So you're planning to get from Mexico to Belize but are unsure how to do it? Well, I'll show you how to do it without breaking the bank in a relatively convenient and quick way. Please
note that this information is valid both for trips from Mexico to Belize, and the opposite journey.
I'll also assume that you want to either visit some Belizean islands such as Caye Caulker or Ambergris.
Now down to the nitty-gritty.
There are only two relatively cheap ways to get from Mexico to Belize (you can also fly, but we won't cover that option as it can be very expensive) - By water taxi or By bus!
Why should you choose one over the other?
Well, very briefly, the water taxi will be more expensive than the bus. Now, it's also worth considering that the bus will take slightly longer than the water taxi.
Water taxi return ticket from Chetumal to Caye Caulker - $100 USD per person
vs.
Bus return ticket from Chetumal to Belize City and from Belize City to Bacalar - $50 USD per person
I'll now explain how should you do if you decide to get the water taxi or the bus.
Option 1 - Water Taxi
If you choose this option you'll have to get to the capital city of Quintana Roo's state, Chetumal. Chetumal feels quite sedated and apart from the promenade, there's not much else to see here, although we've heard that there are some noteworthy day trips to be enjoyed from Chetumal if you have the time.
If you do not intend to stay in Chetumal and get here by bus from somewhere else, please note that the modern bust terminal is located in a different area of the city than the water taxi terminal. You’ll need to get a cab to get to the water taxies. Worry not though as the cab ride will take approximately 10 minutes and there are plenty of official taxis available to get you there once you step out of the bus station.
A bit of a warning, please ensure you allow yourself plenty of time before your scheduled departure (at least 2 hours) as getting through customs (you'll be entering a new country) take a little while.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GET YOUR TICKETS ON THE SPOT AS THEY USUALLY SELL OUT!
Please book your tickets online well in advance.
Depending on where you're heading to, and at what time, you'll have to choose from two different water taxi companies. However, both companies have websites you can use where they display the boats schedule on any given day, so choose according to your travel plans. If possible, and in case you are planning to return to Mexico, please check if the water taxi of your choosing has boats on that day as buying a return ticket will be slightly cheaper than doing so separately. Another thing worth considering is the fact that when leaving Mexico you'll have to pay a departure tax and the same applies to when you leave Belize.
The departure tax will set you back around $50 USD per person. A way around this is to check if you've already paid this. If you have a flight already booked out of Mexico, you’ve likely already paid the departure tax and all you'll need to do is to have a printed copy of this.
After all the administrative proceedings are completed, you'll then be asked to wait until other immigration officers check yours and your fellow passengers' bags with sniffer dogs.
And Voilà! It's time to FINALLY board your boat.
From the moment you board the boat until you reach your first stop, Ambergris, it'll be about one hour and a half. Even if you're heading to Caye Caulker you still have to get off at Ambergris Caye for immigration purposes. This will add another 30 minutes or slightly more to your journey. If you’re heading to Caye Caulker you have to wait once more (after you're done with immigration) for the boat making the journey to Cay Caulker which will take approximately one more hour.
Returning to Mexico by Water Taxi Either From Caye Caulker or Ambergris
The return journey is pretty much the same as your initial journey to get here, although the difference will be that you need to be at the water taxi terminal only one hour prior to your scheduled departure.
They also do currency exchange on the boat. Perfect time to get rid of any leftover Belizean currency.
Option 2 - Bus
There are buses that will take you from Mexico to/from Belize City daily.
Information on the internet is scarce and confusing. However, you can call the ADO bus office in Chetumal for information or you can call the one in Belize City, and they will help you out. You can also book your tickets online via the ADO website. Again, if you have any difficulties booking the tickets either call or go in person to the Bus terminal in Chetumal or Belize City.
Cancún to Belize City The bus departs from the ADO terminal daily at 11:15 pm and stops at Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Chetumal (05:40 am), Corozal and Orange Walk.
The fare to Belize City: 960 pesos ($40 USD) and the trip time is: 9.5 hours
The fare from Chetumal To Belize city: 500 pesos ($20 USD) and the trip time is: 5 hours
Belize City to Cancún The bus departs from BC bus terminal daily at 7:30 pm and stops at Orange Walk, Corozal, Bacalar, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Cancún Airport.
Fare: BZ$19 ($9 USD) is paid at Belize City, and the remainder of the fare is paid when the bus stops at Bacalar. Expect to pay in total $40 USD
Note: The Belize City to Mexico run does not appear on the ADO website because it is not directly operated by ADO but you can book this in Belize either by going to the main ticket office inside the bus station.
From Belize City, if you intend to get to Caye Caulker you should pre-book your tickets online and the price will be $18 USD per person.
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