How we did start he Water Taxi Service in Chetumal, Mexico

How I did SPBE

My Name is Miguel A. Sosa, I am the persons who started and open the service of water taxi from San Pedro to Chetumal, in 2009.

My work was convincing the Mexican authorities to allow Belizean boats arrive in Chetumal.

Was a tremendous challenge but it worked.

In 2009, we move 1500 passengers, coming to Chetumal only Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

In 2010, in January, boat form Belize had to come every day. In February, another boat started with the same service. Coming too every day.

Our projections showed that we probably we could move 12,000 passengers. We moved in 2010 22,000 passengers.

For 2011 we made plans to move about 15,000 passengers. At the end of 2011 we moved 22,000 passengers.

At the end of July 2012, figures shows more than 17,000 persons all ready transported.

Statistics, point: 48% of those passengers are Belizeans, (San Pedro and Caye Caulker), coming Chetumal for shopping, doctors, entertainment, and vacations and relax.

 52 % are tourism, coming San Pedro and Caye Caulker, for Vacations. Only 16%  of that 52% are Mexican coming to San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

Before this service, tourist has to fly Cancun or Merida,, get and ADO bus to arrive Chetumal en 6 hours, take a taxi to go border, cross border ant look for transportation to Belize City, expend the night in Belize City and wait until next day to take a boat to San Pedro or Caye Caulker.

At the end of the vacation, they had to take a boat to Belice City, take a bus to border, cross the border, take an expensive taxi go to ADO bus, then 6 hours in the road, arrive in Tulum or Cancun, wait until next day to take their plane back to home.

Whit this service, they are arriving San Pedro or Caye Caulker, same day at the arriving in Cancun airport.

At the end of the vacation, they take the boat and same day they can be in Cancun for catch their plane.

So, been a nice experience. I am ready for the next level, but first, I would like to improve the number of Mexican visitors to San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

At the same time, I am looking the opportunity to expose that there is more opportunities for entertainment n Chetumal, Bacalar, Mahahual, and beyond.

Miguel A, Sosa