How to Get to Holbox from Cancun or Playa del Carmen

At the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the stunning Mexican Caribbean, lies Holbox Island—a paradise for those seeking relaxation, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Wondering how to get to Holbox if you’re starting from Cancun or Playa del Carmen? Whether you're planning to travel independently or prefer a private service, we've got all the information you need to make the journey easy and stress-free.

Where is Holbox Island?

Holbox is a small island in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, located 10 kilometers off the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea. It’s roughly 145 kilometers from Cancun and is part of the protected Yum Balam nature reserve. Many visitors travel to Holbox from popular nearby tourist spots like Cozumel, Campeche, and other areas of the Riviera Maya like Cobá.

Holbox has become a favorite destination for travelers due to its breathtaking natural beauty and the wide range of activities available. Among its top attractions are the bioluminescent waters, whale sharks, kayaking through mangroves, and sea turtle nesting sites. Getting around Holbox is part of the charm, as cars aren’t allowed. Most visitors opt for bicycles, golf carts, or golf cart taxis to explore the island.

Ready to visit? Here are the various ways you can reach Holbox if you’re traveling from Cancun or Playa del Carmen.

How to Get to Holbox from Cancun

To reach Holbox from Cancun, you'll need to head to the port of Chiquilá, where ferries depart for the island. Here's how you can make the journey:

Ferry from Chiquilá

Chiquilá is a small town in the municipality of Lázaro Cárdenas, Quintana Roo, located on the Gulf of Mexico. It serves as the main maritime gateway to Holbox. Two ferry companies, Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos, operate ferry services between Chiquilá and Holbox. Ferries alternate departure times, so during peak season, you can expect a boat to leave every 30 minutes between 6:00 AM and 9:30 PM. The ferry ride takes about 30 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs around 220 Mexican pesos. There's no need to book in advance—you can purchase your tickets directly at the port.

Since cars aren’t allowed on Holbox, you’ll need to park your vehicle in Chiquilá. There are several parking options available for about 100 Mexican pesos per day.

Driving from Cancun to Chiquilá

If you prefer driving, you have two options:

• Toll Road (Highway 180D): This is the fastest and smoothest route, but it does require paying tolls.
• Free Road (Highway 180): If you'd like to save on tolls, you can take the free road, but it’s a bit slower. You’ll need to take the detour at Valladolid Nuevo, then follow Highway 5 until you reach Chiquilá. The drive is around 135 kilometers and takes roughly 2 hours.

Public Transportation from Cancun

For those looking for the most budget-friendly option, public buses are available from Cancun’s downtown station. ADO and Mayab buses operate regular routes to Chiquilá, and the trip takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.

Private Flight from Cancun

If time is of the essence, you can charter a private flight from Cancun’s airport directly to Holbox. This flight takes approximately 35 minutes and offers stunning aerial views of the Yucatán Peninsula.

How Ser Casasandra Can Help You Get to Holbox

At Ser Casasandra, we aim to make your trip to Holbox as seamless as possible. Here are two convenient transportation options we offer:

Private Transfer Service

If you're flying into Cancun or Playa del Carmen, we can arrange a private transfer. One of our representatives will greet you at the airport. Simply let us know your flight details and arrival time, and we’ll handle the rest.

Private Flight

For an even quicker journey, we can arrange a private flight for you. Our planes depart from the private FBO terminal at Cancun Airport, just 5 minutes from the main airport. The cost is $1080 USD aprox for a one-way trip, and the plane can accommodate up to 4 passengers with a luggage allowance of 15 kg (30 lbs) per person. Flights are available from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the trip lasts just 25 minutes. During the flight, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the Yucatán Peninsula's natural wonders.

For more information on these services, visit our website or get in touch with us to plan your perfect trip.

How to Get to Holbox from Playa del Carmen

If you're traveling from Playa del Carmen, there are two main ways to reach Chiquilá and catch the ferry to Holbox:

Driving from Playa del Carmen to Chiquilá

• Toll Road (Highway 305D): Take the highway heading toward Mérida, passing through two toll booths, where you’ll need to pay around 300 Mexican pesos in cash. After the second toll, exit toward Kantunilkin, drive through the town, and continue to Chiquilá for the ferry. This route covers 130 kilometers and takes approximately 1.5 hours.
• Free Route via Puerto Morelos: Alternatively, you can avoid the tolls by taking the route through Puerto Morelos, then heading toward the town of Leona Vicario. From there, take Highway 180 until you reach Highway 5, which will lead you to Chiquilá. This route is longer—about 160 kilometers—and takes roughly 2.5 hours.

Public Transportation from Playa del Carmen

Taking an ADO bus from Playa del Carmen to Chiquilá is the most economical choice. The journey takes around 3 hours, making it a relaxed and affordable option for travelers.

Which Option Will You Choose?

Whether you're traveling from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, there are plenty of options to reach the beautiful island of Holbox. From ferries and buses to private transfers and flights, you can choose the method that suits your schedule and budget best.

Once you arrive, your Holbox adventure begins! Make your stay even more special by booking with Ser Casasandra, a boutique hotel designed to offer peace, comfort, and personalized service. We’ll make sure your time on this enchanting island is truly unforgettable.

FAQs:

• Can I drive to Holbox?
  No, you cannot drive directly to Holbox. You must park in Chiquilá and take the ferry to the island.
• How long is the ferry ride to Holbox?
  The ferry ride from Chiquilá to Holbox takes about 30 minutes.
• What is the best way to get to Holbox from Cancun?
  The easiest way is by driving or taking a bus to Chiquilá and then hopping on the ferry. Private flights are also an option for a faster journey.

Ready to visit Holbox? Plan your trip and reserve your stay at Ser Casasandra today!

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