After a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, traveling from Mexico’s bordering city of Chetumal, MX to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker via boat is possible once more. Just an hour and a half away from San Pedro Town is Chetumal, a major trading center and the capital city of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Two companies operate the ferry between Belize and Mexico — Water Jets International and San Pedro Belize Express — who depart on alternate days. Water Jets International has returned its service in Belize to its entirety, operating every day of the week except for Thursdays and Sundays; the ferry leaves Chetumal’s Fiscal Dock at 10 am, with 90 minutes to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye in Belize. Ready to travel? Grab a valid passport (and visa, if applicable for the country of issue) and book your trip.
Rates for adults and children
You will note that the website has the prices in Mexican Pesos. A one-way ticket to San Pedro, Belize goes for MXN $1,300 or around US$63. The price for children ages 4-9 is MXN$1,105 or US$53. From Chetumal to Caye Caulker, the fare for a one-way ticket is MXN$1,400 or US$68. Meanwhile, children aged 4-9 pay MXN$1,190 or around US$58. There is no charge for children below the age of 4.
How long is the boat trip to Belize?
The boat leaves Chetumal at 10 am, Mexico time. Currently, Mexico is ahead of Belize by one hour. However, during the winter months, Mexico and Belize share the same time zone. The estimated boat trip to San Pedro is around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The estimated time to Caye Caulker is 3 hours and 15 minutes.
Other possible fees
During the height of the COVID-19 wave, one of the regulations from the Government of Belize was the implementation of a travel and health insurance policy, which every foreign visitor needed to purchase before traveling to Belize. The cost is US$18 and is primarily to mitigate costs to travelers and hoteliers relating to Covid, trip cancellations, and health emergencies.
However, effective July 15, Belize removed all COVID-related public health measures, including vaccination status, pre-arrival testing, and mandatory travel insurance. Foreign visitors are still recommended to purchase travel health insurance, but it is not mandatory. There are still destination taxes:
- Exit tax from Belize is US $20 (estimated). Does not apply to Belizean citizens.
- Entry tax payment is MX $638 (estimated). Does not apply to Mexican citizens. Belizean dollars are not accepted.
- Proof of payment of entry tax to Mexico otherwise is MX $638 (estimated). Belizean dollars are not accepted.
- Entry tax to Belize is US $1.50 (estimated).
Header image via Water Jets International.
