The Northern Cayes, Belize
Plan your trip early to cover all necessary elements.
Confirm your passport has at least six months of validity remaining beyond your intended period of stay in Belize.
Research visa requirements for your nationality and apply for any necessary visas. This process may take time.
Book your international flights to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), especially if traveling during the high season (December-May) to secure better prices and availability. Consider using a travel rewards card, such as those from Capital One Travel, for booking flights and accommodations.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, such as from World Nomads, that covers medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation/interruption.
Consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations and general health advice for travel to tropical regions.
Book your domestic flights from BZE to Caye Caulker (CUK) or your water taxi transfers from Belize City.
Book any specific tours or activities that need advance reservations, like a Blue Hole dive trip or a specialized fishing charter.
Arrange for pet-sitting, house-sitting, or mail services if needed.
Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates to avoid any fraud alerts or service interruptions.
Double-check and confirm all your flight, accommodation, and tour bookings.
Organize all necessary documents: passport, visa (if applicable), travel insurance policy information, and copies of prescriptions. Keep both physical and digital copies.
Pack all prescription medications in original containers and assemble your tropical-specific first aid kit.
Charge all electronic devices, pack power adapters, and confirm your camera has extra memory cards.
Download offline maps for Caye Caulker and Belize on apps like Maps.me or Google Maps.
Exchange some currency into US Dollars (which are widely accepted) or Belize Dollars for immediate expenses upon arrival. Small denominations are beneficial.
Timely preparations make for a smoother and more enjoyable travel experience.
These are the first steps to take upon arriving in Belize and Caye Caulker.
Proceed through immigration, presenting your passport and onward/return ticket. Clear customs with your declaration form.
If desired, purchase a local SIM card (Digi or Smart) at the airport or wait until you reach Belize City or San Pedro for more options.
If flying domestically to CUK, check in for your flight. If taking the water taxi, take a licensed taxi from BZE to the Belize City water taxi terminal.
Once on Caye Caulker, locate your accommodation. The island is small, so a quick walk around the main village aids you in getting your bearings.
US Dollars are widely accepted, with the fixed exchange rate of 2 BZD = 1 USD. You may receive change in BZD. Locate an ATM to withdraw Belize Dollars or USD if needed. Purchase bottled water immediately upon arrival. Many accommodations offer purified water for refills.
From Caye Caulker Water Taxi Dock: Most accommodations in the main village are within walking distance. If you have heavy luggage or are staying further afield, take a short golf cart taxi ride. From Caye Caulker Airport (CUK): The airport is on the edge of the village. A short golf cart taxi ride will take you to your accommodation.
Purchase souvenirs a day or two before your departure to avoid last-minute rush. Be aware of customs regulations for your home country. Shipping items home from Belize can be expensive and complex. Consider items from Eagle Creek for travel organization.
Belize does not have a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund system for tourists.
From Caye Caulker to BZE (via water taxi): Allow ample time. This typically means departing Caye Caulker by water taxi at least 4-5 hours before your international flight's departure time from BZE. From Caye Caulker to BZE (via domestic flight): While quicker, still allow sufficient time (at least 3 hours before international flight) for airport check-in and security at BZE. Confirm your international flight time and domestic transfer times.
Pack any liquids in your carry-on according to airline rules. Confirm all your belongings are accounted for. Keep your passport and boarding passes readily accessible.
