Ferry Holbox Chiquila The Complete 2026 Timetable and Guide
You need the ferry Holbox Chiquila schedule and prices right now. Tickets cost exactly 300 MXN per adult for a one-way trip. The crossing takes exactly 25 minutes from the mainland dock to the island. Two companies run boats every 30 minutes from 6 AM until 9 PM.
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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 had to wait too long for a ride across, so don't need to worry too much about it!
First boat leaves Chiquila 6 AM
Last boat leaves Chiquila 9 PM
Adult ticket price 300 MXN
Child ticket price 220 MXN
Quintana Roo residents Special discount with local ID
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
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 directly at the ticket office before each trip. 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: Two hours via the 305D toll road
Playa del Carmen to Chiquila: Two and a half hours via the free route through Leona Vicario
Tulum to Chiquila: Two and a half hours heading straight north
Valladolid to Chiquila: Two hours and fifteen minutes heading north through Tizimin or via the toll highway
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. Aggressive attendants will wave flags at your car blocks before you reach the water. I recommend everyone to use this one. 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.
