Holbox is a hidden gem in the Mexican Caribbean, known for its stunning beaches, calm waters, laid-back atmosphere and incredible wildlife. However, being an island with no direct road connections, getting there requires a bit of planning. This guide will try to show you the best transportation options to get to Holbox smoothly and safely.
The most common in the Mexican Caribbean for international travelers is to arrive at Cancun International Airport due to the number of international connections it has.
Cancun International Airport is the main airport and also the closest to Holbox, it offers several transportation options to get to the ferry terminal in Chiquila, which is the only port from which boats leave and arrive to Holbox.
Chiquila is a small coastal town from where you will board the ferry to Holbox. It is about 140 km from Cancun and the journey by road takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the means of transport you choose and weather conditions.
Most Comfortable & Hassle-Free
A Private Transportation service is the easiest, most comfortable and safest way to travel from Cancun to Chiquila without any inconveniences or long waits.
Approximately 2 hours considering weather and road conditions.
It depends largely on the number of people and the category of the vehicle, however it should range between $150USD and $250USD per vehicle for the number of passengers that the vehicle can accommodate.
It is a direct service, comfortable, air-conditioned, does not share space with people you do not know, no waiting time for the vehicle to fill up.
Families, groups, couples and travelers looking for a comfortable, safe, fast and stress-free experience.
Budget-Friendly Option
The Shared Transportation services offer a travel option between Cancun and Chiquila that have as an important feature to be low cost services, if you do not have times to obey because of the cost this is an excellent option.
Considering that this type of Transfer is Shared with other people, you could make stops along the way to get off or to get on more people, which could mean a travel time of 2 to 4 hours.
Usually the cost of a Shared Transfer ranges between $40USD and $60USD per person, considering that this type of service is shared with more people.
If you are traveling alone, as a couple or in a group of friends where you pay your own expenses, you will have the same comfort of a Private Transfer but at a considerably lower cost.
Less flexible schedule because services do not have specified times and much longer travel times due to stops and needs of each traveler.
Single travelers, groups of friends paying their expenses individually or couples with low travel budgets.
For Flexible Travel
If you prefer to drive, the option of renting a car gives you freedom of time and route to explore other destinations along the way and surroundings, considering that the area is full of spectacular destinations and the distances between them are short this option is definitely for travelers who love exploration.
Approximately 2 hours considering weather and road conditions.
The cost of this option is very variable because a car for 3 or 4 people ranges between $30USD and $80USD USD per day, although you will have to consider additional expenses such as gas and parking fees.
Total control of your schedule and the possibility of exploring many more destinations without increasing travel costs considerably.
Remember that Holbox is an island, so it is necessary to leave the car parked in Chiquila which will generate an additional cost of approximately ~$5USD per day.
Adventurous travelers who plan to explore other destinations in the Mexican Caribbean and even the Yucatan before or after going to Holbox.
Cheapest Option
Using a passenger bus is for many travelers one of the most economical and safest ways to travel, even if for Cancun in particular this means that you first have to get from Cancun Airport to the bus terminal in Cancun city.
The best option for this type of transfer is the ADO Bus Company that offers direct routes from Cancun to Chiquila every day at very specific times.
As of 2023 the new Tulum International Airport became another alternative to travel to the Mexican Caribbean. It is located 200 km away and about 3 hours away from the port of Chiquila, making it an excellent option for travelers who wish to visit Holbox Island.
Unfortunately due to the fact that Tulum Airport is new at the moment the only option to travel from Tulum Airport to Holbox is by Private Transportation or travel from Tulum Airport to the city of Tulum to find other travel options to Holbox such as Rent a Car or ADO bus.
Once you have arrived in Chiquila, you have to take a Ferry to Holbox Island, it is approximately a 20 to 25 minute ride across the Yalahau lagoon.
In Chiquila and Holbox there are two companies operating the route; Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos are boat companies with boats leaving every 30 minutes every day from 6:00 am to 9:30 pm.
The cost of a single crossing is approximately $20USD per person, consider that you will generally need to travel back.
You can purchase your crossing tickets at the marine terminal, online or even some transfer providers already include ferry tickets in their price.
You can travel with your standard baggage without any problem and it should not generate any additional cost.
Yes, you are already in Holbox.
Remember that Holbox is a car free island, however you will need a means of transportation once you are on the island.
Walking will always be the best way to enjoy Holbox Island, considering that the roads are sandy and the distances are very short, walking on the island is definitely one of the best options.
However, if your luggage would not allow you to walk especially in your arrival and departure or the distance you need to travel is long, the island has mainly 2 means of transportation:
Golf CartsThis is the most popular way to get around Holbox Island and costs approximately $10USD or $15USD per hour.
BicyclesIdeal for exploring the entire island as it is easy to maneuver, it can enter any type of terrain and generally costs between $5USD and $10USD for a full day.