Not sure how to get from Belize City to the islands? I'll break down exactly how the ferry works, including schedules, tips, and what to expect when you arrive.
I live in Belize and have taken the ferry dozens of times. The ferry terminals are located in Belize City about 30 minutes from the international airport by car.
There are only two ferry companies to the islands — San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter which I'll compare thoroughly.
Both have similar schedules and their terminals are just two blocks apart on the same street, but I'll explain the differences.
Here’s everything you need to know to catch the ferry stress-free.
Ferry Essentials
- Belize City to Caye Caulker
- 45 mins
- Belize City to San Pedro
- 1 hr 30 mins
- First & Last Boat from Belize
- 8:00AM—5:30PM
- Ticket to Caye Caulker
- $21.00—$30.00 USD
- Ticket to San Pedro
- $31.00—$35.00 USD
Belize Ferry Route Map
Choose A Ferry Company
Ferry Schedules
Caribbean Sprinter Schedule
💵 Caribbean Sprinter Fares
Roundtrip to Caye Caulker
$38USD
Roundtrip to San Pedro
$48USD
📝 Caribbean Sprinter Info
- Online check-in available and mobile boarding passes
- Single level vessels with 60-90 passenger capacity
- Fast luggage retrieval & faster airport transfers
- Child fare is between 4—17 years
- Dock location located in central San Pedro
San Pedro Belize Express Schedule
💵 San Pedro Belize Express Fares
Roundtrip to Caye Caulker
$38.50USD
Roundtrip to San Pedro
$58.50USD
📝 San Pedro Belize Express Info
- Double level catamarans with double capacity
- Each passenger is entitled 50lbs luggage
- Cargo limited to items not exceeding 150lbs
- Luggage needs to be checked 30 mins before departure
- Tickets valid 90 days after purchase
- Pet friendly for $5.00 USD to Caye Caulker
- Passengers can board earlier or later boats
Ferry Route Duration Time
Belize City → Caye Caulker
45mins
Caye Caulker → San Pedro
30mins
Belize City → San Pedro
1hr 30mins
Ferry Travel Tips
- 🧳 Keep your luggage with you for fast checkout
- 👌 Purchasing round trip tickets is roughly 20% cheaper
- ⛴️ Last boat to popular islands leaves at 5:30PM
- ⏰ Passengers can board earlier boat trips at no extra cost
- 💰 Purchasing tickets online can have an 11% processing fee
Best Belize Water Taxi
Below is a comparison of two available water taxis to the islands:
Caribbean Sprinter
- Cheaper roundtrip tickets by $10 USD
- Faster travel times by 20-30 minutes
- Online check-in available with mobile boarding passes
- Faster luggage retrieval & airport transfers
- Dock location is at San Pedro Center
San Pedro Belize Express
- More daily runs to the cayes
- Terminal has food stalls & coffee shop
- Double level catamarans for more passengers
- Charged parking available on compound
- Airport transfers available
Ferry Vs Plane
Choosing to get to the islands by ferry or plane depends on your budget, schedule and maybe your sensitivity to motion sickness or being claustrophobic - the planes are tiny.
Ferry
- Much more local experience
- Slower trip taking 1.5 hrs
- Cheaper at only 1/3 of a flight
- Slightly bumpy ride
- Terminal only at Belize City
Plane
- Faster trip taking 15 mins only
- More expensive at 3x as much as ferry
- Scenic trip through Caribbean Sea
- Flights available from airport
So which would you choose? Backpackers and those preferring a local experience opt for the ferry. But traveling by plane does offer a scenic view. If you have the budget, choose both - fly in and ferry out.
Corozal—San Pedro By Ferry
There is a ferry between Corozal & San Pedro/Caye Caulker. The two companies are Belize Sea Shuttle and Thunderbolt Water taxi. They both stop at Sarteneja village on the way.
Ferry Schedule
Ferry Prices
Private Water Taxis
International Ferry Schedules
Final Thoughts
Getting to the islands by berry is straightforward once you know your options — and now you do.
Regardless of whether you're coming from Belize City, Chetumal or San Pedro, the ferries run regularly and don't require much planning. Just try to give yourself a bit of buffer time especially during holidays and festivals.
Take it easy... especially when you get to Caye Caulker.
About Author
Everything written on this blog is based on first-hand experience or knowledge as a local living in Belize. No fluff, just honest information.
Frequent Questions
Do I need to buy ferry tickets in advance?
Pre-booking is not necessary and is cheaper if purchased on the same day at the ticketing booth. If you miss your boat, you can load the next both with the same ticket. Purchasing tickets online also has an 11% processing fee.
How early should I reach the ferry station?
Arriving 15 minutes before is perfectly fine but the waiting line tends to get long especially on weekends or holidays so 30 minutes would be much safer.
Are ferry boarding times flexible?
Ferry tickets are generally valid for 3 months and can be used for earlier or later ferry times.
What time is the last boat to the San Pedro & Caye Caulker?
The last ferry to the islands is at 5:30PM. If you're arriving on a flight, the taxi ride to the water taxi terminal in Belize City is only 30 minutes but expect disembarking delays if there are several flights arriving at that time.
What can I do if I miss the last boat to San Pedro & Caye Caulker?
You have two choices. Either you chose to stay in a hotel in Belize City and take an early ferry the next day or contact a private water taxi.
How long is the boat ride from Belize to San Pedro?
The trip is 1 hour and 30 mins long.
How long is the boat ride from Belize to Caye Caulker?
The trip is roughly one hour long.
How do I get from Belize Airport to the Water Taxi Terminal?
Unfortunately there are no shared shuttles from the airport to Belize City. The main way of getting to the water taxi terminal is by taking a 30-minute taxi ride directly to Belize City for $30.00 USD. The only other way is by walking for 35 minutes to the nearest bus stop on the Northern Highway.
Can I walk to the Water Taxi Terminal from the Belize City Bus Terminal?
The Terminal is only five minutes away by taxi or it can be walked in about 15 minutes which is perfectly safe.
Can I take a dog on a ferry to the islands?
Yes, the ferry companies are pet-friendly but be prepared to pay an additional fee of $5.00 to $7.50 USD to transport your pet.
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