Belize City To Caye Caulker: Complete Guide 2023
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Looking for the best ways to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker? You’re in the right place! Whilst most backpackers don’t stay in Belize City for long, it’s a hub for transfers and transport. You’ll likely enter Belize City and leave straight away for either Caye Caulker, Hopkins, San Ignacio or Placencia.
NOTE: This information works in both directions: from Caye Caulker to Belize City and from Belize City to Caye Caulker.
Caye Caulker is a tiny island off of Belize’s coast and offers backpackers a Caribbean beach experience with BBQ food in one hand, and a coconut full of rum in the other.
It’s a walkable island, with a few hostels, restaurants and bars, and one of the most popular activities is snorkeling with nurse sharks and manatees.
So, how do you travel from Belize City to Caye Caulker? In this post, I explain the best ways to travel between the two locations in Belize. Let’s get started!
Other Belize posts:
- Where To See Stingrays in Caye Caulker: Complete Guide
- Best Places To Eat In Caye Caulker Backpacker Guide
- Caye Caulker To San Ignacio: Backpacker Guide
- Is Caye Caulker A Party Island? Backpacker Guide
Belize City to Caye Caulker: A Summary
In summary, there are two ways to get from Belize City to Caye Calker (or in reverse, Caye Caulker to Belize City).
The two ways to travel between Belize City and Caye Caulker are:
- Ferry/water taxi (most common option)
- Plane
Let’s discuss both in more detail.
How do I pronounce ‘Caye Caulker?’
Surprisingly, it’s not pronounced ‘Caye’ (c-ay) Caulker at all. It’s pronounced ‘key’ (k-ee) Caulker. We didn’t learn this until after arriving in Belize!
Belize City to Caye Caulker: By ferry
The most common way to travel between Belize City and Caye Caulker is by ferry, which is more commonly known as a water taxi in Belize. This journey isn’t long and takes just under an hour. Water taxi terminals to Caye Caulker are just a short 20-minute drive from Belize International Airport.
The San Pedro Express is currently the most reliable water taxi service running between Caye Caulker and Belize City, and has 9 services per day. The other ferry service, Ocean Ferry, is currently not sailing between Belize City and Caye Caulker.
The ferry departs from the main San Pedro Water Express terminal in Belize City. A single ticket costs around £17 ($20) per person from Belize City to Caye Caulker, and it takes just under an hour to travel from Belize City to Caye Caulker.
Current ferry times from Belize City to Caye Caulker are:
- 8am
- 10.30am
- 12pm
- 1.30pm
- 3pm
- 4.30pm
- 5.30pm
Of course, these can change without a lot of notice, so be sure to double-check online or with the ticket assistant in Belize City.
Luggage is stored separately (you will receive a small luggage tag for each piece) and you can collect it at the end of the journey. Make sure to carry all of your valuables with you, as they may get crushed in the pile of overly large backpacks in the back!
There are a few cafes and public toilets at the Belize City terminal, but there aren’t any facilities at the Caye Caulker terminal, so make sure you eat/drink/use the loo before you arrive!
Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance from Belize to Caye Caulker?
No, you do not need to book tickets for the Belize City to Caye Caulker ferry in advance. There are plenty of ticket stalls at the ferry terminal. Just be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before your departure time if you haven’t already bought a ticket, or 15 minutes before if you have.
TOP TIP: The Belize City to Caye Caulker ferry is slow to arrive, and often runs late. We waited over 30 minutes for our ferry to depart. Luckily, our shuttle waited for us, but this was because we booked through the E-Z Boy Tour hut on Caye Caulker, and he spoke directly to the driver. If you have booked anything online, I recommend giving yourself at least 90-120 minutes between the ferry departure time and the shuttle departure time.
Belize City to Caye Caulker: By plane
This is an unlikely way for backpackers to travel between Belize City and Caye Caulker, and a more popular option with older tourists and families.
Getting the plane is a great way to travel from Belize City to Caye Caulker if you have the budget. There are currently two airlines flying between Belize City and Caye Caulker, and they are Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.
The flight time is under 10 minutes and will cost between £80-100 ($96-120) depending on the time of year you are visiting. It’s a small plane, so you will need to book your tickets in advance. There’s also a ticket booth at Belize International Airport if you would like to catch the flight last minute.
Once you’ve checked in your luggage and passed through security, you will board one of the tiny island hoppers. These can be as small as 4-seaters, with the majority carrying a maximum of 12!
It’s a low-altitude flight, so make sure you’re sitting next to the window to see the blues of the Caribbean Sea and the tiny islands below.
How much does it cost to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker?
