Ocean Ferry Belize
Ocean Ferry Belize
4
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
94 within 3 miles
Attractions
29 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
306 reviews
Excellent
136
Very good
91
Average
34
Poor
10
Terrible
35
Martin3962
Vancouver, Canada13 contributions
Feb 2022
We booked a one way trip from Belize City to San Pedro. It was a rainy day when we travelled. The boat was very full (the cabin is small, holding only about 25 people), we were sandwiched like sardines in the cabin - it did not feel very safe as it was very crowded with no social distancing. To make matters worse, the roof of the boat had numerous small leaks, and the rain blew in through the window at the front, which was not sealed properly. We ended up being soaked. There was also a couple of inches of water on the floor of the cabin at the front, so even our feet got wet. I would not use Ocean Ferry again.
Written February 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
boonsfarm
Lancaster, CA23 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The taxi driver from the airport took my bf and I here and told us it was the cheapest price boat fair and we would have a lovely view of the ocean going over to San Pedro. Nothing but lies! On entering the boat, we could see that they were packing everyone in on the bottom like sardines and since it was hot and humid outside we decided we would sit on top with some of the others. The ride at first was nice and slow because they have to maintain a certain speed going out but once we got past a certain set of buoys, we were in for the ride of our lives, and I don’t mean this in a good way. The water was a bit choppy and the young kid driving was completely inexperienced in how to steer a boat through this. The boat kept crashing into the waves and he was going so fast that I almost lost my glasses and hearing aids. Forget the ‘lovely’ views of the ocean too. We went by so fast we could not enjoy the ride. Please, please take the other water taxis that are offered because this one was just terrible from start to finish.
Written August 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RK
2 contributions
Dec 2021
These guys are scammers. It was only my second day in Belize and I was not familiar with the cost of getting to the islands by ferry. We were in a rush to catch the ferry that was about to leave. As soon as the cashier realized that I was not familiar with the prices, she charged me USD $180 for tickets that should have only cost USD $70. She charged me a cool 2.5X of what I was supposed to pay. Of course, I realized this only much later.
In contrast to these guys, San Pedro Belize Express is the legit service for traveling to/from the islands. They are surprisingly professional in every which way and I used them on all other trips.
In contrast to these guys, San Pedro Belize Express is the legit service for traveling to/from the islands. They are surprisingly professional in every which way and I used them on all other trips.
Written January 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhonda C
2 contributions
Dec 2021 • Friends
Love using Ocean Ferry! It’s such an exhilarating ride compared to the regular water taxi. With 3 outboard motors the boat really gets moving. Sit by one of the doors or in the back for the best views. The only way to travel between the mainland and the islands.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara K
Vineland, New Jersey83 contributions
Apr 2023
We visited Belize in April of 2022. Our taxi driver brought us to Ocean Ferry when we left the airport and we're so glad he did. Once during our trip, we took the "standard" ferry and it was awful. Ocean Ferry provides great service in smaller boats with amazing views. 10/10 recommend.
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer Z
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Family
Everything went smooth once I was redirected on how to purchase tickets online. I was able to book the tickets a couple weeks in advance. We left on time, took about 1 hour 15 minutes to get to San Pedro. Everyone was helpful. Boats were clean.
Written January 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sage F
Eugene, OR22 contributions
Sep 2019
I rode the 1:30 ferry from Belize City to San Pedro on September 15th, and I believe I was robbed by the crew/captain on the ride over. I had just arrived in Belize an hour before departing on the ferry, and I withdrew $300 USD from an ATM while still in the airport. I checked my wallet before boarding the ferry, and I had it stowed with all my cash in the pocket of my backpack. I kept my backpack on my person, in front of me, for the entire ride except for when the backpack was under the supervision of the crew. My two friends and I were invited to the top deck (with our backpacks) for the view, and we were the only passengers on the top deck. At one point, the crew invited us to the front bow of the boat, and they told us to leave our backpacks at the captain's feet so they wouldn't roll off the boat. We were on the front of the boat for about 10 minutes while the Captain was watching our backpacks and we were not. When I arrived in San Pedro, I checked my wallet, and the $300 dollars in $20 bills was all missing. My cards remained in the wallet, but after searching everywhere I couldn't find the money. I believe the crew strategically robbed me by tricking us into riding out of site of our backpacks and valuables. I don't like to accuse people for events I didn't witness, and I still can't say with complete certainty what happened, since I didn't actually witness someone removing my money. With that said, I can't think of any other explanation for my money disappearing.
