There are a few ways to get from Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The fastest way is to fly, which takes 15 minutes and costs $65-$130. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air fly directly from the International Airport (BZE) to San Pedro, with flights costing $93 one-way. The alternative is to take a ferry, which costs $29-$70 and takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Country | Belize |
Airport Name | Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport |
Airport Code | BZE |
Airport Location | Ladyville, about 10 miles from Belize City |
Airlines | Air Canada Rouge, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, WestJet, Maya Island Air, Tropic Air, Copa Airlines, JetBlue, Sun Country, TACA, Avianca El Salvador, TAG, Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos |
Transport Options | Plane, bus, water taxi |
Visa Requirements | US citizens do not require a tourist visa. Visitors from North America don't need a visa. |
What You'll Learn
Fly with Maya Island Air
Maya Island Air offers flights from Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA) to San Pedro Airport (SPR) every four hours. The flight takes about 15 minutes and costs between $60 and $105 per person for a non-stop option.
The airline also offers flights from Belize City Goldson International Airport (BZE) to San Pedro Airport (SPR). The total flight time is about 20 minutes, and you can enjoy beautiful views of the terrain of the mainland and the cayes. The planes generally seat about a dozen people and are usually Cessna models, sometimes called "Puddle Jumpers".
Booking your ticket online before your trip to Belize is recommended, especially if you are travelling during the busiest season from Christmas to April. While you can book your ticket or pay in cash when you arrive at Belize City Airport, this may result in a longer wait for your flight. Pre-booking will get you to your destination a few minutes faster, and you will pay the same price.
Maya Island Air is Belize's most experienced airline, operating daily scheduled flights to San Pedro and other destinations, including Dangriga (Hopkins) and Placencia.
Belizean Slang: Decoding the Term "Bex
You may want to see also
Take a ferry
Taking a ferry is a great option if you're looking for a more economical way to get to San Pedro from the Belize Airport. It's also a good choice if you want to enjoy the ocean views and experience the local water taxi culture.
Step 1: Get to the Water Taxi Terminal
The water taxi terminals are located about 12 miles from the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE). You can take a taxi to get there; the set fare is $25 USD, and there may be an additional $5 USD fee for each extra passenger. The taxi ride can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Step 2: Purchase Your Ferry Ticket
At the water taxi terminal, you'll need to check in your larger bags and suitcases before purchasing your ticket. It's recommended to buy your ticket at the counter, as pre-purchasing online may result in longer processing times. Tickets can be purchased with cash or credit card.
Step 3: Board the Ferry
The ferry ride from Belize City to San Pedro takes approximately 1.5 hours. There are two main water taxi services that operate on this route: San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. Both of these services depart hourly and offer direct trips to San Pedro.
The boats are generally covered but open-sided, and the ride is usually smooth due to the protection of the barrier reef. If you prefer a smoother ride, opt for a seat at the back of the boat, and avoid sitting near the motors if you're sensitive to the smell of gas.
Step 4: Arrive in San Pedro
Once you arrive in San Pedro, you'll be in the heart of the town, with easy access to various accommodations, restaurants, and attractions.
Additional Tips:
- If you're travelling with a large group, it's recommended to pre-purchase your tickets online to ensure that your group can board the same boat.
- The last boats from Belize City to San Pedro depart at 5:30 pm sharp, so plan your travel accordingly to avoid having to find last-minute lodging in Belize City.
- The sun sets early in Belize, around 5:15-6:30 pm, so consider the time of your ferry trip if you want to take in the ocean views during daylight.
- If you want to purchase duty-free liquor at competitive prices, the International Airport's duty-free shops offer the best rates in the country.
Enjoy your journey to San Pedro and your stay on the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye!
Belize Resort Workers: Uncovering the True Value of Paradise
You may want to see also
Travel by water taxi
Water taxis are a popular way to get from Belize Airport to San Pedro. The trip takes around 75 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the service you choose.
