Illustration of US Cities with direct flights to Belize City.

As an added note, I always advise couples and their guests to aim for midday arrivals if possible. It allows plenty of buffer time to catch onward connections. Keep reading to find out why this matters.

Step Two: Choosing Your Transfer Method to San Pedro

Once you land in Belize City, there are various ways to travel to San Pedro, Belize. two main ways to reach San Pedro:

1. Domestic Hopper Flight (Recommended)

This is my top choice for destination wedding groups.

Once your international flight to BZE is booked, it’s time to reserve your hopper flight to San Pedro. These short flights are offered by Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, and they’re the easiest, most efficient way to get to the island.

Here’s what to keep in mind when planning hopper flights for you and your guests:

• Allow 60–90 minutes between your international arrival time and hopper departure to account for deplaning, immigration, customs, domestic check-in, and security.
• Plan to check in for your hopper flight at least 30 minutes before departure.
• Final flight departs around 5:30 PM daily. In rare cases, a 7:00 PM flight may be added during peak season or holidays, but this is not guaranteed and should not be relied upon.
• Flexible fare types are recommended for groups in case changes are needed.
• Luggage limits differ from international airlines. Be sure to check hopper flight baggage restrictions in advance.

Late Arrivals Note: If your BZE arrival is too late to catch the last hopper, you’ll need to overnight on the mainland. This is why we always build cushion into travel timelines for wedding groups to ensure a smooth way to get from Belize City to San Pedro.

Departure Timing Note: Plan for your guests to leave San Pedro at least 3 hours before their international departure. Weather delays, especially during rainy season, are common.

Hopper flights are short, typically 15 minutes direct, or 30 minutes with stops. The views are stunning, and the process is smooth.

• Flights run throughout the day.
• Group bookings can be arranged.
• Luggage transfers are efficient.

For our couple’s wedding at Alaia Belize, I coordinated all hopper flights through Maya Island Air, securing a group rate that included flexible fare options. That flexibility mattered, especially when Hurricane Beryl disrupted travel plans. Because I was managing the group’s flights, I could stay in direct contact with each guest and adjust as needed for their flight from Belize City. Everyone arrived safely, no one missed a thing.

2. Water Taxi (Not Ideal for Groups)

While scenic and popular with backpackers, the water taxi terminal isn’t the best option for wedding guests traveling to San Pedro, Belize.

Here’s why:

• First, you’ll need to leave the airport and travel 30–40 minutes to the ferry terminal
• Then, wait for the next departure and take a 1.5 to 2-hour boat ride (with stops)
• Travel days are already long; adding another 2+ hours and luggage logistics can create real friction

There’s also a 5:30pm cutoff time for departures, meaning some guests may be forced to overnight on the mainland if flights arrive late. That’s not ideal when you want everyone arriving relaxed and ready to celebrate.

What About Late Arrivals or Delays?

If your guests arrive after the final hopper flight or water taxi departure, they’ll need to stay overnight in Belize City. That’s why it’s so important to:

• Coordinate guest arrival windows
• Choose flight times with some cushion
• Work with a planner or wedding travel agent who can help adjust logistics in real-time if needed

We were able to navigate last-minute changes and avoid overnight delays, even with the effects of hurricane flight delays and changes. Experience and communication make the difference.

Final Leg: Arriving in San Pedro

Once in San Pedro, your guests will either take a hotel-arranged transfer or a short taxi/golf cart ride to the resort. For our couple, this final leg included a welcoming transfer to Alaia Belize — and the magic of the island set in instantly.

Why Getting to San Pedro Matters

You can plan the most stunning wedding, but if your guests are stressed, confused, or exhausted from travel, it affects the entire experience. The journey matters.

As both a travel advisor and wedding planner, I bridge the gap between logistics and celebration. From coordinating flights to managing weather-related curveballs, I ensure that your guests feel cared for and your plans stay intact.

Getting to San Pedro, Belize, doesn’t have to be complicated — not when you have the right support.