Ambregis Caye to Belize International Airport

On the morning of the 21st of December, once I was sure that the world was in fact not going to end, it was time to pack up and head back home to Toronto. With a 3:20 flight, there was plenty of time to make my way to The Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City. The Conch Shell Inn, where much of my time in San Pedro was spent, is right at the end of the dock where you pick up the water taxi to Belize City. This is a convienent and inexpensive way to travel, and is a bit of an adventure the first time you do it. Having said that it is also takes the most time. The second option is a quick flight with either Tropic Air or Mayan Island Air. More expensive, quicker and convienent. Lets do a comparison.

Water Taxi

The Belize Water Taxi runs a regular schedule between San Pedro and Belize City, with a stop along the way at Caye Caulker. The cost is about $12 US and gets you to the Belize City Terminal in about an hour and a half. Depending on where you sit in the boat , you either get a spectacular view of turquoise water and mangroves, or stare at a fiberglass wall. In calm seas there is no issue, but when there are swells of  few feet, or generally bad weather, it can be wet and bang quite a bit, and those prone to sea sickness might want to bring a plastic bag. They can jam you in like sardines if there are a lot of people going at the same time, but I have found the ride to be generally comfortable. Once in Belize City you will need to take a taxi to the airport, which will cost you $30 US, although there is an option for a shuttle bus at $10. So the trip will cost you from $22-$42 US plus any tip, and take about two hours.

Flights

There are two airlines flying out of San Pedro, Mayan Island Air and Tropic Air. While the type of planes, fares and schedules are similar, there is quite a difference in the condition of the aircraft. The best way to describe it is this: Tropic Air has the new planes, and Mayan Island doesn't. This may or may not be indictive of the entire fleet, but the two times I have flown in Belize this was the case. The airlines do coexist peacefully, and when one is overbooked, then they will shunt you over to their competitor. Long and short is I would fly Tropic Air first, but have no concern in using Mayan Island.

The airport in San Pedro is in the south part of the town, you can easily walk to and from any hotel in the main part of Town. If you are lugging a big suitcase, $5 US gets you anywhere south of the bridge. Same goes for the water taxi.

The flight from San Pedro to Philip Goldson International Airport was approximately $ 72 US, taxes in, and took about 20 minutes. The terminal is small but modern and spotless, and has a large vertical fish tank that can mezmerize you while waiting. Boarding and take off are done in about five minutes, and you get a great view of the Caribbean, cayes and coast line. You are on the plane, and off at the airport ready for your connecting flight.

Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA)

Flying in from San Pedro you will either land in a direct flight, or make a stop at Belize Municipal Airport on the way. Don't worry if you land at the municipal airport, you won't get confused and will know it is not your jump off point. The plane is up and down in a couple of minutes. When you land at PGIA head to the door at the far left of the terminal where your bags will be delivered by hand. At that point you go directly to the airline counters and check in for your international flight. American Airlines has four self check in kiosks where you grab your boarding pass and continue on in line to check any baggage.

From this point you have two choices, clear customs and head to the gates to wait for your flight, or head upstairs to a restaurant/bar that is located upstairs. To get there you bypass customs and continue left along the hall to the stairways. While you can get snacks and a drink inside, if you want something decent to eat do so before going through customs. The menu isn't exactly stellar, but it does the trick, and is far better than the pre packaged stuff you get once through customs. From a shopping perspective, go through customs first as there are more options. The duty free liquor prices are excellent, with a Petron Gold Tequila costing $35 US. Compare that to $90 at home.

In summary PGIA is a small but efficient one, and I quite enjoyed my first experience there on way to Miami and eventually Toronto. I will offer some thoughts on the best way to get to and from Belize in another post.