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The Mexico-to-Belize island entry that skips the mainland
Coming south from the Riviera Maya, the international water taxi from Chetumal drops you straight in San Pedro: no Belize City, no long bus day. It's the neatest border crossing in the region when the schedule lines up, and the land border via Corozal covers the days it doesn't.
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Route at a glance
The essentials travelers ask first, with the watchout that most trips forget to plan for.
Main mode
Most common route style
Planning time
~40 miles across Chetumal Bay and along the reef
Best fit
For most first-time visitors
Watchout
Schedules change seasonally: confirm the current timetable before building your route around it.
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Ways to make this trip
International Islander Ferries, sanpedrowatertaxi.com. Fare published in MXN only (1,340), not converted because MXN floats (checked 2026-07-27).
International Islander Ferries, sanpedrowatertaxi.com. Fare published in MXN only (1,540), not converted because MXN floats (checked 2026-07-27). webstore.belizewatertaxi.com (checked 2026-07-27).
Best for: Travelers coming south from the Riviera Maya
A direct international ferry connects Chetumal's muelle fiscal with San Pedro, the classic Mexico-to-Belize island entry that skips Belize City entirely.
Best for: Budget overlanders and boat-averse travelers
Cross the Chetumal-Corozal land border, then continue south inside Belize: by bus toward Belize City, or by the short Tropic Air hop from Corozal to San Pedro.
For Belize transport businesses
Put your direct booking or inquiry link beside this route for travelers already comparing how to make the trip.
Before you book
Clear Mexican exit immigration at the Chetumal dock and Belizean entry on arrival: passports ready, generous buffer.
Mexican port and exit fees are quoted separately from the ticket; carry some cash for them.
Some sailings continue to Caye Caulker, so the same route serves either island.
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Use these if your trip connects the same region with another common Belize stop.
Water taxiHow to get from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye to Caye Caulker by water taxi or flight, with island-hop timing and planning tips.
Water taxiHow to get from Caye Caulker to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye by water taxi or domestic flight, with island-hop planning advice.
MixedHow to get from Belize City to Ambergris Caye and San Pedro by water taxi or domestic flight, with airport transfer and arrival-day tips.
Yes, an international water taxi runs between Chetumal's muelle fiscal and San Pedro, taking about two hours on the water. Departures vary by season and operator, so confirm the current timetable and book at least a day ahead.
You clear Mexican exit formalities at the Chetumal dock before boarding and Belizean immigration when you land. Allow a generous buffer on both ends, and keep your passport and any Mexican tourist-fee receipts accessible.
Budget roughly US$55-75 for the ticket plus Mexican port and exit fees, which operators quote separately. Verify current prices when you book: they change more often than domestic Belize routes.
Cross the Chetumal-Corozal land border instead, then take the short Tropic Air hop from Corozal to San Pedro (about 20 minutes) or the bus south to Belize City and the water taxi. It's longer but runs every day.
Pair the Chetumal to San Pedro transfer with where to stay, what to do, and how the days flow once you arrive in San Pedro.