History tells us that in the late 1800's and early 1900's - caste war refugees came across the Xcalak land bridge and settled on Ambergris Caye - then just a little island settlement called San Pedro.
Well, fast forward a century and San Pedro Belize Express wants to take islanders back to Chetumal - by offering them a service that will save them the hassle of coming to Belize City every time they want to go to Chetumal.
San Pedro Belize Express made their virgin voyage to Chetumal on Saturday and Jomarie Lanza was there for what turned out to be a long ride:...
San Pedro Belize Express is hoping that this state of the art, 58 foot catamaran is a game changer in the local water taxi experience. It carries 104 passengers comfortably from San Pedro to Chetumal in 2 hours.
So, for San Pedranos and visitors to the island looking for a mainland getaway or simply wishing to explore Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, San Pedro Belize Express has now made this connection possible. Their Three Star Voyager now offering round trips from San Pedro, Ambergris to Chetumal, Quintana Roo.
A launch ceremony for the vessel was held on Saturday.
Shameka Pennill, Marketing Manager, SPBE
"It's a very momentous moment for us actually we've been working very hard to present this vessel for a while. Now we see the rising demand for transportation, and we knew that a bigger boat for this run would be perfect."
"We have stepped it up a notch as you can see we have done customized single seats so that everyone can sit and it's larger you're squished together. The design itself even if you you are on rough seas the way it has built it is going to be a smooth ride over. And just safety on a hole with us I think we have branded our name to appoint that everyone knows us and we just wanted to add to that."
And once you're off the boat and on Mexican shores, you'll spend up to 30 minutes or less to get through immigration and customs where an arrival fee of up to $120 BZ for tourists, and $95 for Belizeans is charged.
The Minister believes that this new excursion creates opportunities for not only Belizeans wanting to cross the border by boat, but also for Mexicans who wish to visit the Cayes.
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism
"Well when you look at the numbers for Mexicans coming across to Belize it's very small. I think the opportunity is greater for 120 million Mexicans living right next-door to us. There is a huge market there for driving and we believe that we can tap into this market. This route and this new vessel will help us to connect Chetumal to Belize and Ambergris Caye to Caye Caulker specifically so it puts the infrastructure needed to be able to transport those people who want to come to Belize, I mean the process to go through the borders is difficult sometimes for Mexicans to come so it is important for us to be able to ease those as well."
And, hopefully with time and regularity - it is eased on both sides. But this carrier believes that despite the distance, time and the cost - islanders will find the service attractive
Shameka Pennill, Marketing Manager, SPBE
"So the vessel does depart only from Caye Caulker so if you are traveling You will need to be either on Caye Caulker or San Pedro. So it departs Caye Caulker at 7 we do customs and immigration at San Pedro and then we depart San Pedro to Chetumal and from San Pedro to Chetumal it is about 90 minutes."
A one way ticket from Caye Caulker to Chetumal is 156 dollars and from San Pedro to Chetumal is 144 dollars.
