Transportation Options from Belize International Airport to Ambergris Caye

Travelers looking to enjoy the beautiful country of Belize are often torn between exploring the rainforests of the mainland and relaxing on the beach on one of the beautiful Cayes. Transportation within Belize is pretty convenient and there are options for easily getting to the Cayes so you can explore the mainland and still enjoy a few days of R&R on the tropical beaches.

For those looking to travel to Ambergris Caye, there are three options for direct travel from the Belize International Airport. Here is a look at the options for getting to the town of San Pedro:

1. Tropic Air Flights

Tropic Air is one of two domestic carriers that operate flights all around the mainland and the Cayes. They have been in business since 1979 and offer over 180 daily flights throughout the country.

Belize International Airport has a domestic counter that you check in at once you pick up your bags and go through customs. Tropic air has daily flights to San Pedro that depart hourly, starting at 7:40 am and the last flight departing at 5:40 pm. The flight is only 15 minutes from the airport to the airstrip in San Pedro. Flights are $63 US one way and $120 round trip.

Tropic Air planes are small Cessna Caravans and luggage allowances are lower than standard airlines. Check the website for exact dimensions, but checked bags have a maximum weight allowance of 35 lbs each and oversized bags will be an extra charge and shipped on a space available basis.

2. Maya Island Air Flights

Maya Island Air is the other airline that operates within Belize and offers a couple flights to Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico now as well. Like Tropic Air, they operate small planes between the Caye and the mainland.

Flights on Maya Island Air are the same as Tropic Air and the schedules nearly identical.

When comparing the two carriers, I have found Tropic Air to be much more reliable, flights on time, and better customer service. We booked several flights with Maya to catch a connecting flight in Cancun and they changed the flight times a day later for daylight savings time and did not notify us. Both our flight off the Caye and out of Belize International were extremely delayed and we ended up missing our remaining flights.

In contrast, I fly Tropic Air every year and have never experienced any issues or delayed flights. When a group of my travel companions were stuck in the US last year due to tropical storms, Tropic Air kept in contact and tried to even hold the last flight in order for the Continental flight to arrive, but they were finally forced to take off.

3. Water Taxi

The third option is to take a taxi or shuttle service to the Water Taxi terminal and wait for the next service between Belize City and Ambergris Caye. Companies like Belize City Shuttles operate services from the International Airport to the Water Taxi Terminal for around $10 US per person.

Water taxi services are operated by Caye Caulker Water Taxi that operates between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro. Rates between Belize International and San Pedro are $15 US each way or $30 US round trip. It takes about 1 1/2 hours from Belize City to reach San Pedro. The water taxi only runs four times daily from Belize City - 8:00 am, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 4:30 pm.

Many people prefer to take the water taxi across because it is cheaper. While it may be cheaper, this is the longest option time wise and if the weather is not good, it could be a very rough and wet ride. Also, factor in where your hotel is in relation to the drop off location. If your hotel is south of San Pedro, you will have to walk out to the road and get a taxi again.

Whether you decide to take the water taxi or a domestic flight, weigh your options and the travel time involved. If your international flight arrives in the late afternoon, taking a water taxi can add two more hours of travel time after you pass customs. This can make for an exhausting day, not to mention you will arrive after dark. By taking a domestic flight, you are obviously spending more money, but you could be checked in your hotel and on the beach within two hours of stepping off your international flight.