Approximate Border Location
Border Cities
🇬🇹 Puerto Barrios
🇧🇿 Punta Gorda
Coordinates
15.95°N, 88.60°W
Border Type
Water crossing (ferry)
Operating Hours
Open 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wait Times
30-90 min for passengers
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Passengers only
Daily Crossings
~1000 travelers
Languages Spoken
English/Spanish
Currency Exchange
Limited near Puerto Barrios (GTQ, BZD)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, limited assistance
Safety Information
Sea hazards, remote
About Puerto Barrios & Punta Gorda
A Caribbean Sea Crossing
The Puerto Barrios-Punta Gorda crossing connects Puerto Barrios, Izabal, Guatemala, with Punta Gorda, Toledo, Belize, via a boat ride across the Gulf of Honduras. Operating daily from 2 PM (check schedules), this port links Puerto Barrios’s dock (5 minutes from downtown) to Punta Gorda’s Municipal Pier (5 minutes from town). Ideal for travelers seeking a coastal route, it’s less common than land crossings. Check Guatemala’s or Belize’s immigration sites for updates, as scams and weather can affect travel.
Historical Background
This maritime crossing emerged in the 19th century, supporting trade in bananas and sugar between Guatemala’s Caribbean coast and Belize’s southern ports. Puerto Barrios, a key deep-water port, thrived on fruit exports, while Punta Gorda grew as a Garifuna hub. A 1960s smuggling tale of rum crossing the gulf became local legend. Modern ferries, upgraded in the 2000s, now handle tourism and trade. Seasonal storms or disputes occasionally disrupt service, but its role as a cultural link endures, connecting vibrant coastal communities.
Before Crossing
Crossing borders gets messy sometimes, think political flare-ups or gates shutting fast. Good travel insurance is a must for handling doctor visits, trip disruptions, or security scares. Don’t get caught unprepared. To find a policy that’s got your back, check out reliable plans today for peace of mind.
Crossing Details and Wait Times
From Puerto Barrios, board at the Municipal Pier; U.S. citizens need a passport, others a Belizean visa (free for many, $50 for some). In Punta Gorda, clear Belize immigration; northbound, pay Guatemala’s exit fee ($10 USD). Boats (e.g., Requena’s Charter) run daily at 2 PM, taking 1 hour; expect bumpy rides. Immigration takes 15–30 minutes, longer during holidays. Pre-book accommodation in Belize, as it’s required. Check schedules via belize.com. Cash-only fees ($20 BZD exit).
Scam Warnings
Scams are common in Puerto Barrios’s dock area, with “visa helpers” charging $10–$30 for fake services. Use only official immigration or endlessdistances.com for guidance. Currency exchange scams offer poor rates (10 GTQ = 1 BZD); carry GTQ/BZD or use ATMs in town. Watch for pickpockets during boarding rushes. Avoid “express boat” offers, as they’re often overpriced or unreliable. Declare goods—Belize is strict on produce and alcohol to prevent fines.
Transportation Options
From Puerto Barrios’s center, it’s a 5-minute taxi ($5 GTQ) to the dock. From Punta Gorda’s pier, buses ($5 BZD) reach Belize City in 4 hours. Taxis ($10–$20 BZD) serve both towns—negotiate fares. Boats ($25–$50 USD, e.g., Requena’s) are the main crossing method; book via belize.com. No vehicle crossings; pedestrians dominate. Services like gas or ATMs are 5–10 minutes away in either town. Check boat schedules, as weather can cancel trips.
Road Conditions and Views
The sea route faces rough waves in summer (June–August, 30°C); winter (November–March) is calmer at 20–28°C. Roads to Puerto Barrios’s dock are paved; Punta Gorda’s are narrow. Check weather via Guatemala’s (502) 2322-0000. The Gulf of Honduras offers stunning views of mangroves and distant islands, especially at sunset. Storms can delay boats, so plan for flexibility. The crossing’s turquoise waters and coastal breeze create a memorable Caribbean experience for travelers.
Local Sights
Puerto Barrios’s Amatique Bay, 10 minutes north, offers beaches. Punta Gorda’s Garifuna Museum, 5 minutes from the pier, showcases cultural history. Try Puerto Barrios’s ceviche at Restaurante Safari or Punta Gorda’s conch fritters at Asha’s Culture Kitchen. Livingston’s Garifuna culture, 30 minutes by boat, or Belize’s Lubaantun ruins, 1 hour south, are must-sees. These spots highlight the region’s Caribbean and indigenous heritage, perfect for exploration.
Cultural and Economic Role
This crossing blends Guatemala’s Caribbean vibe with Belize’s Garifuna culture, seen in events like Punta Gorda’s Garifuna Settlement Day, featuring drums and crafts. It supports trade in seafood and tourism, fueling both economies. Markets thrive on cross-border visitors, with Puerto Barrios’s port driving commerce. Community festivals, seafood dishes, and shared coastal traditions foster a strong binational bond, with locals celebrating their love for music, dance, and vibrant markets.
Travel Tips
Boats run 2 PM daily, but confirm via belize.com. Carry GTQ/BZD for fees ($20 BZD exit) or snacks. Pre-book Belize accommodation to meet entry rules. Summer travelers need sunscreen; check Guatemala’s (502) 2322-0000 for weather updates. Declare goods—agents are strict on produce and alcohol. Secure valuables and pack light for boat transfers, as facilities are limited at docks during peak hours.
Extra Tips for Visitors
Cell service is spotty at sea—download maps ahead. Summer is humid; winter is mild but rainy. Locals are friendly—ask about Garifuna history for insights. Try Puerto Barrios’s Los Delfines for fish tacos or Punta Gorda’s Driftwood Cafe for conch soup. Photographers, capture the gulf’s mangroves at sunset for vibrant shots. This crossing’s Caribbean charm and cultural richness make it an unforgettable stop for coastal adventurers.