Holbox Ferry: Chiquilá Tickets, Times & How to Get There

The ferry to Holbox is straightforward once you understand the one important detail: the boats leave from Chiquilá, on the mainland, not from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, or the island of Holbox itself. You first travel overland to the port town, buy or present a passenger ticket, and cross the short stretch of water to the island. Cars stay on the mainland.

That makes the ferry less of a sightseeing cruise and more of a useful link in a journey. The crossing is normally about 20–30 minutes, departures are offered frequently by the two main passenger-ferry operators, and the walk from the landing to Holbox’s central streets is short. The part that requires planning is the connection before and after it: traffic, bus availability, parking, luggage, the last sailing, and weather can all matter more than the boat ride itself.

This guide explains how to make that connection without relying on stale timetables or assumptions. Ferry schedules, fares, ticket rules, and operating arrangements can change, so use the official operator pages linked from the current booking process as the final check for your travel date. The practical advice below is designed to remain useful even when a departure time moves by a few minutes.

Quick answer: how the Holbox ferry works

A useful rule is to treat the ferry as a connection with a buffer, not as an isolated attraction. If your bus or private transfer is late, a ticket for a theoretical departure will not make the journey faster. Conversely, if you arrive early, frequent service usually gives you options, subject to the day’s demand and marine conditions.

The Chiquilá ferry embarkation area for the Holbox crossing

Where is Chiquilá?

Chiquilá is the mainland gateway to Holbox, at the northern end of the road that connects the port with the main Riviera Maya and Cancún travel routes. It is a small working port town rather than a resort district. The ferry terminal, bus drop-off area, parking lots, ticket counters, and informal transport services are concentrated close together, but you should still allow time to orient yourself after a long road journey.

The town is in Quintana Roo, while Holbox is an island in the same state. This matters when planning a route from the airport or a hotel: a transfer advertised as “Cancún to Holbox” may include the road trip to Chiquilá and the ferry, while another product may stop at the port and leave you to buy the boat ticket separately. Read the inclusions carefully rather than assuming every vehicle travels all the way to the island.

The mainland journey is often the tiring part. From Cancún, travelers commonly use an ADO bus, a shared shuttle, a private transfer, or a rental car. From Playa del Carmen and Tulum, the journey is longer and may involve fewer direct public-transport options, so a connection through Cancún or a pre-arranged transfer can be easier. From Valladolid or other Yucatán destinations, Chiquilá can fit naturally into a wider itinerary, but this article’s focus is the Quintana Roo side of the trip.

The two ferry companies

The most visible choice at the port is usually between 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express. Both carry passengers between Chiquilá and Holbox. Their vessels, departure minutes, online booking systems, and fares may differ as operators update their service, but travelers generally do not need to treat the choice as a major excursion decision.

The practical approach is to compare the official departures available when you arrive. If one boat is about to board and the other leaves later, the earlier suitable sailing is normally the sensible choice. If you are buying online, make sure you know whether the ticket is tied to an exact departure, a date, or an operator window. A ticket bought through a reseller can have different conditions from a ticket bought directly from the ferry company.

9 Hermanos publishes its own route and fare information and has historically listed hourly departures in both directions. Holbox Express also publishes a timetable and warns passengers to check current information because departures can change. Treat online schedules as a planning reference until you have checked the official page close to travel. Weather, port operations, seasonal demand, and maintenance can all affect the service.

You do not need to spend your arrival at Chiquilá searching for a luxury or premium sailing. These are passenger ferries designed to move people between the mainland and the island. The best operator for you is usually the one with a valid departure, clear ticket conditions, and space for your party and luggage.

Holbox ferry times and frequency

Published schedules change, so the safest way to describe the route is by its operating pattern rather than pretending one timetable will remain permanent. The two operators commonly alternate departures so that travelers may see a boat roughly every half hour during much of the day. 9 Hermanos has published Chiquilá-to-Holbox departures beginning in the morning and Holbox-to-Chiquilá departures beginning earlier, while Holbox Express fills a different set of minutes.

