Lois Larson
Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye, is a popular tourist destination known for its spectacular diving, romantic full moons, and breathtaking sunsets. Located just off the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, it is easily accessible by air and sea. Visitors can fly into the island's only airport, San Pedro Airport (renamed John Greif II Airport in 2010), or opt for a water taxi or ferry service from Belize City. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer daily flights to San Pedro, providing stunning aerial views of the Caribbean Sea and Belize Barrier Reef. For those who prefer a more cost-effective and scenic route, the water taxi or ferry ride takes approximately 90 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes of ground transportation to the water taxi terminal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport serving Ambergris Caye, Belize | John Greif II Airport (formerly San Pedro Airport) |
| Airport codes | IATA: SPR, ICAO: MZSP |
| Alternative transport | Water taxi |
| Time to airport by water taxi | 25 minutes |
| Ferry time | 90 minutes |
| Time to airport by ferry and taxi | 2 hours for the ferry and 30 minutes for a taxi |
| Airlines | Maya Island Air, Tropic Air |
| Number of daily flights from Belize City | 11 |
| Number of daily flights from Corozal | 3 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Getting to Ambergris Caye from Belize City
Belize City is the gateway to Ambergris Caye, the country's largest island, which is known for its spectacular diving, stunning sunsets, and sandy beaches. The island is 34 to 35 miles from Belize City and getting there is straightforward, with a few options to choose from.
By Air
The fastest way to get to Ambergris Caye is by taking a local hopper flight from Belize City. These flights operate from the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), the country's only international airport, to the island's only airstrip in San Pedro Town. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the two airlines that service this route, with flights taking around 15 to 25 minutes. The cost of a round-trip ticket is approximately $125. It is recommended to book these flights in advance, especially if you want to secure a specific time or if you have a tight schedule.
By Water Taxi
Water taxis are another option for getting to Ambergris Caye. This mode of transport offers a cost-effective and scenic way to travel, allowing you to see more of the Belize City area. Two companies, Ocean Ferry and the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi, provide scheduled water taxi services. The journey takes about 75 minutes and costs between $14.50 and $20 one-way. The water taxis operate daily, with the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi offering more departures.
By Ferry
Taking a ferry is the cheapest option for travelling between Belize City and Ambergris Caye. The Caribbean Sprinter ferry, operated by Coastal Express, offers five daily departures and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes for the journey. Tickets for this ferry typically cost between $30 and $45.
Getting Around Ambergris Caye
Once you arrive in San Pedro Town, you can explore the island by golf cart or make use of the minivan taxis that run north and south. Ambergris Caye is also known for its dive shops, which offer trips to various dive sites, including the famous Great Blue Hole.
Bangor Airport: Accepting Driver's License as Valid ID?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Flying into San Pedro Airport
To get to Ambergris Caye, Belize, you will need to fly into the island's only airstrip, San Pedro Airport, also known as John Greif II Airport. This airport is served by local hopper flights from Belize City's Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), the only international airport in Belize. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air both offer regular flights from PGIA to San Pedro Airport.
Taking a hopper flight is the fastest way to get to Ambergris Caye, and the convenience of checking in for your local flight at PGIA and setting off for the island is a definite perk. The views from the sky as you soar over the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef are unbeatable. The plane will land in the heart of San Pedro Town, and resort transportation is available to your final destination on the island.
Maya Island Air offers 11 daily flights from Belize City and 3 from Corozal to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. A major attraction of Ambergris Caye is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, an environmentally protected area located south of the island. The shallow waters make it a perfect place for snorkelling, and it is also a great place for novice divers.
If you are looking for a more cost-effective option to get to Ambergris Caye, you can take a water taxi from Belize City. This option allows you to see more of the Belize City area as you travel from the PGIA to the water taxi dock. To get to the water taxi terminal, you will need to hire a ground taxi at the PGIA. It is best to arrive at the water taxi at least 30 minutes before departure. The water taxis offer regular daily runs to and from Ambergris Caye, docking in San Pedro at the Caribena Pier by Cholos Bar.
Texas Airports: A Comprehensive Overview of All the Airports
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Water taxis to Ambergris Caye
To get to Ambergris Caye, you will first need to fly into Belize's only international airport, the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). The airport is located outside of Belize City, in a town called Ladyville, about 10 miles from downtown Belize City. From there, you can take a local hopper flight or a water taxi to Ambergris Caye.
Taking a water taxi from Belize City to Ambergris Caye is a cost-effective option. The journey will give you a chance to see more of the Belize City area as you travel from the PGIA to the water taxi dock. To get to the water taxi terminal, you will need to take a ground taxi from the airport. The taxi ride will cost $25 US or $50 BZD, and it will take about 20-25 minutes to get to the water taxi terminal. It is recommended to arrive at the water taxi terminal at least 30 minutes before departure.
