Exploring Belize: San Pedro To Hopkins Travel Guide

Belize is a vibrant Central American country known for its colourful beach bars, charming villages, rugged landscapes, and winding streets. Travellers are often drawn to the clear waters and adventure activities in San Pedro and its surrounding villages. Getting from San Pedro, Belize to San Ignacio, Placencia, or Hopkins can be done via shuttle services. There is no public bus service from the airport to Belize City, but shuttle services can be arranged for transportation from the airport to the city and onward to San Ignacio, Placencia, or Hopkins. Alternatively, you can take a local flight or rent a car to get to these destinations.

Flying from Belize City to San Pedro

Booking in advance can help you secure the best prices, with round-trip flights starting from $154. However, last-minute deals are also possible, and you may be able to find one-way flights for as little as $82. To get the best rates, consider departing on a Thursday and returning on a Monday. The cheapest month to fly is February, while January and July tend to be the most expensive.

When travelling to the airport in Belize City, it's important to note that there are no public buses from the city centre. Taxi services are available at the airport entrance, with a typical fare of $60 BZD ($30 USD) to the city, and they can also take you directly to the water taxi terminal on Fort Street. Alternatively, you could walk or hitchhike from the airport to the Philip Goldson Highway (about 2.5 km away) and catch a public bus from there.

Taking a bus

To get from San Pedro, Belize to Hopkins by bus, you'll first need to take a ferry to Belize City. There is a direct ferry from the San Pedro Terminal to the Belize Terminal, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs between $29 and $70.

From Belize City, you can take a bus to the southeastern coastal town of Dangriga. This journey will take around three hours and is a budget-friendly option, although you can expect some crowding and intermittent stops along the route.

Once you arrive in Dangriga, you'll need to switch buses for the final leg of your journey to Hopkins. There are two daily departures from Dangriga to Hopkins: at 12 noon and 5:00 PM. This last stretch of the journey offers a convenient and economical route to the shores of Hopkins.

Please note that the total time and cost of the trip will depend on the specific bus and ferry schedules you choose, as well as any delays or unexpected stops along the way.

Getting a taxi

To get from San Pedro, Belize, to Hopkins by taxi, you'll first need to get to Belize City. The best way to do this is by taking a water taxi or a short flight.

Water Taxi

There are two water taxi companies that run regularly from San Pedro to Belize City: San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. Both have terminals on the water in Belize City, about 12 miles from the airport. To reach these terminals from the airport, you'll need to take a taxi. The set fare is $25 USD, with an additional $5 USD fee per extra passenger. The journey from the airport to the water taxi terminal can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Once you arrive at the water taxi terminal, you'll need to check in your larger bags and purchase a ticket at the front desk. Both cash and credit cards are accepted. It is recommended to get in line about 30 minutes before the boat is scheduled to leave to secure your preferred seating. The ride from Belize City to San Pedro takes about 1.5 hours.

Flight

Belize's two airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, offer direct flights from the international airport in Belize City to San Pedro. The flight time is approximately 20 minutes, and you'll land at the San Pedro airstrip in downtown San Pedro. From there, you can easily find a taxi to your final destination.

Booking your ticket online before your trip is recommended, although you can also book or pay in cash at the airport. The current round-trip ticket price is about $175 USD.

Taxi from Belize City to Hopkins

Once you've arrived in Belize City, you can take a taxi to Hopkins. Licensed taxis are easily recognisable by their distinctive green license plates, and you can simply wave one down to discuss your fare. Taxi drivers are friendly and accustomed to driving passengers across the country, including to Hopkins.

The drive from Belize City to Hopkins is approximately 2.5 hours long, and you can also opt to rent a car and drive yourself if you prefer.

Using a shuttle service

Shuttle services are a great alternative to long-distance travel in Belize, especially if you are looking to get from San Pedro to San Hopkins.

BZ Shuttle Service is one of the most popular shuttle services in Belize, offering transfers from San Pedro to Hopkins Village. This shuttle service is a great option if you are looking for a straightforward and convenient way to get to your destination. The vehicles operate 24/7, so early morning or late-night pickups are no problem. The shuttle will pick you up from San Pedro and drop you off at your hotel in Hopkins. The journey takes approximately 2.5–3 hours one way, and you will travel on the Southern Highway, turning onto the Hummingbird Highway at the capital city of Belmopan, before taking the Western Highway to San Ignacio.

Another option is the San Ignacio Shuttle Service, which offers transfers from San Pedro to Hopkins via Belize City. This service does not provide transportation between Belize City and the International Airport, so you would need to take a taxi or public bus to the city centre. However, they do offer a complimentary cooler with local drinks for their customers. The transfer time from Belize City to Hopkins is about 3.5–4 hours, depending on any requested stops.

Both shuttle services offer AC vehicles that are fully insured and authorised by the Belize Airport Authorities. They also provide uniformed staff for easy identification.

Hitchhiking

Step 1: San Pedro to Belize City

Take a water taxi from San Pedro to Belize City. Alternatively, you can fly from San Pedro to Belize City Municipal Airport. This flight usually costs around $40 BZD, and the water taxi is around $30 BZD.

Step 2: Belize City to Dangriga

From Belize City, you have two main options:

• Fly to Dangriga: You can take a connecting flight from Belize City to Dangriga Town. This is a short flight, and you can then follow the instructions below to get to Hopkins.
• Take a bus to Dangriga: This is a more scenic and affordable option but will take longer. First, take a taxi from the airport to the bus station in Belize City. At the bus station, look for the guys in yellow shirts with "Transport Management" on the back. They can direct you to the correct bus. The bus to Dangriga costs $10 BZD, and the trip will take around two hours. Along the way, you'll pass through Belmopan, the nation's capital. The scenery along the Hummingbird Highway is spectacular, with sharp, steep jungle-covered mountains and orange groves.

Step 3: Dangriga to Hopkins

Once you arrive in Dangriga, you have a few options to get to Hopkins:

• Take a taxi: This is the quickest option. Taxis are readily available at the Dangriga bus station and can take you directly to Hopkins.
• Take a bus: The bus from Dangriga to Hopkins costs $5 BZD and takes around an hour. However, it only runs twice a day, so you need to time your arrival in Dangriga accordingly.
• Rent a car: If you prefer more flexibility, you can rent a car in Dangriga and drive to Hopkins. The drive is about 2.5 hours and offers a scenic journey through the Belizean countryside. However, it is recommended to drive during daylight due to poor road conditions in some areas.

Important Considerations:

• Safety: Hitchhiking can be unpredictable, and your safety is essential. Always trust your instincts and never get into a vehicle if you feel uncomfortable. Try to team up with other travellers whenever possible.
• Scams: Be aware of potential scams or overcharging by taxi drivers or other transport providers. Agree on prices beforehand and only use licensed and reputable transport services.
• Travel times: The journey from San Pedro to Hopkins can be lengthy, especially if you opt for the bus or scenic route. Ensure you have adequate time for your travels and confirm schedules in advance, especially for bus services, as they may be limited.

Frequently asked questions