Getting Around Ambergris Caye Belize
Ambergris Caye is a relatively small island, 26 miles long in total and a little over a mile wide. Getting around depends on where you are staying and what you want to do. Walking, bikes, golf carts cabs and water taxi are the main forms of transportation used. The island is a mix of cobblestone, concrete paved and dirt roads.
Town
I’ll start off by giving you the basic fundamentals. “In town” is considered to be anywhere north of Tropic Air, up to Belize Bank (6 blocks long and 3 blocks wide). The main streets in town run parallel to the ocean (north and south) are listed below from east to west:
- Barrier Reef Drive, or Front St. – One way north and ends after Caribena St. so you must turn west to avoid the dead end. From the Airstrip, the most direct way to get to Front St. Is to go north on Coconut Drive (which is the street in front of Tropic Air). Turn right (east) on to Tarpon St., then make a left (north) on Front St.
- Pescador Dr., or Middle St. – One way south at Extreme Geeks (Caribena St.) but north is the main 2-way street that takes you to the bridge and all the way north.
- Angel Coral St. or Back St. – 2-way traffic and the widest (so the one the big trucks take).
- Nurse Shark St. or Back Back St. – Not used as much as the other 3.
Both north and south of town mile marker measurements begin at Central Park on Barrier Reef Drive.
Walk
San Pedro itself is a small town with lots to see and a variety of restaurants, hotels, and shopping. Due to its size, walking is the easiest way to get around town. That way you can take your time to stop and browse or chat with friendly people you meet along your travels.
Bike
If you feeling relatively fit, are on a budget and want to cover a bit more ground then a bike rental is a great option. Check with your hotel first. Some give complimentary bikes for guests and some charge a small fee. There are also a few places around town like Calvio Bike Rentals (663-1738/661-7143) in Boca del Rio, and El Guapo in town. A one-week bike rental from a shop will be in the $80 BZD range.
Some people also opt to buy a bike depending on how long their vacation is, then give it away to someone in need, a school or a charity organization to raffle off, when they leave. You can find bikes in the $295 BZD range (without basket and lock) at pretty much any hardware store in town. I prefer to buy my bikes at Harmouch Hardware. I have bought two there so far since 2006. If you want to know what makes their bikes so special to me, read my Buying a bike in Belize post.
Golf Cart
The best way to get around Ambergris Caye is to rent a golf cart and explore north and south. This is a great way to get a full feel for the island and what the different areas have to offer. Even though you might not know your way around, Ambergris Caye is easy to navigate. If you do make a wrong turn, it will not be long before you get yourself back to the main road. Just be sure to pay attention to road signs as many streets in town are one way.
If you want to save 10% on your golf cart rental at Carts Belize email me at tacogirlbelize@gmail.com to find out how. See and what other travel coupon codes are available by clicking on this link.
You will see a few cool rides around town
Taxi
Unless your resort or hotel provides airport pick up you will likely want to take a taxi. They are readily available outside Tropic Air baggage claim area or at the water taxi terminal. If you are not staying too far from town a taxi will cost you in the $8 BZD range. Further south past Victoria House Resort will cost you in the $15 BZD range. If you have to take one north of the bridge then expect to pay $35 BZD or more. Many taxi drivers have a printed rate sheet for the southern and the northern destinations so feel free to ask to see it.
Always make sure to set a price with your cab driver before you get in no matter how short the ride. Here is a good traveler example of why setting your price first is so important, from a Taxi ride post on the TripAdvisor San Pedro Message Board.
Water Taxi
If you are staying further north than the range golf cart rental companies allow their rentals to go then Coastal Xpress water taxi is a good transportation option for you. Pricing varies depending on where you are boarding and where you get off, the range is $5-$14 US one way or $10-$28 US round trip. They do offer resident and student discounts provided you show ID as proof.
Weekly passes are available and price depends on where you are staying. They allow for unlimited travel from your resort to town. If you plan on exploring the island by boat and making lots of stops then the Golden pass would be your best choice. It costs $125 USD and is good for 7 days. In addition to travel between your resort and town, this pass allows you to unlimited boat travel anywhere on their scheduled route. To find out more about weekly pass options and pricing Call: 501-226-2007 or Email: info@coastalxpress[dot]com
You can also use the above contact information to inquire about cargo and private boat charters.
Coastal Xpress Water Taxi schedule
Please note: The schedule is from the Coastal Xpress website as of May 2017 – always double check the water taxi schedule on their website for current high or low times.
Late Night Service to and From Caye Caulker
A new service was introduced in March of 2018. Last Chance Express is a new water taxi service that runs later than the others between San Pedro and Caye Caulker. The company relies on reservations so they know if they need to do a run or not. They also adjust their hours during the low season. Check out the Belizeism website to arrange for your late night outing.
