Distance 69 km (43.1 miles) | |
Price range US$21-US$1,387 | |
Ride Duration Range 30m-3h 30m | |
Earliest Departure 12:30 | |
Latest Departure 23:30 | |
Most Popular Operator |
A ferry ride from Chiquila to Holbox is very convenient and affordable and takes just 15 minutes. Ferries operate throughout the day so you can plan your day accordingly. There is plenty to do in Holbox, like swimming and snorkeling with the whale sharks, kayaking, kite surfing, and going on boat tours. You can also just pack your bathing suit and relax on its white sand beaches. The nightlife in Holbox is also popular for those who are looking for some late night fun. Book a trip between December and March to take advantage of the most pristine weather.
Fastest flight: 30m
Cheapest flight: US$849
After soaking up Cancun's picturesque beauty and party atmosphere, exchange it for a paradisaical destination that rivals it: Isla Holbox.
The best way to get between these two beachside beauties is to combine a minivan with a short 30-minute ferry crossing.
First, you’ll get a beautiful drive to Chiquila before sailing across the Gulf of Mexico to Isla Holbox.
Travelers with a bigger budget might opt for a quick flight to shorten the journey, but since you are chartering a flight, it’s pretty spendy.
Once you arrive, you’ll be seduced by the island's perfect serenity, enhanced by the ban on cars.
Located in Quintana Roo State, home to many of Mexico’s top travel destinations, such as Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Lake Bacalar, Isla Holbox is a must-visit for anyone seeking a slice of paradise.
Despite being just 41.84 kilometers long (26 miles) and 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) wide, its shores contain many wonders.
The skinny island is where the green waters of the Gulf of Mexico blend with the turquoise waves of the Caribbean Sea, making it a truly unique place.
Isla Holbox has gems suitable for everyone's tastes, with kitesurfing, kayaking, and boat tours for adventurers and glorious white-sand beaches for sunseekers.
It’s also one of the best places in the world to see whale sharks, thanks to the almost perfect visibility in the crystal-clear blue waters.
Plus, a thriving nightlife arises in the evenings, so you’ll find something to fill your time for every hour of the day.
Yes, Isla Holbox has become more popular in recent years, but it’s still worth visiting to avoid the mainland crowds.
Unmissable activities to do in Holbox?
It may be a small island, but Holbox benefits from an array of thrilling activities to pass the time, so don’t forget to add these treasures to your island adventure’s itinerary:
Visit the beaches, of course! There are a few spots to choose from, but Punta Mosquito is among the most popular thanks to its silky white sand and crystal-to-turquoise water that extends into the horizon. Look out for flamingos chilling on the beach!
Go kayaking and paddleboarding: Renting a kayak or a paddleboard and setting off from the beach is an ideal way to see the island's spectacular beauty from a different perspective. Look out for colorful fish winding their way through the water, and see if you can spot a sea turtle or two.
Witness the vibrancy of the bioluminescent plankton: Between July and January, these creatures light up the southern shores as the sun goes down. Book a tour to see it up close and marvel at the magic Mother Nature creates.
Swim with whale sharks: These gentle giants are one of the largest species on the planet, and they migrate to the area to mate during the summer. Book an eco-friendly tour to swim alongside them. You’ll also see sea turtles and manta rays!
Explore the Yum Balam Nature Reserve: The best way to see it is by renting a kayak and rowing your way through the ecological reserve on the island's south side.
Enjoy a spa day: Spend a day relaxing at one of the island’s various spa resorts and yoga centers.
Rent a bicycle: Since cars aren’t allowed on the island, the best way to get around independently is to rent a bicycle and circumnavigate it, finding the most picturesque spots to relax along the way.
Go on a bar crawl: Walk all the way around the island, hopping from beachside bar to beachside bar. Start at sunset and sample the most delicious cocktails available on this tiny slice of paradise.
Book a boat tour: With many options, pick a reputable operator and enjoy a full day out exploring the surrounding islands, like Passion Island.
Travelers have a few options to choose from when figuring out how to get from Cancun to Isla Holbox: a van and ferry combination or a flight.
The most comfortable option between Cancun and Holbox is to book a spot in a van.
The minivan driver will pick you up from various places in Cancun, including the airport, and drive you to Chiquila to take a ferry from Chiquila Port. The entire journey will take about 3.5 hours in total.
It’s a roundabout drive because no direct road connects the two destinations, so it’s actually a 140-kilometer (87-mile) overland journey. You’ll take two separate highways, which will take about two hours in regular traffic.
Once you arrive, you’ll transfer to a ferry, which leaves approximately once per hour, for a quick 30-minute journey to Holbox.
Minivan amenities include:
Air conditioning
Rest stops
Allowance for 20 kg of luggage and one piece of hand luggage
Pro tip: The ferry is a small ship with two layers of seating: one inside and one on the roof. Both enjoy a healthy breeze, but the views are infinitely better on top.
The fastest way to reach Isla Holbox from Cancun is to reserve a private flight transfer on a small-engine plane, which can hold up to 5 passengers.
The 30-minute flight will depart from Cancun Airport and arrive at Holbox Airport, which is only open to private flights.
Amenities include:
Air conditioning
Water provided
English-speaking staff
A luggage allowance of one 13 kg cabin bag and one 5 kg piece of cabin luggage per passenger
The drive is pretty dull, as you’ll spend most of it on the highway, so stick your earphones in and rest for the first part of the journey.
The ferry crossing, though, is a beautiful one. You’ll bump over gentle waves and watch as the coast of Mexico disappears behind you and Isla Holbox edges into view, enticing you with its glorious sandy beaches.
The best time to visit Isla Holbox is between December and March when the weather is most settled.
Avoid coming in May, when temperatures max out at 96.8F (36C) in the daytime, because you’ll find yourself melting into the sand and sweating under the intense weight of the humidity.
Visit between mid-May and mid-September for the highest chance of seeing whale sharks.
How many days should I spend in Holbox?
Set aside at least five days to immerse yourself in the serene culture of island life on Holbox.
Booking accommodation for just under a week gives you enough time to explore the surrounding lush natural beauty, go on some water-based adventures, and explore the local area.
Next, head to the resort city of Playa del Carmen for more beach time and water adventures.
Alternatively, check out Isla Mujeres, a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers who want to explore the underwater seascapes on display in Mexico.
Holbox’s laid-back vibe awaits travelers who visit from Cancun. Discover how to get from Cancun to Holbox by ferry and flight.
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