Ferry to Caye Caulker: How to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker

Ferry to Caye Caulker: How to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is one of Belize’s top travel destinations. Its super-chilled vibes, stunning turquoise waters, and insane snorkelling and diving spots make it a popular first stop in Belize.

But since it’s an island, figuring out how to get Caye Caulker is your first challenge! A challenge you probably want to understand before you touch down in Belize for the first time…

Thankfully, I’ve completed the journey from Belize City to Caye Caulker several times, and have first-hand experience with the ferry to Caye Caulker. This means I can now share exactly how to do it and everything you need to know!

This guide will cover schedules, prices, and my personal travel tips so you can get to the island as easily and pain-free as possible! So come on, let’s get the ferry to Caye Caulker!

Belize City to Caye Caulker Ferry (or San Pedro)

Catching the San Pedro Belize Express ferry is the best way to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker and San Pedro.

There are other operators, but this is the main one. You can book tickets at the ferry terminal or online beforehand, using their website or companies like 12Go or Bookaway.

How to get to Belize City Ferry Terminal

The Belize City Ferry Terminal is located on the east coast of Belize, in the opening of Haulover Creek.

Ferries to both Caye Caulker and San Pedro run directly from here.

Airport to Belize Ferry Terminal

If you’re flying into Belize, the ferry terminal is about 30 minutes from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport which is just outside of town. Here are your options to get there:

• Taxi: The easiest and most popular option is a taxi. These usually cost $20–$30 USD for up to four people (though you can negotiate). I met some people on my flight, which made this the best-value option.
• Shared Shuttle: Some companies offer shared shuttles for around $10–$20 USD per person (best if you’re travelling solo). Belize Water Taxi offer their own.
• Public Bus: If you’re on a tight budget, you can take a bus from the airport to downtown Belize City and walk or take a short taxi to the terminal. Buses are infrequent and cost a couple of dollars.

Belize City Centre to Ferry Terminal

You have two options if staying in Belize City. You can either take a taxi for $5–$10 USD, or even walk if you’re close by!

Belize City has a worse reputation than other areas in Belize, however, walking in daylight hours felt safe for me.

Mainland Belize to Ferry Port

If you’re travelling from other parts of Belize, here’s how to reach the ferry terminal:

• San Ignacio: Take a bus (2.5 hours, $8–$10 USD) or a shuttle (2 hours, $30–$40 USD).
• Placencia: Bus to Belize City (4–5 hours, $12–$15 USD) or a more expensive private shuttle.

Most buses will drop you at the bus station. From there it’s walkable to the ferry port (though you can get a taxi).

Shuttles will take you directly to the ferry terminal if requested.

Ferry Prices

The cost of a one-way ticket from Belize City to Caye Caulker is $21 USD.

Return tickets work out cheaper ($37 USD). Therefore I recommend purchasing a return as you’ll be coming back at some point…probably! Return tickets usually last around 3 months.

Fares may change slightly depending on the ferry company. Two major ferry operators run between Belize City and Caye Caulker: San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize. Check their websites for the latest prices.

*Includes ferry prices from Chetumal in Mexico since there’s also a ferry route if you’re travelling to Caye Caulker from Mexico (likely Bacalar).

You can pay online or in person. They accept debit and credit cards (just make sure to tell your bank in advance so it’s not blocked).

Children under 1 year old travel for FREE. Children Below 10 years old pay the child rate (excluding the Chetumal ferry). Above 10 years old, you pay the standard fee.

If you’re in a group of 10+ people, you can get 1 ticket free. It’s unlikely, but worth noting if you can get a group together.

Ferry Schedule

The ferry service from Belize City to Caye Caulker runs every day from 8:00am until 17:30pm.

Other ferries run at different times (see below):

Journey Times

Journey times for all ferries including Belize City to Caye Caulker are listed below:

• Belize City to Caye Caulker is 45 minutes
• Belize City to San Pedro is 1 hour 30 minutes
• Caye Caulker to San Pedro is 30 minutes
• Chetumal to San Pedro is around 1 hour 40 minutes, then however long customs and immigration takes. It’s an extra 30 minutes from San Pedro to Caye Caulker.

