How to Easily Get From Belize City to San Pedro and Caye Caulker

Wondering how you’re going to get from Belize City to San Pedro and Caye Caulker?

Don’t sweat it! I’m here to walk you through the journey to the islands, step by step.

I’ve traveled this route several times over the last four years and have used both the plane and the ferry options. In this Belize travel guide I’m going to help you decide which route to choose and make sure you get there easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Ready to kick back on the beautiful islands of Belize?

Let’s get you there first!

TLDR: Get From Belize City To San Pedro & Caye Caulker Tips!

General Helpful Tips

• Belize accepts US dollars! (No need to exchange)
• Belize currency exchange rate is fixed at $2 BZD to $1 USD.
• Try to arrive in Belize City early, as transportation to the islands can take some time, depending on how you choose to get there.
• Carry a pen with you to fill out the Customs forms on the plane before you land in Belize City to speed up the process.
• It’s always easier if you pack light and carry on only!

Tips for taking the Ferry

• Carry enough USD in cash if you plan to take a taxi from the airport to the water taxi terminal.
• It’ll be cheaper and easier to book a shuttle in advance from the airport to the ferry. Keep in mind that it might take a bit longer than a regular taxi since they typically wait to fill up before departing.
• The last ferry to Caye Caulker and San Pedro Leaves Belize City at 5:30 pm.
• Book your water ferry ticket online!
• Print ferry ticket(s) before arriving!
• You should plan to be at the water terminal at least 30 minutes ahead of schedule.
• Pay attention to the time. They don’t call out that it’s time to board, but you will see people starting to line up on the dock. Have your ticket out and ready to show.
• If you get seasick fairly easily, sit at the back of the boat. Bring seasickness medicine!
• If the boat only has one level, grab a seat by an open window. Trust me, you’ll appreciate it because it can get quite warm and muggy inside.
• Rent a golf cart in advance! Or hire a golf cart taxi when you arrive.

Tips for flying

• If you don’t want to take a boat, take a plane. It will be more expensive, but the short 10-20 minute flight and spectacular views are well worth it.
• You can book your plane tickets in advance online or wait until you arrive. There are hourly flights all day long, so there really is no need to book in advance.
• The airlines that fly to the islands are Maya Island Air and Tropic Air.
• If booking your plane tickets online be sure you choose BZE for your departure airport!
• Arrange airport transfer with your hotel or have your golf cart delivered to you at the airport when you arrive!

Customs Process at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City

First off, let me explain a little bit about the customs process when you arrive in Belize City. This can be a little overwhelming if you have never done this before!

• You will be handed a customs form on the plane before arriving. Have a pen on you to fill this form out on the plane to speed up the process.
• Upon arrival at BZE, you will de-board out on the tarmac and be directed to Immigration. Follow the signs.
• Have your customs form and Passport out and ready to get through customs quickly. You may have to wait in a short line till one of the officers waves you forward.
• After Immigration, collect your luggage if you checked any, and then place it on another small conveyor belt scanner to clear customs.
• If you’re not doing any pre-customs (duty-free) shopping, you can go to the line that says, “Nothing to Declare.”
• Customs is pretty straightforward, and the process should take no longer than 30 minutes.

How to Get From Belize City To San Pedro or Caye Caulker?

San Pedro is a town located in the Southern part of Ambergris Caye (pronounced “key”). Both Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker sit off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea.

To get there, you have two choices: by plane or by ferry (water taxi).

Option 1: Take the Water Taxi

Taking the ferry is the cheapest and most popular option for traveling from Belize City to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker. Fares range on average about $21-$31 one-way.

The trip will take about 1.5-2 hours, but the beautiful turquoise views along the way are worth it. Plus, you get to mix with locals and other travelers, making your ride a little adventure in itself.

Ferries run like clockwork, with about 5 trips each day, though keep an eye out for slight changes during weekends and holidays. You can check the water ferry schedules online through San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi.

Getting from the Belize City International Airport to the Water Taxi Terminal

First things first. You must get from the Belize City International Airport to the water taxi terminal. To get to the water taxi terminal, you have a few options to choose from:

• Simply hop into a taxi from the airport. An airport taxi typically costs about $25.00 for the first person and $10 for each additional person. (If they quote you more than this, choose another taxi.)

• Book a shuttle from the airport to the water taxi. It’s roughly $17 per passenger, but here’s the catch: you might have to wait for other passengers to arrive before it sets off.