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Hi Cathy, what a great way to start your new years. For taxi south email: manolocontreras21@yahoo.com and see if you can make an arrangement in advance, he and his son both drive. As for prices due to where you are staying it will be a bit costly for a cab I have only ever used him to go as far as Sunset beach and that was about $15-$20 bzd cab ride. Depending on what price Manolo offers you for your location, consider a golf cart for a day or so as well. Restaurants are not late night here so many kitchens close around 9 ish. You can always get late night street food in Central Park and dotted around town.
Hi Tacogirl: my husband & I cant wait to visit Belize next month. We will be at Pelicans Reef for part of our journey. I know we can bike Into the town of San Pedro if we wish, but can you recommend a taxi service that you think has a great reputation along with competitive prices that will take us to&fro up to multiple x daily over the course of our four day stay at PR? The other questions I have are what time do the restaurants serve up until in the evening & 2. do any take a reservation or are they all pretty casual all the way around? Many thanks, really appreciate it. Sincerely, Cathy
Morning Sarah.
Congratulations on your #1!
Coco Beach is a great place and you can certainly have a romantic dinner right there for that evening.
Wow – It’s a loaded question for the daytime fun… really depends on what you like. You could literally spend a day just lounging around their pool area, swim up bar, pool with a (smallish but fun) waterslide and jumping platform. I recommend downloading facebook local if you use it as it is a great way to find out events, restaurants, and points of interest where ever you are traveling. You can search places in advance too.
An excursion to “Secret Beach” (on the west side of the island) might be in order because from Coco Beach, you’re about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way closer than you would be if you were staying in town.
Guest services at CB will be able to help you with anything you want to do – If you’re avid divers then, of course, the Blue Hole is something you don’t want to miss. If not, snorkeling is always a favorite and highly recommended. I can also help you save a few dollars on tours and have some food and shopping discount coupons and flight code as well email me at tacogirlbelize@gmail[dot]com
Hi, Taco Girl! My husband and I are coming to Belize for our 1 year anniversary. We are staying at Coco Beach Resort. For the day of our anniversary, any suggestions on fun things to do during the day and something romantic at night? Thanks!
Hi – is it best to take a cab from the water taxi area to our house at Mara Luguna or is it best to have the cart rental company just drop our cart off by the water taxis? Just worried about our luggage…
What a nice surprise Julie. Try contacting Iraida Gonzalez iraida@elviskitchen.com or Eiden Salazar reefradio@btl.net hopefully one of them will be available to help you with a vow renewal. You can also make contact with wedding planner Lara at lara@romantictravelbelize.com, she is great for wedding/renewal help.
Hi Taco Girl, my husband and I are coming to Belize next week for our 10th anniversary. I want to surprise him and renew our vows…super simple, no decor, just us and a person to do the short ceremony …do you recommend anyone for this?
Fly or water taxi are your options Jim. Tropic Air flight from International airport round trip is $315.50 return and water taxi about $50 pricing in Belize Dollars. While boat is cheaper most people opt to fly after a long day of travel and the view is priceless.
Wat are the option to get to the island from Belize city do you know the cost
Thanks
I agree Laura renting a golf cart is a good way to go when you are staying north, that way you are on your own time and free to explore. I do offer a 10% Carts Belize rental discount for those that a better rate on their rentals.
If I may also add that you can also think about renting a golf cart (50-65 per day). That will save you a lot of money in water taxis and land taxis and allow you to come and go as you please. It is also a fun and adventurous way to see the island. We rented from Mata Granda store in April for $50 US per day and they delivered and picked up to our resort. We also used C & J carts this past trip as well. Have a blast! We love Ambergris and just returned a few days ago from our 2nd trip in 8 months. 🙂
Feel free to reach out with any other questions.
I am assuming you mean land taxi Yulla. Coastal Xpress water taxi will be a cheaper option for you and they may still offer weekly passes. Cabs charge a lot to go north because there is a toll bridge.
The info here is great!
My partner and I are headed to Ambergris Caye next week, and due to life circumstances causing us to book last minute, options were pretty limited by the time we were ready to commit. We’re going to be staying at the Sapphire Beach Resort, which is further north than your map goes to, and have been told that a taxi there from the ferry would cost $85USD. Does that sound accurate to you?
Very close to you but not an eat in place is Sun UP Chinese restaurant and they have great chicken fingers and fries which is a perfect kid meal. The Baker which is in your area is a good spot for breakfast pastry type foods (both sweet and savory options) Mr Deli Just south of Tropic Air and North of Wings dept store has really good breakfast hash brown burritos. Also not far from you Crazy Canucks does great wings, fries and panini sandwiches.
A bit further of a walk easily done on the beach – in town Blue Water Grill, Wild Mangos and Estel’s for breakfast on the beach.