There are two water taxi companies located near each other, offering regular daily trips to and from Ambergris Caye. The water taxi ride will cost around $70 BZD round trip, and it takes about 75 minutes to get to Ambergris Caye. The boats are typically open boats with outboard motors, seating about 20-35 people. On a sunny day, the water taxi ride offers a great introduction to Belize, while on a rainy and windy day, the trip can be wet and rough.
Alternatively, you can take a local hopper flight to Ambergris Caye. This is the fastest option, but it is also more expensive than the water taxi. Two airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, offer flights from PGIA to the island's only airstrip in San Pedro Town. The views from the sky as you fly over the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef are incredible.
Uber in Sydney Airport: Available or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Local hopper flights to Ambergris Caye
Local hopper flights are the quickest way to get from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. The local airlines operate out of the PGIA, so you don't need to leave the airport to catch your connecting flight. You can check in for your local flight at the PGIA, in the main terminal. You then proceed through security and into the departure lounge.
There are two airlines that offer this service: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. Maya Island Air offers 11 daily flights from Belize City and 3 from Corozal to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. Tropic Air also offers flights to San Pedro. Both airlines operate out of the PGIA and other locations in Belize, providing service to San Pedro. The plane will land in the heart of San Pedro Town, and resort transportation is available to your final destination on the island.
The views from the sky as you soar over the Caribbean Sea and Belize Barrier Reef are unbeatable. A major attraction of Ambergris Caye is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, an environmentally protected area located south of the island. The reef at Hol Chan is home to many brightly coloured fishes and moray eels. It is also a great place for novice divers.
If you have a fear of flying, you may prefer to take a water taxi from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. This is a more cost-effective option, and you will get to see more of the Belize City area as you travel from the PGIA to the water taxi dock.
Customs Clearance at Tucson Airport: What to Expect
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Attractions in Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is served by the John Greif II Airport (IATA: SPR, ICAO: MZSP), formerly known as the San Pedro Airport. The airport is located in San Pedro, the main and only town on the island.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located about four miles south of Ambergris Caye, is the most-visited snorkelling and diving area in Belize. The reserve is part of the Belize Barrier Reef and covers around three square miles. It is an environmentally protected area with shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling and novice divers. The reef is home to a variety of marine life, including brightly coloured fish, moray eels, nurse sharks, and stingrays.
Shark Ray Alley
Shark Ray Alley is a natural aquarium located within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. With shallow waters of about eight feet, it is a perfect spot for families to snorkel and swim with nurse sharks and rays.
Blue Hole
The Blue Hole, once a land cave consumed by the sea, is a popular dive site. It offers a unique diving experience, with a 130-150 feet dive to stalagmite formations. Most trips to the Blue Hole also include a stop at Half Moon Caye for wall diving.
Bacalar Chico
Located at the northernmost tip of Ambergris Caye, Bacalar Chico is a pristine reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a protected marine reserve known for its biodiversity and is a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
San Pedro Town
San Pedro Town is the main hub of Ambergris Caye, where most of the island's restaurants, shops, nightlife, and businesses are located. While the beach is not the best for swimming, the town offers beautiful views and ample swimming opportunities at the numerous docks along the shoreline. It is also a popular departure point for dive trips.
Secret Beach
Secret Beach is a popular destination, offering a range of activities such as jet ski rentals and snorkelling. However, some consider it a "tourist rip-off", suggesting that other beaches may provide a more authentic and affordable experience.
Cultural Centre
The Cultural Centre in San Pedro Town is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Mayan people who once inhabited the island. It displays interesting artefacts and offers insights into the rich cultural heritage of Ambergris Caye.
Art Galleries
Ambergris Caye is home to several art galleries showcasing the works of local Belizean artists. These galleries offer a range of authentic artwork, from paintings and jewellery to carvings and pottery, providing a unique perspective on the local culture and talents.
Transportation
Getting to Ambergris Caye from the airport is convenient, with options such as local hopper flights or water taxis. The local hopper flights, operated by Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, offer a quick and popular way to reach the island, providing stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef. Alternatively, water taxis provide a cost-effective option, allowing passengers to take in the sights of Belize City during the 25-minute ground taxi ride to the water taxi dock.
Sharjah Airport: Efficient, Helpful, and Ready to Serve You!
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The closest airport to Ambergris Caye is the San Pedro Airport, also known as the John Greif II Airport (IATA: SPR, ICAO: MZSP). It is located in San Pedro, the main town on the island of Ambergris Caye.
You can get to Ambergris Caye from the airport by taking a local hopper flight or a water taxi. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer flights from the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Belize City to San Pedro. The flight option is quicker, but the water taxi option may be more comfortable for those with a fear of flying.
Yes, Belize's only international airport is the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), located outside of Belize City. From there, you can take a connecting flight or a water taxi to Ambergris Caye.
