Belize City To Caye Caulker: Exploring The Travel Options

Caye Caulker is located approximately 20 miles or 32 km north-northeast of Belize City. The best ways to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker are by ferry or by air. The high-speed water taxi ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes around 45 minutes and costs $23 to $35. There are two water taxi companies serving Caye Caulker: Caribbean Sprinter and San Pedro Belize Express. To get to the water taxi terminal from the airport, you can take a taxi for a flat rate of $30 for a party of two. Alternatively, you can take an 8-minute flight from Belize International Airport with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air for $45 to $120.

Travel to Caye Caulker by boat

The best way to get to Caye Caulker is by ferry, or water taxi. The water taxi terminals are around a 20-minute drive from Belize International Airport. You can get a taxi from outside the airport arrival area to the water taxi terminal for a rate of $30 USD for two people.

There are two water taxi companies with several scheduled daily runs between Belize City and Caye Caulker: San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry. San Pedro Belize Express has more daily runs and a larger terminal in Belize City, which makes waiting for the next boat more comfortable. The cost for both is similar, if not the same.

At the water taxi terminal, you will drop off your suitcase in exchange for a luggage tag. You will get one tag for each piece of luggage. Then, move on to the ticket counter to purchase your tickets and check in for the ride. No need to purchase your tickets in advance. If it is very busy, San Pedro Belize Express usually operates a larger vessel or a second boat to accommodate everyone.

Seats are not assigned, so you can sit wherever you like. However, keep in mind that the ride will be smoother if you sit in the back of the water taxi, especially on the smaller boats. Some of the boats have an outdoor deck upstairs where you can enjoy the beautiful view during the approximately 45-minute ride to Caye Caulker.

The typical crossing time for ferries from Belize City to Caye Caulker is approximately 45 minutes. The average price of a ferry is around $104, but prices may vary depending on the season. The cheapest ferry prices start from $23.

Travel to Caye Caulker by air

If you're looking for a quick and convenient way to get to Caye Caulker from Belize City, taking a short flight is an excellent option. Here's everything you need to know about travelling to Caye Caulker by air.

Choosing an Airline

There are two main local airlines that offer flights between Belize City and Caye Caulker: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. Both airlines provide daily flights, with Tropic Air typically offering more frequent flights throughout the day. The aircrafts are usually small, with most flights operating on 12-seater planes, and sometimes even 4-seaters, giving you a more intimate flying experience.

Booking Your Flight

You can book your flight either in advance by purchasing tickets online or by visiting the ticket counters at the airport. The ticket counters are located in the building adjacent to the customs area. If you're coming from the customs area, simply exit through the glass doors, and if you've already exited the building, the ticket counters will be the next entrance on your left.

Check-In and Security

After booking your flight, you'll need to check in and go through security to enter the departure area. Keep in mind that any liquids purchased at the Arrival Duty-Free stores, such as bottles of alcohol, will need to be checked in with your luggage. These items are typically much cheaper at the Arrival Duty-Free store than on the island, so it's a great opportunity to stock up.

Flight Duration and Views

The flight from Belize City to Caye Caulker is a quick one, lasting only around 8-15 minutes. During the short journey, you'll be treated to breathtaking bird's-eye views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the small Cayes. It's a scenic and memorable way to kickstart your vacation.

Arriving at Caye Caulker

Upon landing at the airstrip on the southern end of Caye Caulker, you can either walk or take a short taxi ride to your accommodation or desired destination. The island is known for its laid-back vibe, so take your time and embrace the "Go Slow" attitude as you begin your exploration of Caye Caulker.

Getting to Caye Caulker in the evening

Caye Caulker is located approximately 20 miles or 32 km north-northeast of Belize City. The best ways to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker are by ferry or by air.

Travel to Caye Caulker by Boat

The water taxi terminals are about a 20-minute drive from Belize International Airport. A taxi from the airport to the water taxi terminal costs $30 USD for two people. There are two water taxi companies with several scheduled daily runs between Belize City and Caye Caulker: San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry. The cost for both is similar, if not the same. The boat ride takes around 45 minutes.

Water taxis leave from the mainland (Belize City) to Caye Caulker about every two hours for about $25 US round trip.

Travel to Caye Caulker by Air

The faster, but also more expensive way to get to Caye Caulker is the 8-minute flight from Belize International Airport with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air on a small plane. Tickets can be purchased in advance by booking online, or at the ticket counters at the airport. The ticket counters are located in the adjacent building after you clear customs.

Mix and Match Transportation

To get the best of both worlds, take the boat one way and fly the other.

Water taxi companies

There are two water taxi companies with scheduled daily runs between Belize City and Caye Caulker: San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize. Both companies have terminals in Belize City, with San Pedro Belize Express operating from a larger terminal. The cost for both companies is similar, if not the same.

San Pedro Belize Express has a transcendent service and an impressive fleet to cater to your travel needs. Their terminal in Belize City is located at #111 North Front Street, Belize Marine Terminal. Their website provides contact details and further information.

Ocean Ferry Belize's terminal in Belize City is on North Front Street beside the Swing Bridge. Their website also provides schedules and fares.

The typical crossing time for ferries from Belize City to Caye Caulker is around 45 minutes. The average price of a ferry is approximately $104, but prices may vary depending on the season.

Flying vs. water taxi

The Options

Caye Caulker is located approximately 20 miles or 32km north-northeast of Belize City. There are two ways to travel between the two: by ferry (water taxi) or by plane.

The Water Taxi

Water taxis are a popular option for travellers going between Belize City and Caye Caulker. Two water taxi companies, San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry, operate several scheduled daily runs between the two destinations. The journey takes around 45 minutes and costs between $36 and $180, depending on the operator and the season.

Water taxis depart from terminals in Belize City, which are around a 20-minute drive from Belize International Airport. A taxi between the airport and the water taxi terminals costs $30 for two people.

Water taxis can be a bumpy ride, especially at the front of the boat, and the back can be noisy and smell strongly of fuel. However, some boats have an outdoor deck upstairs, where you can enjoy the view.

Flying

For those who prefer a quicker journey, there is the option of an 8-minute flight from Belize International Airport with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air. These flights are more expensive than the water taxi and are operated on small planes, which seat 4-12 passengers.

Pros and Cons

The water taxi is a good option for those who want to save money, and it offers a nice boat ride to the island. However, it is a longer journey than flying, and the boats can be bumpy and noisy.

Flying is the fastest way to get to Caye Caulker, and the small planes offer a bird's-eye view of the small cayes and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. However, it is the more expensive option, and you will need to go through security to enter the departure area.

Mix and Match

Some travellers opt to mix and match transportation, taking the boat one way and flying the other. This allows travellers to experience the boat ride to the island and the convenience of a quick return to the airport.

Frequently asked questions