Seaduced by Belize great for snorkeling, I can save you 10% with them if you like. Feedback I recieved on Reef Runner was that it was a fun time, however boat was a bit slow. I would make sure to pack water and a small snack for that one.
Hope that helps.
Hi TacoGirl. We are travelling to Ambergris Caye in early December, staying at Xanadu. We will have three children with us (ages 5-9). Can you recommend kid-friendly restaurants within walking distance (one picky eater, one adventurous and one in between). Also, will we be able to find breakfast options nearby (I see a cafe called The Baker very nearby), or would we be best to get some breakfast basics delivered? We expect to eat most lunches and dinners out.
Can you also recommend kid-friendly snorkelling/boat tours? We were looking at the Reef Runner glass bottom boat tour, in case our youngest doesn’t want to get in the water. Any others we should consider?
Thanks!
Anytime Debbie. Conrad Villanueva is also good diverconrad@gmail.com He does general boat tours a PADI certified dive instructor and his boat is fully licensed and insured as well. His brother operates same from Placencia both under Pelican Tours. I emailed you cart info which explains reservation process.
Thank you so much for the wonderful maps and information. Is there something I need to do to get a discount on golf carts? I didn’t see any info on that..
Thank you again!!!!
I can’t wait to see Belize!!
I got your email Debbie. As for a water guy, Eric at uprising tours 662 – 7413 Eric Henkis – He does snorkeling, fishing, picnics, beach bbq, private charters and sunset cruises. I know Captain Morgans used to do a sunset cruise night on Ecologic Divers Catamaran – front desk or tours will be able to arrange it for you.
What wonderful information!
I emailed you earlier about some discounts on carts. Do you have some for flights as well? Also, I will be staying at Captian Morgans. Would like to take a view of the island from the sea. Can you recommend someone to hire for a day trip to show me around on water?
Thank you
Morning Myra the top three restaurants I would check in with are Casa Picasso, Blue Water Grill and Wild Mangos. They all do Gluten free options so that makes me confident that the owners and their chefs would be able to understand and likely willing to accommodate with a vegan meal. I would also suggest to make sure your friend brings some of her favorite snacks along as things like mixed nuts can be expensive here. You can get local made peanut butter at Big Tree or Green House on middle st that contains only peanuts and a bit of sea salt.
Hi Tacogirl! One of our travelers is Vegan. Looking for restaurants in Ambergris Caye that serve vegan options or that would prepare special requests (leave the dairy and meat items off)
Thanks!
Afternoon Cindy, sending you an email for flight discount code. You can also get it directly from on my Flights to Belize page http://tacogirl.com/flights-to-belize/ Glad you found great info on my site.
Afternoon James, thanks for the compliment on my blog. The flight price is good. While Tropic Air does have some great seat sales it is anyone’s guess as to when the next one will be and between which airports. I just emailed you current code.
We would love flight and cart discount codes. We are coming to Belize in Aug/Sept and staying at XTan Ha. Your site has some great information! Thank you!!!!!!!!!
Hey Tacogirl,
Website is great! So helpful!
Headed to Belize in November and was looking at flights on Tropic Air – from San Ignacio out to Ambergris and then back to Belize, I was just wondering if $140 was a good price for the flight out to Ambergris or would there be a sale at any stage?
It would be safe to drive in the evening. You would have to arrange it with the cart company that someone is available at 6:30 pm to do the paperwork.
Hi Tacogirl,
Great site. We are spending a week in April. Our resort, Indigo Homes, offers us free transport from San Pedro town and back. We get there on a Saturday but won’t be renting a golf cart right away. We plan on taking a boat tour on Monday that arrives back in San Pedro @ 6:30 p.m. Would we be able to pick up our golf cart at that time and drive safely to Indigo Homes? Or, would it be too dark and we should wait until the next morning?
Thank you! Laura
The road is paved 3 miles north Lauree and has recently been graded up to 5 miles. Congrats on 4th trip you will have a great time at Spring break.
Hi great info. My husband and I are about to make our 4th trip to Belize in March 2016. This will be our first time over Spring Break with kids. We usually come in the off-season. How far North does the concrete road go now that can be accessed exploring with a golf cart?
Thanks for the compliment John. Currently there are no historic walking tours of San Pedro.
Hey tacogirl-amazing website! I will be in Belize in Oct/November. I have experince leading historic walking tours and working at hostels in USA and overseas. Can you recommend any live-in positions in San Pedro for someone with this type volunteer experince? thank you!
Afternoon Barbara
Without knowing where you want to go after you leave Liberia, search was done with return trip to Belize City. There are flights that leave BZE on Saturdays. Emailing you a screenshot of flight details.
Hi – your website is great. My husband and I are coming to Ambergris Caye early October. We want to go to Liberia, Costa Rica from there. It seems no one goes this route Saturday – Monday and we want to leave on Saturday. Are there other alternate ways to get to Liberia that are safe?