Travel Guide: Caye Caulker From Belize City

Caye Caulker is a small island located just a few miles off the coast of Belize City. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its relaxed vibe, vibrant turquoise waters, and hip, low-key Caribbean atmosphere. The island offers a variety of activities, including water sports such as snorkelling, diving, windsurfing, and kitesurfing, as well as excursions to see local manatees or explore Mayan temples on the mainland. To get to Caye Caulker from Belize City, you can either take a ferry or a short flight. Water taxis, or ferries, are a popular option, with two companies, San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry, offering daily trips between Belize City and Caye Caulker. The ferry ride takes around 45 minutes and costs between $15 and $25 USD for a round trip. Alternatively, you can fly to Caye Caulker from the Belize International Airport with local airlines such as Tropic Air or Maya Island Air. The flight time is approximately 8-15 minutes and offers stunning views of the barrier reef and neighbouring islands. The cost of a flight is around $80 USD.

Travel by ferry

Taking a ferry is a popular way to get to Caye Caulker from Belize City. Two water taxi companies, San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize, operate several scheduled daily runs between the two destinations. The journey takes around 45 minutes and costs between $15 and $25.50 for a return ticket.

To get to the water taxi terminals from the airport, you can take a taxi, which will cost around $25. The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes. You can also schedule a pickup with a trusted driver in advance, who will wait for you outside the arrival area.

At the water taxi terminal, you will drop off your luggage in exchange for a luggage tag. After that, proceed to the ticket counter to purchase your ticket and check-in for the ride. No need to purchase tickets in advance. If it is busy, San Pedro Belize Express may operate a larger vessel or an additional boat to accommodate all passengers.

While waiting for the boat, you can visit the Last Drop Cafe for a cold beer or some food. When it's time to board, present your ticket, and find a seat. Seats are unassigned, and the ride will be smoother if you sit at the back of the water taxi. Some boats have an outdoor deck upstairs where you can enjoy the view.

Travel by plane

The fastest way to get to Caye Caulker from Belize City is by plane, though it is also the most expensive. The flight itself is only 8-10 minutes, but you will also need to factor in the time it takes to get to the airport and pass through security.

Airlines

Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer flights from Belize City to Caye Caulker. These flights are operated on small aircraft, mostly 12-seaters, but sometimes 4-seaters. The aircraft fly at a low altitude, giving you a bird's-eye view of the small cayes and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Tickets

You can purchase tickets in advance by booking online or at the ticket counters at the airport. The ticket counters are located in the adjacent building after you clear customs. Leave the customs area and go straight through the glass doors. If you missed this and left the building, the ticket counter is the next entrance to the left.

Luggage

If you have purchased bottles of alcohol or any other liquids at the Arrival Duty-Free stores, you will need to check these in with your luggage for the connection flight, as you will have to go through security to enter the departure area.

Price

The price to fly from Belize City to Caye Caulker on Tropic Air fluctuates, but it usually costs between $80-$90 USD per person to fly one-way.

Arrival

The flight lands at the airstrip on the southern end of Caye Caulker. From there, you can walk or take a taxi to your hotel.

Travel by taxi

The best way to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker is by ferry or water taxi. To get to the water taxi terminals, you can take a taxi from outside the airport arrivals area. The taxi ride from the airport to the water taxi terminals costs $30 USD for two people.

You can also schedule a pickup with a trusted driver in advance, who will wait for you outside the arrival area. You can contact GoSlowCayeCaulker.com for taxi driver recommendations.

One recommended taxi service in Belize City is Roger Dougal's taxi service, which can be contacted on +501-600-4751.

The water taxi terminals are around a 20-minute drive from the airport. The two water taxi companies serving Caye Caulker are Caribbean Sprinter (formerly Ocean Ferry) and San Pedro Belize Express.

The taxi fare from Belize City International Airport to the water taxi terminals in Belize City is BZ$50 (or US$25) per taxi, not per passenger, and the trip takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis can be identified by their green license plates with white characters beginning with "D".

If you are travelling alone, you can look for another passenger going to the water taxi and share the fare, without informing the driver.

Travel by bike

If you're thinking of travelling to Caye Caulker from Belize City by bike, you're in for a challenging but scenic journey. The distance between the two locations is approximately 32 km, and the route will take you through some diverse and beautiful landscapes. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plan your bike trip:

Step 1: Prepare for the Journey

Before you set off, make sure your bike is in good working condition and that you have all the necessary gear, including a helmet, water bottles, snacks, a repair kit, and a map or GPS device. The route can be quite remote in parts, so ensure you have everything you need before setting out.

Step 2: Choose Your Route

The most direct route from Belize City to Caye Caulker by bike would be to follow the Philip Goldson Highway (also known as the Northern Highway) north out of Belize City. This highway will take you through a mix of urban and rural landscapes and offer some interesting sights along the way. After passing through the communities of Burrel Boom and Sandhill, you'll reach the town of Ladyville, where you can take a break and stock up on supplies if needed.

Step 3: On the Road

As you continue north on the Philip Goldson Highway, the scenery will start to change, with flat coastal plains giving way to low hills and lush greenery. Keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the fresh air as you pedal through this picturesque region. The highway is generally in good condition, but be cautious of potholes and watch out for other vehicles, as the road can be busy at times.

Step 4: Reaching the Water

After approximately 30 km of cycling, you'll approach the coastal areas, and the road will start to wind its way towards the water. This is where the real challenge begins, as you'll need to find a way to get yourself and your bike across to Caye Caulker. The most practical option is to use a water taxi service, which operates between Belize City and Caye Caulker. You'll need to dismount and board the water taxi with your bike, so be prepared for a short break in your journey.

Step 5: Final Leg

Once you arrive at Caye Caulker by water taxi, you can continue your journey by bike. The island is small and can easily be explored by bicycle, with three main roads (Front, Middle, and Back Streets) and a number of paths to discover. Cycling is a great way to get around Caye Caulker, as the island is known for its relaxed, traffic-free roads and stunning natural scenery.

Remember to stay safe, follow local traffic rules, and be respectful of the environment and local communities throughout your journey. With a bit of planning and perseverance, your bike trip from Belize City to Caye Caulker is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.

Travel by golf cart

Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation on Caye Caulker. They are available for rent on the island and can be used to get to and from the water taxi terminal. The going rate for most destinations on the island is $5 BZ ($2.50 US) per person, but rides to and from the airport or south to Eden Isle or South Point will cost $10 BZ ($5 US) per person.

Golf cart taxis are mainly used for carrying luggage from the boat terminal to hotels, and they can also be used to cross The Split, which is the channel that divides the island in two.

If you want to explore the island by golf cart, you can rent one from Caye Caulker Golf Rentals or Buddy's Golf Cart Rentals. Rates typically range from BZ$80 to BZ$150 per day for a four-seat cart or BZ$360 for a week.

However, it is worth noting that Caye Caulker is a small island, and you can easily walk from one end to the other in around 20 minutes. Bicycles are also a popular option, and many hotels offer free bikes for their guests.

Frequently asked questions