I went to Caye Caulker, Belize, in the summer of 2021. It was the last trip in a string of trips, after visiting Colombia, Mexico, and Jamaica in the months prior.
In hindsight, I’m not sure how I landed on the destination, but I remember thinking that it seemed easy enough to navigate. And it is. You do, however, have to plan around air and water travel to reach the island, and, depending on where you stay, to get to your hotel once you arrive.
I flew into Belize City and took a local airline, Tropic Air, to Caye Caulker. Before booking, I had done a bit of research and found two main options: a ferry or a short flight. The ferry was the longer but cheaper route, while Tropic Air was quicker and a bit more expensive.
I chose the flight both ways. Here’s what that experience was like, what to know about taking the water taxi instead, and why your hotel’s location really matters at this particular destination.
Recommended Reading: A Guide To Caye Caulker, Belize | The Basics
How Do You Get to Caye Caulker?
If you’re arriving through Belize’s Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, the two main options are:
Fly to Caye Caulker: Take a short domestic flight from the international airport to the island.
Take a water taxi: Arrange ground transportation from the airport to a water taxi terminal in Belize City, then take the boat to Caye Caulker.
The flight itself takes roughly 10–15 minutes. For the water taxi, plan on about 45–60 minutes on the boat, plus your airport transfer and time at the terminal.
It is very important to note that the ferry does not leave directly from the international airport.
Flying to Caye Caulker With Tropic Air
For my trip, I chose Tropic Air because I wanted the shorter route to the island, but also because at the time, I had read stories from several travelers who experienced sea sickness on the ferry, and I wanted to avoid that at all costs.
At the time, I paid around $100 for the flight. Use that as a reference from my 2021 experience, not a current quote, since your total will depend on your dates, fare, and baggage selection. You can check your travel dates directly with Tropic Air.
When booking, pay attention to the departure airport. Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, BZE, and Belize City’s municipal airport, TZA, are different airports. If you want to connect where your international flight lands, make sure your domestic reservation departs from BZE.
You also need time between flights. Tropic Air currently recommends allowing at least two hours after an arriving international flight before your onward Tropic Air departure, which will give you time for immigration, customs, baggage, and check-in. If not much as changed since I traveled to Caye Caulker, getting through all of those steps was relatively quick and easy.
What the Small Plane Is Actually Like
When it was time to board the Tropic Air puddle jumper, I could only take my personal item with me, and I was told my suitcase would arrive separately.
A handful of us walked across the tarmac to the plane, and it’s important to note here that it was a tight squeeze. Depending on your height and where you sit, the ceiling may feel very close to your head and you may be arm to arm or leg to leg with your neighbor. If that’s not your vibe, I would consider the ferry.
The flight was no more than about 15 minutes, though, and it was beautiful to gaze down at the ocean meeting the sky in this beautiful wash of turquoise. That stunning view is one of the things I remember most clearly about getting there.
What to Know About Luggage
My suitcase traveling separately was part of my experience, but it doesn’t mean every passenger’s luggage will arrive on another flight.
Tropic Air’s current baggage policy explains that allowances depend on your fare and that additional or excess baggage may travel later because of aircraft weight or space limitations.
Check your allowance before packing, especially if you’re arriving with a suitcase you normally take into the cabin on a larger plane.
Taking the Water Taxi to Caye Caulker
I didn’t take the ferry on this trip, so this section is planning information, not a firsthand account.
If you choose the water taxi, your arrival will involve a few steps:
1. Land at the international airport and clear immigration and customs.
2. Take a taxi or arranged transfer to your operator’s terminal in Belize City.
3. Check in for the boat to Caye Caulker.
4. Arrange any transportation you need from the island’s dock to your accommodation.
San Pedro Belize Express operates scheduled services between Belize City and Caye Caulker. Check the current timetable and ticket price for your dates before deciding which option works best.
Be sure to check the last departure before booking your international flight. A late arrival in Belize can limit your options for reaching the island the same day.
Flying vs. Water Taxi: Which Should You Choose?
For me, the shorter travel time made flying worth considering, and I chose Tropic Air for both the arrival and return.
I would lean toward the flight if you want a quick connection from the international airport and are comfortable in a small aircraft.
I would consider the water taxi if keeping transportation costs down is the priority or if the small plane sounds uncomfortable. Just remember that the boat journey is only one part of the trip from the airport.