Companies
There are several water taxi companies operating between Belize City and San Pedro, including:
- San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited
- Caribbean Sprinter
- San Pedro Water Jets Express
- Coastal Xpress
- Ocean Ferry Belize
- Thunderbolt Water Taxi
Tickets and Pricing
Tickets can be purchased online, at the terminal, or on the boat (though buying in advance is recommended). Round-trip tickets are typically cheaper than buying two single tickets. Pricing varies depending on the company, with prices ranging from $20 to $50 BZE for a one-way ticket.
Luggage
Water taxi companies usually offer luggage storage on their boats, either stacked in a roped area or stored in the bow of the boat. Some companies may also offer luggage check-in services at the terminal.
Transfers
Some water taxi companies offer transfers from the airport to the water taxi terminal in Belize City, often for an additional fee. This can be a convenient option if you have a lot of luggage or don't want to worry about finding transportation to the terminal.
Tips
- If you want a particular seat on the water taxi, it's a good idea to line up early, especially if you're travelling as part of a group.
- The water taxi ride can be bumpy, so if you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking Dramamine before your trip.
- Bring cash or a credit card to pay for your ticket, and remember that US dollars are widely accepted in Belize.
Dangriga: A Cultural and Natural Escape
You may want to see also
Fly with Tropic Air
Tropic Air is one of two domestic airlines in Belize, the other being Maya Island Air. Tropic Air offers flights from Belize International Airport (BZE) to San Pedro Airport (SPR) in downtown San Pedro. The flight time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Tropic Air is committed to providing a seamless and enjoyable journey for its passengers, with a focus on service excellence and passenger experience. The airline prioritises safety and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards in all aspects of its operations.
You can book your ticket online before your trip to secure your preferred flight time and avoid potential delays during peak season. The price of a non-stop flight from Belize City to San Pedro is typically between $60 and $105 USD per person.
Upon arrival at San Pedro Airport, you can easily find a taxi or arrange for your hotel/lodging to meet you. The airport is conveniently located in the heart of San Pedro, making many destinations within walking distance.
Tropic Air also provides flights to other destinations in Belize, such as San Ignacio in the Cayo district, as well as to other countries in Central America. This can be ideal for those looking to travel within the region without changing airlines.
When flying with Tropic Air, keep an eye out for manatees at the mouth of the Belize River as it empties into the sea!
Belize Weather in May: Sunny and Warm
You may want to see also
Book a golf cart
Golf carts are the main mode of transportation on Ambergris Caye, and there are several companies offering rentals near the airport.
Advanced Golf Cart Rental
Advanced Golf Cart Rental has two convenient locations near the airport and water taxi. They offer 4-seater golf carts from $30 USD for 24 hours and 6-seater golf carts from $60 USD for 24 hours. They provide free delivery to the airport or water taxi, free pick-up and drop-off services, and daily maintenance of the carts.
Aviz Golf Cart Rental
Aviz Golf Cart Rental provides free delivery of golf carts to the airport, water taxis, terminals, and resorts. They offer competitive prices, with rentals starting at $25 USD for 4 hours, $35 USD for 8 hours, and $45 USD for 24 hours. Their carts are well-maintained and equipped with features like fold-down back seats and built-in ice chests.
Enterprise Golf Cart Rental
Enterprise Golf Cart Rental is located near the airport and water taxi on Ambergris Caye. They offer 4-seater carts for $35 USD per day and 6-seater carts for $55 USD per day, with weekly and monthly rental options also available. Enterprise provides personalized customer service, including luggage assistance, and well-maintained golf carts with safety features.
Booking Tips
It is recommended to book golf carts in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability and avoid delays. Additionally, some companies offer discounts for advanced bookings. When booking, it is essential to provide accurate rental dates and times to avoid extra charges.
Belize's Surprising State Structure
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The fastest way to get from Belize City Airport to San Pedro is by plane, which takes around 15 minutes.
The cheapest way to get from Belize City Airport to San Pedro is by ferry, which costs between $29 and $70.
The distance between Belize Airport and San Pedro is around 32-35 miles.