How to Get to Caye Caulker. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Air travel is the most common way to begin your journey to Caye Caulker. All international flights land at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City. Caye Caulker Airport (CUK) is a small domestic airport serving short flights from BZE.

International & Domestic Carriers

International flights to BZE: American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest, WestJet, Air Canada, Copa.
Domestic flights to CUK (from BZE): Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer frequent, 10-15 minute flights.
Direct international flights to BZE originate from major North American cities (e.g., Miami, Houston, Toronto). No direct international flights to CUK.

Flight Availability & Airport Facilities

Flight prices generally increase during the high season (December to May) and around major holidays. Booking flights well in advance during peak times is advisable to secure better rates and availability. More direct routes may be available from certain hubs during the peak tourist season.

Terminal Services & Pricing

Lower prices often materialize during the low season (July to October).
Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) provides basic facilities: currency exchange, ATMs, duty-free shops, small restaurants.
Caye Caulker Airport (CUK) is very small with minimal facilities.

Budget Flight Search

Explore options on Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Best Flight Comparisons

Utilize Skyscanner for comprehensive flight comparisons.

Car Rental Search

For mainland exploration, find options on DiscoverCars.com.

Transfers from Airports to Caye Caulker

Option 1: Water Taxi Most Common

BZE to Belize City Water Taxi Terminal: Taxi ride takes 25-30 mins, costs $25-$35 USD per taxi. Confirm fare.
Belize City to Caye Caulker: Public water taxi (San Pedro Belize Express, Ocean Ferry Belize). Ride takes 45-60 mins.
Round trip ticket: Usually $25-$35 USD. Water taxis operate on a regular schedule (hourly/bi-hourly).
Water taxis provide frequent service and scenic views.

Option 2: Domestic Flight Fastest

Direct flight from BZE to Caye Caulker Airport (CUK) with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.
Quickest option: Flight times typically 10-15 minutes. Offers scenic views of the barrier reef.
Cost: More expensive, usually $70-$100 USD one way.
Convenience: Ideal for those prioritizing speed or with limited time.

Land Transportation & Road Conditions

Border Crossings

From borders, travelers bus to Belize City, then take a water taxi. No direct land connection to Caye Caulker.

Bus & Train Services

Belize does not have train services. A public bus system (repurposed US school buses) connects major mainland towns. From Belize City, bus connections exist, but a water taxi is still necessary for Caye Caulker.

Self-Driving & Island Roads

Car rental on the mainland is for inland exploration, not Caye Caulker (cars not allowed). Only golf carts are permitted on the island. Caye Caulker's "roads" are packed sand/gravel paths, suitable for golf carts and bicycles, fostering a rustic atmosphere.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services Water Taxis

Sea travel, specifically by public water taxi, is a common and enjoyable way to reach Caye Caulker after arriving in Belize City. Public water taxis are the main sea transportation method to Caye Caulker.

Operators & Routes

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi: Frequent services between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro (Ambergris Caye).
Ocean Ferry Belize: Another reputable company offering services on the same routes.
Schedules and Prices: Check respective websites for current schedules and fares. Prices typically $25-$35 USD for a round trip.

Immigration & Connections

The water taxi terminals in Belize City are accessible by taxi from the international airport (BZE) or the main bus terminal. This makes connecting from air or land travel to the water taxi straightforward.

Port Procedures & Island Access

No additional immigration procedures for water taxi arrivals from mainland/San Pedro once initial Belize entry is complete.
On Caye Caulker, water taxi docks are centrally located. Most accommodations are within walking distance or a short golf cart taxi ride.
River transportation does not directly connect to Caye Caulker due to its Caribbean Sea location.

Departure Information

Belize charges a departure tax for international departures, typically included in your international flight ticket price (approx. $55.50 USD as of early 2024). Check with your airline if this tax is included.

Timing & Procedures

Water Taxi to BZE: Allow ample time (45-60 min boat, 25-30 min taxi to BZE). Arrive at BZE 2-3 hours before international flight.
Domestic Flight from CUK to BZE: Shorter travel (10-15 min flight). Still allow 2-3 hours at BZE for international check-in.
General Recommendation: Arrive at Caye Caulker water taxi terminal 30 minutes before boat departure.

Airport Facilities

Upon departure from BZE, the international airport offers limited facilities for departing passengers.

Departure Amenities

Small duty-free shops for last-minute purchases.
Souvenir shops for gifts.
A few small eateries for snacks or drinks before your flight.

Important Travel Notes

Cruise Ship Passengers

Cruise ships dock in Belize City. Caye Caulker is less commonly visited by cruise passengers due to time constraints on short stopovers.

River Transport

No relevant river transportation directly connects to Caye Caulker. Sea transport is the main water-based access.

Border Exit Tax

If departing by land or sea internationally, a departure tax may be charged at the border/port, but less common for Caye Caulker visitors exiting via airport.

Pre-Flight Check

Verify your international departure tax is included in your flight ticket to avoid surprises at the airport. This detail streamlines your departure.

How to Get to Caye Caulker