Belize Airport To Ambergris Caye: Travel Options

Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye, is a popular tourist destination, easily accessible from the country's only international airport, Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). While there are no ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft available in Belize, travellers can choose between local hopper flights and water taxis to get from the airport to Ambergris Caye.

Travel by plane

Flying from Belize Airport to Ambergris Caye is a quick and convenient option. The island's only airstrip is located in the heart of San Pedro Town, and the flight takes just 20 minutes. Belize's two airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, fly directly from the international airport (BZE) to San Pedro. The planes are typically small, seating about a dozen people, and offer breathtaking views of Belize City and the Caribbean Sea. The flight is a great way to get a sense of the terrain of the mainland and the cayes.

The cost of a round-trip ticket starts at around US$167.50, but it can be more expensive, with some round-trip tickets costing around US$175. Tickets can be booked online in advance or purchased with cash at the airport. It is important to note that there is no discount for buying tickets at the airport, and pre-booking ensures a quicker arrival at your final destination.

The local hopper flights operate on a daily schedule, with flights leaving hourly from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm. The convenience of checking in for your local flight at the international airport and the unbeatable views from the sky are definitely perks of this travel option.

Upon arrival at San Pedro, transportation to your final destination on the island can be easily arranged, with many resorts offering resort transportation or taxi services readily available.

Travel by water taxi

Water taxis are a great option for those who prefer to travel by sea or are looking for a more budget-friendly option. There are two water taxi companies offering daily service from Belize City to Ambergris Caye: San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. Both companies have large, covered boats, and the ferry often operates at full passenger capacity.

To get to the water taxi terminal from the airport, you will need to take a taxi. Airport taxis have a fixed price of $25 USD or $50 BZD, and the ride to the water taxi terminal should take around 20-25 minutes with no traffic. It can take up to 45 minutes during peak hours, so be sure to plan accordingly.

The water taxi ride itself takes about 90 minutes, and you will need to check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure. The total travel time from Belize to Ambergris Caye, including the taxi ride to the terminal, is approximately 2.5 hours.

The water taxi from Belize City to Ambergris Caye costs $14.50-20 USD one-way, and tickets can be purchased online or at the water taxi terminal. It is recommended to buy round-trip tickets, as they are typically offered at a discounted rate. A valid ID, such as a passport, is required when purchasing tickets and boarding the vessel.

Water taxis are a great option for those who want to save money or prefer a more scenic route. However, it is important to note that this option can add a significant amount of time to your trip, especially if you are arriving late in the afternoon, as the last water taxi departs at 5:30 pm.

Additionally, water taxis can get quite crowded, and the journey can be stuffy if the boat is full and the windows need to be closed. Nevertheless, water taxis offer a comfortable and cost-effective way to travel to Ambergris Caye, providing a smooth ride within the protection of the barrier reef.

Travel by helicopter

If you want to arrive in style, you can choose to travel by helicopter from Belize International Airport to Ambergris Caye. Astrum Helicopters offers three different routes to San Pedro Municipal Airport, located just off the southern shore of Ambergris Caye.

The first option is the direct route, where you will pass over the Caribbean Sea and small cayes such as the 'Hen & Chicken' Caye, Congrejo Caye, and southern Ambergris Caye. The second option is the reef flight, which takes you over the Belize Barrier Reef, where you might spot a manatee, dolphin, or shark. You will also fly over Coffee Caye, Montego Caye, Long Caye, and the golf course at Caye Chapel. The third option is the Blue Hole Over Flight, where you will fly over the Blue Hole, the largest ocean sinkhole in the world, as well as Turneffe Island, the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and Half Moon Caye Natural Monument.

The helicopter ride is not just a means of transportation but also a fun and exciting sightseeing experience. You can contact Astrum Helicopters for more information and booking details.

Travel by ferry

If you prefer to travel by sea, there are two water taxi companies operating between Belize City and Ambergris Caye: San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. Both companies offer large, covered boats with regular daily runs to and from Ambergris Caye.

The ferry journey from Belize City to Ambergris Caye takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, with boats departing up to five times per day. The water taxi terminal in Belize City is located on North Front Street next to the Swing Bridge, and the journey to Ambergris Caye departs from the Tourism Village.

To get to the water taxi terminal from the airport, you will need to take a ground taxi. These taxis are licensed to carry up to five passengers and their luggage, and the ride to the water taxi dock takes around 25 minutes. It is recommended to arrive at the water taxi terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to check in and allow for any travel delays.

The cost of the ferry varies, but a round trip on the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi is $59, and tickets can be reserved ahead of time.

Ferry schedules can vary by season, operator, ship, and route, so it is advisable to check for the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.

Travel by taxi

Taxis are available at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) outside of Belize City. They are part of the Airport Taxi Union and have standard rates. Taxis are licensed to carry up to five passengers and their luggage. The ride to the water taxi terminal in Belize City is about 25 minutes and costs $25 USD. A $5 USD fee is often added per additional passenger. Depending on traffic, you can get to the water taxi terminal in as little as 15 minutes, but the trip can also take up to 45 minutes.

Once you arrive at the water taxi terminal, you will need to check in for your boat 30 minutes prior to departure. The boat ride from Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The total time for the taxi and water taxi journey is about 2 hours.

If you prefer a private boat charter, you can contact Grand Caribe, which offers this service from the mainland to Ambergris Caye.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport to the municipal airport in Belize City, from where you can catch a connecting flight to Ambergris Caye. The taxi ride to the municipal airport is cheaper than the ride to the water taxi terminal, but the flight to Ambergris Caye is more expensive than the water taxi.

The two airlines that fly to Ambergris Caye are Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. The flight from Belize City to San Pedro takes about 15 minutes and costs $125 USD round trip. The airlines operate out of the PGIA, so you don't need to leave the airport if you choose to fly.

If you are travelling with a lot of luggage, it may be more convenient to take a taxi and water taxi, as the flight option has tiered pricing based on the amount of luggage.

Frequently asked questions