Holbox

Isla Holbox is an island in Quintana Roo, better known worldwide as the Mexican Caribbean.

Understand
Holbox Island, population 2,000, is north-west of Cancún, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. It is part of the 154,000-km² Yum Balam ecological reserve. It is known in particular for its whale sharks. It used to be largely unknown to tourists; however, tourism in Holbox Island has boomed. This has also led to a rise in obnoxiously loud golf carts now roaming the once rather quiet island. While tourism may have grown, it remains a relatively off-the-beaten path location with plenty of local charm.

By ferry
Ferries depart from Chiquilá and take about 25-30 minutes. The ferries run from 6:00h to 21:30h every half hour. Where the "half-hour-times" are served from Holbox Express and the "whole-hour-times" are with 9hermanos (M$220 for both operators) (Aug 2023).

With two or more people you can charter a fisher's boat for the same price.

By car
From Cancún (follow signs on the road), take Hwy 180 (called Merida Libre) or Avenida José López Portillo, direction to Merida. Keep to the right when the road separates. At El Ideal, turn right to Kantunilkin, and you will arrive in Chiquilá, where the road ends.

By bus
There are three bus routes daily from Cancún to Chiquilá and back, on "Mayab" and "Oriente" buses run by ADO. They leave from the main Cancun ADO terminal and the price is M$350 per person as of August 2023. Check ADO's website for the current schedule. There are several busses around the day. They take around 2.5 - 3.5 Hours. On "Mayab" there is no luggage storage under the bus, and you'll need to take it aboard. The bus may or may not be full so there may be a chance to place your luggage in an empty seat, however, that is not always guaranteed.

From Mérida you can take a night bus at 23:30, arriving in Chiquilá at 05:30, passing Valladolid around 02:30. If you prefer traveling during the day, you can take a bus from Mérida or Valladolid to Tizimín and change there to a bus to Chiquilá.

By charter plane
Air Taxi AeroSaab offers on-demand flights from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Merida, Chichen Itza and other locations, to Holbox, starting at US$500 through an intermediary (Holbox Island). Must make inquiry online, as there are no regular flights. They also offer direct 09:00-17:00 tours at lower prices - see Aerosaab.com.

Get around
The island of Holbox is very small and there are no paved roads, only sandy paths. There are very few cars on the island and most people get around by walking, bicycle, or golf cart.

One can also get around Holbox by taking the local taxi service, which consists exclusively of a fleet of four-wheelers. The taxis can be found on the beach and in the town during peak hours of the day (10:00-18:00). Taxis can be very limited in the early hours of the morning and late at night.

See



 * Punta Mosquitos for a unique beach experience. Reachable by a short journey from town, witness spectacular bioluminescence on new moon nights. Choose from guided kayak tours, or walking tours.
 * Punta Mosquitos for a unique beach experience. Reachable by a short journey from town, witness spectacular bioluminescence on new moon nights. Choose from guided kayak tours, or walking tours.
 * Punta Mosquitos for a unique beach experience. Reachable by a short journey from town, witness spectacular bioluminescence on new moon nights. Choose from guided kayak tours, or walking tours.

Buy
Credit and debit cards are almost accepted everywhere but it is best to take along enough cash for your stay as most of the shops charge a 3% - 5% fee for using the card. The most accessible ATM is on the first floor of the city hall, on the main plaza. (Aug 2023: This ATM is closed with a sign "No Money")

In the Main Street (Calle Tiburón Ballena) is a CIBank with an ATM and there are several ATM around which are only giving out USD.

List updated of ATM's in the island

Go next
The ferry from Holbox to Chiquilá runs at 5:00 and from 6:00h to 21:30h every half hour. Where the "half-hour-times" are served from Holbox Express and the "whole-hour-times" are with 9hermanos (M$220 for both operators).

Buses from Chiquilá:
 * To Cancún: 8 busses through the day, first 10:15, last 18:30. The trip takes 3.5 hours and costs about M$350.
 * To Mérida: 10:45 and 13:45 (each 2 busses: Terminal paseo 60 and Centro Histórico). The trip takes around 5 hours and costs M$450.
 * To Valladolid: 10:45, 13:45. The trip takes around 2 hours and costs M$270.

(Aug 2023)