Best Ways To Get From Belize City To Caye Caulker

The best ways to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker

So, you finally booked your Caye Caulker vacation. The international flight to Belize and your Airbnb are all set, and you are ready to “Go Slow”. Now you are contemplating the best ways to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker.

We’ll help you to make this decision by providing detailed information about the options along with a few insider tips!

Caye Caulker is located approximately 20 miles or 32 km north-northeast of Belize City.

While you think about the different options of transportation, the best ways to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker are either by ferry or by air.

Travel to Caye Caulker by boat

For most travelers one of the best ways to get to Caye Caulker is by ferry, or water taxi as we call it. The water taxi terminals are an about 20-minute drive from Belize International Airport. Just hop in one of the taxis outside of the airport arrival area for the ride to the water taxi. The rate for the taxi ride between the airport and the water taxis recently changed and is now $30 USD for 2 people.

You can also schedule a pick up with one of our trusted drivers directly. They will then wait for you outside the arrival area and you can head straight for the water taxi without wasting any time.

Feel free to CONTACT US for taxi driver recommendations and we’ll send you names and contact info.

Two water taxi companies with several scheduled daily runs operate between Belize City and Caye Caulker, San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry. San Pedro Belize Express have more daily runs on their schedule and they also have a larger terminal in Belize City, which makes waiting for the next boat more comfortable. The cost for both is similar, if not the same.

(Schedules updated 2023)

At the Water Taxi Terminal

When you get to the San Pedro Belize Express water taxi terminal, you drop off your suitcase in exchange for a luggage tag. You will get one tag for each piece of luggage. It may seem a little concerning to just leave your belongings there, but don’t worry. So far, everything we dropped off made it to Caye Caulker.

Once you have your luggage tags, move on to the ticket counter at the end of the terminal close to the boarding area. There you purchase your tickets and check in for the ride. No need to purchase your tickets in advance. If it is very busy, San Pedro Belize Express usually operates either a larger vessel or a second boat to get everybody to Caye Caulker safely.

While you’re waiting for the next boat, visit our friend James at the Last Drop Cafe and enjoy an ice cold Belikin beer. They also offer breakfast and lunch.

And if you’re not too late, try a couple of Dario’s famous meat pies!

When it’s time to board head back to the gate next to the ticket office, present your ticket, and get aboard. Seats are not assigned, so you can sit wherever you want. Keep in mind that, especially on the smaller boats, the ride will be smoother if you sit in the back of the water taxi. Some of the boats have an outdoor deck upstairs where you can enjoy the beautiful view during the approximately 45-minute ride to Caye Caulker.

Travel to Caye Caulker by air

The faster, but also more expensive way to get to Caye Caulker is the 8-minute fight from Belize International Airport with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air on a small plane.

You can either purchase your tickets in advance by booking online, or at the ticket counters at the airport. The ticket counters are located in the adjacent building right after you cleared customs. Leave the customs area and go straight ahead through the glass doors. Don’t worry if you missed it and left the building. It’s the next entrance to the left.

If you purchased bottles of booze or any other liquids at one of the Arrival Duty Free stores, you need to make sure they are checked in with your luggage for the connection flight, as you will have to go through security to enter the departure area. Imported liquor, such as Tequila or Grey Goose Vodka, is much cheaper at the Arrival Duty Free store than on the island. Ask the cashier to pack your bottles in a cardboard box instead of a plastic bag, so you can easily check in the box for the connection flight without having to pack the bottles in your suitcase. And if you want to be extra nice to your Airbnb host, ask them for their favorite. I’m sure most hosts would be happy to buy a duty-free treat!

But back to our topic…

Once you checked in and passed through security, you will board one of the small island hoppers. Flights are mostly operated on 12-seater aircrafts, but if you’re lucky, you get on one of their 4-seaters.

Seats are not assigned for the flights, so you might be able to sit in the copilot seat!

The island hoppers fly at a low altitude and you will have a beautiful bird’s-eye view of small Cayes and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Mix and match transportation to and from Caye Caulker

To get the best of both worlds take the boat one way and fly the other. After all, it is a nice boat ride on your way to the island, but convenient when you know you’ll be back at the airport quickly by taking the 8-minute flight on your way home.

Alternatively, you can combine your flight to the airport with an Amazing Flight Over The Belize Blue Hole. In addition to the tour, you pay a small up-charge and have your own private flight directly to the International Airport in Belize City. If you are interested in this option, CONTACT US and we will hook you up.

Whatever mode of transportation is best for you, once you arrive in Caye Caulker you will immediately get the island vibe and see what “Go Slow” is about!

Kick off your shoes and let the fun begin!