Officials Reject Rumors of Increased Fares Across Caye Caulker Split

A rumor claiming that transportation fares across The Split in Caye Caulker had increased has been rejected by both the Belize Port Authority (BPA) and the Caye Caulker Village Council. The claim, which circulated on social media in late August, suggested that golf cart users would be charged $60 for a round trip, plus an additional fee for each passenger.
The circulating information also claimed that pedestrians and cyclists would be charged $5 per person each way. The BPA confirmed that neither this charge nor the reported $60 round-trip golf cart fare had been approved.
The Split separates the main village from the northern section of Caye Caulker. Transportation services operating across the channel carry passengers, bicycles, and golf carts, making the crossing important for residents, workers, and visitors traveling between the two sides of the island.
On August 29th, the BPA stated that the information circulating was incorrect and confirmed that it had not approved any increase in existing fares. The authority said any approved fare changes would be formally communicated to the public through official channels.
A member of the Caye Caulker Village Council also clarified on September 3 that the round-trip fare for transporting a golf cart across the Split remains $25. The council confirmed that it had consulted with the BPA and that a fare increase had never been discussed or finalized. The council member added that officials did not know how the rumor began.
The BPA met with operators on August 28th to discuss safety requirements, applicable legislation, regulatory compliance, and the proper operation of the service. The BPA also reviewed current fares charged by the various operators as part of an effort to establish a standardized structure that would be fair and reasonable without placing an undue burden on residents or visitors.
Operators were asked to submit information and justification for any proposed fares. “No approval has been granted for any increase in fares for transportation across the Split,” the BPA stated.
The authority said it would assess any proposals and conduct the necessary consultations before deciding. Until then, the existing fares remain in effect, including the $25 round-trip charge for transporting golf carts, as confirmed by the town council.
Residents and travelers are advised to rely on official announcements rather than unverified social media posts. The BPA also reiterated that safety and compliance with maritime laws remain priorities as the service continues.