• You can also pre-book your airport transfer with your Ferry tickets if you book online. To do so, go to the Belize Express Water Taxi website and add an airport transfer before checkout. It costs $25.00 per person if you do it this way.

Pro Tip: I have used all three methods before, and they all work seamlessly. If you are short on time to get to your ferry, just grab a Taxi. If you have plenty of time and want to save a few bucks, then book a shuttle.

Travel time from the airport to the Water Taxi terminal is about 30-35 minutes.

How to Book Your Water Taxi Tickets

You’ve got options for getting your tickets for the water taxi. Either grab them when you reach the dock, or you can plan ahead and purchase them online. I personally always buy mine online before I get there because I don’t want to wait in line.

There are two water taxi services available, but I recommend the San Pedro Belize Express. Their terminal is easy to find and their boats run like clockwork.

Here you will find the exact steps to get your Ferry Tickets online:

• Visit the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi website.
• Select your departure date and specify whether you need a one-way or round-trip ticket.
• You can also add an optional airport transfer to the water taxi terminal.
• Once you submit your booking request. A Belize customer service agent will accept it and book your tickets.
• You will receive booking details and ticket vouchers via email.
• FYI: These vouchers have flexible departure times and can be used for any departure time between the destinations you’ve booked. So don’t worry if you’re running late. Just hop on the next one.
• Print your ticket(s) before arriving.
• Each passenger must present a ticket and a valid photo ID to board. Tickets are non-transferable.
• Each passenger must have a separate ticket, and each trip must have a separate ticket. Do not print multiple tickets on one page or on the back of a page!

General Tips About The Ferry:

• If you are unsure about your departure time, don’t worry! Ferry services are flexible as long as there’s space. It’s first come, first serve, so secure your spot when possible!
• Book Ahead: Booking ahead is recommended, especially during busy seasons.
• Cancellation and Rescheduling: All reservations can be rescheduled up to one day before the departure date.Cancellations made within 24 hours of departure will receive a full refund, less the service fee.

What to Do When You Get to the Water Taxi Terminal

You got to the water taxi terminal… Now what?

Here’s what to do after you get dropped off at the Belize City water taxi terminal:

Pro Tip: Allow yourself around 45 minutes to get through the airport and at least another 30 minutes or more for a ground taxi to the Belize City water terminal. You should plan to be at the water terminal at least 30 minutes ahead of schedule. So, look at giving yourself two hours to get to the terminal.

Luggage

• You’ll hand over your luggage or bags to a friendly gentleman, who will attach a luggage tag to each one. He’ll also hand you a ticket with a tracking number before stacking them on a trolley in the center of the courtyard.
• Keep the ticket because you will need it to retrieve your luggage when you arrive.
• You are allowed one piece of baggage that should not exceed 50 pounds.
• Other baggage will be charged according to weight and size at the luggage department.
• Keep your personal belongings, such as your phone, laptop, and other valuables, in your personal item bag, which you can carry on the boat with you.
• Your bags can be claimed at the luggage area at the end of the dock when you arrive at your destination.

Boarding

You will probably have to wait for your boat.

I suggest a cold beverage at a café/bar called “The Last Drop.” It’s really good people-watching from the window seats, plus there is AC in there!

• Pay attention to the time. They don’t call out that it’s time to board, but you will see people starting to line up on the dock. Have your ticket out and ready to show.
• Service is based on first come, first serve. Get in line early so you’re towards the front.
• Accommodations will be made for the elderly or passengers with a disability. I recommend making these arrangements prior to your arrival.
• Once the vessel has reached its maximum capacity, the boarding gate will be closed. If you do not make it on board, you will be first in line for the next ferry.
• Smoking and drinking on board is prohibited!

The Boat ride From Belize City to San Pedro or Caye Caulker

The boat ride to San Pedro will take 1.5 hours, with a short pit stop at Caye Caulker about an hour into the ride.

There’s no assigned seating here, so once you’re on board, grab the first good spot you see!

If you luck out with a double-decker boat, beeline for the top deck. Trust me, it’s not just for the breeze, but also for the best views!

If you’re on a single-level boat, snag a seat by an open window pronto! You’ll thank me later. Inside can get as steamy as a sauna and as packed as a can of sardines!

If you tend to feel queasy on boats, try sitting at the back where it’s steadier. And don’t forget, remedies like Dramamine, Scopolamine patches, or sea bands can be real lifesavers against motion sickness. Plus, there’s a bathroom on board in case you need it.

