Ambergris Caye is Belize’s top travel destination for vacationers and those wishing to move to this welcoming country. Perhaps you are joining the upcoming Live And Invest In Belize Conference taking place Feb. 19-21 in Belize City, and want to experience San Pedro Town and the island life of Ambergris Caye…
But how do you get here…?
If you use a travel agent’s services, they will know the routes to take, but most folks prefer to self-book using travel sites.
When you enter “San Pedro, Belize” as your destination in the major travel search engines, they will populate flights to the international airport (Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City). They will have no problem suggesting dozens of hotels, resorts, and villas to lodge in, ranging from budget hostels to luxurious estates with private chefs.
There is one very important step in your journey that is missing: Getting from the international airport to the island of Ambergris Caye.
When I first visited the island in 2002, the only reason I knew how to get here (or about the island at all) was because a good friend who was well-traveled laid out the steps for me.
As an island, you have two options: by air or by sea.
By air, you can book with one of our two local airlines, Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.
Both airlines fly out of the international airport, and the cost to fly is the same whether you pre-book, or buy your ticket when you walk up to the counter.
They are very flexible if your inbound flight is late to arrive. If you have reservations, both airlines will put you on the next available flight to San Pedro, which could be as soon as every 20 minutes.
In most cases, if a flight is full, they will pull an additional aircraft from the hangar to accommodate demand. One time when I was held up in customs, they pulled a four-seater plane out to make sure me and my guest made it to the island before dark.
Their websites will show a variety of ticket class options, and those who live here know that there is no reason to book the more expensive fares.
The planes are “puddle jumpers”—mostly Cessnas—and both airlines have exemplary safety and maintenance records, so don’t fear the smaller aircraft.
Traditional roller bags that are carry-ons will be checked bags on the flight, although you can keep a small personal item with you. Most importantly, your first checked bag is free, and after that, it’s only $10 (US$5) on Tropic and $.41 per pound on Maya for additional checked bags.
Both airlines also allow pets to travel in-cabin.
While more expensive (US$160-175 round-trip), flying is incredibly convenient—you spend only 15 minutes in the air—and offers a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea and Meso-American reef. The cruising altitude is only 10,000 feet, so have your camera ready.
If you opt to fly, collect your checked bags (if applicable), clear customs, and enter the terminal through two sets of double doors—you won’t exit the airport building. Counters for both airlines are just inside, and they take cash (U.S. and Belize dollars) and credit cards.
There are no assigned seats; when you board, the airline attendants will direct you where to sit to balance the plane, and if you’re lucky, you may land the coveted “co-pilot seat”.
If you prefer a more private experience, you can charter a flight with these airlines or book a private helicopter flight—both can be customized to take in sights like the Blue Hole or scenic routes over islands and jungles.
For those more budget-conscious, not in a hurry, or who prefer to travel by sea, there are two water taxi companies, San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi and the Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi. They will add a few steps to your journey, but still supply amazing scenery on your way to Ambergris Caye.
After clearing customs at the airport, exit the building and hail a taxi. There will be many waiting (we do not yet have rideshare options in Belize). Taxis are not metered here, so ask the cost before you commit. For two people, it should cost between US$30-40 to travel from the airport to the water taxi terminal, with charges for additional passengers.
The water taxi terminals are about a 25-minute ride through Belize City, which isn’t the most picturesque of towns, but the water taxi terminals are modern and clean with a few casual food and drink options on-site.
Water taxi fares range from US$45-57 round-trip plus fees, and depart every 60 to 120 minutes. There is no charge for your luggage, and you may keep one personal item onboard with you. If you book online, convenience fees are added, so you may as well purchase your ticket at the terminal.
Until last month, I did not brave the water taxi as I am prone to seasickness. I am proud to report that the ride is very smooth, even if the water is choppy. I traveled on San Pedro Belize Express’s route, which will be 10-15 minutes slower, but is a smoother ride (and the slightly more expensive option). If the weather is nice, grab a seat on the upper deck to be in the fresh air—you may want a light jacket for the breeze and sun protection.
Both water taxi companies welcome pets in carriers, and both will stop at our sister island, Caye Caulker, between Ambergris Caye and Belize City—it will be a short call to port to offload customers and cargo, then load new passengers and cargo, maybe 5 to 10 minutes.
The total travel time will be about 90 minutes on San Pedro Belize Express and about 75 minutes on the Caribbean Sprinter taxi. This can make for a long travel day if you have a layover before arriving at the international airport, or if the weather is poor—the good news is, you can always decide when you arrive in Belize whether to fly or boat over.
Recently, a few options have entered the market if you prefer to have a private boat shuttle—this is a fantastic option if you are traveling in a large group, like a wedding party or family reunion.
No matter how you choose to arrive to San Pedro, it is a destination not to be missed!
Sincerely,
Sharon Lord
Contributor, Overseas Living Letter
