Belize City To Turneffe Island: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

Located 20 to 30 miles off the coast of Belize City, Turneffe Island is a remote paradise known for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of marine life. Getting to this tropical island is an adventure in itself, with several options available for travellers. The most common way to reach Turneffe Island is by boat, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 hours from Belize City. The island can also be accessed by plane or helicopter, with a much shorter travel time of about 20 minutes.

By boat: It takes 1.5 hours to get to Turneffe Island from Belize City by boat

The Turneffe Islands are a group of atolls located in the Caribbean, approximately 30 miles (48 km) east of Belize City. The islands are known for their white sandy beaches, crystal clear Caribbean waters, and healthy reef ecosystem, making them a popular destination for diving, snorkelling, and fishing.

To get to the Turneffe Islands from Belize City, you can travel by boat, plane, or helicopter. The boat ride takes approximately 1.5 hours, depending on weather conditions. The resorts on the islands can help arrange boat transportation for their guests, and this service is sometimes provided complimentary. The boats are typically 40 feet long and can comfortably accommodate all guests and their luggage. They depart from the Radisson Fort George Marina in Belize City every Wednesday and Saturday at 3:00 p.m.

If you are unable to make the scheduled boat transfer, you can ask about alternate transportation options, such as a private charter boat or a helicopter transfer. Helicopter transfers offer an efficient and scenic route to the islands, taking only about 15 minutes.

By plane: A private charter flight from Belize City to Turneffe Island takes 15-20 minutes

If you're looking for a quick and luxurious way to get to Turneffe Island from Belize City, a private charter flight is the way to go. Here's everything you need to know about this travel option:

Turneffe Island, located 20 miles off the coast of Belize City, is a secluded tropical destination known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. Getting to this island paradise just got a whole lot easier, thanks to the option of private charter flights.

When you opt for a private charter flight, you can expect a seamless and exclusive travel experience. The flight time from Belize City to Turneffe Island is a quick 15 to 20 minutes, saving you valuable vacation time. No more long and tedious boat rides or transfers; with a private charter flight, you'll be soaking up the sun on the island in no time.

The convenience of a private charter flight extends beyond just the travel time. These flights offer the utmost comfort and flexibility, allowing you to customise your itinerary according to your preferences. You can choose your desired departure time and even add a touch of luxury with in-flight amenities.

When booking your private charter flight, be sure to inquire about the aircraft options available. Depending on your group size and preferences, you may choose from a range of aircraft, from sleek and intimate planes to larger, more spacious options. This ensures that your journey is tailored to your needs, making it a truly personalised experience.

Upon arrival at Turneffe Island, you'll be greeted by the resort staff, who will assist with your luggage and ensure a smooth transition to your island getaway. The resort handles all the logistics, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking aerial views of the Caribbean Sea as you make your way to your tropical paradise.

Whether you're a diver eager to explore the Belize Barrier Reef, a fisherman seeking the ultimate "Grand Slam," or simply someone looking for a tranquil escape, a private charter flight is the perfect way to begin your Turneffe Island adventure. So why wait? Book your flight, pack your bags, and get ready to create unforgettable memories on this idyllic island oasis.

By helicopter: Helicopter transfers are also available and take 20 minutes

Helicopter Transfers from Belize City to Turneffe Island

If you're looking for a quick and luxurious way to get from Belize City to Turneffe Island, helicopter transfers are available and take just 20 minutes. Here's everything you need to know about this option:

Availability and Convenience

Helicopter transfers are a convenient option for those seeking a swift and scenic journey to Turneffe Island. These transfers are typically coordinated by the resorts on the island, so be sure to inquire about them when booking your stay. The resorts will handle all the logistics, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Scenic Aerial Views

The helicopter ride offers breathtaking aerial views of the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef. Feel the ocean breeze on your face and take in the sapphire depths and azure shallows of the sea. It's an unforgettable way to start your tropical getaway.

Efficient and Time-Saving

With a travel time of just 20 minutes, helicopter transfers are significantly faster than boat transfers, which typically take around 1.5 hours. This option is ideal for those who want to maximise their time on the island or for those who may have missed the regularly scheduled boat transfers.

Customisable Routes

Helicopter transfers often provide multiple route options, allowing you to customise your flight path. You can choose from different routes that showcase the beauty of the Belize Barrier Reef from above, turning your transfer into a thrilling site-seeing tour.

Important Considerations

While helicopter transfers offer a thrilling and efficient way to reach Turneffe Island, they may incur additional costs. Be sure to inquire about pricing when booking your stay. Additionally, keep in mind that some resorts may require advance notice to arrange helicopter transfers.

Shuttle service: The Turneffe Island Resort provides a shuttle service to and from Belize City on Wednesdays and Saturdays

The Turneffe Island Resort provides a shuttle service to and from Belize City on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The boat departs from the Radisson Fort George Marina in Belize City at 3:00 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday. Guests can either meet at the boat by 2:30 p.m. or avail of the resort's private, air-conditioned shuttle service from the airport to the marina. The shuttle service is included in the room package, along with airport transfers.

The boat journey from Belize City to the resort takes approximately 1.5 hours. The resort also offers helicopter transfers at an additional cost. The helicopter ride is an efficient means of transportation and a sightseeing tour of the Belize Barrier Reef.

The Turneffe Island Resort is located 20 miles off the coast of Belize City. It is the largest coral atoll in Belize, spanning approximately 30 miles long by 10 miles wide. The resort is known as a premier diving and fishing destination, with world-class dive sites and incredible sport fishing opportunities.

Private transfer: Missed the boat? Private transfers are available at an additional cost

Private transfer: Missed the (boat) transfer?

If you missed the regularly scheduled boat transfer from Belize City to Turneffe Island, which departs at 3:00 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday, you can schedule an alternate transfer for an additional cost of $450 each way. The Turneffe Island Resort can help arrange this boat transfer for you.

Alternatively, helicopter transfers can also be scheduled at an additional cost. Helicopter transfers are an efficient way to get to the island and offer a site-seeing tour of the Belize Barrier Reef at the same time. These transfers take around 15 minutes, as opposed to the 1.5 hours it takes to get to the island by boat.

If you are staying at one of the three main resorts on the island, they can usually help arrange boat transportation for you, and this service may be complimentary depending on the day of your arrival.

Frequently asked questions