Belize Adventure: Pack And Go!

Belize is a small Central American country, bordered by Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea. Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island, located just south of the Mexican Yucatán mainland and stretching southward for 24 miles into Belizean waters. It is home to the most populous island town of San Pedro, and it is a popular jumping-off point for tourists looking to explore the Belize Barrier Reef.

There are two main ways to get from Ord to Ambergris Caye: by air or by sea. The former is the quickest option, with flights from Ord to San Pedro Airport (SPR) on Ambergris Caye taking around 15-20 minutes. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the two airlines that service this route, with prices starting at $125 round-trip.

The alternative is to take a water taxi, which is a more affordable option, costing around $15 each way. However, the journey by sea takes approximately 90 minutes, plus an additional 30 minutes to get from the airport to the water taxi terminal. The water taxis are large, covered boats that can accommodate 40-100 passengers.

Whether you choose to arrive by air or sea, Ambergris Caye has plenty to offer, from its gorgeous scenery and sandy beaches to its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Getting to Ambergris Caye by air

The quickest way to get to Ambergris Caye by air is to fly into Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Belize City, and then take a local hopper flight to San Pedro Airport (SPR) on Ambergris Caye. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the two airlines that operate this route, with flights leaving PGIA hourly from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm. The flight takes less than 20 minutes and offers breathtaking views of Belize City and the Caribbean Sea. A return trip from Belize City to San Pedro will cost around $125-$185.50.

To get to PGIA, you can fly into the airport from various international destinations, including New York, Atlanta, and London. You can also fly into Belize City's municipal airport, which is much cheaper, although you will then need to take a taxi to PGIA to get your connecting flight.

Once you arrive at SPR, you will be in downtown San Pedro, the heart of Ambergris Caye's activity, where most of the restaurants, bars, nightlife, shopping, and hotels are located. From the airport, you can walk to many destinations in town, or take a taxi or golf cart to get to your resort.

Getting to Ambergris Caye by water taxi

Ambergris Caye is the largest of Belize's cayes and is located about 25 miles from the Philip Goldson International Airport. While there is no road to San Pedro, the only town on Ambergris Caye, you can get there by plane or boat. Water taxis are a popular option for travelling to Ambergris Caye from Belize City.

Water Taxi Companies

There are several water taxi companies operating between Belize City and Ambergris Caye, including:

• San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi
• Caribbean Sprinter
• San Pedro Water Jets Express
• Ocean Ferry Belize
• Nautilus Water Taxi Service (now closed)
• International Islander Ferries
• Coastal Xpress
• Thunderbolt

Tickets and Fares

Tickets can be purchased online or at the water taxi terminals. Fares vary depending on the company and your destination, but generally range from $20 to $50 USD for a one-way trip. Round-trip tickets are also available at a discounted rate.

Luggage

Most water taxi companies will check your luggage for you before boarding. Make sure to clearly label your bags and keep valuables with you at all times.

Travel Time and Schedule

The water taxi ride from Belize City to Ambergris Caye takes approximately 1.5 hours. There are several daily departures, with the last boats leaving for San Pedro at 5:30 pm. It is recommended to arrive early, especially if you have a lot of luggage, as the boats can get crowded.

Getting to the Water Taxi Terminal

The water taxi terminals in Belize City are located about 12 miles from the international airport. You can take a taxi from the airport to the terminal, which should cost around $25 USD. The drive takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Onboard Experience

The water taxis are generally covered boats but are open-air. The ride is within the reef, so the waters are relatively smooth. However, on rainy and windy days, the trip can be wet and rough. There is usually limited seating, and it can get crowded, especially on the top level. If you are concerned about motion sickness, consider taking Dramamine before your trip.

Arrival in San Pedro

The water taxis arrive at a pier on the east side of San Pedro, in the middle of the town. From there, you can walk to your destination or take a taxi. If you have pre-arranged accommodation, inform them that you are arriving by water taxi, and they may be able to arrange transportation for you.

Things to do in Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and is a well-known tourist spot. San Pedro is the sole town on Ambergris Caye and acts as a great base for exploring the island. Here are some things to do when visiting:

