The Holbox–Chiquilá Ferry: 2026 Schedule, Prices, and Tickets
Ferries between Chiquilá (the mainland dock) and Isla Holbox leave every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 9:30 PM. A one-way adult ticket is 330 MXN, children under 8 pay around 160–170 MXN, and the crossing takes about 25 minutes. Two companies — Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos — share the route, charge the same fare, and take the same time, so you take whichever boat leaves next.
The first boat back from Holbox is at 5:00 AM and the last is around 8:30 PM. Below is the full 2026 timetable, plus how to buy tickets, where to park in Chiquilá, and what the return trip is like.
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Current Ferry Holbox Schedules and Costs
Knowing the exact ferry Holbox horarios saves you from standing around the hot dock. Both ferry companies run on a strict daily schedule year-round. I've never waited long for a boat, so don't stress about timing it perfectly.
Every 2026 departure time
9 Hermanos runs on the hour. Holbox Express runs on the half hour. Between them there's a boat every 30 minutes.
Chiquilá → Holbox: 6:00, 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:30, then every half hour through the afternoon to a final departure at 9:30 PM.
Holbox → Chiquilá: a single early boat at 5:00 AM (9 Hermanos), then every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to a last departure at 8:30 PM.
Both companies post "schedules subject to change without notice," and low season or rough weather can thin the frequency out. These times are current for 2026 — glance at the boards when you reach the port.
Choosing Your Boat Holbox Express vs 9 Hermanos
You will see two ticket booths side by side when you arrive at the port. Holbox Express runs the modern catamarans leaving on the half-hour. 9 Hermanos operates the standard ferries leaving at the top of the hour.
Stop stressing over which one is better. They charge the exact same price and take the exact same amount of time. The best boat is always the one leaving next. Just walk up and check the clock.
Buying Your Chiquila Holbox ferry Tickets
Paying at Chiquilá: bring cash
Both ticket windows take cards, but the machines add roughly a 50 MXN card surcharge and regularly lose signal. Chiquilá village has no reliable ATM — there's a machine at the Chakté shop by the port entrance, but travelers routinely find it empty or offline. Pull out pesos before you get there. The last dependable ATMs on the way in are in Valladolid, Kantunilkín, or at Cancún airport.
Carry enough cash for both ferry crossings, the parking lot (~100 MXN/day), and a golf-cart taxi once you land — Holbox itself has only a couple of ATMs and they're often out of cash too.
Do not buy your Chiquila Holbox ferry tickets online ahead of time. Traffic on the highway from Cancun or Tulum is unpredictable. Booking in advance locks you into a specific time slot and creates unnecessary stress. I don't recommend buying in advance.I always buy at the ticket window right before boarding — the road in from Cancún or Tulum is too unpredictable to lock yourself into a time slot. Trust me. Anything can happen on the road to get there.
Buy your tickets at the physical window right before you board. They accept cash and credit cards at the booths. Card machines sometimes lose signal at the port. Carry exact change in pesos to speed up the process and guarantee your spot.
Getting to Chiquila from the Yucatan Peninsula
Renting a car or taking the ADO bus are the most reliable ways to reach the port from major tourist hubs. The routes are straightforward flat highways. Always carry extra pesos to pay the toll booths along the way.
Driving Times to the Dock
Toll roads are faster and safer than the free local roads. Start your road trip early in the day to avoid driving on unlit highways at night.
Cancun to Chiquila: about 2 hours — the 180 toll road, then Highway 5 north through Kantunilkín.
Playa del Carmen to Chiquila: Two and a half hours via the free route through Leona Vicario
Tulum to Chiquila: Tulum to Chiquilá: about 2 hours 30 minutes straight north. If you're coming off the coast, my Tulum travel guide covers the airport-vs-Cancún arrival math.
Valladolid to Chiquila: Valladolid to Chiquilá: 2 hours 15 minutes north through Tizimín. Valladolid is the smartest place to base the night before — see my full Valladolid guide for where to stay.
Merida to Chiquila: Just under four hours on the main toll highway
Taking the ADO Bus or Shuttle
The ADO bus drops you off just a few blocks from the ferry terminal. Download the ADO app to secure your seat in advance and skip the line at the station.
From Cancun: Three hours from the downtown station
From Playa del Carmen: Three hours with multiple departures daily
From Tulum: Three hours and twenty minutes with limited morning departures
From Valladolid: Two hours and forty minutes with direct daily departures from the main ADO station
Private Transfers: A direct ride from the Cancun Airport gets you right to the dock in under two hours
Where to Park Safely in Chiquila
Driving a rental car means you must leave it behind on the mainland. Chiquila is filled with private parking lots right next to the docks. Attendants flag you down blocks before the docks. Ignore the pushiest ones and pick a guarded lot near the terminal. Use one of the guarded lots by the ADO terminal — around 100 MXN/day, cars kept under shade, and they give you a dated receipt. Pay upfront. It's one of the first ones that you'll see and they're pretty nice and not too pushy.
I like this one because it's right next to the ADO bus terminal in Chiquila. Secure lots charge around 100 MXN per day. Your car stays completely safe under shade structures. You can enjoy the island without worrying about your vehicle. Pay upfront and keep the receipt in your wallet. Below is exactly where you can find the parking lot.
Taking the Ferry from Holbox to Chiquila
Returning to the mainland requires a little bit of planning. The streets on the island are unpaved sand mixed with deep puddles after rain. Dragging heavy roller bags to the dock is a miserable experience. I always like doing everything early, so whenever I'm in Holbox, I normally get on that ferry as soon as the sun is coming up.
Hire a local golf cart taxi to get you and your luggage to the terminal safely. Catching the ferry from Holbox to Chiquila follows the exact same process and pricing as your arrival. The first boat back to the mainland leaves at 5 AM. Get to the terminal 15 minutes early to grab a good seat on the upper deck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my rental car on the ferry to Holbox?
No. Cars are strictly forbidden on the island of Holbox. You must leave your rental car in one of the paid parking lots in Chiquila. The island only allows golf carts, bicycles, and walking.
Are dogs allowed on the ferries between Chiquila and Holbox?
Yes. Both ferry companies are pet-friendly and allow dogs on board. You need to keep your pet on a leash and sit with them on the open-air upper deck. There is no extra charge for bringing a standard pet.
Is the boat ride rough?
The 25-minute crossing goes over the protected Yalahau Lagoon. The water remains very calm compared to the open ocean. Travelers prone to seasickness rarely have issues on this short and smooth trip.
How much luggage can I bring?
There are no strict weight limits for luggage on either the Holbox Express or 9 Hermanos. You can bring large suitcases and backpacks. You will need to haul your own bags onto the boat and navigate the sandy island streets upon arrival.
Are there bathrooms at the port and on the boat?
Yes. Both the Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos boats have bathrooms on the lower deck. The terminal in Chiquila offers public restrooms for a small fee of 10 MXN before you board.
What if you miss the last ferry?
If you reach Chiquilá after the 9:30 PM boat, you'll overnight on the mainland and catch the 6:00 AM departure. Hotel Pelícano is right by the harbour; Villas Yalahau, Villas Ixchel, and Mayan Villas sit about 1 km back toward the highway, all in the $40–65 USD range. Food options close early, so eat before you arrive.
If you're on the island and miss the 8:30 PM return, you're simply on Holbox until the 5:00 AM boat — worse places to be stranded.
