Exploring San Pedro, Belize: Travel Options And Adventures

There are two main ways to get to San Pedro in Belize: by boat or by plane. The best option depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preference. Flying is the faster option, with the journey from Belize City to San Pedro taking around 20 minutes, but it is also the more expensive option. The ferry ride is cheaper but takes around 75 minutes.

Flying to San Pedro

There is no direct international air service to San Pedro Airport (SPR), which is the only airport serving San Pedro. However, there are several ways to reach San Pedro by air, with at least one stop along the way.

Firstly, several major airlines offer daily direct flights from the United States and Central America to Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Ladyville, 20 minutes from Belize City. From there, you can take a connecting flight to San Pedro Airport. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer flights from both the International Airport in Ladyville and the Municipal Airport in Belize City.

Alternatively, you can fly to Belize City Municipal Airport, which is closer to San Pedro and offers cheaper flights to San Pedro than the International Airport. However, you will need to take a 20-minute taxi ride between the two airports.

If you are travelling from the United States, there are several airlines offering nonstop flights to Philip Goldson International Airport, including:

• American Airlines: Nonstop to Belize City from Miami, Dallas, Charlotte, and Los Angeles
• United Airlines: Nonstop to Belize City from Houston (IAN), Newark, and Chicago
• Delta Air Lines: Nonstop to Belize City from Los Angeles and Atlanta
• Southwest Airlines: Nonstop to Belize City from Denver, Houston (HOU) and Fort Lauderdale
• JetBlue Airways: Nonstop to Philip Goldson International Airport from John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Alaska Airlines: Nonstop to Philip Goldson International Airport from Los Angeles International Airport

Round-trip prices for flights to San Pedro range from $320 to $452, while one-way flights start at $130.

Water taxis to San Pedro

Water taxis are a popular way to get to San Pedro in Belize. The journey takes around 75 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the weather conditions and the number of stops the boat makes. The water taxis are usually open boats with outboard motors, seating up to 35 people.

There are several companies offering water taxi services to San Pedro, including San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited, International Islander Ferries, and San Pedro Water Jets Express. The boats usually depart from the Marine Terminal in Belize City, which is located in the heart of downtown, next to the famous Swing Bridge. The terminal is about a 20- to 25-minute drive from the airport, and a taxi should cost around $25.

It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance, either online or at the terminal. Round-trip tickets from Chetumal, Mexico, to San Pedro cost around MXN $1,850, while one-way tickets from Belize City to San Pedro are approximately $20. Luggage can be checked and tagged by staff at the terminal, and passengers are advised to allow staff to handle luggage to ensure it is stored safely.

Water taxis usually make a brief stop at Caye Caulker and also at Caye Chapel if requested. The boats arrive at a pier on the east side of San Pedro, and passengers can walk to their accommodation or take a taxi. Overall, the water taxi is a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get to San Pedro, offering beautiful views along the way.

Flying from Belize Municipal Airport

When travelling from Belize Municipal Airport to San Pedro, you have two main airline options: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. Both airlines offer frequent daily flights, with about one flight per hour, starting as early as 7:30 a.m. and ending around 5:30 p.m. During peak season, additional flights may be added to accommodate the increased demand.

The flight time from Belize Municipal Airport to San Pedro is approximately 20 minutes, and the adult one-way fare is typically US$23, while children under 12 can travel for US$18. It's important to note that round-trip fares are usually double the one-way price. Reservations are generally not necessary, especially during the off-season, but they may save you some time during the peak season.

If you're arriving at the Philip Goldson International Airport and want to fly from the Municipal Airport, you'll need to transfer between the two airports. This can be done via a 20-minute taxi ride, with a fare of US$17.50 for up to five passengers. Taxis are readily available just outside the main lobby of the International Airport and can be identified by their green license tags.

By choosing to fly from Belize Municipal Airport to San Pedro, you can enjoy a quick and convenient journey while also saving on travel costs, especially if you're travelling with a group or family.

Tropic Ferry

How it Works

When you arrive at the airport, a Tropic Ferry representative will meet you and take you on a short shuttle ride to The Oar House restaurant in Ladyville, where you will board the boat. The boats are 40-person water taxis and the trip includes free refreshments, rum punch, and music. The ferry will drop you off at your hotel's dock, so there is no need to arrange additional transport when you arrive at San Pedro.

Cost and Duration

The ferry costs $75USD one way or $125USD for a round trip. The trip takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on your location and the weather conditions.

Alternatives

If you are happy to take a small plane, you can fly to San Pedro with Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. Flights leave hourly and take around 20 minutes. A round trip will cost around $125USD.

You can also take a water taxi from Belize City. First, take a taxi from the airport to one of the water taxi terminals in Belize City, then take the water taxi to San Pedro. This option will cost around $27USD for the water taxi and $25USD for the taxi from the airport.

Maya Island Air

The airline was founded in 1962 as Maya Airways. In 1989, Island Air began providing similar airline services to San Pedro and Belize City. As the need for air services grew, Maya Airways and Island Air merged in 1997 to form Maya Island Air, which became the most successful merger in the travel industry.

The airline has a baggage policy that permits each passenger one small personal item, one carry-on weighing 6.8 kg (15 lbs) or less, and a free checked bag weighing up to 22.6 kg (50 lbs). The airline operates light aircraft with a limited number of seats and does not offer food, drinks, or in-flight entertainment. Passengers are, however, treated to incredible views of the country's natural wonders, such as the Belize Barrier Reef and the Great Blue Hole.

To fly with Maya Island Air, passengers must check in at the airport as online check-in is not available. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes before the scheduled flight departure time for domestic flights and 60 minutes before for international flights.

Frequently asked questions