The Island Chain: Unveiling The Separate Islands From Belize To Honduras

Belize and Honduras are two separate nations, separated by a narrow band of land belonging to Guatemala. It takes about two hours to travel by boat from Punta Gorda in southern Belize to Puerto Cortez in Honduras.

Travel from Punta Gorda, Belize to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala by ferry

Belize and Honduras are two separate nations, divided by a narrow strip of land belonging to Guatemala. To travel between the two countries, you can take a ferry from Punta Gorda in southern Belize to Puerto Barrios in Guatemala. From there, you can continue to Honduras.

Ferry from Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrios

There are several ferry companies that operate between Punta Gorda and Puerto Barrios, including Requena's Charter Service, Pichilingo, Shark Boy, and Tek-Dat. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, depending on weather conditions, and the boats depart daily. The price for a one-way ticket is usually around BZ$50-60 (around $25-30), but the price can vary depending on the number of passengers. It is recommended to arrive at the docks at least 30 minutes before departure to purchase tickets and complete immigration formalities.

Puerto Barrios

Puerto Barrios is the departmental capital of the Izabal Department in Guatemala. It is a bustling city with a variety of attractions, including a modern water park, shopping malls, and seafood restaurants. The official spoken language in Puerto Barrios is Spanish, but the Garifuna language is also widely spoken.

Travel from Puerto Barrios to Honduras

From Puerto Barrios, you can continue your journey to Honduras. The Pichilingo ferry company offers a daily shuttle bus from Puerto Barrios to Corinto on the Honduran border. From Corinto, buses depart daily to Puerto Cortes in Honduras. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Puerto Barrios to Copan Ruins in Honduras, which takes approximately 8-10 hours.

Practical Information

When travelling between Belize and Guatemala, you must pay an exit fee when departing from Punta Gorda, and remember to get your passport stamped when arriving in Puerto Barrios. There are also immigration formalities and an exit fee when travelling from Guatemala to Honduras.

From Puerto Barrios, take a bus to Copan Ruins, Honduras

Belize is not an island, but a country located on the mainland of Central America. However, it does have hundreds of offshore islands, also known as "cayes". These islands are scattered along the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world.

Now, here is a detailed guide on how to get from Puerto Barrios to Copan Ruins, Honduras:

Ferry from Punta Gorda, Belize, to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala

First, make your way to Punta Gorda in southern Belize. From there, you can take a ferry to Puerto Barrios in Guatemala. There are two ferry companies that operate this route: Requena's Charter and another one that the blogger does not name. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on weather conditions, and costs around 81 BZD (as of January 2023). Remember to get your passport stamped at the Belize dock before departure and pay the exit fee of 20 USD (unless you're staying for 24 hours or less).

Bus from Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, to Copan Ruins, Honduras

Once you arrive at the dock in Puerto Barrios, head to the Guatemala immigration office to get your passport stamped. The office is a quick 5-minute walk from the dock – just head left and straight, and look out for a sign that says "inmigración" (Spanish for immigration). From there, it's another short walk to the bus stop. There are several bus companies that operate on this route, including Hedman Alas, Fuente del Norte, and Linea Dorada. A one-way ticket can cost anywhere from $20 to $35 USD, depending on the company and the type of seat you choose. The journey from Puerto Barrios to Copan Ruins takes around 8-10 hours. Alternatively, you can hire a taxi or a private car, or use a shuttle service for more convenience and comfort.

Belize and Honduras are separated by a narrow band of land belonging to Guatemala

Belize and Honduras are two separate nations that are divided by a narrow strip of land belonging to Guatemala. The Belize–Guatemala border is a nearly straight line that is 266 kilometres (165 miles) long, and it is located near the 89th meridian west. The border is defined in Article I of the Wyke-Aycinena Treaty of 1859, which states:

> Beginning at the mouth of the River Sarstoon in the Bay of Honduras, and proceeding up the mid-channel thereof to Gracias a Dios Falls; then turning to the right and continuing by a line drawn direct from Gracias a Dios Falls to Garbutt's Falls on the River Belize, and from Garbutt's Falls due north until it strikes the Mexican frontier.

The Belize–Guatemala border has been a source of contention, with Guatemala disputing the border since its independence in the 19th century. Guatemala's claim is based on the 1786 Convention, which places a vague historic boundary in the Sibun River, located north of the current border. The dispute has been ongoing, with Guatemala shifting its stance on the issue over time and at times claiming all of Belize as disputed territory.

The de facto boundary, which Guatemala disputes, is based on the 1859 Convention, a 1931 Exchange of Notes, and follows the Sarstoon River and then a series of straight lines to the tripoint with Mexico. The north–south portion of the boundary was reaffirmed by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 2000.

Despite the dispute, it is possible to travel between Belize and Honduras. One common route is to travel by ferry from Punta Gorda in southern Belize to Puerto Barrios in Guatemala, and then by bus to Copan Ruins in Honduras. This journey can take a full day, so it is recommended to start early. There are also ferry services that travel directly between Punta Gorda, Belize, and Puerto Cortes, Honduras, which take around two hours.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site

Belize and Honduras are two separate nations divided by a narrow strip of land belonging to Guatemala. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised in 1996. The reef is the second-largest in the world and is home to a diverse array of species.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a natural wonder, stretching 185 miles along the nation's coastline. It is a haven for a wide variety of marine life, from rock-like living coral to endangered sea turtles and over 500 species of fish. The reef also acts as a protective barrier for the Belize coastline, shielding it from large waves, even during extreme weather events.

The reef is comprised of seven protected areas: Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, Blue Hole Natural Monument, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Glover's Reef Marine Reserve, Laughing Bird Caye National Park, and Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. These protected areas cover 12% of the entire reef complex and showcase the evolutionary history of reef development.

Belize has demonstrated its commitment to conservation by pledging to preserve 30% of its oceanic territory, including all seven marine protected areas. This, along with a total ban on single-use plastics, has positioned the country as a leader in conservation efforts in the Caribbean and globally.

The Belize Barrier Reef has long been a popular destination for SCUBA divers, snorkelers, and fishermen from around the world. Charles Darwin once described it as "the most remarkable reef in the West Indies". The reef's unique array of reef types, pristine condition, and ecological integrity make it a true natural wonder and a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site.

Honduras is considered one of the most dangerous countries in Central America

Belize and Honduras are two separate nations, separated by a narrow strip of land belonging to Guatemala. It takes about two hours to travel by boat from Punta Gorda in southern Belize to Puerto Cortez in Honduras.

Despite its dangers, Honduras remains a popular destination for adventure travellers and those seeking to experience its rich culture and natural beauty. The Bay Islands, the Copán Ruins, and the National Parks are considered safer areas for tourists, offering beautiful scenery and historical sites. The Smart Traveller Australian government website and the U.S. State Department advise visitors to exercise caution when travelling to Honduras, especially in urban areas and along the borders with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua.

While Honduras has made notable improvements in peacefulness in recent years, there are still many sources of potential conflict and tension within the country. The political tensions surrounding internal conflict and migration flows, for example, threaten to sour relations with the U.S. Therefore, it is essential for travellers to Honduras to stay informed about the security situation and follow the advice of local authorities.

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