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Getting from Belize to Ambergris Caye is a straightforward trip, but the best way to go really depends on your budget and your sense of adventure.
When you’re planning how to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye, you actually have two main options: flying or taking a water taxi.
While many travelers wonder how to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye by road, it’s important to know there’s no bridge and no ferry that takes your car, so you’ll be either in the air or on the sea.
The most common route is flying from Belize City, while the most budget-friendly route is taking a water taxi from Belize City’s coast.
In this post, we’ll break down every way you can make this journey, including the fastest way to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye and the best options for carrying luggage.
Let’s dive in.
Why Flights Are The Fastest Way To Get From Belize To Ambergris Caye
If your main priority is speed, flying is the best way to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye.
The flight itself is incredibly short, often lasting just about 15 minutes once you’re in the air.
This is the way to go when you want to maximize your time on the island and skip the longer boat ride.
1. The Flight From Belize City To Ambergris Caye
You’ll need to make your way to the Belize City Municipal Airport, which is the main hub for domestic flights.
When you get from Belize to Ambergris Caye by air, you’ll fly into San Pedro Town, which is the main town on the island.
Domestic airlines like Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer multiple daily departures.
These flights are reliable and it’s always a good idea to book a few days ahead, especially during the busy winter tourist season.
Since the flight is so short, you get to enjoy some incredible aerial views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
2. The Flight From The International Airport
If you’re arriving at Philip Goldson International Airport, you can actually connect directly without ever leaving the airport.
You can easily get from Belize to Ambergris Caye by taking a connecting domestic flight from the same international terminal.
Both Tropic Air and Maya Island Air have counters right inside the international arrivals area.
This is the absolute easiest way to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye if you just landed from abroad.
You avoid taking a taxi into the city, and you avoid any hassle with public buses.
3. What It Costs To Fly
Flights are understandably a bit more expensive than the water taxi.
The cost to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye by air is around $100 to $150 per person each way, depending on the time of year.
While it costs more, you are paying for the convenience and the significant time savings.
If you’re on a tight schedule and only have a few days, this is honestly the best way to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye.
Why Taking A Water Taxi Is The Budget-Friendly Route
If you’re looking to save some money and don’t mind being on the water, the water taxi is a fantastic way to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye.
This is the classic backpacker route and it offers a much more local experience than flying.
The water taxi journey is longer, but it’s scenic and gives you a real feel for the Belizean coast.
1. The Water Taxi From Belize City To Ambergris Caye
To take the water taxi, you first have to get to the Belize City water taxi terminal.
This terminal is located right on the coast, and it’s easy to find a taxi or a bus to take you there from anywhere in the city.
Companies like San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter operate regular departures every day.
When you get from Belize to Ambergris Caye by water taxi, you’ll spend about 1.5 to 1.75 hours on the boat.
That’s not a bad way to spend a little over an hour, plus you’ll see the Belize Barrier Reef along the way.
2. The Water Taxi From Caye Caulker
Another popular route that many travelers use to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye is stopping over in Caye Caulker.
Many water taxis make a quick stop at Caye Caulker to drop off and pick up passengers.
This is a great option to break up the journey. Though, it’s worth noting that this adds a bit of time.
Taking the water taxi from Caye Caulker to Ambergris Caye is only about a 25-minute hop.
3. What It Costs To Take The Boat
The water taxi is markedly cheaper than flying.
The cost to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye by boat is roughly $45 to $60 per person for a one-way ticket.
This makes it the most affordable way to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye for budget-conscious travelers.
Make sure you bring some cash with you, as it’s always good to have Belizean dollars on hand for the ticket and any snack you might want on the boat.
Important Travel Tips For Your Journey
No matter which option you choose to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye, there are a few things that can make your trip smoother.
1. Getting To The Terminal Or Airport
If you’re flying, make sure you have a taxi booked to get you to the municipal airport or the international airport.
If you’re taking the water taxi, a taxi from the international airport will cost around $30 to $50.
Always agree on the fare before you get into the taxi, and you’ll find this makes getting from Belize to Ambergris Caye a breeze.
2. Luggage Considerations For The Water Taxi
The water taxi is generally good with luggage, but it’s not like an airport where they handle your bags for free.
You will have to carry your own bags from the taxi to the dock, and they will be stored in a cargo area at the back of the boat.
Bring a rain cover or a dry bag for your electronics during the water taxi ride, as sea spray can occasionally get through.
3. Booking In Advance Or Just Showing Up
You can technically just show up to the terminal and buy a ticket, but it’s better to book online in advance.
During holidays like Easter or Christmas, boats can fill up quickly.
Booking online also makes it easier to know exactly how to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye in your specific timeframe.
So, How Do You Get From Belize To Ambergris Caye?
You can get from Belize to Ambergris Caye by either flying or taking a water taxi.
Flying is certainly the fastest and most comfortable way to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye, costing a bit more.
Taking the water taxi is the most common and affordable way to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye, taking a bit more time.
It all really comes down to your budget and how eager you are to get your feet in the sand.
So, the next time you’re planning a trip to Belize, you can confidently answer the question of how to get from Belize to Ambergris Caye.