Holbox
In the state of Quintana Roo you will find Holbox Island, a very popular destination in this Mexican locality; because, in it, you will find fascinating and ideal adventures to spend the best vacations of your life. It is a tourist destination that offers outdoor activities while enjoying nature.
Tips and recommendations to visit Holbox
If your thing is to enjoy and get to know nature, get away from the city and the hustle and bustle of people; Holbox is the perfect destination to do so. This island is located northwest of Yucatan and is 40 kilometers long, with a 34-kilometer beach; ideal for walking and enjoying the spectacle of nature.
How to get to Holbox
Holbox can only be reached by ferry. To access this service you must travel to the town of Chiquilá; either in a private vehicle, cab or public transportation.
Ferry to Halbox
In Chiquilá, you will find the port from where a ferry departs to Holbox every half hour. The cost of the ticket per person is approximately 180 MXN per trip; this means that the round trip would cost approximately 360 MXN.
Schedules and ferry
As we mentioned before, the only way to get to the island is by ferry that leaves from Chiquilá; that is why you should confirm the departure times at the port, so you will have a more organized trip, however: We put here the schedule currently in force.
| Holbox – Chiquilá | Chiquilá – Holbox | ||
| Output | Service | Output | Service |
| 05:00 | 9 Hmnos. | 06:00 | 9 Hmnos |
| 06:00 | 9 Hmnos | 07:00 | 9 Hmnos |
| 06:30 | Hxpress | 07:30 | Hxpress |
| 07:00 | 9 Hmnos. | 08:00 | 9 Hmnos |
| 07:30 | Hxpress. | 08:30 | Hxpress |
| 08:00 | 9 Hmnos | 09:00 | 9 Hmnos |
| 08:30 | Hxpress | 09:30 | Hxpress |
| 09:00 | 9 Hmnos. | 10:00 | 9 Hmnos |
| 09:30 | Hxpress. | 10:30 | Hxpress |
| 10:00 | 9 Hmnos. | 11:00 | 9 Hmnos |
| 10:30 | Hxpress | 11:30 | Hxpress |
| 11:00 | 9 Hmnos. | 12:00 | 9 Hmnos. |
| 11:30 | Hxpress | 12:30 | Hxpress |
| 12:00 | 9 Hmnos. | 13:00 | 9 Hmnos. |
| 12:30 | Hxpress | 13:30 | Hxpress |
| 13:00 | 9 Hmnos. | 14:00 | 9 Hmnos. |
| 13:30 | Hxpress | 14:30 | Hxpress |
| 14:00 | 9 Hmnos. | 15:00 | 9 Hmnos. |
| 14:30 | Hxpress | 15:30 | Hxpress |
| 15:00 | 9 Hmnos. | 16:00 | 9 Hmnos. |
| 15:30 | Hxpress | 16:30 | Hxpress |
| 17:00 | 9 Hmnos. | 18:00 | 9 Hmnos. |
| 17:30 | Hxpress | 18:30 | Hxpress |
| 18:00 | 9 Hmnos. | 19:00 | 9 Hmnos. |
| 18:30 | Hxpress | 19:30 | Hxpress |
| 19:00 | 9 Hmnos. | 20:00 | 9 Hmnos. |
| 19:30 | Hxpress | 20:30 | Hxpress |
| 20:30 | Hxpress | 21:30 | Hxpress |
By car to Chiquilá
If you decide to travel to Chiquilá in a private vehicle to take a ferry to Holbox, you will find a private parking lot with a cost of 80 MXN for 12 hours; if you want to leave it for at least 24 hours, you will have to pay double. Not counting the cost of the ferry ticket to Holbox.
Public or private transportation to Chiquilá
As you have seen, in order to get to Holbox you first have to get to the Chiquila maritime terminal, and this leaves us with a small question: Which is better: The private transfer service or the public transportation service?
To answer this, we have to tell you that there is no public transportation service from Cancun to Holbox. There is only the option of private transportation, shared transportation from ADO and colectivos or renting a car.