Enjoy your water taxi ride!

What to Do When You Arrive at San Pedro or Caye Calker by Ferry

When you arrive in San Pedro Town or on Caye Caulker, you must get off the ferry and wait for your luggage at the end of the dock.

Bags will be offloaded into a wooden bin. This may take a while, but that’s okay. Enjoy the island vibe!

Pro Tip: Head to one of the Bars or restaurants next to the dock for a refreshing drink and a snack while you wait for your bags. I like to sit and wait for the crowd to die down before I head over to pick up my bags. It’s torture standing and waiting under the blazing sun.

Once all bags are unloaded, you hand over your luggage tag to the luggage person to get your bags back.

Next, make your way to your hotel or vacation rental.

If you’re staying in town, walking there should be a breeze, or you might have arranged transportation with the place you are staying.

Oh, and if you see people riding around in golf carts, no, there isn’t a golf course anywhere. This is the primary mode of transportation.

Pro Tip: I highly suggest renting a golf cart! It’s very convenient and necessary for exploring the island! Be sure to reserve it way in advance during the busy season!! They book up quickly!

Yay! You made it!

Do you also want to know all the cool things there are to do in Belize once you’re there? If so, check out my article, “BEST THINGS TO DO IN BELIZE 2024: ULTIMATE ADVENTURE GUIDE.”

Option 2: Fly To The Islands

If you want to reach the tropical islands quicker, you can hop on a short flight instead of taking a water taxi.

Booking Your Flight to The Cayes:

You can easily book your flights online in advance or at the airport after you arrive.

Pro Tip: If you are pre-booking your flight to the island online, make sure your departing airport is BZE! Belize City has a municipal airport 25 minutes away from the international airport, so just be sure you are selecting the correct one. I made this mistake, which cost me $50 USD per person to have it switched to BZE.

Once you have cleared customs, you will NOT exit the airport.

Instead of exiting through the double doors on your right, which lead to the parking lot, head straight through the wooden double doors that lead to domestic flights.

Here, you will go to the counter to book your domestic flight to San Pedro or Caye Caulker or check in if you bought them online.

Pro Tip: Flying from Belize City to San Pedro takes 15 minutes and flying to Caye Caulker only takes 10 minutes! Tickets range from $85 to $175 USD, depending on whether you book a one-way ticket or round-trip flights. The spectacular views and the convenience make it worth it, though!

Which Airline to Fly From Belize City to The Cayes?

These two airlines fly direct from Belize City to the Cayes:

Maya Island Air—offering the cheapest flights of the two, though it has a reputation for having frequent delays.

FYI: I chose Maya Island Air for the cheap flights, but knowing their reputation for delays, I gave myself plenty of time. I’m thankful I did because my plane was delayed 40 minutes! So keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.

Tropic Air—flights are a little pricier, but the good news is they often arrive early and rarely have any delays! They also have more flights to choose from and a better schedule.

FYI: My family opted to book flights with Tropic Air because they offered an earlier first-morning flight than Maya, which helped them reach Belize City in time for their flight back home.

The bottom line is both airlines are reputable and will get you there faster than the water taxis. Your choice may depend on budget, flight availability, and personal preferences.

Boarding the Small Plane from Belize City to The Islands

All right, so you’ve retrieved your luggage after arriving in Belize City and breezed through customs.

Now, you’ll head straight into the domestic flight terminal to book your direct flight to San Pedro or Caye Caulker.

Easy peasy!

You must go to the counter to book your flight or retrieve your pre-booked tickets from an attendant.

Oddly, not many people fly to the islands, so you shouldn’t encounter any lines. We went one year during spring break, and there still was no line!

Pro Tip: Just a heads up, these planes are on the smaller side. The space inside is pretty tight, so keep that in mind if you have a larger personal item bag. It will need to sit on your lap.

You will be boarding the plane from the rear. When you step on board, you will have to hunch over and squeeze your way down the very narrow isle to a seat.

There’s no assigned seating, but try to fill the plane from front to back so people don’t have to crawl over you to get to a seat!

Pro Tip: If you board the plane first, you can snag the co-pilot seat and have one heck of a ride with the best views! I got to sit in the Co-pilot seat on my birthday last year. It was way cool!

You’re almost there! The average flight time is about 10-20 minutes.

Get ready for some of the most beautiful views from above!

Did you know you’re flying over Belize’s incredible Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world?

