Depending on the number of arriving flights, the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to more than one hour. Saturdays and multiple arrivals can result in delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Tips for Your Stay at Pura Vida Inn
How long does it take to complete baggage claim, immigration, and customs upon arriving at the International Airport?
Should I buy alcohol beverages at the airport Duty-Free Shop?
Beer and rum are the alcohol beverages of choice in Belize, and relatively inexpensive. U.S. brands are available, but about 150% of U.S. prices at the Belize airport, about twice the U.S. cost outside the airport. "Value" wines, like Yellowtail & Barefoot are available and relatively inexpensive. "Better" wines are harder to find, and more expensive.
Should we take a water taxi or a flight from Belize City to Caye Caulker?
Water taxis or airplanes are both good travel choices, but different experiences. Many guests choose one mode of transport each way.
- A 10-minute scenic flight on a 12-passenger single-engine airplane directly to or from BZE International Airport for $90 - $100 USD per passenger
- A 30-minute taxi drive through Belize City to the water taxi, then a 45-60 minute Caribbean boat ride. Fixed rate taxi fare is $30 USD for 1 or 2 passengers, $35 for 3 passengers, or $40 for 4. One-way water taxi is $21 USD per passenger. Total cost for a party of 2 passengers: $36 per person
Should a water taxi be purchased in advance?
Purchase of water taxi fares upon arrival at the terminal, rather than advance purchase, is recommended. Advance tickets are more expensive, without benefit, as all passengers must visit the ticket window upon arrival for a seat on the boat. Learn more here.
Should a connecting flight to Caye Caulker be purchased in advance?
Unlike water taxis, connecting flights should be purchased in advance to reserve a seat on flights that often sell out. Local airlines will often accommodate passengers in the event of late-arriving connecting flights.
Should I rent a golf cart to get around the island?
A golf cart isn't considered necessary, as Caye Caulker Village is easily walkable, and Pura Vida Inn is conveniently located in close walking distance to restaurants, shops, bars, and attractions. Complimentary bicycles are available for guests, and golf cart taxi service to any island location is readily available, at the cost of $5 USD per passenger. Several companies offer carts for rent by the day or week for guests with mobility issues or who or prefer the convenience of a cart.
Can a golf cart rental be arranged in advance, or rented upon arrival?
A golf cart can be arranged in advance, delivered to the air strip, water taxi terminal, or Pura Vida Inn, or rented after arriving on the island. Typical rental rates are $75 USD per day, $375 USD per week.
Should Snorkeling or Fishing Tours, or mainland adventure tours, be booked in advance?
It is recommended that activities be planned upon arrival, as tour operators schedule in consideration of weather and sea conditions.
Do I Need Insect Repellent?
Mosquitoes and "Sandflies" (No-See-Ums) can be an issue for some visitors, especially after certain local weather conditions. Repellent products containing Deet are effective for mosquitoes, but an oil provides a protective barrier from the tiny "Sandflies".
"NO BUG", a locally made repellent, is effective for both mosquitoes and sandflies, and is available for purchase at Pura Vida Inn. NO BUG contains 25% Deet, Lavender Oil, and Coconut Oil from Caye Caulker.
Do I Need Sunscreen?
It is recommended that guests use sunscreen for protection from tropical sun, and essential that guests use REEF SAFE sunscreen, available on Caye Caulker stores and at Pura Vida Inn.
How Do I Know if a Sunscreen is "Reef Safe"?
Check the ingredients on the label (even if labeled "Reef Safe"). Products containing minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are considered safe. Oxybenzone or octinoxate are considered harmful chemicals. REEF SAFE sunscreen lotions and sprays are available at Pura Vida Inn.
What is the electric current? Do I need an adapter?
The local electrical power supply is 110 volts, the same as the U.S. No adapter is needed.
Is the water safe to drink?
Caye Caulker tap water is treated and rated safe to drink, but Pura Vida Inn provides all guests with bottled or purified drinking water. Traditionally, islanders use bottled or purified water for drinking, ice, and beverages. Tap water is used for all other needs.
Is there a nearby grocery store?
There are several stores on Caye Caulker that are within easy walking distance of the hotel.
Is Wi-Fi Service available?
Wi-Fi service is provided for guests at Pura Vida Inn, and it is considered strong and dependable. Restaurants and bars on the island typically provide Wi-Fi access to visitors.
Will my cell phone work on the island?
Cell phone coverage is good in the village. Some visitors acquire an international plan from their cell service provider, but international and local calls, texts, and data are available by Wi-Fi connection and WhatsApp. WhatsApp is free, and it is the method used by islanders and internationally.
Can guests swim / snorkel off the dock?
There are stairs from Pura Vida Inn's dock to enter and exit the sea, and there is a picnic table and palapa in the shallow water. The water is only about 2 ft deep at the dock, and gradually becomes deeper. Guests can swim or snorkel, but should not venture beyond the end of the Island Magic pier, due to boat traffic.
Is there a swimming beach?
Pura Vida Inn guests enjoy sunbathing and ocean access from the pier, sundeck, and dock, or dipping pool and patio. Chaise lounge chairs, hammock chairs, and picnic tables are provided for guests, and stairs provide access to the sea from the pier. Sand beaches, typical to the Florida coast, are not typical to Caye Caulker. The "Split" is a popular public "beach" and swimming area, as is Iguana Reef on the west side of the island.
Are bicycles available?
Complimentary bikes are available to guests on a first-come basis.
Is Caye Caulker safe at night?
Yes, the island is considered completely safe. Of course, travellers anywhere should exercise situational awareness.
When should I arrive at the International Airport before my flight departs Belize?
Airlines recommend three hours for international flights, but two hours is considered sufficient. The departure process typically takes less than an hour, but a time margin is recommended for international flights.