Ambergris Caye: By boat or by plane?
 

I'm planning a last-minute summer trip and Belize is on the short list. Getting from BZE to Ambergris Caye, what's our best bet?

How far is the water taxi stop from the Belize airport, and how big are the boats? The water taxi website shows a teeny-tiny dinghy of a boat, which would freak me out. A connecting flight might be easier, but puddle-jumpers freak me out too. I like my transportation LARGE :)

Planes are Caracvan 14 seaters, flight time is 15 mins and costs $54.00pp each way. Taxi to the water taxi takes 25 mis/$25.00, water taxi takes 1.5 hrs to the island, boats hold 20 plus pax and costs about $25.00pp round trip.

We've always taken the plane. We're talking about taking the boat when we go down in September, since we've arriving earlier in the day than usual. But, I think we've talked ourselves out of it, and will fly again. It takes two flights to get to Belize City for us. From there, I just want to get to Ambergris.

I used to be a nervous flyer, especially on small planes. For whatever reason, the planes in Belize don't bother me. I think it's because they don't fly very high or very fast. Wonderful views. Sometimes you can even see the rays swimming underneath.

I find myself more nervous on the water taxi (we usually take a day trip to Caye Caulker from Ambergris.) They can be really crowded, some are uncovered and they go pretty fast. It's all inside the reef though, so there aren't big waves.

Thanks Jean...I'm also a nervous flyer, but I think I'd rather be on a small plane than a small speedboat. I grew up with sailboats so I don't like to break 5mph on the water! :-P

We took the plane and glad we did. Everyone we talked to who took the boat wish they had taken the plane.

It's a quick, simple plane ride. Really nothing to stress over. Try to sit towards the front of the plane - the view is fantastic! Helps not to bring really big suitcases. They all have to fit in a fairly small space and getting them on and off and where you are going can be a hassle. Enjoy Belize!

Thanks all :) If we decide on Ambergris Caye, I think I'll definitely go by air...sounds much easier than the boat!