Caye Caulker Airport Location: A Quick Guide

Caye Caulker is a quaint island village in Belize, perfect for travellers seeking tranquil days by the sea. With a population of about 1300 people, it has become a popular destination for budget travellers. The island has a laid-back vibe, with the only local traffic sign instructing bikers and pedestrians to go slow. To get to Caye Caulker, you can fly into the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City and then take a short flight or a water taxi to the island. The high-speed water taxi ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes around 45 minutes, while the flight takes about 15 minutes.

Getting to Caye Caulker by plane

Caye Caulker is a small island in Belize, located approximately 20 miles or 32 km north-northeast of Belize City. The island is known for its laid-back atmosphere, colourful houses, amazing snorkelling opportunities, and the famous Belize Blue Hole.

If you're planning to fly to Caye Caulker, here's everything you need to know:

International Flights to Belize

The first step to getting to Caye Caulker by plane is to arrive in Belize. International flights land at the Philip Goldson International Airport, just 20 minutes away from Belize City. Direct flights to this airport are available from various cities, including Miami, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, and Toronto.

Connecting Flights to Caye Caulker

Once you arrive at the international airport in Belize, you have the option to take a connecting flight directly to Caye Caulker. The local airlines Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer short flights to the island. These flights typically take around 8-15 minutes and provide beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea and the turquoise waters.

The ticket counters for these connecting flights are located right after you clear customs. You can purchase tickets in advance online or at the counters. Keep in mind that the flights are usually operated on small aircraft, with seats ranging from 4 to 12 passengers.

Transportation to Your Accommodation

Upon arriving at Caye Caulker by plane, you can either walk or take a short taxi ride to your hotel or accommodation. The island is quite small, so most destinations are easily accessible. The taxis on the island are typically golf carts, and the going rate for most destinations is around $5 BZ ($2.50 US) per person.

Combining Transportation Options

If you want to experience both the plane and boat ride, you can consider mixing and matching your transportation. Take the boat one way and fly the other, giving you the best of both worlds. The boat ride offers an enjoyable journey, while the plane provides a quick return to the airport.

Additionally, you can combine your flight to or from Caye Caulker with an amazing tour, such as a flight over the Belize Blue Hole, for a small additional charge.

Getting to Caye Caulker by boat

Caye Caulker is located approximately 20 miles or 32 km north-northeast of Belize City. The best way to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker is by ferry, or water taxi. The water taxi terminals are about a 20-minute drive from Belize International Airport. You can hop in one of the taxis outside of the airport arrival area for the ride to the water taxi. The rate for the taxi ride between the airport and the water taxis is $30 USD for 2 people. You can also schedule a pickup with a trusted driver directly.

Two water taxi companies with several scheduled daily runs operate between Belize City and Caye Caulker: San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry. San Pedro Belize Express has more daily runs and a larger terminal in Belize City, which makes waiting for the next boat more comfortable. The cost for both is similar, if not the same. The boat ride is an adventure in itself. During the ride, you will feel the cool breeze from the sea as your water taxi glides through the blues of the sparkling water. Before you know it, in just 45 minutes you will arrive on the beautiful island of Caye Caulker.

When you get to the San Pedro Belize Express water taxi terminal, you drop off your suitcase in exchange for a luggage tag. You will get one tag for each piece of luggage. Once you have your luggage tags, move on to the ticket counter at the end of the terminal close to the boarding area. There you purchase your tickets and check in for the ride. No need to purchase your tickets in advance. If it is very busy, San Pedro Belize Express usually operates either a larger vessel or a second boat to get everybody to Caye Caulker safely.

While you’re waiting for the next boat, you can visit the Last Drop Cafe and enjoy an ice-cold Belikin beer, or try some of Dario’s famous meat pies. When it’s time to board, head back to the gate next to the ticket office, present your ticket, and get on board. Seats are not assigned, so you can sit wherever you want. Keep in mind that, especially on the smaller boats, the ride will be smoother if you sit in the back of the water taxi. Some of the boats have an outdoor deck upstairs where you can enjoy the beautiful view during the approximately 45-minute ride to Caye Caulker.

