Water Taxi Service Reliable Between Belize City / Caye Caulker

How reliable (on time) are the water taxis going from Caye Caulker to Belize City? We have to catch a flight at 11:30am from Belize City and are trying to decide on whether we should spend another night on Caye Caulker to leave early the following morning or play it safe by leaving on last water taxi to stay overnight in Belize City (we prefer the former).

It looks like water taxi's start at 6:30am which would put us at Belize City terminal about 7:15-7:30am - then sounds like 30 minute taxi ride from there to airport - arriving 8amish - plenty of time. The next water taxi puts it at pretty tight. Pretty reliable service other than "to be expected" type things like bad storm? Do they abruptly go on strike - completely cancel scheduled departures - 6:30am departures end up being more like 7am departures etc or anything to be aware of?

Thanks!

The water taxi services are pretty much reliable. They go on like clockwork, rain or shine. The 6:30 am ride would be best if leaving on the morning of departure. I've done that before, myself, having to catch a plane. With time to spare. I suggest getting to the water taxi about 40 minutes ahead of the departure time. About 5:50 am. After, catch a taxi that would usually be waiting for customers coming off the water taxi and speed off to the airport.

Thanks feuysbelize!

One rule of thumb I always have is, dont travel or depend on transport routes that are not easy on same day as International Travel, even a 2 hours drive can turn into 4 hours.

I have not taken this ferry, but just some food for thought.

Consider flying directly from the CC airport into the International airport. When you add up the per person cost of water taxi + $25US for taxi to the airport it does not cost much more to just take a 20 minute flight.

Yes, the water taxis are reliable and there are more than one, plus there are flights.

I can't remember there ever being a strike, but trips can be cancelled due to rough seas -- not common inside the reef.

And there are always taxis waiting outside the water taxi terminals in Belize City.

Links to the websites of the water taxis & airlines are on the BelizeBus site (the link is on my profile page).

My wife and I flew Tropic Air rather than taking the water taxi. Quick, easy, dependable and hassle free.

I've found the water taxi services pretty reliable. There are three different companies between Caulker and Belize City. A boat might depart a few minutes late, but locals as well as tourists depend on them ti get to work, go to school, etc. so generally they have their acts together. However, I would take the early boat and not wait until the last minute, just in case. Also, don't depend on the internet schedules -- check locally to confirm the times.

Start in the morning from Caye Caulker. It's a sure thing. The alternative is staying in Belize city (drag)

Solo Hobo, I very much agree that one should always be near the airport on departure day. That said, this is one of those cases where Caye Caulker is close enough. Other than a hurricane, in which case you would want to be on the mainland anyway, there are so many options now for an early water taxi or even a flight, that I would stay on the island if time allows. The water taxis usually run like clockwork.(I now prefer the Belize Express over the CC Water Taxi Association) But maybe the main reason is as eddy said, staying in Belize City is really not a viable option other than a last resort in my opinion.

...and you will know these things, grasshopper, once you have journeyed through this land.

I've just returned from Belize yesterday... My flight was 12:30 and I took the 7am boat from Caye Caulker... I was in the airport at 8:15am... so you shouldn't worry about losing your fligtht... The airport also is pretty small and if you do a web checking the day before you will have plenty of time.

I wouldn't spent a night in Belize city.

Good luck

Pablo

We found the taxis to leave about one half hour late, but we traveled Easter week and it was very crowded. If you can spend 2x the amt, take the plane. Less hassle and if you have large items they will not get abused. The water taxi IS the way most Belizians would travel to the islands, but you and your stuff gets rather jostled.

Also, only accept help from people wearing shirts with water taxi logos. Other people may want to "help" you but some of them will be thieves. Our only truly unpleasant experience in Belize was at the BC water taxi terminal with a dishonest "helper". (Vast majority of trip was wonderful, and we are considering a return visit)

i have done it and no problem, grasshopper.