Ferries to Isla Holbox

Only a short boat ride to Holbox Island

Ferry from Chiquilá to Isla Holbox

Updated on

March 7, 2026

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After arriving in Chiquilá, a small former fishing village, head to the port. Ferries to Holbox Island depart every 30 minutes. The first ferry from Chiquilá to Holbox leaves at 6:00 a.m., and the last leaves at 9:30 p.m.

Tickets for the ferries

It doesn’t matter if you take the “Holbox Express” or the “9 Hermanos” ferry, the duration and the price are the same for both. Currently, the ticket costs 330 MXN (19 USD / 14 GBP), and after a travel time of about 25 minutes you will arrive at the port of Holbox. Children up to 8 years old pay only 160 MXN (10 USD / 7 GBP).

You can purchase tickets directly from the ticket counters located next to the small supermarket at the pier. If you are traveling by ADO bus, tickets may also be offered on the bus during the trip for the same price. If you prefer to book your tickets online in advance, you can do so conveniently at Bookaway. This option is usually cheaper, and you will avoid the long lines at the ticket counter.

Book tickets for the ferry from Chiquilá to Holbox

Waiting area and boarding the ferry at the port of Chiquila — Waiting area at the port of Chiquilá and boarding the ferry

The crossing

Boarding is only possible a few minutes before the scheduled departure. While luggage is loaded in the front part of the ship, passengers can board in the rear part. There is an air-conditioned interior and an open upper deck. If the weather is bad, it is better to go inside, where it can be a bit noisy due to the blaring advertisements on the monitors. Otherwise, you’ll be fine on the top deck, where you can also enjoy the beautiful view. Do not underestimate the strong sunlight here, and apply a good sunscreen, even if the crossing is only short.

Dogs are allowed on the ferry. However, they must travel on the upper deck and be kept on a leash.

The upper deck of the ferry from Chiquila to Holbox Island — On the upper deck of the ferry

Arriving at the port of Holbox Island

After the ferry has docked at the port of Holbox and you have disembarked, it is best to line up for a taxi in the large covered waiting area of the harbor. It doesn’t take long to be assigned a golf cart taxi. There are very few cars on the island. Depending on the distance and time, the taxi will cost you about 100-200 MXN (5-10 USD / 4-8 GBP) and will bump you along the sandy, potholed roads, as you will not find paved roads here.

The longed-for accommodation can be reached in a few minutes from the port, no matter where it is located. Now you can relax and refresh yourself after the long journey.

Impressions from the crossing

From the departure in Chiquilá to the arrival in the port of Holbox:

Overnight in Chiquilá

If you are unlucky enough to miss the last ferry, or if the weather is exceptionally so bad that there is no ferry, you will have no choice but to spend the night in Chiquilá. Near the harbor are the Hotel Pelicano and Casa Mary, and about 1 km (0.6 miles) from there are the Mayan Villas and the much more modern Villas Yalahau and Villas Ixchel. The prices are about 37-65 USD (28-48 GBP) and you should not expect too much comfort. The choice of restaurants and their quality is also very limited. It is best to go to bed early and catch one of the first ferries the next morning.

Return Ferry from Holbox to Chiquilá

Ferries also run in the opposite direction every 30 minutes. The first ferry from Holbox to Chiquilá leaves at 5:00 a.m. (the second at 6:00 a.m.) and the last at 8:30 p.m. Of course, there may be variations depending on the season and weather conditions. Short term changes are usually announced first on the Facebook pages of Barcos Holbox Express and 9Hermanos Holbox Ferry. It is recommended to check these pages in case of doubt. You can also conveniently book your return tickets online in advance.

Book tickets for the ferry from Holbox to Chiquilá

Waiting for the return ferry from Holbox to Chiquila

Review of the Journey

Here you can go back to the previous sections of the journey:

back to the flights to Cancún back to the transfer to Chiquilá

Also recommended:

FAQ

Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about ferries to Holbox:

The ferry from Chiquilá to Holbox takes about 25 minutes for both operators, Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos. Depending on weather conditions, the trip may take up to 30 minutes.

The cost of a one-way ferry ticket from Chiquilá to Holbox is 330 MXN (18 USD/13 GBP) for tourists. Children up to eight years old pay a reduced price of 160 MXN (9 USD/6 GBP) with Holbox Express and 190 MXN (10 USD/7.50 GBP) with 9 Hermanos.

Tickets for the Holbox ferry can be booked online in advance or purchased directly at the port in Chiquilá, although there may be a longer wait at the ticket counter.

The ferries usually run very punctually. Even the last ferry from Chiquilá to Holbox waits a maximum of 5 minutes.

Dogs are permitted on the upper deck of the ferry on a leash. Aggressive dogs must wear a muzzle or be kept in a carrier.

No, if you book the ferry ticket to Holbox online through Bookaway, the ticket is valid for the whole day, regardless of the time on the ticket, but only for a trip with the same operator. Note that there are two different operators, 9Hermanos and Holbox Express, which alternate every 30 minutes. It is recommended that you print the ticket with the confirmation email you received in advance.