If you’re sensitive to motion, definitely take that into account with either option. Choosing the ferry avoids the small aircraft, but it still means spending time on the water for an extended amount of time.
Arriving on Caye Caulker
When I arrived, the concierge from my hotel, Blu Zen, was waiting for me in a golf cart. We loaded my things into the cart while he explained that there were no cars on the island.
Golf carts, bicycles, and walking are how visitors get around. For distances that are a bit longer, or when you have luggage, a golf cart taxi is useful. For shorter trips around the village, you can walk or take a bike.
Before you arrive, ask your accommodation whether it provides a pickup and where someone will meet you. This is especially helpful if you’re staying on the north side like I did.
North vs. South Caye Caulker: Why Your Hotel Location Matters
Caye Caulker has north and south sections separated by a channel known as the Split. Most of the village’s businesses and services are concentrated on the south side.
Blu Zen, the resort I chose, is on the north side. The airport and main village are on the south side, so reaching the island wasn’t the final step in getting to my hotel.
Looking for things to do in Caye Caulker? Read What To Do In Caye Caulker, Belize | Marine Activities.
Staying at Blu Zen on the North Side
During my stay, going into the village meant taking a boat back and forth.
The service ran on a schedule posted at the docks, so you could check the last boat out each night. That’s something I would pay attention to before heading into town for dinner or drinks.
Blu Zen offers complimentary scheduled boat trips to and from the village, which is convenient because when you’re ready to eat, shop, or hang out, all you have to do is head to the dock. The Blu Zen FAQ page also lists on-site dining, so you don’t have to cross to the south side for every meal.
Want to know where I ate in Caye Caulker? Read Where To Eat In Caye Caulker, Belize | 7 Places To Try.
Still, if you want to spend a lot of time exploring the village, factor the scheduled boat rides into your decision.
Staying on the South Side
If you would rather walk between your accommodation, restaurants, shops, and the main village docks, staying on the south side may be more convenient for you.
I stayed at Blu Zen, so these are options to research, not hotels I can personally review:
Iguana Reef Inn: This is a waterfront village option with a swimming pool and several room categories.
Island Magic Beach Resort: This is another Caye Caulker accommodation listed by the Belize Tourism Board.. Check its current location details, room options, and amenities when comparing stays.
Whichever property you choose, look at its exact location and ask how you’ll get there from the airport or water taxi dock.
Getting Around Caye Caulker
Once you’re settled, the village is simple enough to navigate. Three main streets help you get your bearings: Front Street, Middle Street, and Back Street. Those are the main streets on the island.
The people I encountered were friendly, which also made navigating feel easier. If you need directions, asking your hotel staff or anyone at a nearby business is a good place to start.
As with any destination, stay aware of your surroundings and plan how you’ll get back to your accommodation at night, especially when that involves catching the last boat. I did not personally have any safety issues, but I’ve read from a handful of solo female travelers that they experienced catcalling and harrassment from the locals, so this is something to be mindful of.
Getting Back to Belize City
When it was time to leave, I flew Tropic Air back to Belize City, which was easy enough.
The main thing to plan is your connection to your flight home. Tropic Air currently recommends leaving at least three hours between arriving at BZE on its service and departing on another airline’s international flight.
If you’re returning by water taxi, work backward from your international departure time. You’ll need time for the boat journey, the ground transfer to the airport, and your airline’s check-in requirements.
And if you’re staying on the north side, remember to include the first boat ride from your resort back to the village.
What I Would Keep in Mind Before Booking
Caye Caulker was easy enough to navigate once I understood how all the pieces connected. The parts worth planning ahead were getting from Belize City to the island and getting from the island’s arrival point to my resort.
Before you book, check:
Whether your domestic flight departs from the international or municipal airport.
Your baggage allowance and connection time.
The water taxi’s departure terminal and final sailing, if you’re taking the ferry.
Whether your hotel is on the north or south side.
How you’ll reach your hotel and get back there in the evening.
I chose the short flight and endured the tighter squeeze but got to enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean below. You might prefer the ferry. Either way, it’s helpful to know what happens after you land in Belize because it makes Caye Caulker much easier and more seamless.
Getting to Caye Caulker takes a little planning, but once you arrive, it’s easy enough to navigate. Here’s my experience flying Tropic Air, what to know about taking the ferry, and why your hotel’s location matters.