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Phone: 1-844-360-1553
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Flight or Ferry? The pros & cons of getting to Ambergris Caye
Nov 10, 2017
One of the most common questions we receive about Belize, other than what there is to do here, is “How do I get to Ambergris Caye from the International Airport?” Wonder no more. The Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), airport code BZE, is located in Belize City on the mainland of Belize. In order to get to Ambergris Caye, you need to arrange for local transportation to the island. There are two options for this, both with their own pros and cons. Take a look below as we break it down for you.
By Air
The island’s only airstrip is located in the heart of San Pedro Town, and a local flight is a convenient way to travel to Ambergris Caye. There are currently two airlines offering this service, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. Both operate out of the PGIA as well as other locations throughout Belize, providing service to San Pedro. The daily schedule has flights leaving PGIA hourly beginning at 7:30 AM, with the last flight of the day leaving at 8:30 PM.
Pros:
- Taking just 20 minutes, a flight from PGIA to San Pedro is definitely the quickest option.
- The flight flies low over Belize City and then the barrier reef. Keen eyes can sometimes see manatees swimming in the shallows!
Cons:
- Round-trip flights start at approximately US$181.80
- Small plane. This isn’t necessarily a con unless you are averse to flying in general. The small planes leave little room to move around.
By Sea
There are two ferry companies located in Belize City that offer daily service to Ambergris Caye; the San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. Both water taxis have a terminal each and offer regular daily runs to and from Ambergris Caye. A valid ID, such as a passport, is required when purchasing water taxi tickets and when boarding the vessel.
Pros:
- Cost-effective. Round-trip tickets are a fraction of that of a flight.
- As the boat pulls away from Belize City, you get a great vantage of the shoreline, which slowly blends to every color of blue you can imagine as you get further out on the sea.
Cons:
- Longer travel time. The boat ride itself is 90 minutes, but you must also factor in travel from the PGIA via taxi to the water taxi dock in Belize City, which is about 25 minutes.
- Boats are often filled near capacity. This leaves little personal space.
Variety is the spice of life. Both transport options come with ups and downs, but you are sure to find just the right choice for your vacation. For more information on getting around Ambergris Caye, maps of Belize, and which resorts offer complimentary transportation from town to your Sandy Point Resort, click below. This guide is a free resource that will answer all of your travel questions, and maybe some that you haven’t considered yet.
