Water Taxi Service In Belize: Operating Hours And Insights

Water taxis in Belize run until 5:30 pm, with some late-night runs at 12:00 am and 2:00 am on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The last water taxi usually departs at 5:30 pm, but it is recommended to build in extra travel time to accommodate potential delays. The water taxi experience in Belize is generally positive, with reviews highlighting the convenience, efficiency, and relatively low cost of this mode of transportation. However, there have been some complaints about overcrowding, delays, and uncomfortably warm conditions on board.

Belize City to Caye Caulker

The water taxi is a popular way to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker. It's a comfortable, safe, and scenic journey, with one reviewer describing it as "bumpy but fun". The water taxi is also an affordable way to visit the island, with tickets costing $18 round trip per person.

There are two main water taxi companies operating this route: San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited and Belize Express. Both companies are located side by side near the tourist village at the harbour. You can buy tickets at the dock, although one reviewer noted that the online price was higher than the price at the dock. The water taxi only takes cash (Belize and US dollars), Visa, and Mastercard. You will need your ID to buy a ticket.

The journey from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes around 30 minutes. Caye Caulker is a small island that can be walked and explored in a couple of hours. It's known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. The island has no vehicles, only foot traffic and bicycles. There are plenty of things to do in Caye Caulker, including snorkelling, diving, and exploring the island's three main roads: Front, Middle, and Back Streets.

One thing to note is that the water taxi can be bumpy, so if you are prone to seasickness, you may want to take that into consideration.

Belize City to San Pedro

The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited offers a daily water taxi service from Belize City to San Pedro. The journey takes between 75 minutes and 90 minutes, depending on the weather conditions. The water taxi terminal in Belize City is located in the heart of downtown, next to the famous Swing Bridge. The trip costs around $20, with some travellers reporting a round trip of $50.

The water taxi has a luggage storage area, and the crew will handle your luggage and ensure your comfort. The boats have a capacity of 35 people and are generally open with outboard motors, although one traveller reported a boat with windows that could be opened.

The water taxi terminal in San Pedro is at the Texaco Marina, in the middle of the town.

The water taxi is considered the best way to travel in Belize, with one reviewer saying:

> "It's a very easy way to get to San Pedro. We walked from our hotel to the ferry terminal. Purchased our tickets online ahead of time, they loaded our luggage and unloaded it in San Pedro. Beautiful ride."

However, it is recommended that you book your water taxi in advance, as they can get crowded, and be late. One traveller reported that the water taxi was 45 minutes late getting into San Pedro, and 30 minutes late returning to Belize City.

Another traveller reported that the boats can get very crowded, and that there is not enough room for both passengers and their luggage:

> "The boat was crowded to the point we had no option than to sit right at the back in the uncovered area. We were quite wet from all the spray and wind and then it started to rain. No room to even stand under cover because it was so crowded with people standing, suitcases, people sitting on the suitcases etc. Very uncomfortable indeed."

It is also recommended that you get to the water taxi terminal in good time, as there can be long lines for tickets.

Belize City to Chetumal, Mexico

Water Taxi

The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited offers a ferry service from Belize City to Chetumal, Mexico. The journey takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Tickets and Schedule

Tickets can be booked in advance online or at the terminal. The water taxi runs every day except Sundays. It is recommended that you arrive at the terminal at least 2 hours before departure to allow time for check-in and immigration.

Getting to the Terminal

The water taxi terminal in Belize City is located at #111 North Front Street, at the Belize Marine Terminal.

Luggage

Luggage can be checked in at the terminal and will be loaded onto the boat by staff.

Onboard Facilities

The water taxi is a large speed boat with indoor seating. There is a bathroom onboard, but it is recommended only for emergencies. Money exchange services are also available onboard.

Immigration and Customs

Passengers travelling from Belize to Mexico will need to go through Mexican immigration before departure and Mexican customs upon arrival in Chetumal. Passengers are advised to carry a printed copy of their flight booking confirmation as proof of payment of the departure tax fee.

Alternative Transport

It is also possible to travel from Belize City to Chetumal by bus, although this option takes longer.

Belize City to Caye Chapel

Water taxis are a common mode of transportation in Belize, and they offer a great way to get around the islands. If you're looking to travel from Belize City to Caye Chapel, here is some information that might be helpful.

Caye Caulker Water Taxi

The Caye Caulker Water Taxi is the only water taxi service that travels to Caye Chapel. It costs $50 BZD for a round trip, and you must request that they drop you off at Caye Chapel as it is not a regularly scheduled stop. However, since Caye Chapel is very close to Caye Caulker, the water taxi can easily accommodate this request. The journey offers a calm and comfortable ride with fantastic views of the Caribbean Sea.

Caribbean Sprinter

Caribbean Sprinter is a ferry service that offers multiple daily sailings between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro Town. They also provide a regular schedule to Caye Chapel, but this service is for approved providers only. To enquire about travelling to Caye Chapel with Caribbean Sprinter, you will need to contact their customer service team through their online chat. Caribbean Sprinter boats have a passenger capacity ranging from 60 to 110 passengers and are designed with at least two motors and V-shaped hulls to ensure a smooth ride.

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited

The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited offers a convenient way to travel between islands and explore Belize's natural wonders. While they do not mention Caye Chapel specifically, they do provide transportation to Caye Caulker and San Pedro.

When travelling from Belize City to Caye Chapel, it is important to keep in mind that rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are not available in Belize. However, some water taxi services, like Caribbean Sprinter, offer shuttle services from the International Airport to their terminals for a small fee.

Belize City to St. George's Caye

If you're looking to travel from Belize City to St. George's Caye, you can opt for a water taxi service. Water taxis are a popular mode of transportation in Belize, and there are a few companies that operate in the area. Here is some information to help you plan your trip:

Water Taxi Companies

Two water taxi companies, San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter, offer regular services from Belize City to St. George's Caye.

Schedules and Duration

Water taxis from Belize City to St. George's Caye typically make a stop at Caye Caulker along the way. The ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes about an hour, and the total journey from Belize City to St. George's Caye is approximately 1.5 hours.

The water taxi companies usually have multiple departures throughout the day. However, it's important to note that the last boats from Belize City to St. George's Caye usually leave around 5:30 pm. Therefore, it is essential to plan your trip accordingly to avoid missing the last boat.

Tickets and Luggage

You can purchase tickets for the water taxi online or at the ticket counter in the water taxi terminal. Checking in your larger bags is typically required before boarding, and luggage tags are provided for claiming your luggage upon arrival.

Other Options

In addition to water taxis, you can also opt for other means of transportation, such as flying or taking a direct water taxi service from the Belize City International Airport to Ambergris Caye. Flying can be a quicker option, with a flight time of about 20 minutes, but it can be more expensive. A direct water taxi service from the airport can also be convenient, offering door-to-door service, but it may come at a higher cost.

Frequently asked questions