Getting Away To Sun-Soaked Destinations in Belize by Puddle Jumper

by Carolee Chanona
fly Maya belize

White sandy beaches provide a restful reprieve from daily stresses. Secluded shores and remote islands encourage natural social distancing. And, if you’re coming from the U.S., Belize offers an entirely new region to explore, sans jet lag. Besides the easy English transition, the Belize dollar is set to the U.S. dollar at 2:1—and U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere. Meanwhile, most draw comparisons of Belize to a vintage Caribbean postcard, with scenic drives down the Hummingbird Highway that rival Hawai’i’s. Besides being only two hours away from Houston, Miami, or Atlanta by plane to the one and only international airport in Belize City, travelers can get away to their sun-soaked final destination by regional puddle jumpers, like Maya Island Air. From city to coast, get just about anywhere in the country within minutes.

Get To Know Domestic Destination Codes 

visit belize great blue hole

An aerial view like no other: the Great Blue Hole. Photo by Duarte Dellarole

Once in the region, you might not want to restrict yourself to just one destination. Thankfully, smaller domestic airplanes make island-hopping possible—in 20 minutes or less. One of the main providers of domestic flights is Maya Island Air, which operates multiple flights via small aircraft. Flights are fairly affordable, generally starting at about US$50 one-way.

Once in Belize, there are numerous daily flights operated; domestic airports and airfields in Belize include:

  • Sir Barry Bowen (also called the Belize City Municipal Airport) – Belize City – (TZA)
  • Belmopan – (BCV)
  • Caye Caulker – (CUK)
  • Caye Chapel – (CYC)
  • Corozal Town – (CZH)
  • Dangriga – (DGA)
  • Maya Flats – serving San Ignacio and Benque Viejo – (MYF)
  • Orange Walk – (ORZ)
  • Placencia – (PLJ)
  • Punta Gorda – (PND)
  • San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) – (SPR)
  • Savannah – (INB)

Snowbirds tend to flock to the Caribbean between December and April, which is also the region’s dry season. Consider traveling during the shoulder season for the best of both worlds — visiting in May, June or November promises mostly good weather, plus fewer crowds and lower prices. As vaccines roll out, whether you’re planning a getaway for later this year or into 2022, you can combine the serenity of warm, sunny beaches and pristine reefs with easy-to-come-by deals. The Caribbean could prove to be an excellent — not to mention budget-friendly — post-vaccine vacation. Until then, Belize awaits.

Header image courtesy author.

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