During the Flight from Belize City to San Pedro or Caye Caulker

It’s a mesmerizing sight with its intricate coral patterns and vibrant marine life. Your flight might also pass over the Holchan Marine Reserve, a hotspot for snorkeling and scuba diving in Belize.

You’ll be flying low enough you just might see some marine life. Keep your eyes peeled for stingrays or dolphins gliding through the sparkling turquoise waters below.

Enjoy the views!

What to do When You Arrive at the San Pedro or Caye Caulker Airport

You’ll be landing at the San Pedro or Caye Caulker Airport. Both are a little ways outside of Town.

You’ll get off the airplane onto the tarmac and be guided to where you will wait for your luggage to be taken off the plane. You will not have to go through customs or immigration again since you already did that in Belize City.

Once you have your bags, you can head out to hail a golf cart taxi, pick up your golf cart rental or find the transportation you arranged with your accommodations.

If you’re looking for the best accommodations in Belize, read my article on all the best places to stay in Belize. But if you choose to stay on Caye Caulker I’ve got you covered with the best Caye Caulker Hotels!

Yay! Now go have fun…

Pro Tip: Check with your hotel or Vrbo to see if they provide free airport transfers. Or see if you can arrange a golf cart rental through them for the best prices. They will often times deliver your golf cart to you at the airport!

FAQs: Getting From Belize City to San Pedro & Caye Caulker

Here’s the lowdown on some of the most frequently asked questions about getting from Belize City to the Cayes.

What is the best way to get from Belize City to San Pedro or Caye Caulker?

The best way really depends on your preference for speed or cost. Flying is faster, getting you there in about 10-20 minutes. While the water taxi is more budget-friendly, it takes about 1.5-2 hours.

Personally, I have done both and prefer taking a quick flight to the island. The convenience outweighs the cost.

How much is a water taxi from Belize City to San Pedro?

Currently, the water taxi will cost you $31 for a one-way ticket and $57 USD for a round-trip ticket. Keep in mind that prices may vary, so you may want to check the San Pedro Belize Express website before your trip.

Regular prices do NOT include ground transportation to the water taxi terminal.

How much does the ferry cost from Belize City to Caye Caulker?

The water taxi tickets currently cost $21 for a one way and $37 for a round trip.

How long is the ferry ride from Belize City to San Pedro?

The ferry ride will take about 1.5 hours, with a quick pit stop at Caye Caulker first.

How long is the ferry ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker?

The trip takes about 45 minutes.

What airlines fly from Belize City to San Pedro or Caye Caulker?

Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the two airlines that fly to San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

How much does it cost to fly from Belize City to San Pedro or Caye Caulker?

The cost depends on several factors, such as the time of booking and the airlines.

Maya Island Air typically runs from $85 to $130 USD, and Tropic Airfares can be anywhere between $93 to $175 USD, depending on whether you’re booking a one-way or round-trip flight.

How long is the flight from Belize City to San Pedro?

The flight is quick and convenient, lasting about 15 to 20 minutes.

How long is the flight from Belize City to Caye Caulker?

The flight is very quick, lasting about 10 minutes. You’re up, and then you’re down before you know it!

How much is a taxi from the Belize City airport to the water taxi?

A taxi from the Belize City airport to the water taxi terminal generally costs around $25 for the first passenger and $10 USD for each additional person. The drive takes about 30 minutes.

Are there Ubers in Belize City?

Sorry! No, Belize does not have Uber or any other ride-share services. Taxis and shuttles are the most common methods for getting around the city and to transport hubs like water taxi terminals and airports.

Before you visit Belize’s most popular islands there are a few very important things you should know before you go! Read this post, “21 Must-Know Belize Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors,” next!

After enjoying the sun and sea in San Pedro and Caye Caulker, consider heading inland to San Ignacio for a different kind of experience. For tips on how to make this trip, check out our post on Getting from Belize City to San Ignacio. You’ll discover the best routes and travel tips to make the most of your Belizean adventure

That’s a Wrap: Getting From Belize City to San Pedro or Caye Caulker

Well, that’s it! That’s how you get from Belize City to San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

Pretty painless, am I right?

I’ve laid out all the options and a step-by-step guide to get you to Belize’s favorite islands as easily as possible.

There is no right way or wrong way. Unless you try to swim there!

I’m confident that you will be able to make this journey from Belize City to San Pedro or Caye Caulker all on your own now.

Have fun!

Talk to you later