Travel Guide: San Ignacio To Caye Caulker, Belize

Belize is a small Central American country with a diverse population and a rich cultural and environmental heritage. Bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea, it offers a unique blend of colonial and indigenous influences reflected in its cuisine and attractions. One popular route for tourists is from San Ignacio to Caye Caulker, a journey that can be made by bus, ferry, plane, or car. The cheapest option is to take the bus from San Ignacio to Belize City, followed by a water taxi to Caye Caulker, costing around $20-$75 and taking approximately 4 to 5 hours. Alternatively, a direct shuttle service is available for those seeking a more comfortable and time-efficient journey. Flying is the fastest way to travel between these destinations, but it is also the most expensive option.

Take a shuttle to the water taxi terminal

To get from San Ignacio to Caye Caulker in Belize, one option is to take a shuttle to the water taxi terminal. This can be a more comfortable and safer alternative to taking the bus or a taxi.

Shuttle Options

There are several shuttle companies that offer transfers between San Ignacio and the water taxi terminal in Belize City. These include:

• San Ignacio Shuttle Service
• William Shuttle Service
• Discounted Belize Shuttles and Tours
• Teddy Bear Shuttle
• BZ Shuttle Service
• Ron's Belize Shuttle Service
• Live Belize Private Transfer Service
• Breathe Belize Shuttles
• Julian Shuttles & Transfers
• Mayan Heart World

Travel Time and Cost

The travel time for a shuttle from San Ignacio to the water taxi terminal in Belize City is typically around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the number of stops and your exact pickup and drop-off points. The cost for a shuttle service varies, but it is generally around $55 per person for a group of 2. For a solo traveller, it may be more cost-effective to consider other options, such as the bus or sharing a taxi with other passengers.

Advantages of Shuttle Service

Taking a shuttle to the water taxi terminal offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides a comfortable and air-conditioned journey, which can be especially important if you are travelling during the hotter months. Secondly, shuttle services offer door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, saving you the hassle of navigating between different transport hubs. Additionally, shuttle services are known for their reliable and friendly drivers, who can also suggest tours and attractions along the way.

Water Taxi to Caye Caulker

Once you arrive at the water taxi terminal in Belize City, you can purchase a ticket for the water taxi to Caye Caulker. The water taxi ride takes approximately 45 minutes, and taxis depart approximately every hour.

Planning Your Journey

When planning your journey from San Ignacio to Caye Caulker, it is recommended to consider your travel preferences and budget. If you prioritise comfort and convenience, a shuttle service followed by a water taxi is a great option. However, if you are travelling on a tighter budget, taking the bus or sharing a taxi to the water taxi terminal may be more suitable.

Fly to Belize City Municipal and drive

If you're looking to get from San Ignacio to Caye Caulker in Belize, one option is to fly to Belize City Municipal and then drive. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with your journey:

Step 1: Book Your Flight to Belize City Municipal

Firstly, you'll need to book your flight to Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA). There are two airlines that fly direct from Caye Caulker Airport (CUK) to Belize City Municipal: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. The flight time is around 15 minutes, and you can enjoy beautiful views of the Caribbean waves as you fly. It's a good idea to book in advance to secure the best prices. According to Google Flights, the cheapest one-way flight with Maya Island Air starts at $98, while the cheapest round-trip flight is $174.

Step 2: Arrive at Caye Caulker Airport (CUK)

Before your flight, make sure you arrive at Caye Caulker Airport with plenty of time to check in and pass through security. The airport is a small, quaint municipal airstrip, so it won't take long to navigate.

Step 3: Fly to Belize City Municipal

Enjoy the short flight to Belize City Municipal, taking in the stunning aerial views of the Caribbean and the Belize coastline. The flight is a quick and convenient way to cover a large distance, and you'll be treated to a unique perspective of this beautiful part of the world.

Step 4: Collect Your Luggage and Depart the Airport

Once you arrive at Belize City Municipal, collect your luggage and make your way out of the airport. The airport is small, so it won't take long to reach the exit.

