How to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker

by Nabewise

Since Caye Caulker exists as an island near Belize City's coast you need to depend mainly on boat transportation to reach it. Here’s a straightforward guide:

1. Option 1: Water Taxi (Most Common)

The main water taxi departure points of Belize City operate from two terminals to reach Caye Caulker.
San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi (Brown’s Terminal, North Front Street)
Ocean Ferry Belize (near the Swing Bridge, Belize City)
The boat journey lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour while it departs based on the number of stops and sea condition severity.

Water taxis operate at least twice per day from 8:00 AM until 5:30 PM and later hours according to the specified schedule. Reviews of current schedules are available through online platforms and terminal displays since the times may differ.
The cost for this service ranges from $15 to $25 USD based on the operator and booking conditions in advance.
How to Do It:
The terminal transportation in Belize City requires an approximately $5 USD taxi fare from city center locations.
Tickets can be obtained through cash payment as alternative payment methods like cards are accepted by some operators.
Hopping onto the boat from the terminal allows you to experience the journey to Caye Caulker's main dock while taking in the surrounding natural scenery.
The best time to arrive for boat ticket purchase at the terminal is between 15 and 30 minutes before departure since peak seasons run from November to April.

2. Option 2: Flight (Faster but Pricier)

People can start their travel at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) or the Belize City Municipal Airport.
Airlines: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer flights to Caye Caulker’s small airstrip.
Travel Time: About 15–20 minutes.
Cost: Around $75–$100 USD one way.
How to Do It:
You can purchase your flight either through an online portal or the airport departure point.
The small Caye Caulker Airstrip receives flights that continue with walking or golf cart transport to reach your island destination since this island features no vehicle traffic.
Due to fewer water taxi services than flights check the flight schedule in advance.

3. Travelers must reach the departure point located in Belize City.

When arriving at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) take either a taxi to reach the water taxi terminal for $25 USD during a 20–30 minute journey or opt for the flight from the Municipal Airport.
The most convenient method to reach Belize City involves using local taxis alongside walking if the terminals remain accessible.

Practical Tips:

Whitsail conditions should be checked because they may delay water taxi service.
Water taxi passengers should consider packing minimum luggage since available space is limited or plan to carry their belongings during transport.
Caye Caulker can be explored by walking or renting golf carts or bicycles.

Water Taxi Schedules

The water taxi service between Belize City and Caye Caulker operates with the following timetable effective on 2025.

The transportation service is operated by two main companies named San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi and Ocean Ferry Belize. Verify schedules with the operators before your departure since weather conditions and holiday schedules as well as demand fluctuations might cause minor timetable variations.

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi

Departure Point: Brown’s Terminal, 111 North Front Street, Belize City
The travel duration from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes about 45 minutes.
The trip from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes place on the following schedule:
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:30 PM
3:00 PM
4:00 PM
5:30 PM (last departure)
The cost for this water taxi ride is between $18-$25 USD for one-way travel though child and senior discounts or membership cards might reduce the price.
Notes:
The boat service makes a stop at Caye Caulker as its first stop before continuing to San Pedro.
Secure your seat by arriving early before boat departure time while handling your luggage.

Ocean Ferry Belize

Departure Point: Terminal near the Swing Bridge, North Front Street, Belize City
Travelers need about 45 minutes to reach Caye Caulker from Belize City.
The travel route from Belize City to Caye Caulker operates through Schedule (Belize City to Caye Caulker).
8:30 AM
10:00 AM
11:30 AM
1:00 PM
2:30 PM
The final departure from San Pedro Belize Express ends earlier than other boats at 4:30 PM.
Cost: Around $15–$20 USD one way
Notes:
Caye Caulker boat services operate fewer times per day in comparison to San Pedro Belize Express.
The boat service provides Wi-Fi service on specific ships as an added convenience.

The return transportation from Caye Caulker to Belize City operates on the following timetable:

San Pedro Belize Express:
6:30 AM (earliest)
7:30 AM
8:30 AM
10:00 AM
11:30 AM
1:00 PM
2:30 PM
4:00 PM
Ocean Ferry Belize:
7:00 AM (earliest)
8:00 AM
9:30 AM
11:00 AM
1:30 PM
3:00 PM
The specific departure times remain approximate so users should confirm the exact day by contacting the operator.

How to Book:

The terminal location offers ticket sales (cash is preferred but cards are accepted) while people can also purchase tickets through the websites sanpedrobelizeexpress.com or oceanferrybelize.com but an additional fee might apply.
During normal times you can obtain tickets without prior booking yet it is advisable to book or arrive early during peak periods like Easter and Christmas.

Additional Tips:

Large bags require terminal staff handling because they will tag them then load them onto the vessel. Small bags should be kept at your immediate disposal.
The best seating position for improved comfort is at the back of the boat because rough seas create more bumps and moisture in the front section.

The ferry operator will adjust schedules based on rough sea conditions and you can verify this information by calling San Pedro Belize Express at +501-223-2225 or Ocean Ferry at +501-223-0033.

Water Taxi Schedules

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