Getting to Northern Islands  – Caye Caulker & Ambergris Caye

by McNab Editorial Team

When you think of Belize, some think sunshine, islands, pristine turquoise water, diving, snorkeling, the Belize Barrier reef……and the list goes on! These are what the Cayes in Belize offer!Belize has over 200 cayes that dot its shoreline. The two most popular islands and most visited in the North of Belize are Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye.

Both are favorite spots amongst divers and those looking for a relaxed beach vacation.

Caye Caulker, is a small island with a laid back atmosphere, attracting many budget to moderate travelers. While the town of Ambergis Caye, known as San Pedro, is a little larger and more developed, stretching 24 miles, boosting the largest concentration of visitors as it lures visitors in due to its tropical nature and proximity the Belize Barrier Reef.

The question that always comes after deciding which island to visit is how to get there.

Getting to Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is one of the most popular and easily accessible islands in Belize. Located  20 miles north-northeast of Belize City, you can get to this island by ferry or flight.

There are two ferry providers that offer services to Caye Caulker, BelizeOcean Ferry or San Pedro Belize Express. This journey starts with a short taxi ride from Belize International Airport to Belize City where the ferry terminals are located. Cost for a taxi to one of these terminals is around $25 USD. From the terminal, you take the ferry ride, which is one hour long from Belize City. The ferry ride is a beautiful journey as you see different hues of blue of the Caribbean Sea.Cost toCayeCaulker is roughly $18 USD one way, and $28 USD return.

If you are looking to save time, getting a flight is the better route to go. The flight fromBelize International Airport –Caye Caulker a short 12-15 minute flightto the island. Domestic flight providers such as Maya Island Air offer flights to this location.

Photo Courtesy: Andrew

The current flight schedule from Belize International – CayeCaulkerwithMaya Island Airare as follows:

Flight # Depart Arrive
204 8:40 8:45
208 10:40 10:45
212 12:40 12:45
216 2:40 2:45
220 4:40 4:45

Once on the island, be sure to enjoy the laid back island vibe of Caye Caulker.

Roughly five miles long, the highlight of this destination is the beautiful Caribbean Sea and the laidback island culture. The town motto is “go slow”. You come to this island to relax, unwind and enjoy paradise.

Getting Around the Island

Here, you get aroundmostly by foot, on bike or by golf cart. Spend the day strolling the sandy streets stopping off at unique local craft stores as your make your way to the beach.In the mornings, from the front of the island, you can enjoy watching the sunrise with a cold coconut in hand, while in the evenings you can enjoy watching the sunset from the back of the island whilst sipping on an ice-cold Belikin Beer.

Here are other Must’ Dos while on the island:

  • Book a snorkel or dive trip to Caye Caulker Marine Reserve
  • Enjoy a sunset cruise with RaggamuffinTours or E-Z Boy Tours
  • Swim at the Split and try a lizard juice from theLazy Lizard Bar
  • Go wildlife spotting at Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Go paddleboarding or jet skiing

Getting to SanPedro,AmbergrisCaye

The neighboring island of Caye Caulker is San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. Roughly 36 miles from Belize City, it has the largest concentration of visitors as it lures visitors in due to its tropical nature and proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef.

Similar to getting to Caye Caulker, you get the ferry or flight to the island. The ferry is a little more expensive being around: $28USD, one way and $38 USD return When it comes to flights, they run more frequently to San Pedro, with flight from Maya Island Air being offered every hour at $160 USD per person return

San Pedro, stretching 24 miles, is the most developed islands offering a range of entertainment and accommodation options from upscale developments to cozy beach resorts, and villa rentals, options are available.  

Where to Stay:

With the Belize Barrier Reef a few feet away, the island offers easy access to many marine adventures. Here are our most Do’s on the Island.

  • Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley

Written by Louise Roe

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