Lexi Webster
Water taxis in Belize offer a scenic and affordable way to travel between the islands and the mainland. The two main water taxi companies in Belize are the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi and the Caye Caulker Water Taxi, which depart from Belize City and offer stops at popular destinations such as Caye Caulker, San Pedro, and Chetumal. Belize City, known for its blend of old and new, is the country's primary port of entry and a hub of commercial and cultural activity. Caye Caulker, often referred to as La Isla Carinosa, is a small island with sandy beaches and turquoise seas, while San Pedro, or La Isla Bonita, is a popular vacation destination with fine dining and exotic nightlife. Chetumal, on the other hand, is a Mexican city just across the northern border of Belize, offering first-world shopping experiences. Water taxis provide a unique perspective of the stunning scenery and are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water Taxi Company | San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited |
| Water Taxi Destinations | Belize City, Caye Caulker, San Pedro, Chetumal |
| Belize City Travel Time | 45 mins from Caye Caulker, 1 hr 30 mins from San Pedro |
| Caye Caulker Travel Time | 45 mins from Belize City, 30 mins from San Pedro |
| San Pedro Travel Time | 1 hr 30 mins from Belize, 30 mins from Caye Caulker |
| Chetumal Travel Time | 1 hr 30 mins from San Pedro |
What You'll Learn
Belize City to Caye Caulker
The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited offers a water taxi service from Belize City to Caye Caulker. The water taxi terminal is located at #111 North Front Street, Belize City, at the Belize Marine Terminal. The water taxi is a convenient way to get to Caye Caulker, an island known for its relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, stunning scenery, and friendly locals.
The water taxi ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes about an hour. The taxi departs from the Brown Sugar Terminal on North Front Street and arrives at the centre of Caye Caulker. The fare is typically around BZ$30-BZ$36 one way or BZ$50-BZ$56 round trip. Tickets can be purchased online or at the terminal, and it is recommended to arrive early to secure a preferred seat. The water taxi has a capacity of 50-100 passengers and can be a bumpy ride, especially at the front of the boat.
Caye Caulker is a small island that can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle. It is known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, and laid-back lifestyle. The island has a rich history, having been inhabited by Mestizo refugees of mixed Maya and Spanish descent during the Caste War of Yucatán. It has a strong fishing industry and is a popular destination for snorkelling and diving.
The water taxi service is a safe and comfortable way to travel between Belize City and Caye Caulker, providing stunning views of the Caribbean Sea along the way.
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Caye Caulker to Chetumal
There are a few different ways to travel from Caye Caulker, Belize to Chetumal, Mexico. The two most popular methods are by ferry or by bus.
Ferry
The ferry is the quickest way to travel between the two destinations, taking around 3 to 4.5 hours. There is a daily ferry that departs from Caye Caulker to Chetumal, operated by Belize Water Taxis and Ocean Ferries. The ferry also stops in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye to pick up more passengers and for Belize immigration. The ferry typically costs around $45 to $75 USD one-way, but there are also various taxes and fees that must be paid on top of the ticket price, which can add up to around $100 USD total. It is important to arrive early as the ferry only departs once per day and has limited seats.
Bus
The bus is a cheaper option but takes much longer, around 4 to 5 hours, and is a less comfortable journey as it involves taking a short ferry ride back to Belize City and then a bus to the Belize-Mexico border. From there, you will need to take a taxi to the Chetumal ADO bus station. The total cost for this journey is around $48 to $50 USD.
Other Options
It is also possible to fly from Caye Caulker to Chetumal, which takes around 2 to 3 hours but can be expensive. Alternatively, you can take a combination of ferry, bus, and plane, which takes longer but may be a cheaper option.
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Chetumal to San Pedro
Overview
The water taxi from Chetumal, Mexico, to San Pedro, Belize, takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This route is served by the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Limited and International Islander Ferries. The round trip costs MXN $1,850.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Getting to the Chetumal Terminal
The water taxi from Chetumal to San Pedro departs from Muelle Fiscal APIQROO in Chetumal. Make sure to arrive at the terminal at least 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time to secure your spot.
