Belize On The Go
Flying to Belize
Airlines are increasing the number of flights from the US to Belize, although European visitors still have to change planes at one of the US gateways, or in Mexico or Guatemala.
American Airlines operates a daily non-stop flight from Miami, while Continental Airlines offers a direct service from Houston, Texas, daily. Very good reports have been received about Taca International Airlines of El Salvador (for punctuality and in-flight service Taca is regarded by frequent travellers in the region as better than the North American airlines). Direct flights leave daily from Miami and Houston; connections from New York and Washington go via Miami; from San Francisco and Los Angeles, via San Salvador. Same day connections to Europe and other US cities are sometimes possible.
Driving to Belize
Few travellers drive all the way from the US to Belize, although it can certainly be done with the aid of a valid driver's licence, vehicle registration papers and good maps. The shortest possible route on paved roads from Texas to the Belize border, a distance of 1,350 miles, is by way of Tampico, Veracruz, Villahermosa, Escarcega and Chetumal. Some travellers hire cars in Cancún and drive into Belize, although this is not permitted by hire companies (insurance doesn't extend across the border, and since most Belizean roads are in a terrible condition, this is extremely risky).
Upon entering Belize, customs issues a permit waiving customs duty on the car as long as it is not sold in Belize. The permit is valid for up to three months and must be surrendered to the Customs Frontier Station upon departure. Third-party insurance is compulsory and can be purchased at the frontier station or in any of the major towns.If you wish to stay longer than three months, a Belize Driving Permit is obtainable from the Licensing Authority in Belize City in return for a completed medical examination form, two recent photographs and a moderate fee.
Getting to Belize by bus
Many visitors travel to or from Belize by bus. Belize Transfer Service operates a service between Belize City and Cancún, Mexico and has a reservations service in the United States, tel: (415) 641 9145.
The following Belize City companies have a daily service to Guatemala and/or Chetumal and Cancún in Mexico from Belize City: Batty Brothers Bus Service Ltd, 15 Mosul Street; Novelo's Bus Service, West Collect Canal; Venus Bus Lines Co. Ltd, Magazine Road.
For day-trips to Tikal in Guatemala from Belize, some nationalities, such as Australians, need a visa (although requirements seem to be flexible, depending on the customs officer stationed at the frontier that day). Check if you need one, and get it before arriving.
Getting to Belize by sea
No permit is required for arriving in Belize by private boat, but you must immediately report your arrival to immigration officials. You will need to present vessel documents, clearance from your last port of call, and four copies of the crew and passenger list as well as four copies of a list of stores and cargo.
There is a scheduled daily ferry service from Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrios (sometimes stopping at Livingston), Guatemala, with other services to Izabal and Rio Dulce, in Guatemala, and to Honduras. Contact Indita Maya, tel: 07-22065, Punta Gorda. If you have time on your hands and a good pair of sea legs, passenger berths are available on transatlantic cargo container ships, departing from London, via Waterford, Republic of Ireland. Contact Cargo Ships Voyages Ltd, Hawley, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4QF. Tel/fax: 01473 736265.
On arrival in Belize
Most travellers' first vision of Belize is the quaint Phillip Goldson International Airport. Immigration can be cleared quickly, although Belizean customs officials inexplicably insist on checking every tourist's luggage and large arrivals can result in long delays (bear this in mind if connecting with an internal flight). There is a currency exchange window near the exit (if this is closed, you can get by on US dollars without problems), as well as a tourist information booth. It is better to have booked a hotel for your first night in Belize before you arrive, rather than trying to arrange accommodation from the airport. You can always move on somewhere else once you have got your bearings.
Many tour operators put travellers straight on to connecting flights or provide a mini-van service to their hotels and jungle lodges. Independent travellers will find a taxi rank outside the airport doors. Rates into Belize City are fixed by a cartel and are fairly hefty for the 20-25 minute ride. You should not pay any more than BZ$30 for a taxi from the airport to Belize City. The rate is per trip, not per person. Make sure this is clear before you set out and get the name of the driver so you can complain immediately to the Belize Tourism Board if you are overcharged.
There is also an airport shuttle bus but it only departs three times a day and strangely does not connect with incoming flights.
Around Belize by bus
Buses run hourly between Belize City and the major towns to the north and west, less frequently to the south. Express bus services, for just a couple of dollars more, are highly recommended for most destinations because the regular buses make numerous stops in every small village along the way. Better buses are used for the northern route and a snack is provided. Contact one of the Belize City bus companies (listed above) for schedule information.
Boats to the Cayes
The alternative to flying from Belize City to the cayes is to take one of the many boat services.
In Belize City, next to the Swing Bridge, is the Marine Terminal. Members of the Water Taxi Association make scheduled runs to Caye Caulker, San Pedro every day from 9am and twice-weekly services to Placencia. Life-jackets should be available on all boats. The trip to San Pedro takes around one hour 15 minutes.
Transport to and from other cayes by boat is mostly arranged by hotels. Alternatively, book your own boat at the docks.