• Visit Secret Beach – located on the other side of the island, a 36-minute drive from San Pedro, Secret Beach is probably the busiest tourist spot on the island. There is a waterpark, bars, and beautiful emerald-green sea that you can paddle and snorkel in.
• Chicken Drop – every Thursday evening at Waho’s lounge, a long-running sporting event takes place. A chicken is released into a sectioned area and spectators buy tickets for a square. Wherever the chicken drops its first poo is the winning number.
• Go snorkelling or scuba diving – the coast of Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. There are plenty of places to snorkel and scuba dive, including Hol Chan National Marine Park, where you can see turtles and stingrays.
• Visit the Belize Chocolate Company – in the Maya Mountains, companies like Green & Black’s purchase cacao as a raw ingredient for their chocolate. You can take tours to explore the mountains and make your own chocolate.
• Shop at the open-air market – located in central San Pedro, the market has all kinds of souvenirs, from hand-carved bowls and jewellery to vintage finds.
• Visit the Marco Gonzalez Mayan Ruins – these barely excavated Mayan ruins are at the south end of the island. They give an awesome history of the island.
• Visit the Truck Stop – a food park made entirely out of shipping containers, located about a mile north of San Pedro. There is a beer garden, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, a stage for live music, and an 18-foot movie screen.
• Visit the Ambergris Museum & Cultural Center – learn about the history of the island and the Mayan people.
• Visit the Belizean Melody Art Gallery – this gallery showcases authentic Belizean artwork from local artists.
• Take an excursion to Caye Caulker – the small Caribbean town next island over from San Pedro. You can take a catamaran or sailboat and go snorkelling at Hol Chan along the way.

Where to stay in Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island, known for its Caribbean waters and the Belize Barrier Reef. The island is a tropical paradise, attracting visitors seeking sun-drenched beach days and diving adventures. The best places to stay in Ambergris Caye are right on the beach, offering beautiful sea views, fabulous food, and a range of activities. Here are some recommended places to stay when visiting Ambergris Caye:

Xanadu Island Resort: Located just a mile south of San Pedro, this resort is perfect for families or groups. It offers chic two or three-bedroom suites with snorkeling, sailing, diving, and fishing activities. The family-friendly packages include exciting excursions around the island.

Victoria House: This beachfront property features 42 elegant rooms, suites, and villas with thatched roofs and gorgeous sea views. In addition to the pool and spa, guests can enjoy scuba diving and exploring Mayan ruins.

Las Terrazas Resort: A beachfront resort offering spacious suites and private villas with handcrafted Belizean mahogany furniture. It features a 70-meter infinity pool and a range of activities, including diving and kayaking.

Matachica Resort: An adults-only hideaway with brightly-painted thatched casitas and a spa specializing in local natural therapies. Guests can enjoy private snorkeling tours, bicycle tours, and cocktails on the beach.

Cayo Esperanto: This resort boasts just seven luxurious villas on a tiny private island. Guests can enjoy private plunge pools, custom diving or yacht tours, and a world-class restaurant.

Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection: A super-luxurious family-friendly resort on a pristine Caribbean beach. It offers spacious rooms, suites, and villas with sea views, as well as a spa, Kid's Club, and multiple dining options.

When travelling to Ambergris Caye, visitors can fly into San Pedro Airport or take a water taxi from Belize City. The island offers a range of accommodation options, from simple guesthouses to luxury hotels, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect place to stay for their tropical island getaway.

Getting around Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is a small island, around 25-26 miles long and a little over a mile wide. The best way to get around the island depends on where you are staying and what you want to do. Walking, bicycles, golf carts, cabs, and water taxis are the main forms of transportation. The island is a mix of cobblestone, concrete-paved, and dirt roads.

Walking is feasible within the town of San Pedro; it takes about 20 minutes to walk from the airstrip to The Split. Once you start traveling between resorts to the south or north, you may want to opt for a bicycle, golf cart, taxi, or boat.

If you're feeling fit and want to save some money, a bicycle rental is a great option. Check with your hotel first—some give complimentary bikes to guests, and some charge a small fee. There are also a few places around town like Calvio Bike Rentals in Boca del Rio, and El Guapo in town. A one-week bike rental from a shop will be in the $80 BZD range.

The best way to get around Ambergris Caye is to rent a golf cart and explore north and south. This is a great way to get a full feel for the island and what the different areas have to offer. Even if you don't know your way around, Ambergris Caye is easy to navigate. If you take a wrong turn, it won't be long before you find your way back to the main road. Just be sure to pay attention to road signs as many streets in town are one-way.

Usually, the smoothest and quickest way to travel up and down Ambergris Caye is by water taxi. Coastal Express boats share a dock with Amigos del Mar Dive Shop, in front of Cholo's Sports Bar, departing for points north and south daily. The daily schedule is posted online. The fare, usually US$5-14 each way, depends on how far you are going. Most restaurants will radio the ferry to arrange your ride back to San Pedro Town. Coastal Express also offers private charters starting at a minimum of three people.

Minivan taxis run north and south along the island at most hours; just wave one down and climb in. Expect to pay about US$4-7 to travel between town and points south. Within the town, you’ll pay around US$4. There are several drivers you (or your lodging’s front desk) can call, including Island Taxi and Amber Isle Taxi.

Many resorts have bicycles that their guests can use for free, and others have them for rent, as do a handful of outside shops. Try Beach Cruiser Bike Rentals on Pescador Drive or Lisa's Kayaking, north of the bridge, for beach cruiser bikes.

Frequently asked questions