How to Travel from Belize to Ambergris Caye

Getting to Ambergris Caye, Travel Tips, Travel to Belize
How to travel from Belize to Ambergris Caye

You’ve made your flight reservations and booked your resort. Now, how do you get from the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) to Ambergris Caye? It’s fairly straightforward, though there are a few steps to navigate. Belize’s only international airport, the PGIA, is outside of Belize City. To continue on to Ambergris Caye, you can take a local hopper flight or a water taxi. Both options have pros and cons and boil down to time and money- as with many things in life. Belize currently does not have ride-share options like Uber or Lyft. Read on for the breakdown of getting from Belize to Ambergris Caye.

 

Local flights to San Pedro

The quickest and most popular option is to take a local hopper flight from PGIA. It lands at the island’s only airstrip, located in San Pedro Town. There are two airlines offering this service, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. Both operate out of the PGIA and other locations in Belize, providing service to San Pedro. The daily schedule has flights leaving PGIA hourly beginning at 7:30am with the last flight of the day leaving at 8:30pm.

Cost

The cost per person depends on your travel dates. Tickets are per person, it is best to reserve them in advance.

Flight charges per person are as follows:
  • Prices apply to children 2 years and up
  • Children 23 months and younger will be charged a rider's fee only at the time of check-in

Travel Dates: September 13th, 2024 to November 22nd, 2024 

  • Round Trip at US$185.50 per person
  • One Way at US$103.50 per person
Travel Dates: November 23rd, 2024 to April 26th, 2025
  • Round Trip at US$213.00 per person
  • One Way at US$106.50
Travel Dates: April 27th, 2025 and Onwards
  • Round Trip at US$202.00 per person
  • One Way at US$101.00 per person

How long does it take?

This is a quick flight, less than 20 minutes, with breathtaking views. You’ll get a glimpse of Belize City before soaring above the Caribbean Sea with the Belize Barrier Reef in view. The passenger capacity varies between aircraft's but you are sure to have a vantage point to take in the sights.

Benefits

A hopper flight is the fastest way to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye. This can make a world of difference if you’ve had a long travel day or have kids in tow. Arriving at your resort as soon as possible lets your vacation start. As the local airlines operate out of the PGIA, you don’t need to leave the airport. The convenience of checking in for your local flight and setting off for the island is a definite perk. Lastly, the views from the sky as you soar low over the Caribbean Sea and Belize Barrier Reef are unbeatable.

Travel route

Check-in for your local flight at the PGIA, after processing through the arrival hall. The ticketing counter is in the main terminal. You then proceed through security and into the departure lounge. Travel from Belize to Ambergris Caye on a small local flight. The plane will land in the heart of San Pedro Town. Re resort transportation is available to your final destination on the island.

How to book

Many resorts on Ambergris Caye will book your hopper flight at no extra charge. Contact your resort directly to explore this option. You will need to forward your international itinerary and full names for the reservation. You may also contact the airline via their website.

Maya Flight from Belize to San Pedro town

Water Taxi Boat to Ambergris Caye

If you prefer to travel by sea, there are two water taxi companies. They are in Belize City and offer daily service to Ambergris Caye. The San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter have boats that are large and covered. Ferry runs often operate at or just below passenger capacity.

Cost

US $59 round trip on San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi. Tickets are per person and you can reserve them ahead of time.

How long does it take?

This is a longer journey. The boat ride itself is about 90 minutes. There is also a 30-minute drive from the PGIA to the water taxi terminal. You need to check-in for your boat 30 minutes prior. All told, plan for the trip from Belize to Ambergris Caye to take 2 ½ hours.

Benefits

Taking a water taxi from Belize to Ambergris Caye is cost-effective. You will get to see more of the Belize City area as you travel from the PGIA to the water taxi dock. As the local hopper planes are small, those that have a phobia of flight may find a water taxi more comfortable.

Travel route

To get to the water taxi terminal, you will need to hire a ground taxi at the PGIA to the water taxi dock. Taxies will be waiting right outside of the airport, are part of the Airport Taxi Union and have standard rates. They are licensed to carry up to five passengers and their luggage, the ride is about 25 minutes. On arrival at the water taxi, check-in for your journey and check your luggage. It best to arrive at the water taxi at least 30 minutes before departure. Both water taxis are near each other and offer regular daily runs to and from Ambergris Caye. The Caribbean Sprinter 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.

How to book

You can book directly with the water taxi provider via their websites. The water taxi schedule, routes, prices, and luggage information are also there.  A valid I.D., such as a passport, is required when purchasing water taxi tickets and when boarding the vessel.

Use this information to choose the best travel option for you. There are benefits of each, and it comes down to personal preference on how to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye. Once you arrive in San Pedro, you continue on to your resort and your Belize vacation can begin!

 

San Pedro Belize Express water taxi