Transport options from the airport

The Philip Goldson International Airport is located just outside of Belize City and is around 20 minutes from the city centre. From the airport, there are a few transport options to reach Caye Caulker.

The first option is to take a taxi to one of the two water taxi terminals in Belize City. The taxi fare is usually around $25-30 USD for the whole cab, so it is a good idea to share with another passenger travelling to the water taxi. The taxi ride takes around 20 minutes.

Once at the water taxi terminal, you can purchase tickets for the water taxi to Caye Caulker. There are two companies that operate water taxis: San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter (formerly Ocean Ferry). A return ticket costs around $37 USD, and the journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour.

Alternatively, you can fly to Caye Caulker from Belize City. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer 8-minute flights, with tickets usually costing between $80-90 USD per person one way. These flights depart from the municipal airport in Belize City, so you will need to take a taxi from the international airport to the municipal airport.

Therefore, the total journey time from the international airport to Caye Caulker is around 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on your mode of transport and connections.

Caye Caulker's airport

Caye Caulker is a quaint island village in Belize, known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning Caribbean Sea views. With a population of about 1300, it has become a popular destination for budget travellers seeking tranquil days by the sea. The island boasts sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and an easily accessible barrier reef, making it a perfect spot for snorkelling and diving.

To reach Caye Caulker, travellers have two convenient options: flying directly to the island or taking a boat from Belize City. For those opting to fly, there is a small municipal airport located on the southern end of Caye Caulker. The island's airport is tiny, with a limited number of flights available. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the local airlines that service this route, offering multiple flights daily during the high season. The flight from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes approximately 15 minutes and provides breathtaking views of the blues of the sea.

Upon arrival at the Caye Caulker airport, travellers can walk or take a short taxi ride to their accommodation. The island is known for its relaxed pace, with the only local traffic sign instructing bikers and pedestrians to "go slow". This laid-back attitude extends to the locals, who are happy to remind visitors to slow down and leave their shoes at home.

In addition to the stunning natural surroundings, Caye Caulker offers a variety of local shops and Belizean restaurants and food carts. Visitors can rent bikes to explore the island, enjoy the local culture, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere.

For those travelling on a tighter budget or preferring a boat ride, the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi provides an affordable and scenic option to reach Caye Caulker from Belize City. The water taxi terminals are located about a 20-minute drive from the Belize International Airport, with taxis readily available outside the airport arrival area. The water taxi ride takes approximately 45 minutes, and tickets can be purchased at the terminal for around $20-$25 USD round trip.

Belize City to Caye Caulker by ferry

Caye Caulker is a small island located around 11-20 miles from Belize City. The island is known for its stunning natural scenery, sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters. The best way to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker is by ferry or water taxi.

There are two water taxi companies that operate between Belize City and Caye Caulker: Caribbean Sprinter (formerly known as Ocean Ferry) and San Pedro Belize Express. Both companies offer high-speed rides that take around 45 minutes to reach Caye Caulker. The average price for a foot passenger is $90, while a round trip will cost you around $25. Schedules vary seasonally, with typically 5 daily and 33 weekly sailings between the two locations.

The water taxi terminals are approximately a 20-minute drive from the Belize International Airport. A taxi from the airport to the water taxi terminal will cost around $30 for two people. At the terminal, you can purchase your tickets and check in your luggage. The boats usually have indoor and outdoor seating, with the ride being smoother if you sit at the back of the boat.

The San Pedro Belize Express water taxi terminal has restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops, making the waiting time more enjoyable. They also have a larger terminal in Belize City, providing a more comfortable waiting experience.

Taking the ferry or water taxi is a great way to enjoy the beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea while travelling to Caye Caulker. The ride is usually smooth and offers a unique perspective of the island and its surrounding waters.

Frequently asked questions