Ambergris Caye: Flying Into Belize's Paradise

To get to Ambergris Caye, you'll need to fly to Belize City. The country's only international airport is the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), located just outside Belize City. From there, you have two options: a local hopper flight or a water taxi.

The local hopper flight is the quickest option, taking less than 20 minutes to reach San Pedro Town, where Ambergris Caye's only airstrip is located. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air operate out of PGIA, with flights leaving hourly from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm.

If you prefer a more scenic route, you can opt for a water taxi, which takes about 90 minutes. Two water taxi companies, the San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter, offer daily service to Ambergris Caye from Belize City.

Flying into Belize City

Belize City is served by two airports: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) and Municipal Airport. The international airport is located outside of Belize City and is the country's only international airport. The Municipal Airport is closer to downtown Belize City and is quicker and cheaper to reach by taxi from the international airport.

If you're flying into Belize City, you'll likely arrive at one of these two airports. From here, you can continue your journey to Ambergris Caye by either taking a local hopper flight or a water taxi. Both options have their pros and cons, mainly concerning time and money.

Local Hopper Flights

Taking a local hopper flight is the quickest and most popular option to get to Ambergris Caye. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer flights from both PGIA and Municipal Airport to San Pedro Airport (SPR) on Ambergris Caye. These flights usually take less than 20 minutes and offer breathtaking views of Belize City and the Caribbean Sea. The price for a return trip from Belize City International Airport to San Pedro is around US$185.50.

Water Taxis

If you prefer a more cost-effective option, you can take a water taxi from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. Two water taxi companies, San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter, offer daily service. The boat ride itself takes about 90 minutes, and there's also a 30-minute drive from the airport to the water taxi terminal. The round-trip fare for the water taxi is US$59.

Choosing Your Option

Both the local hopper flights and water taxis have their advantages. The local flights are faster and offer stunning views, while the water taxis are more affordable and give you a chance to see more of Belize City during the ground transfer. Consider your budget and time constraints when deciding which option is best for you.

Getting to Ambergris Caye from Belize City

The quickest way to get to Ambergris Caye from Belize City is by plane. The island is served by San Pedro Airport (airport code SPR) and you can fly from either Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport or Municipal Airport in Belize City. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air operate several flights per hour between 6:40 am and 9:10 pm. The flight takes around 15 minutes and costs between $72 and $140 each way.

If you are flying into Belize City and then heading straight to Ambergris Caye, it is recommended to book your ongoing flight from the international airport. However, if you are already in Belize City or travelling around the country, it is cheaper to fly from the Municipal Airport, which is also closer to downtown. You can usually just turn up at the airport and get a seat, but during the high season, it is best to book in advance.

The other option for getting to Ambergris Caye is by boat. Two companies, Ocean Ferry Belize and San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi, operate daily water taxis from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. The journey takes around 90 minutes and costs between $34 and $56 one way. The boats leave from near the Swing Bridge in Belize City and arrive at piers in the centre of San Pedro. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or in person at the terminals.

Local hopper flights to San Pedro

Local hopper flights, or puddle jumpers, are a quick and popular way to get from the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Belize City to Ambergris Caye. The local hopper flight is the fastest way to get to Ambergris Caye, landing at the island's only airstrip in San Pedro Town. The flight is less than 20 minutes and offers breathtaking views of Belize City, the Caribbean Sea, and the Belize Barrier Reef.

Two airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, service Ambergris Caye. Maya Island Air offers 11 daily flights from Belize City and 3 from Corozal to San Pedro. Tropic Air also offers several flights a day, with flights leaving PGIA hourly from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Maya Island Air charges US$185.50 for a return trip from Belize City International Airport to San Pedro, and Tropic Air charges US$44 for a one-way trip. Tickets are per person, and it is recommended to reserve them in advance.

The local hopper flights are small, with varying passenger capacities, but they offer a unique and convenient way to get to Ambergris Caye. The local airlines operate out of PGIA, so you don't need to leave the airport to catch your connecting flight. This saves time and adds to the convenience of this travel option.

In addition to the local hopper flights, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air also offer flights from the Municipal Airport in Belize City. This option is more cost-effective, with adult one-way fares at US$26 and children under 12 at US$18. A taxi from the International to the Municipal Airport is approximately US$15-US$17.50.

Water taxis to Ambergris Caye

There are two water taxi companies that will take you to Ambergris Caye from Belize City: Ocean Ferry Belize and San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi. Both water taxis are within a couple of blocks of each other and offer regular daily trips to and from Ambergris Caye. A valid form of ID, such as a passport, is required when purchasing water taxi tickets and when boarding the vessel.

The Ocean Ferry docks in San Pedro at the Caribena Pier by Cholos Bar. The San Pedro Belize Express docks at the municipal pier in San Pedro Town. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or in person at their terminals, although this is generally unnecessary. Stowing luggage is free, and bags will be tagged by porters before boarding. Pets are also welcome, but they must be contained in kennels or bags.

The ride takes about an hour and a half, always including a stop at Caye Caulker. The fare is BZ$34-BZ$56 one way, or BZ$64-BZ$76 round trip, with Ocean Ferry being the cheaper of the two options. Ocean Ferry offers five trips a day, compared to the San Pedro Belize Express' nine, but does offer wi-fi on board.

It is recommended that you arrive at least half an hour early to get first pick of the seats. The front is a bumpier ride and can get wet, but the back is louder and smells more like fuel. Those prone to motion sickness will either want to sit by a window for fresh air or on one of the center seats that face forward.

Airlines and flight prices

To get to Ambergris Caye, you will first need to fly to Belize. The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE/PGIA) is the primary international airport of Belize and is located outside of Belize City. There are 8 airlines that operate out of this airport, including Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.

From the PGIA, you can take a local hopper flight to Ambergris Caye. These flights land at the island's only airstrip, located in San Pedro Town. Maya Island Air offers 11 daily flights from Belize City to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, and 3 from Corozal. Tropic Air also flies this route. The price for a return trip from Belize City International Airport to San Pedro with Maya Island Air is US$185.50. The flight is less than 20 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a water taxi from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. The boat ride is about 90 minutes, and there is also a 30-minute drive from the PGIA to the water taxi terminal. The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi costs US$59 for a round trip.

Frequently asked questions