Exploring Belize: Getting To Sarteneja By Land And Sea

Sarteneja is a picturesque fishing village in Belize, Central America, located in the Corozal District in the north-east of the country. It is the largest village in Belize with a population of approximately 4,500 people. The village is known for its stunning sunsets over the water, its fishing industry, and its annual Easter Regatta. So, how do you get there?

Travel by bus

If you're looking to travel to Sarteneja, Belize by bus, there are a few different routes you can take, depending on where you're coming from. Here's a detailed guide to help you plan your journey:

Belize City to Sarteneja:

The bus from Belize City to Sarteneja is a popular option and is often full of returning anglers. The distinctive light-blue Sarteneja buses depart from a riverside lot next to the Supreme Court building in Belize City. There are four buses that make this three-hour ride, costing around $5 one-way. The first bus leaves at noon, and the last bus leaves at 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. All buses make a stop in Orange Walk before reaching Sarteneja.

Sarteneja to Belize City:

When travelling from Sarteneja to Belize City, you can catch one of the three daily buses operated by Valdemar Perez. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs around $7-$8. The buses depart Sarteneja every four hours, from 4 am to 6:30 am, and arrive at the Belize City bus station.

Chetumal to Sarteneja (via Corozal and Orange Walk):

There is also a direct bus service from Chetumal to Sarteneja, which runs daily, including Sundays. This bus usually departs Chetumal at noon or 1 pm, depending on whether Mexico is on daylight saving time. It passes through Corozal and Orange Walk before reaching Sarteneja.

Corozal to Sarteneja:

Buses from Corozal to Sarteneja are intermittent, so it's recommended to check the Corozal bus station for the latest schedule.

Orange Walk to Sarteneja (via San Estevan):

There is also local traffic going to Sarteneja from Orange Walk via San Estevan.

Practical Information:

Please note that the roads in Sarteneja are often rugged and dusty, and they can be flooded and rutted during the rainy season. The road from Corozal to Sarteneja has recently been upgraded through an EU-funded project, making the journey a bit smoother.

The bus journey to Sarteneja is a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy the scenery along the way. With its remote location, Sarteneja remains an off-the-beaten-path destination, offering a tranquil escape from the more touristy areas of Belize.

Take a water taxi

Taking a water taxi is a great option for getting to Sarteneja, Belize. Here is some information to help you plan your journey:

Water Taxi Options

There are a few water taxi services that operate between Corozal and San Pedro, stopping at Sarteneja on request. The main water taxi providers are:

• Thunderbolt Water Taxi: This service departs Corozal at 7 am and arrives in Sarteneja 40 minutes later. The return journey departs San Pedro at 3 pm, stopping at Sarteneja around 4:30 pm. The round trip between Corozal and Sarteneja costs US$25.
• Exodus Water Taxi: This service operates in the opposite direction to Thunderbolt, departing San Pedro at 7 am and returning from Corozal at 3 pm, with stops in Sarteneja both ways. The round trip fare is BZD 85.

Tickets and Boarding

When taking a water taxi, you will need to purchase a ticket and pay a BZD 2 facility fee at the terminal. Have your passport ready, as it may be requested. Boarding times can vary, so it is best to arrive early and allow some flexibility in your schedule.

Travel Time and Conditions

The water taxi journey from Corozal to Sarteneja takes around 40 minutes, while the journey from San Pedro to Sarteneja takes about an hour. The boats usually make a stop at Sarteneja on demand, so be sure to let the crew know your destination when you board. The journey can be bumpy, and the boats may become cramped, so be prepared for a potentially challenging ride.

Alternative Routes

If you are unable to take a direct water taxi to Sarteneja, you can also get a water taxi to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye and then transfer to the Thunderbolt water taxi to Corozal, which stops at Sarteneja. Alternatively, you can take a ferry between Copper Bank and Sarteneja, which involves a 20-mile journey on an unpaved road to the ferry landing.

Fly to the local airstrip

Sarteneja has a tiny airstrip that can be reached by plane from San Pedro. Tropic Air offers two flights a day to the village, leaving San Pedro at 7 am and 4:45 pm and arriving in Sarteneja 10 minutes later. If there is more than one passenger requesting to be dropped off or picked up in Sarteneja, the flights will stop later in the day.

To get to San Pedro by plane, you will first need to fly into the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. From there, you can either rent a car or take a taxi to San Pedro.

