How to Get from Bacalar to Caye Caulker: My Perfect Travel Guide (2025)

Backpacking through Mexico and Central America is one of my greatest joys—and also one of the biggest pains in the ass. Last year, I went on a girls’ backpacking trip with some of my best friends. We knew we wanted to explore Quintana Roo, but then we saw this dreamy little island in Belize, Caye Caulker. It looked so close to Bacalar.

Technically, it is… but when we started looking into how to get there, we realized the information was all over the place. After a lot more research than necessary, we found three solid options on how to get from Bacalar to Caye Caulker. So, to make your life easier, I’m putting them all right here in one place!

How Far is Caye Caulker Belize from Bacalar?

At first glance, Bacalar and Caye Caulker look like they should be an easy hop away from each other. And in a straight line, they kind of are. The two are about 135 km (84 miles) apart, but since there’s a whole international border and the Caribbean Sea in between, the actual journey takes a bit more effort.

Depending on your route, getting from Bacalar to Caye Caulker can take anywhere from 5 to 9 hours. The biggest factors?

• Border crossing time (which can be smooth or painfully slow, depending on the day)
• Ferry schedules (since boats to Caye Caulker don’t run 24/7)
• Ferry Port Departure (Leaving from Chetumal Mexico, or Belize City)

So while it’s not a crazy-long trip, it does take some planning. Now, let’s break down the best ways to do it.

Looking for the perfect place to stay before heading to Caye Caulker? Check out our guide on where to stay in Bacalar!

Travel Options: How to Get from Bacalar to Caye Caulker

There are a few different ways to get from Bacalar to Caye Caulker, but all require a few different forms of transportation. There’s no direct route, so you’ll need to mix and match taxis, buses, and ferries.

After way too much research (and a little trial and error), we figured out the two main ways to make the trip. Each option has its pros and cons, whether you’re looking for the easiest, cheapest, or fastest route.

Let’s break them down!

Option 1: Travel to Chetumal + Ferry to Caye Caulker (Most Popular & What We Did!!)

This is the option we went with, and honestly, it was the best choice for us. Since there were four of us, splitting a taxi made it cheaper and way more convenient than dealing with a bus schedule.

But if you’re traveling solo, don’t worry—there are buses and colectivos running between Bacalar and Chetumal. They take a little longer and require an extra step once you arrive in Chetumal, but they’re a good budget-friendly alternative.

Step 1: Bacalar to Chetumal by Taxi

The actual ferry port is in Chetumal, about 30 minutes south of Bacalar, so the first step is getting there. We knew we needed to leave early since ferry check-in closes at 9 AM.

Now, taxis in Bacalar aren’t just chilling on every corner waiting for you. You either need to walk to one of the main roads and flag one down or book one in advance. But because we’re backpackers who believe everything just works out (famous last words), we decided to wing it—and luck was on our side. We managed to find a taxi in the morning and were on our way.

If you decide to take an ADO bus or colectivo, they’ll drop you off at the Chetumal ADO bus terminal. From there, you’ll need to grab a taxi for a quick 5-minute ride to the port.

It’s about a 50-minute walk, so don’t even think about it—just hop in a taxi and save yourself the sweat.

Step 2: Check-in & Immigration in Chetumal

Once we got to the ferry terminal, we had to go through check-in and immigration, which meant waiting around for a bit. Check-in closes at 9 AM, so don’t cut it too close. The process is pretty straightforward, but depending on the day, it can take a while. I think we waited there for about 2 hours. You’ll need your passport for an exit stamp and be ready to pay any exit fees if they apply.

After immigration, it’s just a matter of waiting for the ferry to start boarding!

Step 3: Boarding the Ferry & the Ride to Belize

Once it’s time to board, they take your luggage and strap it onto the boat—literally just tie it down and hope for the best. I kept my laptop bag with me and only handed over my big backpack.

We took a speedboat-style ferry, and it was choppy as hell that day. Two and a half hours of nonstop bouncing, gripping the seat, and trying not to puke. Dramamine is a lifesaver if you get seasick.