Recent operator information has shown examples such as 9 Hermanos leaving Chiquilá on the hour and Holbox Express leaving on the half-hour. The final departure may be later for one operator than another, and the first return ferry from Holbox can be earlier than the first outbound sailing. Do not use a remembered time from a previous trip as proof that the same boat will operate on your date.

The last ferry is the important deadline. If you are arriving from Cancún Airport, a delayed flight, baggage collection, road traffic, or a late private transfer can turn a comfortable itinerary into an overnight problem. Check the final official departure for the day, then build in meaningful road and boarding margin. Do not plan to arrive at the port five minutes before the last advertised boat.

For the return, check the Holbox-side schedule as soon as you arrive or the day before leaving. If you have a flight from Cancún, calculate backward from the airport, not forward from the ferry. Include the crossing, waiting time at Chiquilá, the road transfer, traffic, airport procedures, and a contingency for a missed sailing. A very early flight and a same-morning ferry connection can be an uncomfortable combination; sleeping near the airport or traveling to the mainland the previous day may be less stressful.

A simple schedule strategy

Use this four-step method:

1. Look up the operator timetables on the day you book or shortly before departure.
2. Choose a target arrival window, not only one exact boat. For example, decide that you want to reach Holbox in the late morning rather than insisting on one specific minute.
3. Add road margin before Chiquilá, especially from the airport, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum.
4. Confirm the return before booking a flight, bus, or long-distance transfer that leaves soon after the ferry.

This approach is less fragile than building a holiday around an image of a timetable. It also gives you room to eat, use the restroom, buy water, or reorganize bags at the port.

How much do Holbox ferry tickets cost?

The 9 Hermanos official fare page currently displays a one-way adult fare of 330 Mexican pesos and a round-trip promotional price of 600 Mexican pesos, while also warning that prices and schedules can change without notice. Other sources and operator pages may show different child, resident, or promotional conditions. Use the official operator checkout or ticket counter for the fare that applies to your date and passenger category.

Do not convert the price into dollars in your head and assume the exchange rate will be favorable. The ferry sells in Mexican pesos, and the amount charged by a card terminal or booking site can vary with currency conversion. Carry pesos in small denominations even if you expect to pay by card. Connectivity at a small port can be imperfect, and cash is a useful backup for the ferry, local transport, snacks, or parking.

Children’s eligibility can depend on age, height, or the operator’s current rule. Quintana Roo resident fares, when offered, normally require current local identification. Ask before purchasing if your group includes children or residents, and keep the documents available rather than assuming a discounted fare will be applied after payment.

A round-trip ticket can be convenient, but read its validity conditions. The two operators are separate businesses. A return ticket purchased from one company may not be usable on the other, even if both sail the same route. If your return time is uncertain, understand whether the fare allows a different departure on the same date or requires a specific reservation.

Buying tickets at the port

Buying at the Chiquilá terminal is the simplest option for many independent travelers. After you arrive, follow signs or the flow of passengers toward the ferry ticket counters, compare the next available official departures, and keep your ticket accessible until boarding and arrival. In busy periods, allow extra time for a line even if boats are frequent.

Do not hand your card, passport, or phone to an unofficial tout who promises a shortcut. Use the operator’s own counter, website, or a clearly identified transportation provider. If someone offers a combined transfer-and-ferry product, ask exactly which part is included and who is responsible if the road transfer arrives after the booked sailing.

If you arrive by ADO, you may encounter tickets or ferry information during the bus connection. That can be convenient, but you still need to know whether the ticket is for a specific operator and whether it is refundable or transferable. Keep screenshots of online reservations and, when practical, a printed or offline copy. Mobile data can be unreliable around ports, and a dead phone is not a useful ticket wallet.

Buying online in advance

Advance booking can make sense during high-demand holidays, weekends, or for travelers who need a clear record of a planned transfer. It is less useful when the road leg is highly uncertain and the ticket locks you to a narrow sailing. The correct choice depends on the operator’s terms and your schedule.

Before paying, check:

• whether the ticket is one-way or round trip;
• whether it is valid for one operator only;
• whether it is tied to a time or valid for the date;
• the passenger category and child rule;
• what happens if the road transfer is late;
• the location of the boarding pier;
• whether luggage or pets have special conditions;
• the cancellation and change policy.

