Getting The Water Taxi from San Pedro to Chetumal (READ FIRST!)
If you’re planning to travel from San Pedro, Belize, to Chetumal, Mexico, the water taxi is one of the most efficient and scenic ways to make the trip.
This was a hassle-free journey that skipped the long bus rides and potential headaches of backtracking through Belize City (which is not ideal).
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip!
👉 BOOK IT: San Pedro to Chetumal | Chetumal to San Pedro
Table of Contents
Water Taxi from San Pedro to Chetumal Details:
- Water taxis operate between San Pedro and Chetumal, with trips taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. Add another 30 minutes if you plan to head to Caye Caulker.
- Costs vary! Check here for pricing.
- Operators are limited and often make only ONE trip per day in either direction!
What to Expect Taking The Ferry
The process is straightforward and impressively organized.
Boarding in San Pedro is easy—just show up with your ticket, check-in, and you’ll be guided through immigration before departure and on arrival in Mexico.
The staff were efficient, and everything ran smoothly, which made the whole experience stress-free.
Once on the water, you’ll enjoy views of the Caribbean Sea. The boat is relatively small but comfortable, and the ride feels quick.
It’s shorter than the bus (although a bit pricier), which is why this option often beats the bus for some travelers.
If you’re prone to motion sickness, bringing some Dramamine just in case might still be a good call. I usually get seasick, but I was fine for this ride.
Immigration and Customs
Before departure, you’ll go through Belize’s immigration checkpoint and pay the required departure tax.
On arrival in Chetumal, Mexico, you’ll clear customs and immigration.
Make sure to have your passport handy and any other documents you may need. Don’t pack these in your suitcase.
Why Take the Water Taxi From San Pedro to Chetumal?
1. Shorter Travel Time
If you were to travel by bus, you’d first need to backtrack to Belize City, which adds several hours to your journey.
From there, it’s another lengthy ride to Mexico. That’s a lot of time spent sitting when the water taxi gets you to Chetumal in under two hours.
2. Cost and Convenience
While the bus may seem cheaper at first glance, factoring in the extra transport to Belize City and the time you’d spend makes the water taxi a smarter option for most.
Plus, the journey by water is more direct and scenic, avoiding the monotony of highways.
3. Organized and Stress-Free
I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly the whole process went.
From checking in to immigration and boarding, everything felt well-organized and efficient. For a border crossing, it was a breeze and we got to avoid Belize City (woo!).
👉 BOOK IT: San Pedro to Chetumal | Chetumal to San Pedro
TIP: If taking the bus is more of your jam, you can book a bus from Belize City to Chetumal.
Tips for Travelers
- Book in Advance: If you’re traveling during high season, it’s a good idea to secure your tickets ahead of time to avoid any issues.
- Arrive Early: Plan to be at the terminal at least 30 minutes before departure to handle check-in and immigration.
- Pack Light: While there’s room for luggage, it’s easier to manage smaller bags.
- Bring Snacks and Water: Although the ride is relatively short, having a snack on hand is always a good idea.
- Timing: Double check the times, this route has limited ferries per week.
Arrival in Chetumal
Once you dock in Chetumal, you’ll go through customs and immigration. From there, you’ll find taxis and buses readily available to take you to your next destination.
Many travelers continue on to Bacalar, a stunning lagoon just 30 minutes away, or head further into Mexico to spots like Tulum or Cancun.
Final Thoughts
Taking the water taxi from San Pedro to Chetumal is a fantastic choice, and I’m glad this is what we did when heading from Belize to Mexico.
Even if I hadn’t been to San Pedro initially, I STILL would have taken the boat option. The bus takes longer and seems like a pain. It was worth the extra bucks to get this trip over with—this isn’t exactly the most exciting journey.
The only minor thing to consider is if there’s a storm coming through. In that case, perhaps the bus would be best.
👉 BOOK IT: San Pedro to Chetumal | Chetumal to San Pedro
Check out my other guides to Belize:
- 27 Amazing Things To Do in Belize — A Complete Guide!
- Where To Stay In Belize: 21 of the Best Hotels and Resorts
- 7 Best Beaches in Belize for Beach-Bumming
- 7 MUST-VISIT Waterfalls in Belize
- 9 TOP Things To Do in Placencia, Belize
- 11 Best Things To Do in Caye Caulker, Belize
- 12 Most EPIC Things to Do in San Pedro, Belize!
- 10 Things To Do in San Ignacio, Belize: Your Adventure Guide
- Your Guide to Hopkins, Belize: Where to Play, Eat, and Sleep!
- Caye Caulker Snorkeling: Your Underwater Playground!
- 11 ESSENTIAL Belize Travel Tips
- How to Get from Belize City to San Pedro
- How to Get from Belize City to Caye Caulker
- Getting The Water Taxi from San Pedro to Chetumal (READ FIRST!)
