Exploring Belize: City To South Water Caye Travel Guide

South Water Caye is a small island in Southern Belize, located a few miles off the coast of Hopkins in Stann Creek. The island is known for its serene atmosphere and pristine natural beauty, attracting travellers seeking relaxation and outdoor adventures. To get to South Water Caye from Belize City, you have a few options. One way is to take a bus or drive via the Western Highway to Dangriga, a town on the southern coast of Belize. From Dangriga, you can take a chartered boat to South Water Caye, which takes about 40-45 minutes. Alternatively, you can fly to Dangriga from Belize City, enjoying scenic views of the coast and sea along the way. The flight takes around 20 minutes, and from there, you can take the boat to the island. It's important to note that South Water Caye doesn't have an airport, so the final leg of your journey will always involve a boat ride.

Travel by ferry, bus or plane

By Ferry

Take the ferry from Belize City to Dangriga, and then travel onwards to South Water Caye Marine Reserve. This journey will take approximately 2 hours and 43 minutes.

By Bus

Take the bus from Belize City to Dangriga, and then travel onwards to South Water Caye Marine Reserve. This journey will take approximately 4 hours.

By Plane

Fly from Belize City Goldson International Airport to Punta Gorda Airport. Then travel onwards to South Water Caye Marine Reserve. This journey will take approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes.

Additional Information

South Water Caye is located in Southern Belize, just off the coast of Hopkins in Stann Creek. The island is 15 acres and is known for its chill vibe and desolate feel. It is located directly above the Belize Barrier Reef and is home to some of the best snorkelling and diving in the country.

The primary way of getting to South Water Caye is by chartered boat from Dangriga Town. Boats to South Water Caye from Dangriga take about 40 minutes and are typically included with your hotel accommodations.

Chartered boat from Dangriga Town

Getting to Dangriga Town

To get to Dangriga Town from Belize City, you can take a local hopper flight, a ground shuttle, or a bus. The flight takes around 30 minutes, and the shuttle or bus takes around 2.5 hours.

Chartered Boat Options

Once in Dangriga Town, you have a few options for getting to South Water Caye by chartered boat.

• Community boats – These boats require a minimum of 4 passengers and typically leave Dangriga around 11:30 am. If you arrive in the afternoon, you will need to charter a private boat.
• Charter boats – These are available when community boats aren't running. They are also used for staff and supplies. This is a subsidized boat and is not private.
• Private boat charter – This boat departs at the time of your choosing and will only transport you and your group.

Boat Departure Times and Locations

Boats to South Water Caye from Dangriga Town typically take about 40 to 45 minutes. Departure times vary, but community boats generally leave Dangriga around 11:30 am, and shared boats depart at 9 am. Private boat charters can be arranged for your desired time.

Boats sometimes depart from Riverside docks, and sometimes from Jetti Pier, but travel must be coordinated in advance. It is recommended not to show up at the docks without prior arrangement, as you may wait all day for a boat that never comes.

Costs

Boat operators are third-party vendors, and costs can vary. If you are unable to take a community boat and need to charter a boat, it will cost around $80 US total if there are 4 to 6 passengers.

Hotels and Resorts

Places to stay in South Water Caye include Pelican Beach Resort and Blue Marlin Beach Resort. The boat transfer to and from Blue Marlin Beach Resort is typically included in your all-inclusive package.

Travel to Dangriga by air or ground shuttle

To get from Belize City to South Water Caye, you'll need to travel to Dangriga by air or ground shuttle. Here's some information on both options:

Air Travel to Dangriga

Dangriga Airport (DGA) is located about 1.44 km from downtown Dangriga. On average, there are 6 departure flights from Dangriga Airport each day. The earliest flight to Belize City is at 07:25, and the latest is at 14:25. While there is no specific mention of flight times to Dangriga, the quickest flight from Belize City to Punta Gorda is 50 minutes. Ticket prices start at $50 for a one-way trip.

Ground Shuttle to Dangriga

The drive from Belize City to Dangriga by shuttle takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Shuttle services offer the flexibility to make stops along the way, such as at restaurants or restrooms. The cost of a private shuttle from Belize City Airport to Dangriga Town for 1 to 3 persons is $200, with an additional $25 per person for larger groups.

Both air and ground travel options have their advantages, depending on your preferences for speed, convenience, and budget.

Fly to Dangriga from Belize City

Flying from Belize City to Dangriga is the first step in your journey from Belize City to South Water Caye. This short flight is a quick and convenient option, taking only 15 minutes on average.

Airlines

Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer direct flights from Belize City to Dangriga. Both airlines provide regional services within Belize and have multiple flights per day.

Airports

The flight departs from the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City and arrives at the Dangriga Municipal Airstrip (DGA).

Booking

You can book your flight through online travel agencies such as Travelocity or directly through the airline websites. It is recommended to book in advance, especially if you are travelling on a weekend, as prices tend to be higher for Saturday departures.

Costs

Flight prices vary, but you can find cheap flights starting at $37 one-way and $65 round trip. These flights are offered by Tropic Air and can be found on Expedia.

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

Be sure to check the latest travel advice and restrictions before your journey. Some sources suggest that domestic travel within Belize is restricted due to COVID-19, so it is important to stay informed.

Travel by water taxi or private boat

Water taxis and private boats are a common way to get from Belize City to South Water Caye. The trip is mostly done on fast open boats with powerful outboard engines. The boats can seat 20 to 25 people and the trip takes about 75 minutes.

Getting to the Water Taxi Terminal

The water taxi terminal is located in the heart of downtown Belize City, next to the famous Swing Bridge. The area is described as "a little funky" but safe during the day. From the airport, you can take a taxi to the terminal for a fixed price of $25 US. The taxi ride takes around 20-25 minutes with no traffic, and up to 45 minutes in the late afternoon.

Buying Tickets

You can buy tickets at the water taxi terminal. It is generally unnecessary to buy tickets in advance online. You will need to check your larger bags before boarding, and then purchase your ticket at the front desk. Both cash and credit cards are accepted.

Boarding the Water Taxi

It is recommended to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to secure your spot. The boats are generally open with outboard motors and seat around 35 people in a U-shape. If you are prone to motion sickness, try to get a seat by the window or in the middle of the boat, facing forward. The back of the boat provides a smoother ride, while the front can be bumpier and wetter in bad weather.

The Ride

The ride from Belize City to South Water Caye takes about 75 minutes. On a sunny, calm day, it can be a pleasant and scenic trip. However, on a rainy, windy day, the trip can be wet and rough. The boats usually make a brief stop at Caye Caulker and may also stop at Caye Chapel on demand.

Private Water Taxis

If you prefer a more personalised service, private water taxi companies such as Nautilus and Coastal Xpress offer private runs. Nautilus provides a complimentary shuttle from the airport to their marina, as well as drinks and an optional grocery stop. Coastal Xpress can be contacted at their dock downtown for private runs.

Frequently asked questions