Belize is a captivating destination, with San Pedro being one of the top spots for anyone visiting. Located on Ambergris Caye, San Pedro is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the vibrant Belize Barrier Reef. If you’re planning a trip from Belize City to San Pedro, knowing your travel options will help you make the journey smoothly and efficiently. This guide will break down all the ways to get from Belize City to San Pedro, including flights, ferry options, and essential tips on timing for connections from BZE to San Pedro.
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Flights from Belize City to San Pedro
One of the quickest and most popular ways to reach San Pedro from Belize City is by air. Flights from Belize City to San Pedro operate frequently throughout the day, allowing travelers to hop over to the island in just about 15 minutes. Two major airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, operate these flights from the Belize City Airport (BZE) to the San Pedro Airport (SPR). As far as which airline to chose, either is a great option. Maya and Tropic Air are pretty similar in price and quality.
Prices for flights can vary, but they’re generally around $70–100 one-way, making them an affordable option if you’re looking to save time and maximize your vacation. Booking ahead of time can often help you get better rates and ensure you have a seat on your preferred flight. For those who want a quick, hassle-free trip, flights from Belize City to San Pedro are the best choice.
Getting to San Pedro by Ferry
If you prefer to travel by sea, the Belize City to San Pedro ferry is a popular option. While it takes a bit longer than flying, the ferry gives you a scenic introduction to the waters of Belize and is an ideal option for those on a budget or who prefer a leisurely pace.
Two main ferry services operate on this route, Ocean Ferry Belize and San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi. The Belize City to San Pedro ferry journey typically lasts around 90 minutes. The ferry departs from the Water Taxi Terminal in Belize City, and prices are generally between $20 and $30 for a one-way ticket. Ferries run frequently throughout the day, giving travelers plenty of options to choose from. You can purchase your ferry ticket at the terminal. If you are taking the water taxi from the BZE airport, you will need to take a taxi from the airport to the water terminal, about a 20 minute ride. There are taxi’s lined up outside the airport ready to take tourists to the water taxi.
How Much Time to Allow Between BZE to San Pedro
When planning how much time to allow between your arrival at BZE to San Pedro, it’s essential to consider customs and immigration, as well as potential travel delays. If you’re arriving in Belize and need to catch a flight or ferry to San Pedro, try to leave yourself at least two hours after landing to allow for processing and transfers.
Many travelers prefer to pre-book their transfer tickets, which can make the transition from BZE to San Pedro smoother and faster. It is advisable to book ahead. By planning a little extra time for your connection, you’ll avoid the stress of potentially missing your onward travel. We decided to buy our Tropic Air flights at the airport after landing in BZE. Fortunately, we were able to catch a flight, but we had the mindset that if flights are booked, we would have to take the water taxi. We arrived around 11:00 am on a Saturday in March and were on our Tropic Air flight by 12:40 pm. Even though it took us 1 hour and 40 minutes, I would still allow for 2 hours in between to be safe. This will give you time to buy some duty-free drinks to bring to San Pedro, which will save you money.
How to Get to San Pedro from BZE: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re looking for a easy step-by-step guide on how to get to San Pedro from BZE, here’s a quick overview of the process:
Arrive at BZE: After going through customs, head towards the exits where signs will direct you to domestic flights or taxis for water taxi terminals.
Choose Your Mode of Transportation: Decide if you want to take a flight from Belize City to San Pedro for a quick trip or a ferry for a more scenic option.
Book Your Tickets: While some travelers book tickets in advance, tickets can usually be purchased on-site for both flights and ferries.
Transfer to Your Departure Point: If you’re taking a ferry, you’ll need a taxi from BZE to the ferry terminal in Belize City, which takes about 20 minutes.
Arrive at San Pedro: Whether by air or sea, you’ll arrive on beautiful Ambergris Caye, where you can quickly get to your accommodations. Once there, you can either get a taxi (golf cart) to your hotel or Airbnb or you can rent a golf cart. We rented in advance from Aviz and were in communication with them regarding our arrival time. They met us upon arrival with our golf cart. We drove the golf cart to our Airbnb that we rented (and highly recommend) and they transported our luggage.
Travel Tips for Getting to San Pedro
Plan Ahead: Since Belize City to San Pedro ferry and flight schedules can vary slightly, it’s a good idea to double-check the schedules ahead of your travel date.
Book Early for Peak Seasons: During peak travel seasons like winter holidays, flights from Belize City to San Pedro can fill up quickly. It is wise to book your flight ahead of time, again, allowing 2 hours in between your blight from BZE to San Pedro.
Keep Essentials Handy: Whether you’re flying or taking the ferry, keep essentials like your passport, tickets, and a small bag handy.
Pack for Comfort: If you’re taking the ferry, consider packing a light jacket or rain poncho since the weather on the water can be unpredictable.
Which Option Is Best for You?
When considering how to get to San Pedro from BZE, it ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and schedule. The flights from Belize City to San Pedro are ideal for those wanting a fast, seamless trip, while the ferry is an excellent option for those who prefer a slower pace and to save a little money.
Getting from Belize City to San Pedro is straightforward and offers both quick flights and scenic ferries. Whether you’re looking for convenience, scenic beauty, or budget-friendly options, there’s a route to San Pedro that suits your travel style. With a little preparation, you’ll be soaking up the sun and enjoying all that Ambergris Caye has to offer in no time!
