Before you go

Your trip to Holbox.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Holbox – Quintana Roo Destination Cancún about 450 km from Chetumal

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional de Cancún (CUN) Cancún · 160 km
Muelle de Chiquilá Chiquilá · 12 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Cancún it’s about a two-hour drive or bus ride to the port of Chiquilá, from where boats cross to the island in about 25 minutes several times a day. There are also small flights from Cancún to the island airstrip. Cars are left in parking lots in Chiquilá.

How many days

Two or three nights. The round trip takes up much of a day, and the whale shark excursion occupies a whole morning.

When to go

The whale shark season usually runs from June to September, with dates set each year by environmental authorities. December to April is the dry season. From August to October there is a higher hurricane risk.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

On the island, no: there are no cars, and people go on foot, by bicycle or by golf cart. A car can be useful to go from Cancún to Chiquilá; it stays in the port parking lot.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Holbox

Morning
Boat trip
Leave early on a boat tour through the lagoon and nearby islets, such as Isla Pasión and the Yalahau lagoon, or, in season, on the whale shark excursion, which takes the whole morning.
Afternoon
Village and murals
Walk the sandy streets of the center, around the square, and see the murals painted on façades by Mexican and foreign artists.
Late afternoon
Sunset at Punta Cocos
Ride by bicycle or golf cart along the beach to Punta Cocos, on the west of the island, to watch the sunset over the sea.
Evening
Night at the square
Return to the central square, where in the evening seafood restaurants and lobster pizza, a local specialty, gather.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

When can you see the whale shark in Holbox?

The season usually runs from June to September, with dates set each year. Tours depart early and follow rules on distance and the number of swimmers per animal. Animal sightings depend on sea conditions and food.

How to get to Holbox from Cancún?

By car or bus to Chiquilá, about two hours, and by boat to the island, about 25 minutes. There are small flights from Cancún to the island airstrip.

Does Holbox have cars?

No. In the village you walk, and to reach the ends of the island people use bicycles, golf carts or golf-cart taxis.

Is Holbox worth a day trip?

It’s possible but tiring: roughly five hours round trip. Ideally stay at least two nights.

Back to Holbox