The seating situation isn’t great. Just side bench seats and a few middle two-seaters, and the ride is rough. Not the most comfortable, but it gets the job done.

Step 4: Stop in San Pedro (Immigration & Boat Transfer)

After what feels like an eternity of wave-jumping, the boat stops in Ambergris Caye where San Pedro is for immigration.

• The process is pretty quick, but you’ll need to show your passport and pay a $2 USD fee (cash only) at the Belize immigration office.
• Once stamped in, it’s time to switch to another boat for the final stretch to Caye Caulker.

They transfer luggage the same way—tossed onto the next boat and strapped in.

Get ready for some incredible Caribbean-style island food and beachside BBQs—here are my favorite restaurants and foodie spots on Caye Caulker!

Step 5: The Final Stretch – San Pedro to Caye Caulker

The last leg is just 30 minutes, and then it’s officially island time. The second you step onto the dock, it’s all golf carts, sandy streets, and laid-back vibes.

Caye Caulker doesn’t believe in rushing, so now it’s time to slow down, grab a rum punch, and enjoy.

Again, I highly recommend this as the best option. The ferries have gotten more expensive, but taking the long way through Belize City just to save $50 isn’t worth it. The extra time, hassle, and exhaustion make this route the clear winner.

Now, let’s talk about tickets and pricing so you know exactly what to expect.

Tickets & How to Book

Ferry prices have gone up over the years, but this is still the most convenient way to get to Caye Caulker without flying. And trust me—booking ahead is key.

Since we were backpacking, we weren’t really planning things in advance, and this came back to bite us. You need to book your ferry at least 24 hours in advance. During the slow season, you might get away with a last-minute ticket, but in high season? No chance. We tried to book the night before and found only two seats left—not ideal when there were four of us. That meant we had to wait an extra day, which wasn’t the worst thing since Bacalar is stunning, but still, it was an unnecessary delay.

Ferry Options & Prices (as of 2025)

San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi

• $77 USD one way ticket
• Departs at 3:30 PM
• Takes ~3 hours 15 min
• Runs every day

Water Jets International (This is what we took, and I was very pleased with it!)

• 1,200 MXN (~$60 USD) one way ticket
• Departs at 10:00 AM
• Takes ~3 hours
• Does NOT run on Sundays or Tuesdays
• Prices fluctuate by season, so check in advance to avoid surprises.

Where to Book Your Ticket

Online – The smartest move, especially in high season. San Pedro Belize Express and Water Jets International sell tickets in advance.

Book your tickets here for San Pedro Belize Express

Book you tickets here for Water Jets International

In Person – If you’re feeling spontaneous, you can buy tickets at the ferry terminal in Chetumal, but there’s always a risk of it being sold out.

Extra Costs to Keep in Mind

Belize Entry Fee – $2 USD (cash only) at immigration in San Pedro
Mexico Exit Fee – Sometimes charged when leaving Mexico (~$56 USD), depending on your visa situation. It’s usually applied to your airline ticket when you enter Mexico because you have to pay this tax if you’re staying 7 days or more in the country.

Once your ticket is booked, just show up early, check in, and get ready for a bumpy but beautiful ride to paradise.

Once you’ve made it to the island, don’t miss out on the best spots—check out Things to Do in Caye Caulker for beach bars, snorkeling trips, and the split!

Option 2: Travel to Belize City + Ferry to Caye Caulker (Cheapest Option but Take the Longest)

Alright, so you like to do things the hard way! Ha, just kidding—sometimes an overland border crossing isn’t the worst. If you’re looking to save money, this is the cheapest route. But fair warning: it takes forever.

Step 1: Bacalar to Belize City by Bus

Your best bet is ADO, which I highly recommend. I’ve taken their buses all over Mexico, and they’re always safe and comfortable. The only problem is they only go to Belize City once a day so you’re really at the mercy of that schedule.

