Getting to San Pedro, Belize
San Pedro sits on Ambergris Caye — the longest island in Belize. It's not directly on the mainland, which catches a lot of first-time visitors off guard. Here's exactly how to get here without the stress.
Step 1 — Fly into the Right Airport
Belize has two international airports. Most travellers use Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City — this is where international flights arrive from the US, Canada, and Europe.
Best direct routes from the US: American (MIA/DFW), United (IAH), Southwest (HOU), Delta (ATL). Flying time from Miami is about 2 hours; from Houston, 2h 15m.
Step 2 — Get from BZE to San Pedro
You have two good options: a short domestic flight or the water taxi. Most people who've done it both ways recommend the water taxi for the experience — and the price.
✈️ Domestic Flight (Recommended for speed)
- • Operators: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air both fly BZE → SPR (San Pedro Airport)
- • Duration: 20–25 minutes in the air; add 30 min at BZE for transfer
- • Cost: ~$60–90 USD one-way
- • Luggage: Weight limits apply — 30 lbs checked, 15 lbs carry-on typical
- • Pro tip: Book early. These small planes fill up, especially over holidays
🚢 Water Taxi (Recommended for experience)
- • Operators: San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize run hourly departures
- • Departure point: Water Taxi Terminal in Belize City — a 20–30 min taxi from BZE
- • Duration: 75–90 minutes crossing; can be rough in high winds
- • Cost: ~$20–30 USD one-way
- • Tip: If prone to motion sickness, sit in the middle and take meds beforehand
- • Schedule: First crossing ~7am, last around 5:30pm — check current times before booking a late flight
Ground Transport at BZE
You'll need to get from BZE to either the water taxi terminal or the municipal airstrip (TZA). Both are in/around Belize City.
Use only official taxis from the designated zone outside arrivals — agree on the price before you get in.
Getting Around San Pedro
San Pedro town is small and mostly walkable. The island has no stoplights, and most “streets” in town are sand paths. Here's how locals and long-term visitors get around:
The main way to explore. Rent for $50–70/day. Required if you want to go north or south of town.
Good for town. Free or cheap to rent. Watch out for soft sand on unpaved paths.
Most restaurants, shops, and piers in the town center are walkable.
Small boat taxis run between town and resorts north/south of the bridge. ~$5 USD per trip.
Arrival Checklist
Need help planning your arrival?
Maya can help you pick flights, book your crossing, and sort your first-night accommodation — all over WhatsApp.
Chat with Maya on WhatsAppLina Point — Overwater Bungalows, Ambergris Caye
Once you arrive in San Pedro, Lina Point is where you stay. Overwater cabanas positioned directly above the barrier reef — the water taxi drops you at their private dock. Maya can coordinate your crossing directly to the property.