Alternatively, you can fly into Belize City and then take a water taxi from there or any of the nearby islands, such as San Pedro or Caye Caulker, to Corozal Town. From Corozal, you can either take a local bus, taxi, or arrange a private transfer to Sarteneja.

If you are already in Belize and are travelling by land, you can take a bus from Belize City or Orange Walk Town to Sarteneja. The distinctive light-blue Sarteneja buses leave Belize City from a riverside lot next to the Supreme Court building. Four buses make the three-hour ride, with the first at noon and the last at 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. All buses stop just before the bridge at the Zeta Ice Factory in Orange Walk to pick up more passengers.

Buses depart Sarteneja for Belize City (via Orange Walk) between 4 am and 6:30 am. There is also a direct bus from Chetumal, via Corozal and Orange Walk, which runs every day, including Sunday, leaving Chetumal at noon or 1 pm.

Rent a car

If you're looking for freedom and flexibility during your trip to Sarteneja, renting a car is a great option. While shuttle services are convenient, they often only go to major attractions, making it difficult to get to smaller towns like Sarteneja. Hiring a driver can be expensive, and public transportation can be time-consuming and unreliable.

When renting a car in Belize, you'll need to be 18 or older and have a valid driver's license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required if you don't have a license. It's also worth checking if your credit card provides Collision Damage Waiver coverage, which can save you up to $15 a day on rental insurance.

• Drive on the right: Just like in the US, Belize drives on the right side of the road.
• Right and left-hand turns: Right-hand turns on red lights are allowed, but use caution. For left-hand turns, use your turn signal and wait on the right-hand shoulder until traffic is clear.
• Speed limits and bumps: The speed limit on highways is 55 mph, dropping to 25-40 mph in towns and cities. Be prepared for speed bumps, especially in places like Belmopan and San Ignacio, where there are many communities along the way.
• Cell phones and alcohol: It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it is a hands-free device. The legal blood alcohol limit in Belize is 80mg.
• Police checkpoints: You may encounter police checkpoints throughout the country, where you will need to show your driver's license and vehicle registration.
• Road conditions: While many roads in Belize have been resurfaced recently, some city streets, especially in Belize City, can be narrow and difficult to navigate. The Northern Highway (Phillip Goldson Highway) and the Hummingbird Highway are generally in good condition. The Old Northern Highway and the Coastal Highway are more challenging to drive due to potholes and narrow sections.
• Scenic routes: If you're looking for a beautiful drive, the Hummingbird Highway and the Southern Highway, which offers views of the Maya Mountains, are excellent choices.

When planning your trip to Sarteneja, keep in mind that it is located in the northeastern tip of the Corozal District, approximately 40 miles north of Orange Walk Town. While there are no direct flights or public buses to Sarteneja, you can rent a car and drive there from nearby towns, such as Orange Walk Town or Corozal. Alternatively, you can arrive by water taxi from Corozal or Ambergris Caye.

Travel by boat

Most visitors get to Sarteneja by boat from Corozal or San Pedro. The Thunderbolt water taxi is a well-run and locally-owned operation that will stop in Sarteneja on its once-daily Corozal-San Pedro run. The boat departs Corozal at 7 a.m., arriving in Sarteneja 40 minutes later, and the return boat from Corozal to Sarteneja departs at 4:30 p.m. The cost of a one-way ticket from Corozal to Sarteneja is $12.50 BZD, and a round-trip ticket is $25 BZD.

From San Pedro, the Thunderbolt boat departs at 3 p.m., stopping at Sarteneja at approximately 4:30 p.m., and the return boat to San Pedro departs Sarteneja at 7:30 a.m. The cost of a one-way ticket from San Pedro to Sarteneja is $22.50 BZD, and a round-trip ticket is $42.50 BZD.

Note that the Thunderbolt boat only stops in Sarteneja on the way back from San Pedro if it is requested in advance, so be sure to let the captain and crew know when boarding if you need to be picked up in Sarteneja. The Thunderbolt boat runs every day of the year except Christmas Day and Good Friday.

The journey to Sarteneja by boat can be quite bumpy and uncomfortable, with the boat bouncing, leaking water, and feeling cramped and stuffy. It is also recommended that you take travel sickness pills if you are prone to motion sickness.

If you are already in Belize and exploring other parts of the country, you can easily include Sarteneja as a stop on your itinerary. It is a popular destination for those travelling between Belize City and Corozal or Orange Walk, as it offers a unique coastal experience away from the more crowded tourist areas.

Frequently asked questions