Belize City To Ambergris Caye: The Ultimate Island Escape

The distance between Belize City and Ambergris Caye is approximately 34 to 35 miles, or 15.7 miles and 13.6 nautical miles from the nearest ports. There are several ways to travel between the two, including by plane or ferry. The ferry from Belize City to Ambergris Caye takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes and costs between $30 and $75. The plane takes around 20 to 25 minutes and costs between $65 and $185.50.

Travel by plane or ferry

There are two ways to travel from Belize City to Ambergris Caye: by plane or by ferry.

Travel by Plane

The island's only airstrip is located in the heart of San Pedro Town, and a local flight is a convenient way to travel to Ambergris Caye. There are two airlines that offer this service: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. Both operate out of the PGIA as well as other locations throughout Belize, providing service to San Pedro. The daily schedule has flights leaving PGIA hourly, beginning at 7:30 am, with the last flight of the day leaving at 8:30 pm. The flight from Belize City to San Pedro takes about 15 minutes and costs US$125 round trip.

Travel by Ferry

There are two ferry companies located in Belize City that offer daily service to Ambergris Caye: the San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize. Both water taxis are within a couple of blocks of each other and offer regular daily runs to and from Ambergris Caye. A valid ID, such as a passport, is required when purchasing water taxi tickets and when boarding the vessel. The Ocean Ferry docks in San Pedro at the Caribena Pier by Cholos Bar. The San Pedro Belize Express docks at the municipal pier in San Pedro Town. The boat ride itself is 90 minutes, but you must also factor in travel from the PGIA via taxi to the water taxi dock in Belize City, which is about 25 minutes.

Travel time and cost

The distance between Belize City and Ambergris Caye is approximately 34 to 35 miles. There are two ways to travel between the two: by plane or by ferry.

By plane

Flights from Belize City to Ambergris Caye take around 15 to 23 minutes. The cheapest flights are around $65 to $68 one way, or $130 return. However, one source states that the cheapest option is to take a ferry.

By ferry

The ferry from Belize City to Ambergris Caye takes between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 35 minutes. The cheapest tickets are around $40 to $59 return.

Total travel time and cost

The total time taken to travel from Belize City to Ambergris Caye is between 1 hour 15 minutes and 2 hours 20 minutes, depending on your chosen method of transport. The cheapest options are around $40 to $68.

Travel companies

There are two main ways to travel from Belize City to Ambergris Caye: by plane or by ferry. The distance between the two is approximately 34-35 miles.

Plane

The flight from Belize City to Ambergris Caye takes around 15-23 minutes and costs $65-$185 for a round trip. There are two airlines that offer this service: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. Both operate out of the PGIA airport in Belize City, as well as other locations throughout Belize. The daily schedule has flights leaving PGIA hourly, starting at 7:30 am, with the last flight of the day leaving at 8:30 pm.

Ferry

The ferry from Belize City to Ambergris Caye takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes and costs $30-$75 for a round trip. There are two ferry companies that offer this service: the San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize. Both water taxis are located within a few blocks of each other in Belize City and offer regular daily trips to and from Ambergris Caye. The journey by ferry is a great option for those who want to take in the views of the Belize City shoreline and the Caribbean Sea.

Travel tips

The distance between Belize City and Ambergris Caye is approximately 34-35 miles. There are a few different ways to travel between the two, each with its own pros and cons. Here are some tips to help you choose the best option for your journey:

By Plane

• The plane journey from Belize City to Ambergris Caye is quick, taking around 15-20 minutes.
• There are two airlines that operate this route: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air.
• Flights depart from either Belize City Municipal Airport or Belize City Goldson International Airport.
• A flight will cost you between \$45 to \$180 for a one-way ticket, depending on the airline and time of booking.
• Booking in advance will help you secure a better rate.
• The small planes used for these flights have limited space to move around.
• Flying over the reef gives you a chance to see manatees swimming in the shallow waters below.
• If you are averse to flying, you may want to opt for the ferry instead.

