Holbox to Chiquila tickets

	Distance 10 km (6.3 miles)
	Price range US$ 15-US$ 17
	Ride Duration 20m
	Earliest Departure 10:00
	Latest Departure 23:00
	Most Popular Operator Holbox Express

A ferry ride from Holbox to Chiquila is your best bet and it only takes 25 minutes. Many ferries make the voyage throughout the day so you don’t need to stress about missing a departure. Chiquila is known for its bioluminescent ocean and there are plenty of water activities to enjoy, such as swimming with the sharks, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and fishing. Chiquila also is reputable for its restaurants and nightlife. To enjoy the best weather, book a trip between December and February, before Spring Breakers invade the town.

About the ride from Holbox Island to Chiquila

If you're coming from Isla Holbox, chances are you've already taken a ferry from Chiquila to get there. But just in case you flew from Cancun and bypassed Chiquila altogether, here is the lowdown on what you need to know to make this trip as smooth as the powdery white sand on the island.

Chiquila might not be a destination in itself, but it's the perfect gateway to some of the Yucatán Peninsula's coolest spots.

Ferries cross the 6 miles (10 kilometers) between Holbox Island and Chiquila all day, usually in less than 30 minutes. This means less time in transit and more time exploring!

Best things to do in and near Chiquila

Chiquila is more of a transit town than a destination. It's mainly used as the ferry port to Isla Holbox, so most people pass through without staying the night. But if you decide to stay, here are the things you should do in the nearby area:

Take a detour to Las Coloradas (The Pink Lakes). You've just spent days staring at turquoise waters, but how about something completely different? Las Coloradas is famous for its surreal pink salt lakes. The bright color comes from salt-loving bacteria and algae, creating one of the most unique sights in Mexico.

While you're there, check out the nearby Rio Lagartos reserve, home to flamingos, crocodiles, and other wildlife.

Swim in a hidden cenote. After all that salty ocean water, a dip in a cenote is the perfect refresh. Cenote Hubiku, near Valladolid, is an underground swimming hole with crystal-clear water and incredible rock formations. There are also smaller, lesser-known cenotes scattered throughout the region if you're feeling a little like Indiana Jones.

Get your history fix at the Mayan Ruins of Ek Balam. Unlike Chichén Itzá, this ancient Mayan city still allows visitors to climb its massive pyramid, offering stunning jungle views from the top. It's a must-visit if you're heading toward Valladolid or Merida.

Kayak through the mangroves. Just outside Chiquila, the coastal mangroves are home to flamingos, herons, and even the occasional crocodile. Rent a kayak or book a local tour to paddle through the calm waterways and experience this hidden side of the Yucatán Peninsula before continuing your travels.

Stop for a fresh seafood lunch. Before leaving Chiquila, take advantage of its fishing village roots and grab a meal at one of the local seafood restaurants. Whether it's fresh ceviche, grilled fish, or tacos de camarón (shrimp tacos), this is one of the best places to enjoy authentic flavors straight from the ocean.

How to get from Holbox Island to Chiquila

Holbox is such a popular stop on the tourist trail that this ferry route is a well-oiled machine.

There are dozens and dozens of departures throughout the day from the Holbox Pier to the Chiquila Pier. Starting as early as 5 a.m. and running every 30 minutes until the last departure at 8:30 p.m. You could get in early and plan a day trip from Chiquila or continue on to your next destination.

You'll be on a comfortable, modern ferry with air conditioning and washrooms. But don't get too cozy, it's only a 20-minute ride.

Prices are a reasonable $14, so you won't have to worry about blowing your pesos on transportation.

Pro tip: If your visit is between May and September, keep an eye out for a passing whale shark while making the crossing.

When is the best time to visit Chiquila?

The dry season, from December to April, is the right time to go. During these months, you won't need to worry about the rain ruining your adventures.

December and January are the coolest months, but still average a lovely 72°F (22°C).

Avoid the peak rainy season, from June to October, especially in September and October, when hurricanes and tropical storms are more likely. Roads flood, ferries from Holbox get delayed and canceled, and the humidity is extreme.

How many days should you spend in Chiquila?

Real talk: For most people, a total of zero days in Chiquila is enough. It's primarily a transit hub for getting to and from Isla Holbox. However, a quick stop for a seafood lunch is always a good idea in a fishing village.

If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path moment, one day and night there gives you time to kayak through the mangroves and enjoy a quiet, local vibe before moving elsewhere.

Where to travel after Chiquila

Speaking of elsewhere, you have a lot of incredible choices from here.

There are touristy options like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum — all stunners with unique vibes that are touristy for a reason.

But if you want to get more off that path, how about Merida and Tizimin?

Tizimín is an authentic town known for its local culture, vibrant markets, and laid-back vibe. It's real Mexico, away from the crowds. Plus, it's a great stop on the way to Las Coloradas (the famous pink lakes) or Rio Lagartos, a wildlife haven with flamingos and crocodiles.

Another often-missed cultural destination is Merida. It's the capital of Yucatan and is packed with stunning colonial architecture, colorful markets, and some of the best street food in Mexico.