ADO Bus from Bacalar to Belize City

• $25 USD (under 500 pesos, varies by booking)
• Takes around 6 hours (including immigration stop)
• Leaves once daily at 12 PM

You can also take Marlin Espadas, which leaves at 7 AM, meaning you’ll actually arrive in time for a ferry that same day. I haven’t traveled with them, so I can’t personally recommend it, but it’s an option.

Step 2: Border Crossing & Immigration

Land crossings are always a gamble—you might breeze through in 20 minutes, or you’ll be sitting on a concrete ledge in the shade for an hour.

The process is straightforward: Mexico’s immigration may ask for an exit fee (~$50 USD, sometimes included in your plane ticket depending on how long you stayed in Mexico), and Belize’s entry is usually just a quick passport stamp.

No visa is needed for most travelers, but check your nationality’s requirements. Once everyone’s cleared, you’ll hop back on the bus and continue to Belize City.

Step 3: Arriving in Belize City – Timing is Everything

Once you arrive at the Belize City bus station, you’re just a short taxi or a 15-minute walk from the ferry terminal. But here’s the catch—if you don’t time it right, you might be stuck here overnight. The last ferry to Caye Caulker leaves at 5:30 PM with San Pedro Express, and if your bus is delayed or immigration takes too long, you’ll miss it.

And trust me, you do not want to spend the night in Belize City if you don’t have to. It’s not dangerous, but there’s just nothing to do. If you take the ADO bus from Bacalar, you’ll be cutting it close.

Marlin Espadas runs a 7 AM bus, which gives you a better shot at making the ferry, but I haven’t taken it myself. If you’re on a budget, this route saves money, but the risk of missing the last boat makes it a gamble.

Ferry from Belize City to Caye Caulker

Once you make it to Belize City, the final step is catching a ferry to Caye Caulker. The main ferry company is San Pedro Belize Express, with multiple departures daily.

San Pedro Belize Express – $21 USD one-way, last ferry at 5:30 PM, the travel time is 45 minutes.

Other Transport Options (That You Really Shouldn’t Take)

Some people might tell you that flying is an option. And technically, yes, you could book a flight. But unless you enjoy spending two days in airports, it’s just not realistic.

You’d have to take multiple flights, likely connecting through Mexico City and Belize City, with at least two layovers, and after all that, you’d still need to take a ferry.

Oh, and it’ll probably cost around $1,000. So unless you’re looking for the most expensive, time-consuming way to get to Caye Caulker, just don’t. Stick to the land and sea routes—you’ll save time, money, and your sanity.

FAQ: Getting to Caye Caulker & Essential Info

Is there a Bacalar to Caye Caulker ferry?

No, there’s no direct Bacalar to Caye Caulker ferry. You’ll need to take a bus or taxi to Chetumal and then hop on the Chetumal to Caye Caulker ferry.

Is there a Bacalar to Caye Caulker bus?

Not directly. You can take an ADO bus from Bacalar to Belize City, which takes about 6 hours. From there, catch a ferry to Caye Caulker.

What is the cheapest way from Bacalar to Caye Caulker?

The cheapest way from Bacalar to Caye Caulker is taking the ADO bus to Belize City (~$25 USD), then the ferry ($21 USD). Just make sure to arrive before the last ferry at 5:30 PM!

Can you drink the water in Caye Caulker?

No, the tap water isn’t safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and bring a reusable bottle for easy refills.

Is Caye Caulker worth visiting?

Absolutely! With crystal-clear water, beach bars, and epic snorkeling with nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley, Caye Caulker is 100% worth visiting. The island’s laid-back vibe makes it a perfect getaway.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Way to Get From Bacalar to Caye Caulker?

The best way to get from Bacalar to Caye Caulker really depends on your budget, time, and patience. If you want the easiest and most direct option, taking the ferry from Chetumal is the way to go—yes, it’s a bit more expensive, but it saves you a ton of hassle and it’s really not that hard on the wallet.

But if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a long travel day (or possibly an overnight stay in Belize City), the bus and ferry combo is cheaper but far less convenient. And if anyone tries to tell you flying is an option… just smile and nod while ignoring them entirely.

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