Exploring Belize's Islands: Travel Tips And Tricks

Belize is a breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean nation with over 200 islands or cayes. The easiest and most popular way to get to Belize is by flying into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. Once in Belize, you can get around by plane, bus, water taxi, boat, car, or even kayak. Water taxis and boat charters are the main ways to get around Belize's numerous cayes. The journey from the mainland to the islands can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours.

Flying to Belize: Fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport with a choice of 10 airlines

Belize is a breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean nation with over 239 miles of coastline and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. With over 200 islands or cayes, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. A great way to get to the islands is to fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City, which is about a 30-minute drive from the city centre. The airport is the largest and busiest in Belize and is currently the fifth busiest airport in Central America. It is served by 10 airlines, including:

• American Airlines (via Miami, FL or Dallas, TX)
• United Airlines (via Houston, TX)
• Delta Airlines (via Atlanta, GA and weekly from Los Angeles, CA)
• US Airways (via Charlotte, NC)
• Southwest Airlines (via Houston, TX or Denver, CO)
• Avianca Airlines (via San Salvador, El Salvador)
• Copa Airlines (via Panama City, PA)
• Tropic Air (via Cancun, Merida, Roatan, San Pedro Sula, Flores MX)
• WestJet (via Toronto, ON)

From the airport, you can get to the islands by plane, bus, water taxi, boat, car, or even kayak! Tropic Air and Maya Island Air are two domestic airlines that fly to several destinations within Belize, including Caye Caulker, San Pedro Town, and Dangriga. Water taxis and boat charters are also a popular way to get around the cayes, with regularly scheduled trips between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro.

If you're looking for a more remote and secluded island experience, consider travelling further south to Tobacco Caye or Glover's Reef. Tobacco Caye is a tiny island with over 186 miles of reefs close to the Belizean coast, making it a great spot for marine life viewing. Glover's Reef is a former pirate hideaway and World Heritage Site located about an hour's boat ride from Dangriga. It boasts an 18-mile-long oval ring made up of over 800 coral patches and 6 cayes sitting along its reef crest.

Getting around Belize: Plane, bus, water taxi, boat, car or kayak

Belize has a variety of transport options for getting around the country, including planes, buses, water taxis, boats, cars, and even kayaks. Here's what you need to know about each mode of transportation:

Plane

Belize has a well-developed domestic flight network, with local airlines offering flights to various destinations within the country. Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to get around Belize, but it can be expensive. Local airlines such as Tropic Air and Maya Island Air serve multiple destinations, including popular tourist spots like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.

Bus

Buses in Belize are a cheap and reliable way to get around, offering an immersive cultural experience. The bus system connects all mainland towns, villages, and attractions, allowing travellers to create unique combinations of experiences. Buses can be caught at terminals or flagged down on the roadside, and they typically run several times a day to major centres and destinations. However, bus travel can be slow and crowded.

Water Taxi

Water taxis, also known as boats, are a primary means of transportation between the islands and the mainland. They are the most affordable way to travel to popular destinations such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Regularly scheduled water taxi services operate from Belize City to these destinations, and there are also daily charters to other locations, including Guatemala and Mexico.

Boat

Chartered boats offer more flexibility to reach remote locations such as Tobacco Caye, Glover's Reef, and other Southern Cayes. These boats can be arranged through tour operators or resorts, which often have their own private boats for guest use.

Car

Renting a car in Belize is ideal for those who want to self-guide their travels. Belize's well-planned highway and road system make it easy to reach all mainland cities, towns, and attractions by car. Car rental agencies can be found in Belize City, at the international airport, and in popular tourist destinations.

Kayak

For those seeking a unique adventure, kayak rentals are available to explore the Belize Barrier Reef. This self-propelled option provides an opportunity to experience the beauty of the reef and its surrounding areas at your own pace.

Water taxis: Regular trips between Belize City, Caye Caulker and San Pedro

Water taxis are a popular way to get around Belize's islands, and there are regular trips between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro. Belize City is the country's commercial and cultural hub, and the primary port of entry. From here, you can take a water taxi to Caye Caulker, a small, relaxed island known for its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and laid-back atmosphere. Caye Caulker is a former fishing settlement, and today, it's a popular destination for travellers seeking a respite from everyday life. The island has no cars or paved roads, and life is enjoyed outdoors, with a "go slow" mantra.

From Caye Caulker, you can then take another water taxi to San Pedro, located on the island of Ambergris Caye. San Pedro is a vacationer's dream, with top-notch hotels, Latin-inspired restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Ambergris Caye is the largest of Belize's cayes and is known for its beautiful beaches and rugged natural beauty. It's also a great place for birdwatching and fishing.

Water taxis are a convenient and safe way to get between these popular destinations in Belize. The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited offers a reliable service and an impressive fleet to cater to your travel needs.

In addition to water taxis, you can also get around Belize by plane, bus, boat, car, or even kayak, depending on your preferences and desired level of adventure.

Glover's Atoll Resort: Eco-friendly, sustainable living, snorkelling and fishing

Glovers Atoll Resort is an eco-friendly, remote island resort in Belize, located around 50 miles off the coast. It is one of four atolls in the Caribbean and is a true hidden gem for nature lovers seeking tranquility. The resort offers a range of accommodation options, including over-the-water bungalows, thatch beach cabins, dorms, and camping sites.

Glovers Atoll Resort is the perfect destination for those seeking an off-the-grid experience with a focus on sustainable living. The resort is powered entirely by solar and wind energy, and it boasts eco-friendly bathroom facilities with private showers and composting toilet stalls. The resort also encourages guests to reduce their waste and protect the ecosystem by providing reusable shopping bags and water tanks instead of plastic bottles.

The resort offers a variety of activities for guests to explore the surrounding marine life. Snorkelling and fishing are two of the most popular activities, with the reef being rich in marine life and colourful corals. The resort also offers scuba diving courses and certifications for beginners and experienced divers. Kayaking is another popular activity, with the resort providing a vast selection of top-quality kayaks to explore the stunning Belizean waters.

Glovers Atoll Resort provides a unique dining experience, with an emphasis on sustainability. Guests can bring their own food and cook in the kitchen or book a meal plan. The food options typically include rice, fish, and coconuts, with the resort accommodating special dietary requirements such as vegan meals.

The best time to visit Glovers Atoll Resort is during Belize's dry season, from January to April, when guests can expect sunny days and clear blue skies. However, it is important to book in advance during peak seasons like Christmas, New Year, and Easter.

Ambergris Caye: The largest island, with a range of water-related activities

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and is a well-known tourist spot, attracting more and more people each year. San Pedro is the sole town on Ambergris Caye and acts as a great base for exploring the island. The island is a 15-minute flight from Belize City, or you can take a 90-minute water taxi.

The reef is visible from the island's ocean beaches and its protection keeps the water calm and shallow, making it perfect for water sports. The island offers a range of water-related activities, including windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing, snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing.

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, the island's beaches are perfect for walking along and taking photos. The calm waters are also ideal for floating in an inner tube with a cold drink.

For families, Ambergris Caye has plenty of options. Secret Beach Water Park offers a laid-back atmosphere, beach bars, and a water obstacle course. The Truck Stop is a family-friendly entertainment centre with a swimming pool, a large outdoor games area, and a different event every night. The Belize Zoo & Tropical Education Centre is also a great option for families with animal lovers.

For those looking to explore the island, golf cart rentals are available, and there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, including Pirate's Not-So-Secret Beach Bar & Grill, Maruba Beach Klub, and Rum and Bean.

With its variety of water-related activities and beautiful scenery, Ambergris Caye is a great choice for those looking to explore the islands of Belize.

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