Belize Airport To Ambergris Caye: Travel Options

Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye, is a popular tourist destination. Located just south of the Mexican Yucatán mainland, it is about 35 miles east of Belize City. To get to Ambergris Caye from the Philip Goldson International Airport, you can either fly or take a water taxi. Belize's two airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, offer flights to San Pedro Airport in downtown San Pedro. The flight time is around 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi from Belize City, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Two companies, Ocean Ferry and San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi, provide scheduled water taxi services.

Travel by air to San Pedro Airport

To get to Ambergris Caye by air, you'll first need to fly to Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. From there, you can catch a connecting flight to San Pedro Airport on Ambergris Caye. The flight from Belize City to San Pedro takes around 15-20 minutes and costs around $125-$175 USD round trip. Belize's two airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, offer flights to San Pedro, with planes generally being Cessnas that seat about a dozen people.

You can book your ticket online in advance or pay by cash at the airport, although booking in advance will get you to your destination faster. When booking, consider that the earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket will be. You can also ask about discounts when purchasing tickets, as some airlines offer discounts of up to 50% on cash purchases.

After arriving at the airport in Belize City and passing through customs, head to the check-in counter for your chosen airline in the main terminal. Then, proceed through security and into the departure lounge. The flight will offer breathtaking views of Belize City, the Caribbean Sea, and the Belize Barrier Reef. Once you land in San Pedro, it will be easy to find a taxi or arrange for resort transportation to your final destination on the island.

Travel by boat to Ambergris Caye

If you're looking to travel to Ambergris Caye by boat, there are a few options available to you. The island is about 25 miles away from the Philip Goldson International Airport, and you'll need to get to Belize City first.

Two ferry companies, San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter, offer daily covered boat services from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. The boats are large and covered, and the journey takes about 90 minutes. The round trip will cost you around $59, and you can reserve your tickets ahead of time.

You can also opt for a direct water taxi service from Belize City International Airport to Ambergris Caye with Nautilus Water Taxi Service. They will meet you at the airport and provide a short shuttle ride to their marina. The ride takes about an hour to San Pedro and 10-20 minutes longer if you're heading to North Ambergris Caye. A one-way ticket is $100, and a round-trip ticket is $150 to San Pedro.

If you're looking for the most cost-effective option, you can take a water taxi from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. Two companies, Ocean Ferry and San Pedro Belize Express, offer this service. The ride takes about 75 minutes and costs between $14.50 and $20 one-way.

Keep in mind that you will need to factor in the travel time from the airport to the water taxi terminal in Belize City, which is about 25-45 minutes. Also, make sure you arrive at the water taxi terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to check your luggage.

Travel by helicopter to Grand Caribe

Grand Caribe is located on Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, which is about 25 miles from the airport. There are a few different ways to get there, including by plane, boat, or helicopter. If you're looking for a unique and exhilarating way to travel to Grand Caribe, consider arriving by helicopter.

Helicopter Transfer to Grand Caribe

Grand Caribe has partnered with Astrum Helicopters to offer helicopter transfers from the international airport to the resort's on-site helipad. This is a direct and quick way to travel to the island, offering a thrilling experience and breathtaking views.

Helicopter Tour Options

In addition to the direct route, you can choose to add on a tour of the Belize Barrier Reef or the Great Blue Hole before arriving at Grand Caribe. These natural attractions are located within a few miles of the resort and offer heart-pumping excitement and incredible views.

Booking Your Helicopter Transfer

To arrange your helicopter transfer, simply contact Grand Caribe directly. They will be able to provide you with all the necessary information and assist you in booking your transfer.

Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE)

International flights to Belize land at Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), just outside Belize City. From there, you can easily connect to your chosen mode of transportation to Ambergris Caye.

Advantages of Helicopter Travel

Helicopter travel offers a unique and memorable experience, combining excitement and convenience. It is a quick and direct way to travel to Grand Caribe, allowing you to bypass the need for additional transportation to and from the water taxi terminal or the municipal airport.

So, if you're looking for a thrilling and memorable way to start your vacation, consider travelling by helicopter to Grand Caribe, Belize. With breathtaking views and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it's sure to be an unforgettable part of your trip!

Travel by taxi to water taxi terminal

Once you arrive at the Philip Goldson International Airport, you can take a taxi to the water taxi terminal. The ride to the water taxi terminal from the airport takes approximately 25 minutes.

The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi departs from the Tourism Village in Belize City. The water taxi company provides a shared transportation service from the airport to the terminal for USD$25 for the first person and USD$10 for each additional person. You can contact them via email to get a quote for a private shuttle transfer.

The Ocean Ferry Water Taxi Terminal is on North Front Street, next to the Swing Bridge. This is another option for water taxi service to Ambergris Caye.

Be sure to bring cash for tipping the taxi driver.

Travel by golf cart to San Pedro

Golf carts are the most popular mode of transportation on Ambergris Caye. They are available for rent from several outlets on the island, with prices starting at $30 for a 4-seater and $60 for a 6-seater per day.

If you're arriving at the airport, you can arrange for your golf cart rental company to meet you at the airstrip. Alternatively, you can rent a golf cart from one of the companies located near the airport, such as Advanced Golf Cart Rental.

When renting a golf cart, you will need to present a valid driver's license and swipe your credit card. It is important to remember that you must have a valid license when driving a golf cart in San Pedro, as there are police checkpoints along the way.

Golf carts offer a convenient way to get around Ambergris Caye and explore the different areas of the island. The island is about 25 miles long, and while lodging and amenities are concentrated near San Pedro Town, some resorts are located further away, up to 14 miles north or 5 miles south of the town.

With a golf cart, you can easily access the various restaurants, bars, and attractions that Ambergris Caye has to offer. You can drive up to the north part of the island to visit places like Tranquility Bay, or head way south for other exciting destinations.

Keep in mind that the roads on the north side of the island are in poor condition, so you should be prepared for a bumpy ride. Additionally, there is a toll bridge connecting the north and south sections of Ambergris Caye, with a fee of BZ$5 each way for golf carts and other vehicles.

Renting a golf cart in San Pedro offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore the island at your own pace. However, it is important to consider your budget, the location of your accommodation, and your preferred level of exploration when deciding whether to rent a golf cart for your entire vacation.

Frequently asked questions