The Best Tips For Getting To Isla Holbox In Mexico

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The best way getting to Holbox

The Best Way to Get to Holbox Island

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You are looking forward to your vacation and want to get to Holbox as soon as possible. However, the island is not only far away, but also a bit isolated from the tourist centers and therefore not so easy to reach. In recent years, it has become much easier, and with our tips on how to get there, it is certainly much better.

But the journey to the vacation takes a long time. With good preparation and the right travel option, depending on your starting point, you can make it from the United States in about 6-12 hours, from Canada in 9-12 hours, and from the United Kingdom or Europe in 16-22 hours at reasonable cost, ideally even the same day.

Wherever your trip begins, the journey is usually as follows: First you fly to Cancún in Mexico, then travel to the port of Chiquilá on the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula and take a ferry to Holbox Island. Voila! Now all you have to do is get chauffeured to your accommodation in one of the usual golf cart taxis and enjoy your vacation.

For more tips on accommodations, activities, and travel times, check out our Holbox travel guide.

To help you plan your journey, we have summarized the most important information for each stage. If you are looking for a small and exquisite adventure, you can also fly directly from Cancun or Playa del Carmen to Holbox Island in a small plane.

• 

The Typical Journey to Holbox

Flight to Mexico

Crossing the Gulf of Mexico to Cancun

Flights to Mexico

Transfer to Chiquilá

From Cancún to Chiquilá by bus, taxi or shuttle

Transfer Options

Ferry to Holbox Island

From Chiquilá take the ferry to Isla Holbox

Ferries

Alternative: Direct Flight

Fly direct from Cancún to Holbox Island

Flight Cancún Holbox

If you are already in Yucatán, you can go directly to Holbox from there. Chiquilá is easily accessible from Tulum, Playa del Carmen or Mérida. You can find an overview of the distances and driving times in this table.

Book a transfer to Holbox

Return Trip

It’s the same way back, but hardly anyone wants to think about the return trip now. Once you arrive on the island of Holbox, it is easy to get back to Cancún.

From Holbox to Cancun

The ferries from Holbox to Chiquilá depart every 30 minutes from morning to night and can be booked online to avoid long waits at the ticket counter.

If you haven’t already organized your return transfer to Cancun, you can usually book it at your hotel or accommodation. The numerous tourist booths in the main square also offer transfers. However, be careful about what exactly you are being offered. It has happened that a seemingly cheap private transfer turned out to be a ride in an overcrowded colectivo (local minibus, mainly used by locals).

The most convenient way to book a return transfer is online. There are several options from ADO bus to private transfer to Cancún.

Book a transfer from Chiquilá to Cancún

Cancún airport shopping

If you arrive at the airport in Cancún on time, which should be 2-3 hours before departure, you will have plenty of time to do some shopping. After check-in and security, a true shopping paradise opens up.

Here you will find everything you can imagine: international and Mexican fashion stores, jewelry, souvenirs, food and duty free goods of all kinds.

Especially after the meager shopping on Holbox Island, you will feel like you are in another world. And although prices are higher here, many items are fairly priced.

With so many stores to choose from, the time it takes to get to your flight usually goes by quickly. And before you know it, you are on your way home.

FAQ

Here we have compiled the answers to the most frequently asked questions about getting to Holbox:

What is the best way to get to Holbox?

Fly to Cancun, Mexico, then get to the port of Chiquilá on the Yucatán Peninsula and take the ferry to Holbox Island.

How long does it take to get to Holbox?

Depending on the point of departure, the journey from the USA takes 6-12 hours, from Canada 9-12 hours, and from the UK or Europe 16-22 hours.

How to get from Playa del Carmen to Holbox?

From Playa del Carmen you can take a bus, taxi or shuttle to Chiquilá in about 2 hours and from there take the ferry to Holbox Island in 30 minutes.

How to get from Tulum to Holbox?

From Tulum to Chiquilá it takes about 3 to 3.5 hours by bus, shuttle or taxi. The ferry to Holbox takes another 30 minutes.

Can I get to Holbox by car?

As a tourist, it is best to park your car in Chiquilá, where the ferries to Holbox depart. On the access road to the port, there are plenty of safe parking lots at reasonable prices. There is a car ferry to Holbox. However, this is mainly used by suppliers to transport heavy loads.

Insider Tips

The best tips and info for your vacation on Holbox Island

Where to Stay in Holbox

Find the best hotels, hostels and apartments at

Booking.com

Things to Do

The best activities and excursions on Holbox Island

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