Cayes From Belize City: A Quick Escape

Belize is a breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean nation with over 239 miles of coastline and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. With over 200 islands or cayes, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. The fastest cayes to get to from Belize City are Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, which can be reached by plane or boat. Caye Caulker is a 30-minute water taxi ride from Belize City, while Ambergris Caye is a 75-minute water taxi ride away. Alternatively, you can fly to either caye, with the plane ride taking around 20 minutes.

Flying is faster but more expensive than a water taxi

Belize City is the country's commercial and cultural hub, and the primary port of entry. If you're looking to get to the cayes from Belize City, you have a few options. You could take a water taxi or opt for a faster but more expensive flight.

Water Taxi

Water taxis are a popular choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option. From Belize City, you can take a water taxi to nearby cayes such as Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Caye Caulker, known for its laid-back atmosphere and lack of cars, is a favourite among backpackers. Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, offers a range of water sports and is a great base for exploring other islands and mainland attractions. The journey from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes about an hour by water taxi, and an additional 30 minutes to reach San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.

Flying

If you're looking to save time, flying is a faster option. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer flights from Belize City to San Pedro, with a flight time of about 20 minutes. These flights provide stunning views of the coastline and the barrier reef. However, they come at a higher cost, with round-trip tickets priced around $175 USD.

While flying is a quicker option, it is important to consider your budget and preferences. Water taxis offer a more affordable choice, but they may be more crowded and time-consuming. If you're not constrained by time and budget is a priority, the water taxi is a great way to experience the beauty of the Caribbean Sea en route to your destination.

Water taxis are a cheap, local way to travel

The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi is a popular choice for travellers, with daily trips to Caye Caulker and San Pedro, and now to Chetumal in Mexico every other day. The journey to Caye Caulker takes around 45 minutes, and San Pedro is around 75 minutes away. The round trip to Caye Caulker is $17.50, and to San Pedro, it is $27.50.

International Islander Ferries is another option, with trips to Caye Caulker, San Pedro, and Chetumal. The boats have two side exits, life vests, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit. The journey to San Pedro takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Caye Caulker is 3 hours and 15 minutes away.

Water taxis are a great way to get between Belize City and the cayes, with comfortable, efficient, and relatively inexpensive trips.

The plane offers incredible views of the islands

Belize is a breathtakingly beautiful country with over 239 miles of coastline and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. With over 200 islands, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit.

Flying from Belize City to the cayes is a great option for those who want to save time and enjoy incredible views. The plane ride offers a unique perspective of the islands, with their turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush greenery. As you soar over the Caribbean Sea, you'll be treated to a bird's-eye view of the diverse landscape, from the bustling tourist hotspots to the secluded, untouched cays.

The largest island in Belize, Ambergris Caye, is a popular destination for travellers and can be reached quickly by plane. With its proximity to the Barrier Reef and the mainland, Ambergris Caye offers a variety of water-related activities, including windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing, and snorkelling. The island's biggest settlement, San Pedro Town, is a lively hub with plenty of restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Another great option for a quick flight from Belize City is Caye Caulker, the smaller, more laid-back sister island of Ambergris Caye. Caye Caulker is a backpacker's paradise, with limited luxury hotels and a relaxed, Caribbean vibe. The island is easily navigable by bicycle, and "The Split" just north of town offers great swimming and socialising.

For those seeking a more secluded and luxurious getaway, St. George's Caye is a great option. This island, just a 20-minute water taxi ride from Belize City, is home to the exclusive St. George's Caye Resort. Visitors can enjoy activities like kayaking, diving, and relaxing by the pool.

Whether you're looking for excitement, relaxation, or a bit of both, the cayes of Belize have something for everyone. And with a quick plane ride from Belize City, you can soon be soaking up the sun and enjoying the incredible views from above.

Water taxis can be crowded and uncomfortable

Water taxis are also not the most reliable form of transport in terms of timing. While they do not cancel if there are not enough passengers, they are also often late, with some passengers reporting delays of up to 45 minutes. This can be a problem if you have a connecting flight or travel commitment to meet.

The water taxis are also not the quickest way to travel, with the journey from Belize City to San Pedro taking around 1.5 hours. In comparison, a flight takes just 20 minutes.

However, water taxis are generally considered safe, and the staff are reported to be friendly and efficient. Luggage is also taken care of, with passengers able to check in their bags before boarding.

Overall, while water taxis are a budget-friendly option for travelling between Belize City and the cayes, they may not be the most comfortable or convenient choice, especially for those who are prone to motion sickness or have a tight travel schedule.

The plane is a good option if you're already at the airport

If you're already at the airport, taking a plane to the cayes is a good option. Flying is faster than taking a boat, although it is more expensive. A taxi to the water taxi terminal in Belize City will cost around $30, so flying is a more attractive option if you're already at the airport.

For example, if you're travelling to Ambergris Caye, you can fly to San Pedro from the Belize Municipal Airstrip. A fixed-fare taxi from the international airport to the municipal airstrip costs $25, and the flight to San Pedro costs $37.50 one way or $72.50 return. In comparison, flying from the international airport costs $65 one way and $125 return.

If you're travelling to Caye Caulker, you can fly with Tropic Air. Flights from Belize City to Caye Caulker cost $19 one way and $35 return.

Frequently asked questions