Exploring Belize: Chetumal To San Pedro Travel Guide

There are several ways to get to San Pedro, Belize, from Chetumal, Mexico. The most popular options are by plane, ferry, or rideshare. The fastest way to get to San Pedro is by plane, which takes 47 minutes and costs $70-$170. However, the cheapest way is by rideshare and ferry, which costs $27-$50 and takes 3 hours and 48 minutes. For those looking for a scenic route, the water taxi is a great option, with tickets costing $45-$90 and the journey taking 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Travel by plane

Flying from Chetumal, Mexico, to San Pedro, Belize, is a quick and convenient option, taking approximately 47 minutes. There are no direct flights between the two locations, so you will need to make a stop at Corozal Airport in Belize. Both Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer multiple flights daily, so you should have no trouble finding a suitable departure time.

When booking your ticket, keep in mind that the cost of flying from Corozal to San Pedro starts at $70 and can go up to $170. It is also important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, as you will need to go through immigration and security checks before boarding your flight.

Upon arrival at Corozal Airport, you will need to transfer to your connecting flight to San Pedro. This can be done by taking a short walk or using the airport's shuttle service. The shuttle service is typically located just outside the arrivals area and will take you directly to the departure gate for your San Pedro flight. Be sure to have your boarding pass and identification ready for inspection.

Once you arrive in San Pedro, you will need to collect your luggage and proceed through customs and immigration. The process is relatively straightforward, but it can take some time, especially during peak travel seasons. After clearing customs, you will be ready to begin your exploration of San Pedro and the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye!

Travel by ferry

Taking the ferry is a great option for travelling from Chetumal to San Pedro, Belize. The ferry ride takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on the company and sea conditions.

There are several companies that operate ferries between Chetumal and San Pedro, including San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited, International Islander Ferries, and Water Jets International. The prices vary depending on the company and the type of ticket purchased, but they generally range from MXN $1,850 for a round trip to around $45-$90 one-way. It is recommended to book your ticket in advance, as there are only two companies operating on any given day.

When taking the ferry, it is important to arrive early, as the check-in and immigration process can take some time. You will need to go through Mexican immigration before departure and Belizean immigration upon arrival. Make sure to have all the necessary documentation with you, including your passport and any other required paperwork.

The ferry ride offers a comfortable and efficient way to travel between Chetumal and San Pedro. The ferries are typically large speed boats with indoor seating. Onboard services may include money exchange, and there is usually a bathroom available for emergencies.

When travelling from Chetumal to the ferry departure point, you will need to take a taxi from the bus station to the waterfront, as they are located in different areas of the city. The taxi ride takes approximately 10 minutes, and there are usually plenty of taxis available.

Overall, taking the ferry is a convenient and relatively quick option for travelling between Chetumal and San Pedro, Belize, offering stunning views and a smooth journey across the Caribbean Sea.

Travel by rideshare

If you're looking to travel from Chetumal to San Pedro, Belize, by rideshare, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the distance between Chetumal and San Pedro is approximately 62 miles, and the cheapest way to make this journey is by taking a rideshare and then a ferry, which will cost you between $27 and $50. This option will also take you around 3 hours and 48 minutes, so it's not the fastest way to travel between the two places.

Step 1: Chetumal to Santa Elena

Firstly, you'll need to take a rideshare from Chetumal to Santa Elena. This will be the first leg of your journey, and it's a great way to save money compared to flying or taking a taxi.

Step 2: Santa Elena to Corozal

Once you arrive in Santa Elena, you'll need to take another rideshare to Corozal. This will bring you closer to your final destination of San Pedro.

Step 3: Corozal to San Pedro

From Corozal, you have a few options to get to San Pedro. You can either take a ferry directly to San Pedro, or you can fly if you prefer a faster option. The ferry will cost you between $45 and $90, and the flight will be more expensive, ranging from $70 to $170. The ferry ride will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes, while the flight will only take 47 minutes.

Step 4: Immigration and Customs

When travelling between Mexico and Belize, you will need to go through immigration and customs. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time at the kiosk, as this process can be time-consuming. You will also need to provide proof of your flight out of Mexico and pay the departure tax. It's a good idea to bring any necessary documentation with you, as you may need to present it during this process.

