About the journey from Chiquila to Holbox
If you’ve made your way to Chiquila, chances are you’re headed for the gorgeous island of Isla Holbox — and so you should! Stretching out just offshore of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is precisely the kind of beach destination dreams are made of.
From glorious beaches to exciting animal encounters, Isla Holbox is an island worth the effort to reach. Fortunately, reaching Holbox is a rather inexpensive and simple affair.
Ferries cross the 10 kilometers (6 miles) between the island and the mainland all day — usually in less than half an hour. This means less time in transit and more time on the beach — cocktails not included!
Unmissable things to do on Isla Holbox
Once you’ve correctly learned how to pronounce the island’s name (Hol-bosh), you’re ready to begin your explorations. Here are some of the top things you must see:
Spot wildlife on land and sea: A trip to nearby Isla de la Pasion offers you the chance to see wildlife such as alligators, iguanas and flamingoes up close. And if you come during the summer, you can go snorkeling with the mighty whale shark.
Experience all sorts of nightlife: Though not as party-centric as neighboring Cancun, Holbox has plenty of restaurants and clubs to take things up a notch after nightfall. If you’d rather immerse yourself in nature, come in August when you can take to the sea for a thrilling bioluminescence tour. Try to do it when it's the new moon.
Getting from Chiquila to Isla Holbox
People pass through Chiquila primarily because they're on their way to Isla Holbox. Practically speaking, this means getting tourists to and from the island is a well-oiled machine with many departures and arrivals throughout the day.
Expect to ride in a comfortable, modern ferry with air conditioning and washrooms. The trip takes only about 20 minutes or so, leaving you with plenty of time to visit, even on a day trip.
Departures generally run every half hour from 6:00 in the morning to 9:30 at night.
Prices are reasonable, starting at $13, so you won’t have to be overly concerned about burning through your pesos on transportation alone. You should have plenty left over for a cerveza or two, even after buying your tickets.
Pro tip: If your visit is during the period from May to September, keep an eye out for a passing whale shark while making the crossing.
Arriving at Isla Holbox
You’ll arrive at the port on the western side of Isla Holbox. This is where you’ll find all the action, including the town, most accommodations, and those beautiful beaches you’ve been dreaming about.
As the engines of the ferry wind down, the flat, palm-covered island will stretch across your field of view as you pull into port and disembark.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the sandy streets and the presence of golf carts, the primary form of transportation. It may be a bit busy when the ferry arrives, but soon, you’ll discover the laid-back, sleepy Mexican town vibe Holbox is famous for.
Now it’s time to walk or catch a golf cart taxi to your lodgings, drop off your bags, then set out to discover this postcard-worthy beach destination.
Where do I catch the ferry from Chiquila to Holbox?
Chiquila is a relatively small town. If you're arriving by bus, it isn't too far to walk to Chiquila Port. The large, concrete pier jutting out into the water will stand out rather prominently.
Pro tip: If you’d like some help with your bags, you can rent the services of a bicycle taxi that will bring you and your stuff to the pier.
When is the best time of year to visit Holbox Island?
For the best weather, plan your trip to Isla Holbox during the winter months of December through March. Bear in mind, though, that this is peak season with crowds to match.
July and August are the best months to visit to snorkel with the gentle whale sharks. If you want to experience the bioluminescence of Playa Punta Cocos, August is your best bet as well.
How much time do I need on Isla Holbox?
If you’ve come to Isla Holbox, you must be looking to relax. So, give yourself at least three days to truly catch your breath.
If you’re looking for a true beach vacation, with days at the shore and nights sampling the many eateries, you can easily spend a week and not be bored. In fact, after experiencing the tranquil pace of life on Holbox, the hardest part will likely be tearing yourself away.