By water taxi: A single ticket costs around £17 ($20) per person from Belize City to Caye Caulker.
By plane: The flight time is under 10 minutes and will cost between £80-100 ($96-120) depending on the time of year you are visiting.
What airport do you fly into to get to Caye Caulker?
If you are an international traveller, you are best flying into Philip Goldson International Airport which is just 20 minutes away from Belize City. From there, you can grab a taxi to travel to the water taxi terminal, or board your small domestic flight over to Caye Caulker.
How long is the ferry from Belize City to Caye Caulker?
The San Pedro Water Express ferry takes just under an hour to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker. Note that the Belize City to Caye Caulker ferry is slow to arrive, and often runs late. We waited over 30 minutes for our ferry to depart. Give yourself a lot of time if you have a bus or shuttle booked on either side.
Can you swim at Caye Caulker?
Yes, you can swim at Caye Caulker! The water in Caye Caulker is warm, clear and is an amazing bright, turquoise blue. As it is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, you can expect all types of wildlife in the water; from stingrays to manatees and even nurse sharks!
Most people in Caye Caulker swim at the Split, which now has a couple of bars with floating tables and chairs for you to enjoy a cocktail in the Caribbean Sea! You can even bring out your adventurous side by jumping off a 20ft platform leading directly into the ocean!
There are a couple of places that you won’t want to swim due to crocodiles, especially around the North Island. If you’re worried, just check in with a local before swimming.
One of the best activities in Caye Caulker is to snorkel to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. You can find out more about this here: Snorkeling in Caye Caulker: BEST Company in 2023!
Where to stay in Caye Caulker as a backpacker
As I previously mentioned, Caye Caulker is small. Really, really small. So everyone gets to know everyone, regardless of what hostel you’re at.
There’s also a lot of talk about the hostels, and what makes them great (or not so great). If you’ve done your research, you will have heard about Bella’s Backpackers. Well, yes, it might be known as the ‘party’ hostel, but it doesn’t receive the best reviews (in person and online).
I’ve met people who have mixed reviews about Bella’s. Some have loved it, whilst some have checked out early. Do your research and read the reviews, so you know exactly what you’re letting yourself in for! You can read some of the helpful reviews here.
If you’d rather avoid the chaos of Bella’s, I highly recommend:
- Go Slow Hostel: we stayed here for over a week and it was perfect. Clean, comfortable, and in the best location on the island (it’s actually on the street next to Bella’s). There’s a large area to socialise and meet other backpackers, which we loved. The wifi is a little hit-and-miss, but it’s worth it!
- Sophie’s Guestrooms: If you want a quieter stay. This hostel only has 5 rooms and has a real homey vibe to it.
- Tropical Oasis: for basic dorms but a good party and social vibe. Right next to Go Slow Hostel.
Can you walk around Caye Caulker?
Yes, Caye Caulker is walkable. The island is less than 1 mile wide (east to west) and only 5 miles north to south. Most of the tourist attractions and areas are all in the centre, and most visitors will not need to leave this area (or want to!)
However, you can hire a bike and explore the north island. You’ll need to board the Split to Split ferry at The Split (which is north of the south island) which will take you across the water to the north island.
If you do need help with luggage or a more than 5 minute walk (seriously, most things are within 5 minutes of each other), you can grab a golf cart taxi. These taxis are around throughout the day and you can hail them from the side of the road.
Caye Caulker or San Pedro?
This depends on what kind of person you are, but if you’re a backpacker, I recommend Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is small and laid back, with a real backpacker vibe to it. San Pedro attracts more American tourists (big families, older couples) to stay in their grand resorts and apartments.
Caye Caulker has better hostels, but a more chilled nightlife than San Pedro. There are a few bars in Caye Caulker (the Sports Bar, which closes at midnight, and the Reggae Bar, which closes at 2/3am). But that’s it. So if you want crazy nightlife, head to San Pedro.
Don’t worry, backpackers still have big nights out in Caye Caulker, it just doesn’t have a ‘superclub’ vibe.
Caye Caulker has sandy roads with no cars. San Pedro has tarmac with cars, big buildings and is five times bigger than Caye Caulker. So, you decide which is better for you!
Best backpacker travel insurance for Central America
If you’re visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in Central America, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Central America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
How To Get From Belize City to Caye Caulker: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about how to get from Belize City to Caye Caulker.
When you’re planning a trip to Belize, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Belize with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Belize content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Other Belize posts:
- Where To See Stingrays in Caye Caulker: Complete Guide
- Caye Caulker To San Ignacio: Backpacker Guide
- Best Places To Eat In Caye Caulker (Backpacker Guide)
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
