From Cancun
Taxi/Van:We really recommend taking a van service for first timers, from the airport (CUN) to Chiquila - where you pick up the ferry to Holbox. If you decide to use a Van service there is one on the island that is cheaper (Enrique at enriqueram69@prodigy.net.mx about $160 each way total) or Uniterra (uniterra@prodigy.net.mx) which runs $45 per person each way. They charge about $20 per hour for a stop at Walmart in Cancun where we usually go for supplies.
Car Rental: Another option is to rent a car (Alamo is at Cancun Airport) at Cancun and drive the 100 or so miles leaving your car in Chiquila. Chiquila, the town where you catch the ferry to the island, is a very small town on the northern tip of the Yucatan. Directions from Cancun by car you would take Hwy# 180 (*free road not the toll road) east to the town of El Ideal, passing through many small Mayan pueblos or villages on the way. At El Ideal you will signs to Holbox and Kantunilkin, take this road north. At one point there will be a fork in the road with left turn to Tizimin and right to Chiquila. You want to take the road to Chiquila.
Air Travel: Air travel is an option. For around $500 USD you can charter a 4-seater (pilot plus 2-3 max) to take you from Cancun to the island. Please remember, this is a remote island and weather is very unpredictable.
Crossing To The Island
Ferries: From Chiquila you catch the 9 Hermanos ferry to the island. Ferries leave Chiquila every other hour 6 a.m. until 7p.m. They return from Holbox from 5 a.m. until 6 p.m. The cost is $4 or 40 pesos each way. There is also a car ferry but it takes 1 ½ hours vs the 30 minutes and there is no guarantee of getting on as many construction and service vehicles take this boat. There are 2 boats each way each weekday, one on Saturday and none on Sunday. The cost is 160 pesos and only one person can cross with the vehicle. (others need to ride the ferry)
Hitch a Ride: You can also catch a ride from a local crossing in his own boat. This runs about $30 USD. Speaking Spanish to negotiate this transaction is recommended!
Something to remember is this is an island and from time to time bad weather closes the harbor. Should this happen to you, there is a small and VERY rustic ‘hotel’ Hotel Puerta Del Sol where you can get a room for $15. Yes, $15 and it’s barely worth that! I have stayed there and it is an emergency back-up only.
Contact with the caretaker and the island guide through e-mail/phone number below. Transportation and fishing guides must be taken care of by the renter though all information including phone numbers and email addresses will be supplied.
On The Island
Other than your feet, the only transportation you have (to rent) on Holbox are Golf Carts or bicycles. They are a blast for kids of all ages and cost about $45 USD per day. When the ferry comes in or during mid-day the town's main street gets congested with the carts, al fresco dining, shopping and foot traffic. Just a fantastic vibrant day in town!
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