By Ferry

• There is no direct ferry service from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. You will need to take a ferry from Belize City to San Pedro, and then another ferry from San Pedro to Ambergris Caye.
• The ferry ride from Belize City to San Pedro takes around 75-90 minutes.
• The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.
• The ferry option is more affordable, with round-trip tickets costing a fraction of the price of a flight.
• Ferries can be crowded, with little personal space.
• Boats can be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather or rough waters, so check the conditions before opting for this route.
• You will need a valid ID, such as a passport, when purchasing water taxi tickets and boarding the vessel.

Other Options

• If you want to splurge, you can opt for a helicopter ride to Ambergris Caye, with the added option of a tour of the Belize Barrier Reef or the Great Blue Hole.
• You can also mix and match your transportation by taking a combination of ferry and flight to get to Ambergris Caye.

Health and Safety

• At the time of writing, there are certain COVID-19-related entry requirements for Belize, including proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Check the official sources for the most up-to-date information before your trip.
• When in Belize, be mindful of your surroundings and take the usual safety precautions.
• Avoid walking alone at night, and keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
• Use the safe in your hotel room to store valuables.
• Stay in well-lit and populated areas, especially after dark.

Packing List

• Bug spray is a must-have to protect yourself from mosquitoes, especially if you plan to visit the jungle or be outdoors at dusk or night.
• Pack light and airy clothes, as Belize is hot and humid day and night.
• Bring sunscreen to protect yourself from the tropical sun.
• If you plan to participate in water activities or hiking excursions, consider bringing water shoes or hiking shoes.
• An underwater camera will come in handy if you plan to snorkel or dive and want to capture the vibrant marine life.

Where to Stay and Eat

• Ambergris Caye offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly to luxury resorts.
• San Pedro Town is the main hub for bars, restaurants, and nightlife. It is very walkable, spanning just 3 blocks.
• For mid-range options in the city centre, consider the SunBreeze Hotel or Mayan Princess.
• North of San Pedro Town, you'll find more upscale resorts, such as the Matachica Resort & Spa.
• South of Town is mostly residential but has a few bars and restaurants.
• For authentic local cuisine, venture into the heart of San Pedro away from the tourist spots.

Things to Do

• Ambergris Caye is known for its beautiful beaches and water activities.
• Visit Secret Beach for a party vibe and drinks by the ocean.
• Explore the famous Blue Hole, either by scuba diving or flying over it on a tour.
• Snorkel at Hol Chan, Shark Alley, and Mexico Rocks to see a variety of marine life, including stingrays, eagle rays, starfish, and sharks.
• Take a tour of the Mayan Ruins on the mainland, such as the Lamanai Mayan Ruins, for a glimpse into the area's rich history.
• Enjoy the local festivals, such as the San Pedro Lobster Festival and the International Costa Maya Festival.

Belize City and Ambergris Caye

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and was once the capital of the former British Honduras. The city is the country's principal port and its financial and industrial hub. The distance between Belize City and Ambergris Caye is approximately 34 to 35 miles.

There are two ways to get from Belize City to Ambergris Caye: by plane or by ferry. The fastest way to travel between the two locations is by plane, which takes around 20 minutes and costs between $65 and $185.50. Two airlines offer this service: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. The plane flies over Belize City and the barrier reef, offering views of the Caribbean Sea.

The other option is to take a ferry. This is a more cost-effective option, with tickets costing around $40 to $60 for a one-way trip. The ferry ride takes about 90 minutes, but you also need to factor in the 25-minute travel time from the airport to the water taxi dock in Belize City. There are two water taxi companies: San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. Both offer daily service to Ambergris Caye and have boats that are large and covered.

When travelling from Belize City to Ambergris Caye, it is important to consider your preferences for time and cost. The plane ride is quicker but more expensive, while the ferry ride offers a more affordable option but takes longer.

Ambergris Caye is a popular tourist destination in Belize, known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters. San Pedro, the only town on the island, is a bustling centre with a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops. The island is easily navigable by foot, golf cart, or bicycle. It offers a range of activities for visitors, including snorkelling, scuba diving, and exploring the nearby Belize Barrier Reef.

Frequently asked questions