I have tried to get my money back many times over the last couple weeks, but the office has dodged the question and not responded to me yet. I will remove this post if I get my money back, but until then I would like for this to be a warning to all other travelers that this could happen to you.
The boat was otherwise quite nice, and I am sad to have this taint an otherwise fantastic trip to San Pedro and Belize. If you choose to ride with Ocean Ferry, do not worry, but be extremely cautious with your belongings at all times. This type of theft is uncommon with large companies like Ocean Ferry, but it is never out of the question.
I have tried to get my money back many times over the last couple weeks, but the office has dodged the question and not responded to me yet. I will remove this post if I get my money back, but until then I would like for this to be a warning to all other travelers that this could happen to you.
The boat was otherwise quite nice, and I am sad to have this taint an otherwise fantastic trip to San Pedro and Belize. If you choose to ride with Ocean Ferry, do not worry, but be extremely cautious with your belongings at all times. This type of theft is uncommon with large companies like Ocean Ferry, but it is never out of the question.
Written September 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth M
5 contributions
Mar 2018
We stayed in Ladyville and used the water taxi several times to go to couples different islands. The boat was on time every time the fair was affordable. When i find myself again in Belize i will definitely use the boat again. The crew was great.
Written March 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Morgan S
3 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
This was our only form of transportation to and from the island while on our trip. We were on a water taxi a total of four times. Spoiler alert: all four times were nothing short of lackluster. We commuted back and forth from Belize City and Caye Caulker by purchasing water taxi tickets (in person or online) from Ocean Ferry Belize. It's a 45 minute (+/-) ride and it's extremely bumpy so be prepared. It costs $22.50 (US dollars) per person for a round trip ticket. If you book online there is an additional transaction fee also. To avoid this fee, book upon arrival in Caye Caulker or Belize City.
HOWEVER, if you are flying into Belize City in the afternoon and need a water taxi to get to Caye Caulker, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND booking ahead of time. Our flight was delayed and we were late for our water taxi (this LAST ONE FOR THE NIGHT). Because we booked ahead of time, we were able to call and have them hold the boat for us. This is a nice leverage to have because you never know when you might run into an issue at the airport.
Now, let's talk about the ride and overall water taxi experience. It wasn't the most enjoyable thing I've ever done, but it also wasn't the worst. It was a straight down the middle 5-out-of-10 experience.
Here's what we learned:
- The ride is bumpy. If you're older, bring a pillow. YIKES.
- Do NOT sit at the front of the boat. HORRIBLE.
- Be prepared to not sit next to the person you are boarding with.
- Take medication if you feel the least bit sick. (This was me multiple times.)
- Make friends/share stories with the people around you.
- Get there early for loading of luggage.
- Personal items must be able to be held in your lap.
HOWEVER, if you are flying into Belize City in the afternoon and need a water taxi to get to Caye Caulker, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND booking ahead of time. Our flight was delayed and we were late for our water taxi (this LAST ONE FOR THE NIGHT). Because we booked ahead of time, we were able to call and have them hold the boat for us. This is a nice leverage to have because you never know when you might run into an issue at the airport.
Now, let's talk about the ride and overall water taxi experience. It wasn't the most enjoyable thing I've ever done, but it also wasn't the worst. It was a straight down the middle 5-out-of-10 experience.
Here's what we learned:
- The ride is bumpy. If you're older, bring a pillow. YIKES.
- Do NOT sit at the front of the boat. HORRIBLE.
- Be prepared to not sit next to the person you are boarding with.
- Take medication if you feel the least bit sick. (This was me multiple times.)
- Make friends/share stories with the people around you.
- Get there early for loading of luggage.
- Personal items must be able to be held in your lap.
