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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

The Nine Brothers Ferry

Chiquila to Holbox

Yucatan, Mexico

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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Our journey to Isla Holbox has begun!

We needed to catch this ferry from an ancient Maya fishing port to cross the Laguna Conil to reach the island.  Holbox (pronounced HOLE-bosh) is nearly a mile wide and much of it is protected by the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve.

One can fly to the island by chartering a personal plane from Cancun or by taking a ferry leaving from Chiquila.

We took the Nine Brothers Ferry.

9 Hermanos Ferry Office, Quintana Roo, Mexico

9 Brothers Ferry Office

Earlier the previous day, we checked out the wharf and found out where and when the boats left, and where the ticket offices were.

Previously, it was recommended to take the newer, more expansive Holbox Express ferry, but it turned out that 9 Hermanos have also upgraded their transport vehicles.

Tickets from Chiquila to Holbox, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Tickets to Holbox

Normally, shuttle tickets to Holbox run 225Pesos per person, but with our INAPAM discount cards we only paid 140Pesos each. This saved us nearly $9USD total between the two of us.

Ferry schedule, Chiquila, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Ferry schedule

As you can see here, boats leave continuously.

We found out that some people stay the night in Chiquila and do a day trip to the island. The prices on the island are not cheap, and for some, even with the cost of a hotel on the mainland, doing a day trip saves them money.

Many Holbox workers live in Chiquila and we imagine that there is a local price or a worker's discount - otherwise it would not be affordable to those who must commute daily to the island for employment.

 

 

 

 

9 Hermanos Ferry, Chiquila, Quintana Roo, Mexico

The 9 Hermanos Ferry

As you can see here, the ferry is beautiful, modern and plenty big to handle the constant transport of tourists and local workers.

Topside of 9 Hermanos Ferry, Chiquila, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Akaisha topside

Oh, the open air!!

Subject to motion sickness, I like the fresh air in my face and I try to sit in the middle where any rocking might be minimal.

As you can see here, this morning ferry was about empty and I had my choice of seats.

Holbox Express Ferry, Chiquila, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Holbox Express ferry

The Holbox Express was just coming back from the island as we were leaving.

They play tag like this all day long.

Billy topside of ferry, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Billy topside of ferry

There were only a few other passengers on board topside, and you can see one of them behind Billy here.

The town of Chiquila is in the background.

Back of the ferry, Chiquila, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Looking back towards Chiquila

On board and off and running we are now looking back at the tiny town of Chiquila.

The ferry kept up a good speed and - as you can see here from the surface of the sea - the ride was smooth.

My favorite kind!

Topside of ferry, looking towards Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Topside of ferry looking towards Isla Holbox

At this point in the trip, Isla Holbox is out of view.

The land area to the left in the photo is the remaining bit of mainland before we go out in more open waters.

Boat in the water, Laguna Conil, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Boat in the water

We're in more exposed waters now before sight of the island shows up.

Here's a personal boat zooming along.

 

 

 

 

Approaching Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Ferrying in to Isla Holbox

The ride to Hobox takes about 25 minutes, so it goes quickly.

We are coming to the dock of the island. Coming in we saw several small beaches with boats docked just outside them.

I imagine boaters pick a beach, dock their boat and enjoy their privacy on their "own" beach for a few days.

Town isn't far away if one needs supplies.

Nearing the Isla Holbox dock, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Nearing the dock in Isla Holbox

Our boat has slowed down considerably now, and we are cruising into where passengers are let off to enter the island.

A boater's, beach-goers, swimmer's paradise here.

Dock at Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo, Mexico

The dock at Isla Holbox

We've arrived!

To the right in the photo you will see the map showing Laguna Conil with Chiquila on one side and the island of Holbox on the other.

We just crossed the Laguna and landed on the island.

To the left in the photo is a large replica of a whale shark - Holbox advertises swimming with them and tours are offered. Whale sharks are huge but not dangerous sea creatures.

Taxi rates from dock to the rest of the island, Holbox, Mexico

Taxi rates

Rates for taxis are posted right at the wharf so one knows right away what kind of pricing will be asked.

Cars are not allowed on the island, so these taxis are the main form of transport. Many people rent bicycles as well, and hotels offer the rental of golf carts too.

 

For more stories and photos about Holbox CLICK HERE

For more stories and photos about the Yucatan, CLICK HERE

For more stories and photos about Mexico CLICK HERE

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About the Authors

 
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

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