya, so if you happen to be around Cancun, Playa del Camren or even Tulum, you could consider taking this trip. It can be reached by ferry departing from Chiquilá, a small town near Kantunilkín, Quintana Roo, both located in Lázaro Cárdenas municipality.
Cancun to Chiquilá
As most travelers staying around Riviera Maya arrive to Cancun Airport, Cancun to Chiquilá shuttles are requested quite often. There are longs and short ways for this. A long way would imply taking several public transportation “colectivos”, or finding a direct option, which commonly depart from Downtown Cancun. ADO is a good example for this.
However, as this post is about the easiest way to reach the island, we will focus on private shuttles or transportation services to Chiquilá, which are not just faster but can pick you up wherever you are, either in Cancun or any other Riviera Maya location (Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Akumal, Tulum, etc.). These are priced from USD 225 and range from air-conditioned regular-sized vans, to elegant and comfortable luxury SUVs. To book a Cancun to Chiquilá shuttle, follow this link.
Ferry Chiquilá – Holbox
Some of these ferries are operated by Holbox Express, a local company providing both passengers and cargo transportation to the island. Tickets are priced on $220 pesos each way. Bear in mind some ferry schedules can be cancelled if there is a unstable weather.
Ferry to Holbox
It takes around 25 minutes to cross from Chiquilá to Holbox (and vice-versa). The only downside here is that you can’t (at least not yet) buy tickets for these ferries online, so you will have to do it with enough time if you want to be on the firsts turns.
Holbox Ferry Schedule
From Chiquilá to Holbox, the first ferry departs at 7:30am unless weather prevent this from happening. The last ferry to Holbox departs at 9:30pm, however you might find fishermen willing to take you earlier or later than these schedules for the same price. You may consider it.
From Holbox to Chiquilá, ferries start and stop a bit earlier: the first departs at 6:00am and the last at 8:00pm. Just as from Chiquilá to Holbox, you may find local inhabitants willing to take you off this schedule.