The ferry crossing is short, but a booking error can be annoying to fix at a crowded terminal. Save the booking reference offline and write down the name used for the reservation.

Getting to Chiquilá by bus

Public buses are a good choice if you are comfortable planning around a fixed departure. ADO is the most recognizable intercity bus network for visitors in Quintana Roo, and services to Chiquilá may run from Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or other hubs depending on the current schedule. Routes and frequencies are seasonal and subject to change, so search the official ADO timetable for your exact date rather than relying on an old blog timetable.

The bus is usually easier than driving for travelers who do not want to handle a rental car, mainland parking, or nighttime roads. It also gives you a predictable place to start and finish the overland leg. The trade-off is flexibility: a missed bus can create a longer wait, and a bus from Tulum may not align neatly with your preferred ferry.

At the bus station, arrive with enough time to find the correct platform and load your bags. Keep valuables and essential medications with you, not in a luggage compartment. When you arrive in Chiquilá, check that you have all bags before walking toward the ferry counters.

A direct bus is not the only public-transport possibility. Depending on the day, travelers may combine local or regional services through Cancún or another hub, but each connection adds a place where delays can occur. For a first Holbox visit with heavy luggage, a direct departure or a pre-arranged transfer is usually easier than optimizing every peso through several changes.

Getting to Chiquilá by rental car

A rental car can be useful for a wider Quintana Roo or Yucatán itinerary, but it does not cross to Holbox. The island’s streets and transport system are not designed for ordinary visitor rental cars, and the standard plan is to leave the vehicle in Chiquilá.

Mainland parking is available in private lots close to the port. Conditions, security arrangements, shade, payment methods, and daily rates vary. Inspect the lot, ask the price before leaving the car, keep the receipt, and remove luggage or electronics from view. Take a photograph of the car and its condition if you are using a rental vehicle. Do not leave the keys unless the parking operator’s process clearly requires it and is acceptable under your rental agreement.

Parking farther from the pier may be cheaper, but the saving is not always worth dragging large bags through heat or rain. On the other hand, the first person waving you into a lot is not automatically the best option. Compare a few lots if you have time, and choose one with clear terms and a practical walking route.

If your trip ends in Cancún or at the airport, remember that you will need to return to Chiquilá, collect the car, and then drive onward. This is easy to overlook when planning a one-way island stay. For a short Holbox visit, bus or private transfer can be simpler than paying for a rental car that sits parked for several days.

Private transfers and shared shuttles

A private transfer is the most comfortable choice for families, groups, travelers with early or late connections, and anyone who would rather not navigate a bus station. The driver takes you to Chiquilá, where you continue by passenger ferry. Confirm whether the quote includes only the vehicle or also ferry tickets, parking, luggage assistance, and any waiting time.

Ask the transfer company to plan around a buffer, not the last possible ferry. Road travel from Cancún Airport or the Riviera Maya can be affected by flight delays, roadworks, rain, holiday traffic, and stops. A responsible provider should be willing to discuss what happens if the vehicle reaches Chiquilá after the selected sailing.

Shared shuttles can offer a middle ground. They may cost less than a private vehicle but can take longer because of multiple hotel pickups or a fixed meeting point. Confirm the pickup zone: Cancún Hotel Zone, downtown Cancún, the airport, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum are not interchangeable. Also confirm whether the shuttle goes directly to Chiquilá or drops passengers at another transport hub.

For a wedding group or multi-room family booking, a private transfer may reduce friction even when it is not the cheapest per person. A group carrying beach equipment, child seats, strollers, and several large suitcases needs more loading time and space than a solo traveler with a backpack.

Boarding and the crossing

At Chiquilá, keep your ticket and bags together while you wait. The terminal area can be sunny, so a hat and water are more useful than travelers expect. Board when instructed, choose a seat, and follow crew directions about bags and the upper or lower deck.

The journey is usually short, but open water can still be uncomfortable in wind or rain. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where movement feels least noticeable, look toward the horizon, avoid a heavy meal immediately before departure, and carry any medication you normally use. Do not assume the protected setting guarantees perfectly calm conditions.