These timings are approximate and depend on the prevailing sea conditions. If the weather is rough, it may take a little longer, but generally, it’s a smooth and quick journey.

What to expect

I’ve taken the ferry to Caye Caulker multiple times, and it’s always been a straightforward experience.

The ferry terminal can be a bit chaotic, especially in high season, but it’s largely well-organised. Here’s what you can expect:

• Ticket Purchase: You can buy tickets online in advance or at the terminal. During peak season, I highly recommend buying ahead to avoid selling out.
• Boarding: They recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before departure to check in and get a good seat. With experience, you don’t really need that long!
• Luggage: They’ll tag and store large backpacks/suitcases in the ferry’s cargo hold. Small bags can stay with you, so keep your valuables in there.
• Onboard Experience: Ferries are covered and have basic seating. It can get hot, so try to grab a seat near the open sides for fresh air. You also get a better view from the sides. If it’s bumpy, wet or breezy you can fold down the plastic over the sides to prevent splashing.
• Unloading: When you arrive, they’ll unload the bags from the ferry. Try to find yours as easily as possible. It’s always helpful to have something recognisable to spot your bag.
• Arrival: Arriving on the island Caye Caulker, you’ll walk off the pier and be welcomed by the iconic sign. From here you can walk to your accommodation. Or see if you can get a lift in a golf buggy if you don’t want to carry your luggage. It immediately feels like a change of pace when you arrive, check out my Caye Caulker itinerary for things to do!

Return to Belize City

The return leg of the journey is very similar. Perhaps even easier if you bought a return ticket!

Simply show your ticket at the dock, take a seat and wait for your time to board!

When you arrive back in Belize City, it’s a little more chaotic. There will be lots of people offering you services for tours, shuttles and more – something I hadn’t been used to on the slow island of Caye Caulker!

Collect your luggage and walk away. Don’t be pressured into anything. Hopefully, you’ll already have a plan of action for your next step (perhaps San Ignacio).

Tips

• Book Online in Advance: This avoids long lines and secures your spot, especially in peak season. It also removes the stress of buying a last-minute ticket if the ferry is about to leave!
• Arrive early for your return: Since you don’t have a specific ferry for an open return, anyone with a ticket can, in theory, turn up. Arrive early to ensure you catch the ferry you need.
• Bring Cash: Some ticket counters and vendors at the terminal don’t accept cards.
• Sit at the Back or Near an Open Side: It’s breezier and more comfortable, plus you get the views.
• Watch Your Bags: While Belize is generally safe, always keep an eye on your belongings.
• Buy Water Before Boarding: It can get warm, and vendors near the terminal charge higher prices.
• Motion Sickness: The ride is short, but if you know you get seasick, take a motion sickness tablet beforehand.
• Caye Caulker has ATMs: If you’re coming directly from the airport, it’s helpful to know that there are multiple ATMs on the island. However, I still recommend arriving with some USD.

Alternatives to the ferry

There aren’t many alternatives to the ferry to Caye Caulker. You can fly or private water taxi… or swim (sarcasm – please don’t actually)!

Flight from Belize City to Caye Caulker

From Belize International Airport, it’s a 10-15 minute flight to the airstrip on Caye Caulker. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air are the two operators.

Prices for the flight vary, but it normally costs approx $80-100 USD per person for a one-way flight. It’s expensive but if you’re short on time and don’t mind paying extra, this is a scenic option.

Private Water Taxi

Some hotels and tour companies offer direct boat transfers from coastal areas. If you arrive in Belize City later than the last ferry (17:30), this is worth considering.

Before you go

Thank you for reading my guide to the ferry to Caye Caulker. If guides and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.

If you are new to Matt’s Next Steps, check out the About Me page to find out a bit more about who I am, my travel adventures, and why I wanted to become a travel writer.

Please comment below and let me know your thoughts and experiences, or if there is anything else you want information on.

Happy travelling!