Puddle Jumping Is the Way to Go in Belize
We landed just after 3:00 PM in Belize City, a quick 2 1/2-hour flight from Houston. Within twenty minutes, we were through immigration and had our bags. It was a quick three-minute walk from the international terminal to the domestic terminal, where we checked in, got through security, and were at our gate ready for takeoff to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye in under ten minutes.
Our method of transportation was a Cessna 208 Caravan, which provided phenomenal views of the mainland, the water, and the islands during our flight. Our plane was scheduled to take off at 4:05 PM, so they started boarding at 4:00 PM. Prior to boarding, we had just enough time for a Belikin, the country’s most popular domestic beer.
The Views Are Incredible
Maya and Tropic Air are the two main carriers operating the puddle jumper flights in Belize. They normally stagger their departure times so you can pretty much go to the airport and catch one of them every hour. We’ve now used the puddle jumpers to fly in and out of Belize City to Placencia and San Pedro. You can also use these airlines to fly into Caye Caulker and other cities in Belize, such as San Ignacio and Belmopan.
In addition to amazing scenery and quick and easy flight times, another added benefit of these aircrafts is their size, allowing for smaller, centrally located airports. You can arrive 30 minutes before your flight departs with no issues. They also offer excellent value. Bought in advance, the price of these puddle jumper fares is very affordable.
The View from Above
If you end up taking the ferry out to the islands from Belize City and miss the puddle jumper experience, never fear, there is another option. Tropic Air and Maya Air offer tours of many of Belize’s incredible locations, including seeing the Great Blue Hole from above, which is only second to diving the amazing site. The tour lasts approximately an hour, and gives you a great look at the reef and the amazing islands that make Belize so special. After the tour, you’re back in the heart of San Pedro to begin your next adventure.