Step 2: Boarding the Water Taxi
The water taxi from Chetumal to San Pedro usually departs at 10:00 AM. The cost of the round trip is MXN $1,850, and tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth or online in advance. Please note that special rates are available for Mexicans, and a Mexican passport is required for registration.
Step 3: Enjoying the Ride
The water taxi ride from Chetumal to San Pedro takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. During the ride, you can enjoy the Caribbean Sea and the beautiful views along the way.
Step 4: Arriving in San Pedro
The water taxi will drop you off at the San Pedro International Ferry Terminal, located on the Beach front, centrally in San Pedro Town. San Pedro is known as "La Isla Bonita" and is a popular destination for vacationers, offering fine dining, five-star resorts, exotic nightlife, world-class scuba diving, snorkelling, and fishing.
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San Pedro to Chetumal
The water taxi from San Pedro, Belize, to Chetumal, Mexico, takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket booth. It is recommended to book your ticket in advance, as the boats can sell out. It is also worth noting that it is slightly cheaper to book a return ticket.
Departure Points
The water taxi from San Pedro to Chetumal departs from the San Pedro International Ferry Terminal.
The return journey from Chetumal to San Pedro departs from the Muelle Fiscal APIQROO.
Timings
The water taxi from San Pedro to Chetumal departs at 2:30 pm. The water taxi from Chetumal to San Pedro departs at 10:00 am.
Luggage
Luggage can be checked in and loaded onto the boat. Passengers are advised to keep their valuables with them at all times.
Border Control
Passengers are advised to bring their passports and any other necessary documentation, such as visas. Both Mexican and Belizean border control and customs will need to be navigated when travelling between the two countries.
Onboard Facilities
The boats are large speedboats with indoor seating. The seats are described as uncomfortable, with hard plastic covered by a thin layer of padding. There is a toilet onboard, but it is for emergencies only.
Arrival
The water taxi from San Pedro arrives at the Terminal Maritima Internacional in Chetumal.
The return journey from Chetumal arrives at the San Pedro International Ferry Terminal.
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Belize City to San Pedro
Overview
Belize City is the hub of the country's commercial and cultural activity and the primary port of entry. San Pedro, on the other hand, is a tropical paradise with pristine waters, mild breezes, and pure white sands. It is a great getaway destination, offering a mix of modern tourist life and old-world fishing and boating town charm.
Water Taxi Service
The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi is the lead provider of water transportation in Belize, offering daily trips to Caye Caulker and San Pedro. The water taxi is an efficient and relatively inexpensive means of transport from Belize City to San Pedro, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours. The trip is scenic, comfortable, and allows passengers to move around.
Ticketing and Pricing
Tickets for the water taxi can be purchased online or at the water taxi terminal. Round-trip tickets are recommended as they offer a discount. The price for a round trip from Belize City to San Pedro for one person is $70 BZD or $35 BZD one way. There are separate lines for Caye Caulker and San Pedro, and luggage check-in is available.
Travel Tips
It is recommended to arrive at the water taxi terminal at least 20 minutes before departure. The water taxi can be crowded, and it is advised to check-in luggage as there may not be enough room near the seats. The water taxi is generally punctual, but delays can occur, so it is important to build in some buffer time when planning travel.
Alternative Options
Alternative options for travelling from Belize City to San Pedro include taking a small plane, land taxi, or rental. Flying is a faster option, taking about 20 minutes, but it is more expensive. Taking a land taxi or rental is another possibility, with a travel time of around 45 minutes to an hour from Belize City to the water taxi terminal.
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Frequently asked questions
The water taxi will drop you off at the Belize Marine Terminal in Belize City.
The water taxi ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes approximately 45 minutes.
Caye Caulker is known for its sandy beaches, turquoise seas, and tropical coconut trees. Visitors can enjoy sailing, diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, fishing, and other water activities. There are also several restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, including Cuban, Turkish, Belizean, and Chinese.
The water taxi from Belize City to Caye Caulker costs $25 US round trip.
Yes, the water taxis in Belize typically offer lower prices for locals than for visitors. This is because water taxis are often the main mode of transportation for locals to travel between the cayes and the mainland, and the lower prices help keep transportation affordable for them.