Large luggage may be handled separately or placed in a designated area. Keep passports, phones, wallets, cameras, medication, and one layer of clothing in a small personal bag. A suitcase that is manageable on a smooth airport floor can be awkward on a pier, a boat step, and a sandy road.

The ferry is a passenger service, not a private charter. Expect other travelers, families, residents, island workers, and supplies moving between the mainland and Holbox. Give people room to board, do not block the gangway while taking photographs, and listen for instructions when the boat docks.

Passengers at the beach area of Holbox Island in Quintana Roo

Arriving on Holbox

The Holbox ferry arrives at the island’s main passenger pier. From there, your next move depends on where you are staying and how much luggage you have. Many travelers can walk into the central area, while others use a local golf-cart taxi for a hotel farther along sandy or uneven roads.

Holbox is known for limited conventional vehicle traffic compared with mainland resort towns. Golf carts, bicycles, and walking are central to the visitor experience, but sand, puddles, heat, and luggage change the practical calculation. A small backpack is easy; a hard-sided suitcase with narrow wheels may be frustrating.

Ask your accommodation for its preferred arrival instructions before you board. Some properties are close enough to walk, some have a recommended taxi approach, and some may be difficult to find after dark. Save the hotel name and location offline. Do not rely only on a map pin that may load slowly after arrival.

If you arrive early and your room is not ready, ask whether the property can store your bags. The ferry pier area is not the place to leave valuable luggage unattended while you explore. If you are heading straight to a tour, confirm where the operator meets guests and whether it includes pickup from the pier.

What if the ferry is full or delayed?

Frequent departures reduce the risk of a long wait, but they do not eliminate it. Boats can fill during school holidays, long weekends, Easter-period travel, and popular arrival windows. A sailing can also be delayed by boarding, luggage handling, weather, maintenance, or port instructions.

If your preferred boat is full, ask the official counter about the next available departure. Do not buy a second ticket from a different company without checking whether your first ticket can be changed or refunded. If you are traveling with a group, confirm that all passengers are on the same plan before splitting up.

Weather decisions belong to the operator and maritime authorities. Rain on the mainland does not always mean the ferry is canceled, and a sunny Chiquilá sky does not guarantee calm water. Check the operator’s current social channels or counter announcements when conditions look poor. Never pressure crew to sail in unsafe conditions.

If the last ferry is missed or service stops, the practical fallback is an overnight in Chiquilá or a rescheduled departure, depending on availability. Do not count on a private boat being immediately available or legally permitted to substitute for the scheduled passenger route. This is why a late airport arrival should not be paired casually with the final sailing of the day.

Returning from Holbox to Chiquilá

The return process is the same in reverse, but the timing matters more because travelers often have a flight or long bus journey waiting on the mainland. Check the return timetable at the Holbox pier or on the operator’s official website before the morning you leave. If you bought a return ticket, verify which company it covers.

Give yourself time to get from your accommodation to the pier. Golf-cart taxis may be busy after rain or during a concentrated checkout window. Walking with luggage is possible for some central hotels but can be unpleasant in heat, and sandy roads can slow a wheeled bag.

Once you reach Chiquilá, do not assume your bus or driver will be waiting immediately beside the boat. Confirm the meeting place in advance. If you parked a car, allow time to walk from the pier, find the lot, load luggage, inspect the vehicle, and settle any balance.

For an airport connection, work backward using the latest acceptable arrival at Cancún Airport, then add the road journey from Chiquilá, the ferry wait, and a generous contingency. A ferry that takes 25 minutes still requires walking, queueing, disembarking, and transferring on both sides. If the flight is important, travel to the mainland the previous day rather than creating a chain of tight connections.

Chiquilá in Quintana Roo, the mainland gateway for Holbox

Luggage, children, and accessibility

The ferry is manageable for most travelers, but the route has more physical transitions than an airport journey. You may move from bus to pavement, pavement to pier, pier to boat, boat to island pier, and pier to sand or golf-cart taxi. Pack for that sequence.

Soft luggage, backpacks, and bags with robust wheels are easier than oversized cases. Keep one small day bag for documents and medication. If you bring a stroller, ask the operator and your accommodation about boarding and the final road section. A stroller that works on a hotel lobby floor may not work well on sand.