If you rent a car, as we mentioned above, when you arrive to the port of Chiquila you can leave your car in one of the private parking lots, if you travel by ADO or colectivos, it will be necessary to know the departure times: they are not usually very busy and if you miss the schedule you can stay in the town of Chiquila until the next day.
Then, the best option for transfer to Holbox from Cancun is the private transfer service, because this service as such will pick you up at our hotel or at the Cancun airport and will drop you off at the port of Chiquila. At the same time, you would tell him the time he has to pick you up at the port and return safely, quickly and punctually to your hotel or Cancun airport.
Remember that we can help you with the private transfer service, at totally affordable prices and with 100% clean and safe units and certified drivers. Do not hesitate and book now by clic here.
Holbox Island Activities
This natural wonder has to offer activities for all tastes and ages; you can go horseback riding on Holbox beach, snorkeling or kayaking. It is also a place full of fauna, where it is possible to observe birds; in Punta de Mosquito you have the opportunity to see pink flamingos.
Another activity you can do while you are in Holbox Island is to see a beautiful sunset. You may not think it is something significant as you read this, but living it is an indescribable experience; because every sunset is unique and special, so don’t miss the opportunity to appreciate one.
Actually the island has many more things to see and do and here we list the 3 must-do activities:
Bioluminescent Night
After enjoying a beautiful sunset, you will be able to witness an even greater spectacle, because the bioluminescent show can be appreciated all year round in Holbox Island. You will need to travel approximately 2 kilometers to the mangroves to enjoy this spectacular phenomenon of nature.
Swimming with whale sharks
If you like marine life, you will surely love swimming with sharks. You should check the calendar for available dates; since only small groups are taken and this activity only takes place from June to September. Keep in mind that only chemical-free products, such as suntan lotion, should be used when doing this activity.
Visit to Yalahau Lagoon
If you are an animal lover, you must do this tour. Through this visit you will be able to appreciate the diversity of animals found in the Yalahau Lagoon; a truly impressive fauna. In addition, this is the point where the island’s border with the mainland is located.
In the Yalahau Lagoon, you will be able to appreciate more than 150 types of fish, birds and even reptiles; besides, to get there you only have to take a boat trip of approximately 30 minutes.
Holbox and nightlife
Given the safety of the island, if you still have energy, you can go out to eat at any restaurant during the night. In the center, you will find the music in the locals open waiting for new customers and in many of them, outside the “bailongo” is going on.
Of course, you can explore more of the island and find several hotels that leave the door open to the public to their Latin night events, salsa, dances, shows and more.
Recommendations
When traveling anywhere in the world, we will always need the best recommendations, whether they come from experts or other travelers; therefore, we will leave here what you should keep in mind when traveling to Holbox.
Restaurants
Although the island has many restaurants, one of the best in Holbox is El Crustaceo, where you should not miss the incredible lobster pizza, considered one of the local delicacies.
Lodging on the Island
If you like to stay in front of the beach, Holbox Dream Beachfront Hotel is one of the best hotels in Holbox; it offers comfortable rooms and a terrace to enjoy the views. There is also the Hotel Villas HM Palapas del Mar, which has a private beach, restaurant, swimming pools and many other options.
It is worth mentioning that the island has several inexpensive “Camping” type accommodations, however, we assure you that no matter which one you choose, you will not regret it.
Best time to visit
In general, the weather in Holbox is ideal all year round, but it is not exempt from changes; that is why you should keep in mind that the months from June to October is the rainy season. You should take this into account when packing your luggage and future trip.
Holbox and cash tours
When planning your trip, remember to carry enough cash, since the island does not have ATMs or banks. Having cash will be a way to move faster, since you will not depend on digital mechanisms, which often fail and delay transactions.
Conclusion
Visiting Holbox Island will undoubtedly leave you breathless. A completely paradisiacal island, virgin and that still retains its beach charm that you will not find anywhere else in the Riviera Maya. What are you waiting for to come here?