Step 5: Booking Your Ticket

It is highly recommended that you book your ticket for the ferry or water taxi in advance. There are usually a few companies operating on different days, so be sure to book with the company that matches your travel day. Booking a return ticket is usually slightly cheaper than booking a one-way ticket.

By following these steps and planning your journey in advance, you can travel from Chetumal to San Pedro, Belize, by rideshare and then ferry or flight. This option is perfect if you're looking for a cost-effective way to make the trip and don't mind a longer travel time.

Travel by bus

From Chetumal Bus Station to Belize

If you're arriving in Chetumal by bus, you'll find yourself in a different part of the city from the water taxi departure point. You'll need to get a taxi to the waterfront, which takes about 10 minutes.

Tickets

Give yourself plenty of time before your scheduled departure. Getting checked in and through immigration takes a while, and you won't want to be rushed.

It's highly recommended that you book your ticket in advance. There are two water taxi companies, but they go on different days, so make sure you book with the right company for the day you're travelling. It's slightly cheaper to book a return ticket.

Immigration

You'll need to go through Mexican immigration before departure. If you have a flight booked out of Mexico, you've likely already paid the departure tax, but you'll need to show a paper copy as proof. One of the water taxi companies provides printing services for a fee.

Boarding

Once you've been through immigration, you'll be allowed to board the boat. It's a bit of a rush as everyone tries to be first in line to get their pick of seats. The water taxi is a large speedboat with indoor seating. Seating is quite uncomfortable, with only bench seats and no padding.

Onboard

The journey takes about 1.5 hours. There is a bathroom on board, but it's for emergencies only. Onboard money exchange is available if you need Belizean dollars.

Arrival in Belize

Even if you're heading to Caye Caulker, you'll have to exit in Ambergris Caye for Belizean immigration. Once everyone is off the boat, you'll need to collect your luggage and line up according to the number placed on your passport. Immigration into Belize usually goes smoothly and quickly. If you're staying in Ambergris Caye, you're then free to go, but if you're heading to Caye Caulker, you'll have to wait until everyone is through before the next boat departs.

Returning to Mexico

As you're departing Belize from Caye Caulker, you'll take an early water taxi to Ambergris Caye, where you'll go through customs. The lineup process can be a bit confusing, but it's quick. Currency exchange is available here, so it's a good time to get rid of any leftover Belizean money.

Once through customs, you just need to make sure you have your ticket ready and wait for boarding to be announced. You'll need to go through immigration again before entering Mexico, and officers with a dog will check your bags. You'll only be given immigration forms once you're in line, so there's a rush to fill them out as quickly as possible.

Once you're through, it's easy to get a taxi back to the bus station.

Travel by taxi

Getting from the Chetumal Bus Station to the Water Taxi

When you arrive at the Chetumal bus station, you will need to take a 10-minute taxi ride to the waterfront to catch the water taxi to San Pedro, Belize. There are plenty of taxis available at the bus station.

Buying Tickets for the Water Taxi

It is highly recommended that you book your ticket for the water taxi in advance. There are two water taxi companies, but they operate on different days, so be sure to book your ticket with the company operating on the day you plan to travel. It is slightly cheaper to book a return ticket, but if you are returning on a day that the other company operates, you will have to book a one-way ticket.

Checking In and Immigration

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time before your scheduled departure, as checking in and getting through immigration can take a while. When checking in, you will need to provide proof of a confirmed flight out of Mexico, which must be a paper copy. One of the water taxi companies provides printing services for a fee. After checking in, you will go through Mexican immigration before departure. Your luggage will be loaded onto the boat for you.

Boarding the Water Taxi

Once you have cleared immigration, you will be allowed to board the boat. Boarding can be a bit of a rush as everyone tries to be the first in line to get aboard and choose their seats. The water taxi is a large speedboat with indoor seating. The seating is quite uncomfortable, with only bench seats and no padding.

The Journey

The water taxi journey from Chetumal to San Pedro takes approximately 1.5 hours. There is a bathroom on board, but it is recommended only for emergencies. Onboard money exchange is available if you need Belizean dollars.

Arriving in San Pedro

Even if you are heading to Caye Caulker, you will first need to exit in Ambergris Caye for Belizean immigration. After clearing immigration, you will collect your luggage and be asked to line up according to the number placed on your passport. If you are staying in Ambergris Caye, you are then free to go. If you are heading to Caye Caulker, you will need to wait for your next boat to depart.

Frequently asked questions