Families should carry water, snacks, sun protection, and a change of clothes for children. The ferry is brief, but a wait at the terminal or a delayed departure can turn a short trip into a hungry one. Keep children away from the edge of the pier and follow crew instructions during boarding.

Travelers with mobility limitations should contact the ferry operator and accommodation in advance, describing the equipment and assistance required. Conditions at small piers and on island roads can vary. Ask specifically about gangways, steps, luggage handling, pier surfaces, and the transfer from the Holbox landing to the hotel. Do not assume that “short crossing” means every stage is step-free.

What to bring to the port

A small, practical kit makes the connection easier:

• Mexican pesos, including smaller notes;
• the booking reference or ticket saved offline;
• accommodation name and arrival instructions;
• drinking water;
• hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses;
• motion-sickness medication if you normally use it;
• a light rain layer during the wet season;
• phone power bank;
• medication and valuables in your personal bag;
• a reusable bag for wet clothing or beach items.

Do not overpack the ferry leg. Holbox is a place where you may walk, cycle, or use a golf-cart taxi on uneven roads. A smaller bag can improve the entire arrival experience.

Best time of day to travel

There is no universal best sailing. Early departures can help day-trippers maximize time on Holbox and reduce the risk of arriving after dark. Midday departures may fit travelers who want a slower morning or are connecting from a hotel. Late departures can work for a carefully planned overnight stay but leave less flexibility if the road journey runs late.

Early morning can also bring cooler air and better light, while the middle of the day exposes waiting passengers to stronger sun. The best choice is the sailing that leaves a sensible margin around your road transport and accommodation check-in.

Seasonal demand changes the experience. Holiday weekends and school breaks can bring longer lines, fuller vehicles, and busier island streets. Rainy-season weather can affect roads and the crossing. Sargassum is primarily a Caribbean-coast concern; Holbox faces the Gulf of Mexico, but water clarity, wind, rain, and local beach conditions still vary. Do not choose a ferry time based on an assumption that the island will look identical every day.

Should you take a day trip or stay overnight?

The ferry makes a day trip possible, but a same-day visit from the southern Riviera Maya is a demanding plan. The road to Chiquilá and the crossing consume a significant part of the day before you reach Holbox. From Cancún, the connection is more reasonable, especially with an early start and a pre-arranged return. From Playa del Carmen or Tulum, an overnight stay usually gives a calmer experience.

A day trip works best when:

• you are already near Cancún or Chiquilá;
• your transport is organized and leaves early;
• you have a clear return plan;
• you accept that you will see only a small part of the island;
• the trip is not tied to a flight later that evening.

An overnight is better when you want beach time, a wildlife or lagoon excursion, sunset, dinner, or a less rushed morning. It also reduces the temptation to take a risky final ferry connection after a long day.

Common mistakes to avoid

Going to the wrong departure point

Holbox does not have a ferry terminal in Cancún or Playa del Carmen. Chiquilá is the mainland port. Confirm this before booking a taxi or telling a driver “the Holbox ferry.”

Booking the last possible sailing

Road delays are normal enough that the last boat should be a backup, not your target. Arrive earlier and protect the plan.

Assuming the operators are interchangeable

They may serve the same route, but tickets and conditions can be operator-specific. Read the name on your ticket.

Bringing a rental car to the pier without a parking plan

The car stays in Chiquilá. Choose a lot, confirm the rate and payment, and leave enough time to park.

Carrying too much luggage

The island arrival includes a pier and often a sandy or uneven road. Pack in a way you can handle without help.

Ignoring cash

Even if the ticket counter accepts cards on your travel date, a backup of pesos is sensible for parking, local transport, food, and connectivity problems.

Confusing a ferry ticket with a complete transfer

A passenger ticket does not necessarily include the road leg from your hotel or airport. Check every segment.

Treating a timetable as permanent

Check current official information. Weather, demand, and operations can change the first and last departures.

A sample connection plan from Cancún

For a traveler arriving from Cancún, the cleanest plan is to choose one of three patterns.

