How to Take the San Pedro to Caye Caulker Water Taxi and Back
Everything you need to know about taking the ferry from Caye Caulker to San Pedro and vice versa, plus how to reach each island by boat from Belize City.
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If you’re planning to travel between San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and its neighbouring island of Caye Caulker, you’ll find you have two choices: plane and boat. While flying is tempting, it’s more expensive and no faster. Water taxis (ferries) run frequently throughout the day, offering a quick and scenic way to hop between these two popular Belizean islands. At only 20 miles and a smooth 30-minute ferry journey apart, it’s easy to take a day trip from San Pedro to Caye Caulker or vice versa. And, if you can’t choose between Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, the ferry makes it easy to visit both. In this post, we’ve covered ticket prices, schedules, and travel tips, providing everything you need to know to make your island transfer smooth and hassle-free.
San Pedro – Caye Caulker Ferry at a glance
What is the best way to get between San Pedro and Caye Caulker?
Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are widely regarded as two of the best islands in Belize to visit, so you may be wondering how to get there. While you can fly between the two islands, the best way to travel between San Pedro and Caye Caulker is by water taxi, which is fast, scenic, affordable, and runs frequently throughout the day.
There are two companies that operate the ferry route between San Pedro and Caye Caulker:
Some outdated posts might also mention Ocean Ferry Belize, but this operator no longer runs.
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How long is the ferry from San Pedro to Caye Caulker and back?
The water taxi ride between San Pedro and Caye Caulker typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes one way. The short travel time is great, as you don’t lose a day of your Belize itinerary just travelling. Most operators maintain this duration, though travel times can vary slightly due to sea conditions.
With boats running several times per day, this is a super convenient and scenic way to hop between the two islands. It’s easy to visit Caye Caulker on a day trip from San Pedro on the ferry, or vice versa.
How much is the water taxi from San Pedro to Caye Caulker and back?
The water taxi from San Pedro to Caye Caulker (or the other way around) costs about $25 USD one-way, depending on the operator and whether you book in advance or at the dock. You can often get a slight discount for buying a return ticket, rather than two one-way tickets.
You can buy tickets online or in person at the ferry terminal. It might be slightly more expensive to buy in person or on the day, and you should arrive early to ensure you get tickets for the departure you’d like.
It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during holidays and high season between December and April.
San Pedro and Caye Caulker Ferry Schedules
Boats run multiple times daily between 6:00 AM and 6:30 PM, with extra services during peak season.
The most up-to-date ferry schedules are posted on boards outside each ferry terminal and advertised on signs within the buildings at the ticket offices. It’s best to check the operator’s schedule online or at the local terminal a day in advance.
San Pedro to Caye Caulker Water Taxi Schedule
The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi leaves San Pedro for Caye Caulker at:
The Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi leaves San Pedro for Caye Caulker at:
Caye Caulker to San Pedro Water Taxi Schedule
The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi leaves Caye Caulker for San Pedro at:
The Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi leaves Caye Caulker for San Pedro at:
Taking the water taxi from San Pedro to Caye Caulker
In San Pedro, boats depart from the main water taxi terminal on Coconut Drive. It’s next to the Royal Kahal Beach Resort.
Departing San Pedro
Departing San Pedro by water taxi is a relaxed and straightforward experience, but it helps to know what to expect to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.
If you’re taking a morning ferry, it’s a good idea to arrive 30 to 60 minutes early, especially during busy periods or weekends, as boats can fill up quickly.
If you have luggage, it may be tagged and loaded separately at the back of the boat. You’ll be given a ticket that matches the bag tag to collect it later. Usually, staff are waiting outside the terminal when you arrive to collect your luggage for you.
The ferry terminal
When you arrive at the terminal, you’ll see clearly marked signs for different ferry operators like San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. Each company has its own check-in counter.
There’s a large waiting area with seats. While you wait, you can grab a snack or drink at nearby kiosks or simply relax and people-watch.
Buying and collecting tickets
If you bought your ticket online, show your confirmation email or QR code, and you’ll be provided with paper tickets.
If not, you can purchase tickets on the spot. Card is accepted, but it’s safer to bring cash (USD or BZD) too, as the terminal can sometimes not work.
Boarding
Boarding usually starts about 15 to 20 minutes before departure. Staff will call out destinations like Caye Caulker or Belize City and guide you to the correct queue.
It’s super easy to board the boat – simply hand over your ticket and hop on.
The journey
Once on board, seating is first-come, first-served, so sit wherever you’re comfortable. Window seats offer the best views, while the back tends to be the most stable if you’re prone to seasickness.
The boats are mid-sized speedboats, usually covered but open on the sides, seating around 50 to 100 people. They’re equipped with all the standard safety equipment and have lavatories at the back.
The ride takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on sea conditions. There might be occasional spray, light rocking, and you should look out for beautiful views of turquoise waters and mangroves. You may also see boats moored at the famous Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley near San Pedro.
Arriving in Caye Caulker
When you reach Caye Caulker, you’ll disembark at the main ferry pier, right in the centre of town. It’s right near the island’s best bars, restaurants, and hotels. Head down the pier, and you’re on Caye Caulker!
Wait at the luggage collection point to get your bags (hand over the ticket that matches the bag tag).
Porters may be milling about and offer to help with bags (tips are appreciated but not mandatory).
A taxi’s not needed in Caye Caulker, as the island is highly walkable. But golf cart taxis will be waiting if you’d prefer a ride, and bikes are available for rent nearby.