Step 5: Organise Your Transport to San Ignacio

The final step of your journey is the drive from Belize City Municipal to San Ignacio. The distance between the airport and San Ignacio is around 70 miles (110 km), and the drive will take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

You have a few options for this leg of the journey:

• Rent a Car: If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car at the airport or in Belize City. This option gives you flexibility and control over your journey.
• Hire a Private Shuttle: Alternatively, you can book a private shuttle service to take you from Belize City to San Ignacio. This option may be more expensive but provides a comfortable and stress-free journey.
• Take a Bus: For a more affordable option, you can take a bus from Belize City to San Ignacio. The bus ride will likely take around 2 hours, and the fare is usually around BZ$7.

Total Journey Time and Cost

The total time for this journey option, including the flight and driving, is approximately 3 hours to 4 hours. The cost will vary depending on your choice of transport from Belize City to San Ignacio. The flight will likely be the most significant expense, with prices ranging from $98 to $258 for a one-way trip.

So, if you're looking for a relatively quick and convenient way to get from San Ignacio to Caye Caulker, flying to Belize City Municipal and then driving is a great option. Enjoy your journey and your time in beautiful Belize!

Take the bus and water taxi

To get from San Ignacio to Caye Caulker in Belize by bus and water taxi, you can follow these steps:

First, take a bus from San Ignacio to Belize City. The bus ride takes about two hours and costs around BZ$7 per passenger. You can also take a taxi, but this option is more expensive, with prices ranging from BZ$50 to BZ$360.

Once you arrive in Belize City, you have a few options. You can walk (approximately 1 km) through downtown Belize City to the water taxi terminal, or you can take a taxi (approximately BZ$6) to the terminal. There are two water taxi terminals in Belize City, and water taxis depart for Caye Caulker approximately every hour. The water taxi ride to Caye Caulker takes about 45 minutes.

Alternatively, you can book a shuttle service that will transfer you directly from San Ignacio to the water taxi terminal in Belize City. This option offers a more comfortable and direct journey, and some companies even provide a cooler with local drinks for their customers. The shuttle travel time is typically around 2-3 hours, depending on the number of stops requested along the way.

When booking your water taxi, you may also want to consider a more private water taxi service, such as Tropic Ferry, which offers a more expensive but potentially faster and more comfortable journey to Caye Caulker.

By combining the bus and water taxi, you can travel from San Ignacio to Caye Caulker at a relatively low cost, with the opportunity to enjoy the scenery and experience the local culture along the way.

Fly to Dangriga and drive

Flying to Dangriga and driving to San Ignacio is one of the fastest ways to travel between Caye Caulker and San Ignacio. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Fly from Caye Caulker to Dangriga

There is no direct flight from Caye Caulker Airport to Dangriga Airport. You will need to take a flight with a stopover. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer flights on this route. The quickest flight takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Step 2: Drive from Dangriga to San Ignacio

The drive from Dangriga to San Ignacio will take around 2 hours. The distance between the two locations is approximately 128 kilometres.

Total estimated time: 3 hours and 36 minutes

Other Options:

Alternatively, you can take the ferry and bus, which is the cheapest option, costing between €20 and €75. This option takes approximately 4 hours and 49 minutes.

You can also fly and drive, which is the fastest option, taking around 1 hour and 53 minutes. This option costs between €70 and €150.

Charter a flight to Caye Caulker

If you're looking for a quick and convenient way to get from San Ignacio to Caye Caulker, chartering a flight may be the best option for you. While it is the most expensive way to travel between the two locations, it is also the fastest, with a total travel time of around 1 hour and 53 minutes.

• Airlines: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air are two airlines that offer chartered flights between San Ignacio and Caye Caulker. You can contact them directly to inquire about charter prices and availability.
• Airstrips: The Maya Flats airstrip, located between San Ignacio and Benque, used to have regular service to Caye Caulker, but now it is charter-only. You can also fly from the Central Farm airstrip, which is closer to San Ignacio.
• Cost: While the exact cost will depend on the airline and your specific charter, you can expect to pay a premium for this convenience. It is likely to be more expensive than taking a bus or water taxi.
• Luggage: If you plan on bringing a lot of luggage, especially large items like dive equipment, be sure to inquire about luggage constraints when booking your charter.
• Transfers: Keep in mind that you will need to arrange transportation to and from the airstrips at both San Ignacio and Caye Caulker. This could include a taxi or shuttle service.

By chartering a flight, you can avoid the hassle of multiple transfers and long travel times. This option is ideal for those who value time and convenience over cost.

Frequently asked questions