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How to get from Rio Dulce to Livingston, Guatemala

You can travel from Rio Dulce to Livingston on a guided boat tour.

Nestled on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, Livingston is a hidden gem that beckons travelers to explore its rich culture and stunning natural beauty!

This hidden paradise is an off-the-grid destination of tranquility, with no roads connecting it to the rest of the world! 

The small town, located in the department of Izabal, is known for its unique Afro-Caribbean influences, which can be seen in everything from the vibrant music and dance to the colorful architecture and cuisine!

Livingston is a place of resilience and determination, where locals and visitors alike can experience the warmth and generosity of its people. It’s a place that has a rich history and breathtaking nature and has developed into a popular tourist destination in recent years!

Whether you are drawn to the region’s breathtaking beaches, the magnificent natural setting, or the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Garifuna people, Livingston has something to offer everyone! 

So come and discover the magic of this special place, and book and join a guided tour to delve into the fascinating world and discover Guatemala to the fullest!

Distance from Rio Dulce to Livingston

The distance from Rio Dulce to Livingston is about 32 kilometers or 20 miles by boat.

The boat is the only way to travel the distance, which takes about 1 hour!

Transportation Options from Rio Dulce to Livingston

The following table outlines all transportation options from Rio Dulce to Livingston:

MethodTravel timePrice
Boat Tour from Rio Dulce to Livingston1 hourUSD 26

Getting to Livingston from Rio Dulce

1. Boat from Rio Dulce to Livingston

Travel time: 1 hour

Livingston is only accessible by boat, which routes along the Rio Dulce river. Therefore, the only means of transportation between Rio Dulce and Livingston is Rio Dulce Travel’s water taxi boats.

It takes one hour to get from Rio Dulce to Livingston by these small boats, which pass through a protected area with an incredible variety of wildlife, vegetation, and dramatic rock walls.

Therefore, the trip from Rio Dulce to Livingston is a quick yet incredibly exhilarating boat ride along the Rio Dulce river!

The river gets much narrower as you approach closer to Livingston, yet it still provides breathtaking sights and an unforgettable experience!

Unquestionably, this boat trip from Rio Dulce to Livingston is one of the most popular activities in this area!

Furthermore, the cost of a single ticket is only USD 26, and very well worth the price!

You will board the boat at Cafe Colifato in Rio Dulce and arrive at Hotel Casa Rosada in Livingston!

However, currently, there is only one daily departure from Rio Dulce to Livingston, operated by Rio Dulce Travel, so be sure to reserve your trip online in advance!

You can reserve your tickets here to avoid missing your boat!

Departure TimeArrival TimeDurationPrice per Person
02:30 PM03:30 PM1 hourUSD 26BOOK NOW 6.59.51 PM
How to get from Rio Dulce to Livingston Guatemala3

The Boat Journey from Rio Dulce to Livingston

The boat crossing from Rio Dulce to Livingston, Guatemala, is a unique and exciting journey that offers travelers a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Caribbean coast and immerse themselves in the region’s rich culture. 

The trip typically begins in the town of Rio Dulce, which is located in eastern Guatemala and is known for its beautiful waterways and lush vegetation.

Rio Dulce, which translates to “sweet river,” is the name of both the river and the small town where these water taxis depart!

It’s a breathtaking boat journey through a canyon with 100-meter-high limestone cliffs and walls covered with tropical rainforest.

You simply have to see them for yourself because there aren’t enough words to adequately express the sensation and vistas!

How to get from Rio Dulce to Livingston Guatemala1

Once in the boat, you’ll first notice a winding river course with numerous side arms. If you’re fortunate, you could even get to see manatees!

At the beginning of the journey, you will pass the Castillo San Felipe Lara, a historic castle from the 17th century that has become a bird island inhabited by herons and other water birds, water lilies, smaller communities, and several eco-lodges.

Before you approach the Caribbean coast, one final portion is made up of a long stretch of steep rock cliffs bordered by a lush tropical forest.

Around you, you will see local fishermen that are fascinatingly unloading their massive nets from boats and canoes.

In about an hour, you will reach Livingston Harbor, where hundreds of pelicans will kindly greet you from their homes in the old deserted boats.

Upon arriving in Livingston in about an hour, you will be greeted by the town’s colorful houses, lively music, friendly locals, and hundreds of pelicans that sit in their homes nested in the old deserted boats. 

From here, you can explore the town’s many attractions, including its beautiful beaches, untouched nature, and delicious restaurants!

How to get from Rio Dulce to Livingston Guatemala4

Do you need help arranging your private transfer in Guatemala?

Fill out the form below, and one of our Guatemala experts will contact you!

We can also organize your transport in Mexico, Costa Rica, the USA, and Colombia!

How to get from Rio Dulce to Livingston Guatemala2

Best day tours in Livingston, Guatemala

Explore one of the most diverse countries on Earth with Get Your Guide—an excellent choice for travelers who want to make their vacations exciting and unforgettable!

Whether you’re looking for a vacation, road trip, or adventure in Guatemala, Get Your Guide has something for every traveler. It’s always our number one choice for creating unforgettable travel memories, so we highly recommend it!

Take advantage of personalized suggestions, guided trips, and famous landmarks!

Check out the following widgets for more day tours in Livingston, Guatemala!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat trip from Rio Dulce to Lívingston?

The boat trip from Rio Dulce to Livingston takes about 1 hour.

How far is Lívingston from Rio Dulce?

The distance from Rio Dulce to Livingston is about 32 kilometers or 20 miles.

How do I book a boat trip from Rio Dulce to Livingston?

You can get your boat tickets from Rio Dulce to Livingston at the boat harbor before departing, but since there is only one departure daily and the boat fills up fast, it’s best to reserve them online. You can book your tickets online here!
It is also possible to book a boat trip as part of a package tour that includes transportation and other activities in the region.

Is the boat trip from Rio Dulce to Livingston safe?

Overall, the boat trip from Rio Dulce to Livingston is considered safe. However, as with any travel, it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Can I travel from Rio Dulce to Livingston by car?

No, cars and other vehicles cannot travel from Rio Dulce to Livingston. Livingston is only accessible by boat because it is isolated and is not connected by any roads.

How much is a boat ticket from Rio Dulce to Livingston?

One boat ticket from Rio Dulce to Livingston costs USD 26!

Where is Rio Dulce located?

Rio Dulce is the name of the river and a tiny town situated in the department of Izabal in Guatemala. Numerous lakes and rivers exist in the region, and sailboat cruising is very common in these waters.

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Earl Pitman

Friday 14th of July 2023

I saw the following link in one of your reports:

https://goo.gl/maps/zwKSmmNFy7oXmWNPA

It's a round about road/ferry map leaving from Rio Dulce by road entering Belize and onwards to Punta Gorda then ferry crossing to Livingston.

I am very much interested in this type of travel if it's available. Please reply if this is possible.

Thanks...Earl Pitman

LilyRose

Sunday 5th of March 2023

Very interested to enjoy the ride