Getting and Going Punta Gorda

Livingston (Guatemala) >> Punta Gorda (Belize)

Just as you arrived in Livingston, you must also depart by boat.

The boat to Punta Gorda, Belize runs $25.60usd (200 quetzales) — possibly $32usd (250 quetzales) depending on the number of passengers that day. The service runs on Tuesdays and Fridays with the singular departure being 7am.

All of the hotels and hostels can sell you tickets for the boat, but your best bet is to arrive at the dock (same as the arrival docks) before 7am and buy your ticket there. This will save you the hassle of trying to get back the extra 50 quetzales you paid to the hostel when the number of passengers was only 5 people the night before. As the boat fills up in the morning, it’s more likely you’ll only pay the $25.60usd ticket price. This is an especially prudent tip during the low season (August – November).

*IMPORTANT*
You must go to the immigration office the day before departure to get your passport stamped. The office won’t be open before 7am the morning the boat leaves. You will also have to pay the $10usd departure tax at this time. You’ll also most likely meet the boat captain, as he likes to spend his afternoons at the immigration office counting the passengers (and ticket fares) he’ll be collecting come morning.

Punta Gorda  >> Placencia // Belize City

From Punta Gorda, the bus station is out of the customs office and one block to your right, although you can pick it up pretty much anywhere in town. For $4.50usd ($9BZE) you can get to Independence. It takes about two hours.

The bus is run by the James Line and is an old school bus — final destination Belize City. To go all the way to Belize city, it will cost $11usd ($22BZE). This same bus can drop you anywhere along the highway in between, as well (Dangriga, Belmopan, etc.)

Once you are in Independence you have two options: bus or boat.

The boat will cost you $5usd ($10BZE) and it takes about 12 minutes. There will be a pickup truck waiting at the bus terminal in Independence to take you to the Hokey Pokey Water Taxi for free.

You can also catch the bus to Placencia along the street in Independence, Ritchie’s Line (normally a blue and purple school bus).

 

Take me to EATING: PUNTA GORDA

Take me back to PUNTA GORDA // Take me back to BELIZE // Take me to PLACENCIA

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