Travel Guide: Getting To Ambergris Caye, Belize's Gem

Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye, is a popular tourist destination. Located about 25 miles from the international airport, it is accessible only by plane or boat. There are a few options for getting to Ambergris Caye from the airport (BZE), depending on your budget and preferences. You can take a connecting flight from the airport to Ambergris Caye with Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport to the water taxi terminal in Belize City and travel to Ambergris Caye by boat with companies such as San Pedro Belize Express or Ocean Ferry Water Taxi. The flight option is quicker, taking about 15-20 minutes, while the boat ride takes around 75 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Flying from Belize City to Ambergris Caye

Belize's two domestic airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, operate flights from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. The planes are typically small Cessnas, seating around 12 passengers. Flights depart from the international airport (BZE) or the municipal airport and land at the San Pedro airstrip in downtown San Pedro, the only airstrip on the island. The cost of a round-trip ticket is around $125-175 US dollars.

Booking tickets in advance online is recommended, especially during the busiest season from Christmas to April, as this guarantees a seat and a quicker arrival at your destination. Tickets can also be purchased at the airport, either in cash or by card, but this may result in a longer wait for the next available flight.

For those who enjoy the experience of flying, the option to sit in the co-pilot seat is sometimes offered, providing an incredible view during the short journey.

While flying is a pricier option, it is a convenient and scenic way to travel to Ambergris Caye, offering a unique perspective of the diverse landscape of Belize.

In addition to the flight, travellers will need to budget for a taxi from the international airport to the municipal airport if flying with Tropic Air, as well as a taxi or other transport from the San Pedro airstrip to their final destination on Ambergris Caye.

Taking a ferry from Belize City to Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island, located about 35 miles east of Belize City and 0.75 miles west of the Belize Barrier Reef. The island is known for its mangrove swamps, lagoons, and sand ridges, as well as its bustling town of San Pedro, which offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment options.

One way to get to Ambergris Caye from Belize City is by taking a ferry. Here's a guide to help you plan your journey:

Ferry Options

There are two main ferry routes from Belize City to Ambergris Caye:

• Belize City to San Pedro: This route is operated by Caribbean Sprinter and runs five times per day. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Caye Caulker to San Pedro: Caribbean Sprinter also operates this route, with five daily departures. The duration of the trip is 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Ferry Companies

Two companies provide regular water taxi services between Belize City and Ambergris Caye:

• San Pedro Belize Express: This company offers more daily departures and a faster journey time of about 75 minutes. The fare ranges from $14.50 to $20 one-way. Their boats depart from the Tourism Village in Belize City and arrive at the pier across from Doc'ks Tiki Bar in San Pedro.
• Ocean Ferry: This company operates from the Ocean Ferry Water Taxi Terminal on North Front Street in Belize City, next to the Swing Bridge. The journey takes around 75 minutes, and the fare is $14.50 to $20 one-way.

Tickets and Schedule

You can purchase tickets for the San Pedro Belize Express online or at the counter. It is recommended to check the schedule before making travel plans, as the ferry schedule may vary depending on weekends and holidays. The ferries generally operate between 6:00 am and 5:30 pm daily.

Getting to the Ferry Terminal in Belize City

The ferry terminals in Belize City are located about 12 miles from the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE). You can reach the terminals by taking a taxi from the airport, which costs around $25. Alternatively, San Pedro Belize Express offers a shuttle service from the airport to their terminal for $25 for the first person and $10 for each additional passenger.

Luggage and Facilities

When you arrive at the water taxi terminal, you will need to check in any large backpacks or suitcases. Both ferry companies provide free Wi-Fi on board.

Other Options

In addition to the ferry, you can also travel to Ambergris Caye by air. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer flights from Belize City's international airport to San Pedro, with a flight time of about 15 minutes and a round-trip cost of $125. Alternatively, you can fly from the municipal airport for a lower fare of $25 each way.

Getting to San Pedro Airport

The San Pedro Airport (SPR) is located in downtown San Pedro, the only town on Ambergris Caye. The island is about 25 miles from the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City.

There are two ways to get to San Pedro Airport from BZE: by plane or by boat.

By Plane

Belize's two airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, fly directly from BZE to San Pedro Airport. The flight takes about 15 to 20 minutes and costs around $100 to $175 USD round-trip. The planes are generally Cessnas, sometimes called "Puddle Jumpers", and seat about a dozen people.

You can book your ticket online before your trip or pay by cash at the Belize City Airport. However, booking in advance will get you to your destination faster, especially during the busiest season from Christmas to April.

By Boat

If you're looking for a more economical option, you can take a water taxi from Belize City to San Pedro. There are two water taxi services that run regularly: San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. Both have terminals on the water in Belize City, about 12 miles from the international airport.

To reach the water taxi terminals from the airport, you'll need to take a taxi. The set fare is usually $25 USD, with an additional $5 USD fee per extra passenger. The trip can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

The water taxi ride from Belize City to San Pedro takes about 1.5 hours, with a stop at Caye Caulker along the way. A one-way ticket costs around $14.50 to $20 USD. It's important to note that the last boats leave for San Pedro at 5:30 pm sharp, so make sure you don't miss your ride!

Water taxi services from Belize City

Water taxis are a popular way to get from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. While flying is faster and more comfortable, water taxis are a cheaper alternative. The trip takes approximately 1.5 hours, and there are several companies offering this service.

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi

The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi is one of the most well-known options, with an impressive fleet and a convenient schedule. They offer trips from Belize City to Caye Caulker and San Pedro Ambergris Caye. The pier is located in the centre of Central Park in San Pedro, and tickets can be purchased at the terminal.

Caribbean Sprinter

Caribbean Sprinter offers multiple daily sailings between Belize City and San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. They claim to be Belize's fastest water taxi service, saving about an hour on a round trip to San Pedro compared to other carriers. Their boats have a passenger capacity of 60 to 110 people, and all vessels have at least two motors and V-shaped hulls for a smooth ride. They also offer a shuttle service from the International Airport to the Sprinter Terminal for $15 USD per person.

Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association

The Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association provides a similar service to San Pedro Belize Express, with similar pricing.

San Pedro Water Jets Express

Another option is the San Pedro Water Jets Express, which offers water taxi services from Belize City to Ambergris Caye.

Belize Private Express Water Taxi

For those seeking a private water taxi, Belize Private Express Water Taxi provides a professional and stress-free experience. They offer complimentary shuttle services from the airport, entry point, or hotel in the mainland to the marina. They also allow customers to stop at a convenience store for snacks and beverages before boarding.

When taking a water taxi from Belize City to Ambergris Caye, it is recommended to arrive at the terminal at least 20 minutes before departure to secure a spot. It is also advisable to buy round-trip tickets, as they come with a discount.

Helicopter tours to Ambergris Caye

Helicopter tours are a fantastic way to experience Ambergris Caye and its surrounding natural attractions. Astrum Helicopters offers a range of helicopter adventures and transfers to Ambergris Caye, providing breathtaking bird's-eye views of the area.

Tour Options

There are several tour options to choose from, each offering a unique perspective of Ambergris Caye and Belize:

• San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and Reef Helicopter Tour: This tour offers approximately 25 minutes of flight time, showcasing North Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, Belize Barrier Reef, Hol Chan, and Shark Ray Alley.
• Blue Route (Direct Route to San Pedro): Departing from Belize International Airport, this route takes you over the Caribbean Sea, small cayes like 'Hen & Chicken' Caye, Congrejo Caye, and southern Ambergris Caye before landing at San Pedro.
• Red Route (Reef Flight Transfer to San Pedro): This route takes you from Belize International Airport to the Belize Barrier Reef, where you can spot small cayes like Coffee Caye, Montego Caye, and Long Caye. You'll also see Caye Caulker, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the reef's vibrant colours, with possible sightings of manatees, dolphins, or sharks.
• Orange Route (Blue Hole Over Flight Transfer to San Pedro): On this route, you'll depart from Belize International Airport and head over the mainland to the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef. You'll fly over Gallows Pt, the reef's rushing waves, and Turneffe Island. Keep an eye out for sharks, dolphins, stingrays, manatees, or crocodiles. The journey continues to Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, and the famous Blue Hole before heading back to Turneffe Islands and your final destination, San Pedro.

Practical Information

• Departure and Return: All flights depart from the Grand Caribe Heliport, located 2 miles north of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
• Passenger Information: All passenger weights and names must be provided at the time of booking. The total maximum weight for four passengers is 750 lbs. Passengers weighing over 250 lbs may be required to purchase an additional comfort seat.
• Luggage: There is no room for luggage on the helicopter, so alternative arrangements must be made.
• Accessibility: The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
• Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made at least 7 days in advance incur no fee. Cancellations within 2-6 days of departure result in a 50% cancellation fee, while cancellations within 48 hours incur a 100% fee.
• Weather: The tour is dependent on good weather conditions. In the event of cancellation due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
• Duration: The flight duration varies depending on the chosen route, ranging from approximately 25 minutes to 2 hours.
• Price: Prices start at $55 per adult, with variations based on group size and the chosen tour.

Frequently asked questions