Taking the water taxi from Caye Caulker to San Pedro
Leaving Caye Caulker by water taxi is simple and relaxed, much like the island itself. The dock is located on the east coast, near the main Split and the village centre. It’s a small, open-air structure near the heart of the village.
Buying and collecting tickets
You can buy tickets online in advance or directly at the ferry terminal in Caye Caulker, located near the main village area, close to the Split.
If you already have a ticket, head straight to the check-in counter to confirm your trip and receive a boarding pass or sticker.
Departing Caye Caulker
You should arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before your departure. While things usually move at ‘island time’, boats tend to leave on schedule, especially during busy periods.
Larger luggage is usually collected and tagged before boarding (keep the ticket that matches your bag tag for later), while smaller bags can be kept with you.
Boarding
Boarding usually begins 15 to 20 minutes before departure. Staff will call your destination – San Pedro or Belize City – and help direct you to the right boat.
Seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early if you prefer a spot with more breeze or shade.
The journey
The journey from Caye Caulker to San Pedro is no different from San Pedro to Caye Caulker. It takes around 30 to 40 minutes and is usually smooth. Depending on sea conditions, there might be slight spray or rocking. Take seasickness precautions if you’re prone to it.
Arriving in San Pedro
You’ll dock at the main water taxi terminal in San Pedro, in the centre of town.
Luggage is usually offloaded quickly, and you can collect it from the luggage claim point with your ticket.
From there, it’s easy to walk to nearby hotels, restaurants, or catch a golf cart taxi. If you’ve arranged a transfer with a San Pedro hotel or resort, they will be waiting at the entrance for you and may help with your bags. You can also arrange with your rental agency to meet you at the dock and pick you up with your luggage, so you can head straight off with your San Pedro golf cart rental.
Getting to San Pedro or Caye Caulker from Belize City
If you’ve flown in internationally, you’ll first need to reach the island of your choice from Belize City.
If you’re backpacking down Latin America, you can take the water taxi ferry from Chetumal (Mexico) to San Pedro or Caye Caulker (Belize).
You may wish to take the service the other way, to Belize City, after spending time on the islands, as it has great connections to other amazing destinations in Belize.
Belize City to San Pedro & Caye Caulker Ferry Schedule
The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi leaves Belize City for San Pedro and Caye Caulker at:
The Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi leaves Belize City for San Pedro and Caye Caulker at:
San Pedro to Belize City Ferry Schedule
The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi leaves San Pedro for Belize City (stopping at Caye Caulker) at:
The Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi leaves San Pedro for Belize City (stopping at Caye Caulker) at:
Caye Caulker to Belize City Ferry Schedule
The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi leaves Caye Caulker for Belize City at:
The Caribbean Sprinter Water Taxi leaves Caye Caulker for Belize City at:
San Pedro – Caye Caulker Ferry Tips
Here are some helpful tips to make your water taxi ride smooth, affordable, and enjoyable:
San Pedro – Caye Caulker Ferry FAQs
We’ve answered these frequently asked questions to help you plan a smooth and stress-free journey.
How do I get to Caye Caulker?
The easiest way to get to Caye Caulker is by taking a water taxi (ferry) from San Pedro (Ambergris Caye) or Belize City, although regional flights to Caye Caulker Municipal Airport (CUK) are also an option. Daily ferries run frequently and take about 30-45 minutes from San Pedro and 1.5-2 hours from Belize City.
How do I get to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye?
You can fly into San Pedro’s John Greif II Airport (SPR) from Belize City or other regional airports, or take a water taxi from Belize City or Caye Caulker.
How do I get from San Pedro to Caye Caulker?
The best way to get from San Pedro to Caye Caulker is by water taxi. Two operators run frequent ferries between the two islands, with trips lasting about 30 to 45 minutes.
Is there a ferry from San Pedro to Caye Caulker?
Yes, both San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter run regular ferry services between San Pedro and Caye Caulker throughout the day.
How much is the ferry from Ambergris Caye to Caye Caulker?
One-way tickets typically cost between $20 and $25 USD, with round-trip tickets available at a discounted price.
What is the best way to get from San Pedro to Caye Caulker?
Taking a water taxi is the best and most popular option to get from San Pedro to Caye Caulker, being fast, reliable, and scenic.
How long is the boat ride from Caye Caulker to San Pedro?
The ferry ride between San Pedro and Caye Caulker usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the operator and sea conditions.
How much does it cost to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker?
A one-way ferry ticket costs around $25 USD, with round-trip tickets often available for about $40 to $45 USD.
What time is the last ferry from Belize to Caye Caulker?
The last ferry from Belize City to Caye Caulker typically departs around 5:00 to 6:30 PM, but schedules can vary by operator and season.
Do you need to book the Caye Caulker ferry in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended during high season (December to April) or on holidays. Otherwise, you can usually buy tickets at the dock on the day of travel.
How far is Caye Caulker from San Pedro, Belize?
The two islands are about 20 miles (32 km) apart by sea.
Read next:
How to Get to Belize From Mexico via Ferry, Bus, and More
San Pedro vs Caye Caulker: Which Island is Right For You?
A Traveller’s Guide to San Pedro & Ambergris Caye
30 Best Things to Do in San Pedro & Ambergris Caye
A Comprehensive Caye Caulker Travel Guide
27 Best Things to Do in Caye Caulker
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