Once in Belize, the quickest way to get around is by taking little hopper flights between destinations. Yes, you can drive or take water taxis if you are truly opposed to tiny planes, but why waste another few hours when you can knock out the journey with a 15-minute flight?
Tropic Air is the main local airline, and they were fantastic. Their check-in counter is about 30 steps from baggage claim (don’t let the overzealous airport porters make you feel Iike it is further...they got us!), and their staff is about as nice as can be. They checked us in and jokingly offered to send our kids along on another day (...I was tempted…). Our flight was not for another few hours, but they bumped us up, and we were loaded onto a tiny little plane about 15 minutes later!
Tropic Air in Belize - Our first little hopper plane (Erin Correia)
It is tight quarters, and they are up and moving before you are even buckled in - but it was great!
Tropic Air in Belize - Tiny flight to Ambergris Caye (Erin Correia)Tropic Air in Belize - Tiny flight to Ambergris Caye (Erin Correia)
A smooth ride with excellent views of the ocean and reefs, and then we were there! Up came the ladder, out came the bags, and we were off. They unload the luggage into an outdoor baggage claim area and then check your bag check tags and bring you your bags - nice and safe!
Baggage claim in Ambergris Caye (Erin Correia)
Then, you literally turn around, and taxis are lined up behind you!
On the way home, they have a tiny little terminal counter/gate area all in one.
They assign you to planes in order of your arrival at the airport, rather than by your set schedule. The boarding passes are plastic - similar to the old-fashioned “do not disturb” door signs from hotels - and they are color coded.
Tropic Air - Boarding passes (Erin Correia)
They hand out a dozen blue ones, then move on to red ones, then green and so on. As a plane is ready to go, they call a color, and everyone with that color boarding pass lines up at the door and walks out to the plane.
Tropic Air - About to board our last little hopper flight (Erin Correia)
You hand them your pass as you get on, and they bring them back into the airport to use for the next group. Very simple and very effective!
Tropic Air - Our last hopper flight (Erin Correia)
Overall, Tropic Air gets two big thumbs up from me!
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