Public-transport pattern: take a current scheduled bus to Chiquilá, arrive with a buffer, buy or present the ferry ticket, cross to Holbox, and use a walk or local golf-cart taxi to reach the accommodation. This is usually the most economical structure, but it depends on available bus departures.

Private-transfer pattern: reserve a vehicle from the airport or hotel to Chiquilá, confirm whether ferry tickets are included, and set the pickup for an arrival well before the intended sailing. This is easier for groups and luggage, but the price depends on vehicle, pickup point, and provider.

Rental-car pattern: drive to Chiquilá, park the vehicle, walk to the terminal, and cross as a foot passenger. This is useful when Holbox is one stop in a wider road trip, but less efficient for a short stay because the car remains parked.

Whichever pattern you choose, keep the ferry and the road transfer as separate mental steps. That makes it easier to recover if one part changes.

A sample connection plan from Playa del Carmen or Tulum

From farther south, avoid constructing a schedule that depends on one perfectly timed bus. Look for a direct current service where available, or compare the cost of a private/shared transfer with the time and complexity of changing in Cancún. An overnight on Holbox is generally more rewarding than racing north for a few daytime hours.

If you are driving from the Riviera Maya, depart early enough to reach Chiquilá in daylight and leave time for fuel, food, parking, and a ticket line. Do not rely on a navigation app’s optimistic arrival time when the ferry is important. Save the car-rental agreement and roadside-assistance details in case a delay occurs.

Travelers combining Holbox with other destinations should decide where the car belongs. A car is useful for some mainland routes but does not improve movement around Holbox. If your itinerary includes several car-dependent stops, put Holbox between them and plan the parking days honestly.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Holbox ferry safe?

The route is a regular passenger connection operated by licensed ferry companies, but conditions can change. Follow crew instructions, stay seated or stable when asked, and accept a delay or suspension if operators determine that conditions are unsuitable.

How long is the ferry ride from Chiquilá to Holbox?

The crossing commonly takes about 20–30 minutes. Boarding, waiting, and disembarking add to the total connection time.

Can I buy tickets at Chiquilá?

Yes, passenger tickets are commonly sold at the terminal counters. Online booking is also available through operator systems, subject to their current conditions.

Can I use one company’s return ticket on the other company?

Do not assume so. Check the ticket terms and return with the operator named on your reservation unless the companies explicitly state otherwise.

Can I take a rental car to Holbox?

No. Plan to park on the mainland in Chiquilá and continue as a passenger.

What happens if weather cancels the ferry?

The operator may delay or suspend departures. Check official announcements and ask the counter about the next available service. If you are stranded after the last sailing, you may need to stay in Chiquilá overnight.

Is Chiquilá worth visiting?

Chiquilá is primarily a practical gateway, not a destination most visitors choose instead of Holbox. Arrive with enough time to make the connection, buy necessities, and avoid treating the port as a resort area.

Can I travel with a pet?

Pet rules can differ by operator and animal size. Ask the ferry company before travel, keep the animal controlled, and confirm your accommodation’s policy on Holbox.

Do I need a car for Holbox?

No. Walking, bicycles, and local golf-cart taxis cover many visitor journeys. A car cannot be taken to the island, so renting one solely for Holbox is usually unnecessary.

The best way to think about the journey

The Holbox ferry is easy when the rest of the itinerary is realistic. Choose Chiquilá as the fixed mainland gateway, verify the current boat schedule, carry pesos, protect the last-sailing margin, and pack for a pier rather than an airport. If you are driving, leave the car in a clearly priced lot. If you are taking a bus or transfer, confirm exactly where it ends and what happens if the road leg is late.

For most visitors, the right ferry is simply the next suitable official departure after you arrive at the port. Spend your planning energy on the parts that can genuinely go wrong: reaching Chiquilá, handling luggage, and returning in time for your onward journey. Do that, and the short crossing becomes what it should be—a calm transition from the mainland to Holbox, not the stressful centerpiece of the trip.

Before leaving for Chiquilá, recheck the operator’s official schedule and fare for your date, then give yourself enough margin that a delayed bus or slow boarding process does not decide the rest of your holiday.