Written February 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth P
1 contribution
Mar 2018 • Friends
My sister and I purchased round trip tickets online in advance from Belize city to San Pedro for a 10:30 ferry in order to make it to a snorkeling tour we purchased in San Pedro on time. We arrived at the port 30 mins early and were told that they gave our spots to someone else and the ferry was full, even though we had paid for and reserved seats on that ferry in advance. We asked for a refund and were refused. They offered us a spot on a ferry THREE hours later at 1:30 and we missed the tour that we paid for in San Pedro. Awful customer service.
Definitely take the San Pedro Belize Express water taxi instead where they are reliable and kind. We had a great experience with them.
Definitely take the San Pedro Belize Express water taxi instead where they are reliable and kind. We had a great experience with them.
Written March 16, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carole P
Santa Clara, California
Thank you for the review of the water taxi service from Belize City. How long was your round trip without the "unscheduled" stops.
CJ
Written March 24, 2022
It is just over 90 minutes to San Pedro (one way), including a short stop at Caye Cauker. Another word of warning - their website says rates are from $25 round trip. But the link does not work. When we walked up and paid, it was close $35 per person with all fees, and that was for one way.
Written March 25, 2022
How long is the ferry ride to Placencia? How much per person. Thank you
Written October 18, 2019
About $20.00 US and 45 minutes to an hour. It depend on the boat operator
Written October 18, 2019
How long does it take to get from Belize international airport to the Ferry to Caye Caulker?
Written December 11, 2018
Hi, About 25-30 min depending on traffic. And the fare is $25
Written December 11, 2018
Wanderer3768
Tucson, Arizona
How do I obtain a discount code or voucher for Ocean Ferry?
Written November 18, 2018
Don't know. Paid full price round trip ahead of time online.
Written November 18, 2018
We will be arriving on Princess Caribbean cruises ship on August 29, a Wednesday at 7 am. Considering the tender and the walk to the Ferry dock, is it reasonable to book the 8 am or is the 10:30 more realistic for a cruise passenger? On the return, the ship departs at 6 pm, is the 430 back to belize cruise port too late or should we book the 130? Im estimating 30 minutes for tender and 45 minutes for the ferry times. If I book the 8 am but cant make the time, can I switch the ticket to a later time like 10:30 or am I out of luck? Please advise.
Written August 14, 2018
I'd go with early rather than late, but that's my style. The drive from/to the airport is approximately 20-25 minutes. The ferries were on time in my experience. Have fun!
Written August 15, 2018
I keep seeing conflicting information about how much the ferry should cost and that some passengers have paid double what it should cost because they were duped into paying in $25 USD when it should really be $25 BZE for example. How much does it really cost in USD for a round trip ferry ticket to Caye Caulker? I know what I see on the ferry websites, but hearing from other travelers and even seeing some of the rates posted on hotel websites say the rates should be half of what's posted on the ferry websites.
Written June 24, 2018
I booked through their website for a rondtrip from Belize City to San Pedro, the cost was US $35.00 per person. There was no misunderstanding about the price, nor was there any attempt to change the price. Just print your tickets and your receipt and you should be good to go.
Written June 25, 2018
Traveling with small kids. Is there a WC/restroom available on board?
Written June 15, 2018
no restroom you will have to hold for 1.5 hour or so...
Written July 26, 2018
Is the schedule the same on Good Friday 30 Mar 18 from San Pedro to Belize City?
Written February 23, 2018
While the phone system is not so great in Belize, internet is satisfactory. The ferry company makes good use of the availability and does lots of their business electronically. You can definitely get your answer with the most current information by checking the website or by chatting through the website. If you get there early and need to grab a bite to eat, Check Neri's two blocks away for an inexpensive typical Belizean meal.
Written February 24, 2018
How long is the ride to Caye Caulker from Belize City? How often does it depart?
Written May 26, 2017
Ride is about 45 min. or so from Belize City to Caye Caulker.
Departures at 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM
Written June 9, 2017
Family of 5 will be traveling to Ambergris Caye. Is there room for luggage?
Written January 24, 2017
When big families travel, it is best to use the boat and not the plane. This is because the planes have limits for luggage while boats don't. There is plenty of room!
Written January 29, 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 12
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing