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What makes visiting Belize easy is its accessibility – my Getting Around Belize series covers the simple and fun ways to get to your destination. I highly encourage making your transportation part of the fun. Welcome to part 2 of Getting Around Belize!

Getting Around Belize : Water Taxi Adventures

Water taxis are a popular and efficient means of transportation between the mainland and cayes. These boats provide locals and tourists a convenient way to explore the country’s coastal wonders. They offer picturesque views on route to your final destination. How fun is it that you can enjoy the Caribbean Sea breeze as you head to your island adventure?!

Navigating The Tranquil Waters – Will I Get Seasick?

One remarkable aspect of Belize ferry travel is the soothing influence of the Belize Barrier Reef. As the second-largest barrier reef in the world, it acts as a natural breakwater, calming the often turbulent Caribbean Sea. This means that water taxi journeys are typically smooth sailing, making them a comfortable choice for travelers prone to seasickness.

The water taxis we’ve taken around Belize have been wonderful experiences. Walt tends to get motion sickness, but he didn’t because the waters were so calm. We do love to bring motion sickness relief bands with us when we travel, just in case.

Our Belize Water Taxi Adventures

Image Via San Pedro Express

There are several companies offering ferry boat service from Belize City to the various caye destinations like Caye Caulker and San Pedro. We chose San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi based on a recommendation, and had no complaints.

Getting From Belize International Airport To The Marina

Getting From Belize City International Airport to the marina takes about 25 minutes via taxi or private shuttle. Private shuttles can be reserved ahead of time. Alternatively, taxis are available directly in front of the airport.

The marina is very busy and can be intimidating. English speaking representatives are available to help you navigate. You’ll need to check luggage or cargo and get your printed ticket. Plan to arrive at the marina at least 30 minutes prior to your departure, if not sooner.

Note : Once you arrive at the marina, visit the ticket counter for printed tickets. Even reservations booked ahead of time must visit the ticket counter.

Water Taxi Costs & Schedule

Water taxis in Belize are the most affordable way to travel to your caye. One way tickets cost approximately $20-$30, while round trips cost $40-$60 (US).

Ferries are offered multiple times back and forth throughout the day between 6am and 6pm. San Pedro Express Belize Water Taxi offers a handful of trips each way, to each location daily.

What To Expect On Your Belize Water Taxi Journey

Get excited about getting around Belize via ferry boat! If you love the sea breeze and salty air, you’ll enjoy your water taxi as a preview to the fun. Below are some tips to make it the most enjoyable experience.

Arrive Early For The Best Seat : Socialize Or Soak Up the Sun

If you have a preference about where to sit on ferry, definitely arrive at the marina early. Especially if you are worried about getting seasick, you might have a strong preference about your seat location!

Seats along the parameter of the ferry and the upper deck offer the best coastal views. These seats also offer the least protection from the sun. Seats in the middle of the ferry are in rows, offering a chance to chat with others under the shade.

What To Pack For Your Water Taxi Ride

Space is limited on the ferry. If you’re traveling with luggage or cargo, it will be checked prior to boarding. Be sure to pack these items to carry on board with you :

• Water
• Reef-friendly sunscreen
• A camera or phone with video camera to capture scenic moments
• Motion sickness relief bands

Getting Around Belize Via Water Taxi : Where I’ve Traveled By Ferry

I’ll continue to update this section as I experience new destinations via water taxi.

Getting To San Pedro : Ambergris Caye Tropical Playground

The journey from Belize City to San Pedro is approximately 90 minutes. Just for perspective, a puddle jumper flight is approximately 15 minutes.

Upon arrival, you’ll find yourself in the lively town of San Pedro, where taxis are readily available. Check with your accommodations to see if they provide transport from the marina. If your hotel is downtown, you might be just a few minutes walk.

We traveled via water taxi from Caye Caulker to Ambergris Caye. The ferry took about 30-45 minutes.

Getting To Caye Caulker : A Slice Of Paradise

Traveling from Belize City to Caye Caulker typically takes around 45 minutes. Just for perspective, a puddle jumper flight is approximately 15 minutes.

Upon arrival, you’ll step into the heart of the South Side of Caye Caulker. Golf cart taxis are readily available for transportation to your hotel if needed. Some resorts offer small private water taxis from the marina to your final destination. Don’t miss stopping by Juicy for a fresh juice or smoothie before your return ferry, it’s right next to the marina!

Note : at the time of this writing, the Caye Caulker airport is closed for maintenance on the runway. Expected open date is late September, 2023. We took a water taxi versus puddle jumper because of the closure.

Sea Views : Your Belizean Adventure Awaits

Belize offers a diverse range of experiences, from serene beachfronts to vibrant underwater worlds. With water taxis, getting around Belize is not only convenient but also an adventure in itself.

Let the scenic beauty of Belize unfold before your eyes as you make your way to your destination. Hope to see you on board soon, exploring the coastal wonders of this captivating country!

xx, Jenny (The Kai Life)

Have You Traveled Around Belize Via Water Taxi?

I would love to hear about your adventures!

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What makes visiting Belize easy is its accessibility – my Getting Around Belize series covers the simple and fun ways to get to your destination. I highly encourage making your transportation part of the fun. Welcome to part 1 of Getting Around Belize!

LOCATION DETAILS : Azure Del Mar Beachfront Resort

The Kai Life contains affiliate links, and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from any purchases you choose to make from our links, at no additional cost to you. For more information, please refer to our Privacy Policy. Thank you for your incredible support.

Getting Around Belize : Puddle Jumper Flight Delights

As travelers, we often focus on the destination, but in Belize, your journey can become part of the adventure! The main modes of transportation in Belize are puddle jumper flights, water taxis, bus, and automobile. You can choose your method of transportation based on how quickly you want to arrive at your destination, and the perspective you want to see.

Puddle jumpers are small planes that transport a handful of passengers on short flights. They’re very common in Belize (both domestic and international), used regularly to get from one destination to another.

Have you ever taken a puddle jumper flight? When planning how to get around Belize, we chose to fly, because we wanted to take in all of the views of the rainforest and Caribbean Sea! I have to admit, I was SUPER nervous about my first time on such a small plane.

The first time I flew on a puddle jumper flight in Belize was with some girlfriends. My husband and son couldn’t believe I was brave enough to board such a small plane! As soon as I was in the air, though, I knew that I had absolutely made the right choice. Our family has gone on to fly around Belize since. I’ll tell you all about the adventure, truly the best way to get around Belize!

Tropic Air: The Airline For The Ultimate Puddle Jumper Excursion

When it comes to experiencing such a beautiful country, Tropic Air takes getting around Belize to the next level. Their flights aren’t just a means of transportation; they’re a sweet adventure in themselves. Imagine soaring over Belize’s breathtaking landscapes, it’s the most magical perspective. We’ve flown Tropic Air for each of our flights and have had the most wonderful experiences.

The Cost Of Puddle Jumpers Flights In Belize

While taking a flight to your destination in Belize is more expensive than a water taxi or bus, it certainly gets you there faster with all the views. Flights seem to range from somewhere in the $50-$200 USD range.

Getting To Tropic Air At Belize International Airport

Tropic Air is located conveniently at Belize International Airport, where most tourists arrive in the country.

Image Via Tropic Air

• Upon arrival, you’ll go through customs and get your luggage.
• From there, you’ll walk up to the Tropic Air kiosk. A representative will confirm your tickets and answer any questions you have.
• With your tickets in hand, you’ll head through a short security to get in the terminal.

The terminal area in Belize International Airport is small but busy. There’s only a handful of gates. You’ll find Tropic Air located at the far end – conveniently located across from Johnny’z Bar in the departure lounge! Upon arriving in the departure area, I highly recommend you tell the Tropic Air team you’re there, get changed into something fun and tropical – and grab a drink from Johnny’z to celebrate!

Above and Beyond: Tropic Air’s Exceptional Service

Tropic Air isn’t just about flying; it’s about taking care of travelers like family. We experienced this firsthand when my husband fell ill to food poisoning during one of our trips, from an off-resort restaurant we tried. Our flight was the next day but he still felt so ill.

The entire Tropic Air staff went above and beyond for us. The employee at the counter in Placencia noticed that he didn’t feel well and asked if he was ok. After we sat down, he came back over to us with the names of a few hospitals that he recommended. He also arranged to have a staff member drive us to the marina we were headed to, in case Walt needed to make a stop at the hospital. Once we arrived in Belize City, the staff member met us at the gate and carried all of our luggage. He was so friendly and helpful to us. Tropic Air took customer service to a whole new level. Their boutique, friendly service is truly exceptional. I had to share this experience with you, because we are absolutely fans for life!

Getting Around Belize: The Puddle Jumper Experience

Now, let’s talk about the exhilarating experience of flying in a small puddle jumper plane! These compact aircrafts offer an intimate connection with Belize’s natural beauty. Expect panoramic views that will leave you breathless.

What To Bring Onboard

At booking, you’ll choose your baggage configurations. These planes are small – even your carry on suitcase will be under your puddle jumper plane. You can bring a small carry on with you.

I recommend bringing a bottle of water on board with you. Definitely bring your camera or phone with video camera. You’ll want to capture every scenic moment from the air!

If you tend to get nauseous, you may want to speak with your health care team about a motion sickness treatment. My husband does tend to get motion sickness, but didn’t get nauseous at all, the flights were so smooth. We do love these motion sickness bands when we need them!

The Co-Pilot Seat: An Adventure Within an Adventure

Upon boarding your flight, you’ll notice just how small the plane really is. Staff will direct you where to sit – however I have two great recommendations for you!

For the ultimate thrill, inquire about the co-pilot seat as soon as you arrive at the gate. If not yet taken, the co-pilot seat is a unique opportunity to sit beside the pilot! You’ll get to see the world from their perspective. To my surprise, staff asked if I’d like to sit there on my last flight in Belize. YES I answered immediately! Riding in the co-pilot seat was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Although every seat on Tropic Air offers perfect views, this took it to a whole new level.

If you’re a part of a group of 3, or are taller and want more leg room, I recommend asking if the back seat is available. On the flights we flew, it’s the only full row on the plane, offers a lot more space and still has spectacular views.

The Belize Flight Experience

The thrill of feeling the engines roar to life, and ascending into the boundless Belizean skies is an experience unlike any other. It’s a reminder that the journey itself can be just as exhilarating as the destination.

As you peer out the window and watch the landscape transform beneath you, the sense of wonder grows with every passing minute. From the azure blue Caribbean Sea to the forests full of tropical foliage, treat your transportation around Belize as an excursion and enjoy! Tropic Air doesn’t merely transport you from one place to another; they share the heart of Belize’s natural beauty. Every flight is an unforgettable chapter of your Belizean adventure.

The flight itself is simple. I noticed that I felt take-off and landing much less than on a larger commercial airplane. I experienced a couple of flights with slight turbulence, but it was overall much smoother than a larger plane. Having water was important for me, as it does get stuffy on the smaller planes.

The Best Way To Get Around Belize : Where I’ve Traveled With Tropic Air

Tropic Air currently offers routes to 8 domestic and 5 international locations. We haven’t flown with them internationally yet, but are considering a flight to Cancun someday! I’ll continue to update this section as I experience new destinations via Tropic Air.

Getting to Placencia: Where Tranquility Meets Adventure

The flight from Belize City to Placencia is 25-45 minutes (depending on if it’s non-stop). Just for perspective, it takes roughly 3-6 hours to drive or take a bus.

Once you land in Placencia, you’ll be amused by the cute airport and small baggage claim area. You’ll also be welcomed with open arms by the Tropic Air staff. Pre-arrange transport with your resort and they’ll pick you up right at the terminal!

The small airport operates a handful of flights a day, so you won’t need to sit at the airport for a long time on your return flight. Arriving 30 minutes prior to your flight will be more than enough time, but check with Tropic Air staff for their recommendation.

Getting to San Pedro : Ambergris Caye Tropical Playground

The flight from Belize City to San Pedro is roughly 15 minutes. Just for perspective, the water taxi is approximately 90 minutes (and the marina is located about 20-30 min taxi ride from Belize International Airport).

You’ll conveniently land in the bustling town of San Pedro. Taxis are readily available if your hotel doesn’t have transport. If your accommodations are downtown, you might be just a few minutes walk.

Getting to Caye Caulker : A Slice of Paradise

The flight from Belize City to Caye Caulker is roughly 15 minutes. Just for perspective, the water taxi is approximately 45 minutes (and the marina is located about 20-30 min taxi ride from Belize International Airport). Please note that at the time of this writing, the Caye Caulker airport is closed for maintenance on the runway. Expected open date is late September, 2023.

You’ll conveniently land in the heart of the South Side of Caye Caulker. Golf cart taxis are readily available if your hotel doesn’t have transport.

The Best Way To Get Around Belize : Your Uncharted Journey Awaits

From extraordinary customer service to unforgettable landscapes, Tropic Air will take your Belize adventure to new heights! Offering the quickest mode of transport with arguably the best views of gorgeous Belize, it’s pure fun to make this way of getting to your destination part of the adventure. Hope to see you on the next flight!

xx, Jenny (The Kai Life)

I’m curious – would you fly On a puddle jumper?

Tell me everything, I want to hear if you would do it, if you have done it! Would you fly the co-pilot seat if asked?!

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