How to Get from Holbox to Chiquilá
Reviewed by Jean Nájera, Transportation Industry Expert
From Holbox to Chiquilá, the only way across is the passenger ferry: US$15 to US$16 per person and about 20 to 25 minutes, with a boat roughly every 30 minutes until 20:30.
Two companies, 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express, share the route.
The detail everyone misses: Chiquilá is a transit stop, not a destination.
If you are heading on to Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum, a combo ticket that includes this ferry is usually simpler.
At a glance
- Route: ferry across the Yalahau lagoon, about 20 to 25 minutes
- Price: US$15 to US$16 per person, one way
- Departures: roughly every 30 minutes, from about 5:00 to 20:30
- Book ahead: Holbox Express on GuateGo or Bookaway, 9 Hermanos on Bookaway
- Avoid: an evening boat if your bus or shuttle leaves Chiquilá soon after
Holbox to Chiquilá transport options
Compare fares and travel times, then select an option for departure and booking details.
| Transport | Estimated fare | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Holbox Express ferryHourly, on the half hour | Estimated fareUS$15per person | Travel timeAbout 20 to 25 min |
| 9 Hermanos ferryHourly, on the hour, from 5:00 | Estimated fareUS$16per person | Travel timeAbout 20 min |
| Private water taxiOutside ferry hours | Estimated fareQuoted per boatagree the price first | Travel timeAbout 20 to 30 min |
Fares and travel times are estimates. Confirm current prices and departures before travelling.
More routes from Holbox
1. Holbox Express ferry, the one I’d book
Holbox Express leaves Holbox every hour on the half hour. GuateGo lists departures from 6:30 to 20:30 for US$15 per person.
The crossing takes about 20 to 25 minutes on calm water. GuateGo’s timetable allows 40 minutes, so expect to arrive early.
My verdict: the one to book if you want a confirmed seat. It matters most in high season and on holiday weekends.
Want a confirmed seat?
2. 9 Hermanos ferry, the early option
9 Hermanos runs the other half of the schedule, leaving Holbox on the hour. The first boat goes at about 5:00, earlier than Holbox Express.
Bookaway lists 9 Hermanos from US$16 per person, about 20 minutes, and you can also buy at the pier.
Between the two companies, you rarely wait more than 30 minutes.
My verdict: the best choice for a very early flight or bus.
Need the 5:00 boat?
3. Private water taxi, outside ferry hours
Small private boats cross the lagoon when the ferries are not running. They are useful for a very early flight or after the last ferry.
Ask at the Holbox pier or your hotel, and agree the price before you get in. Expect to pay far more than the ferry.
My verdict: a backup only. Plan around the ferry schedule if you can.
Arriving in Chiquilá
The ferry docks at the small port in Chiquilá. ADO buses, shared shuttles and private drivers all leave from right by the pier.
Paid parking lots near the dock hold the cars of travelers who drove here, so walk straight to your lot if you left one.
Going further from Chiquilá
Most travelers cross to Chiquilá to continue on the mainland. Combo tickets include this ferry, so you only buy one ticket.
- Holbox to Cancun Airport
- Holbox to Playa del Carmen
- Holbox to Tulum
- Holbox to Valladolid
- Holbox to Mérida
Practical notes
Bring cash. Holbox ATMs can run out, and the ticket counters may not take cards.
Allow time for the golf cart. Golf-cart taxis to the pier take 5 to 10 minutes from most hotels in town.
Holidays run a reduced schedule. On 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January, the last boats leave earlier.
Tours from Holbox
Whale shark trips run from Holbox in season, and the bioluminescence and Isla Pasión tours are the island favorites.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the ferry from Holbox to Chiquilá?
US$15 to US$16 per person, one way, with either Holbox Express or 9 Hermanos.
How long is the ferry from Holbox to Chiquilá?
About 20 to 25 minutes on calm water.
How often does the ferry run?
Roughly every 30 minutes. 9 Hermanos leaves on the hour and Holbox Express on the half hour.
What time is the first ferry from Holbox?
The first 9 Hermanos boat leaves at about 5:00. Holbox Express starts at 6:30.
What time is the last ferry from Holbox to Chiquilá?
The last boat leaves at about 20:30, earlier on some holidays.
Can I book the ferry in advance?
Yes. Holbox Express is on GuateGo and Bookaway, and 9 Hermanos is on Bookaway. You can also buy at the pier.
Can I take a car to Holbox?
No. Leave it in a paid parking lot in Chiquilá and cross as a foot passenger.
How do I get from Chiquilá to Cancun?
By ADO bus, shared shuttle or private transfer from the pier. Combo tickets include the ferry.
Planning more of your Mexico trip?
Prices last verified: November 2026. Sources: ferry fares and departures from GuateGo’s and Bookaway’s live listings; holiday schedule from operator timetables and local travel guides.
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AnaMaria is a dedicated SEO specialist and content strategist with profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
- About the Author
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Jean Nájera is the CEO of GuateGo, an online marketplace to buy transportation tickets in more than 200 cities. He has profound expertise in Transport in Costa Rica, Transportation in Mexico, Transport in Guatemala, Transport in Peru, and Transport in Thailand.
