In a recent public clarification issued on August 31, 2026, the Belize Port Authority (BPA) has formally refuted widespread misinformation circulating online that claims the agency has approved revised, higher fares for water transportation services across the Split in Caye Caulker Village.
The false statements that have spread across digital platforms detail specific new pricing: a $60 round-trip fee for golf cart crossings, plus extra per-passenger charges, and a $5 one-way rate for pedestrians and cyclists. The BPA has unequivocally stated that none of these posted rates have received official approval, and no changes to existing crossing fares have been authorized by the agency.
This official correction comes one week after the BPA held a collaborative meeting with local crossing operators on August 28. The core objective of that gathering was to lay the groundwork for standardized operations across all Split crossing services, rather than to push through immediate price hikes. During the meeting, stakeholders covered a range of critical topics, including mandatory safety protocols for operators, adherence to national maritime and transportation legislation, regulatory compliance requirements, and the BPA’s operational expectations for providers serving locals and tourists alike.
Attendees also opened discussions about current fare levels charged by different independent operators. The BPA’s long-term goal is to develop a unified, standardized fare structure that balances fair compensation for operators with affordability for end users, avoiding excessive financial burden on both Caye Caulker residents and the tourists that drive the island’s local economy. Moving forward, operators that wish to adjust their fares have been instructed to submit formal proposals that include detailed data and justification for any requested rate changes. The BPA noted that all proposals will undergo a thorough assessment period, followed by public and stakeholder consultation, before any final approval decision is made.
The clarification comes amid growing local discussion around public access to the Split, a popular scenic and transportation corridor on the island, with community leaders emphasizing their commitment to keeping the route accessible and affordable for all users.