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San Pedro is a small city on Ambergris Caye, the most important island in Belize. It has lengthy been whispered about by in-the-know vacationers, and after 4 days on this Caribbean island paradise with our two daughters (17 and 13), we completely get why.
This was our first vacation spot on our Belize journey, and our first Central American nation, nevertheless it received’t be our final as a result of Belize wowed us. We’re impressed to return AND discover different Central American international locations.
San Pedro was the city that solidified Belize as a worthy journey vacation spot for us. With relaxed island power, pleasant locals, recent seafood, and entrance door entry to the second largest barrier reef on the planet, San Pedro presents the form of getaway that balances journey with laid-back appeal.
On this information, I’ll share the place to remain, the way to get round, what to do, and naturally, the place to eat, with loads of private tales and suggestions from our journey.
Is it value visiting San Pedro Belize?
Right here’s what bought us (and what we expect will promote you too):
- It’s straightforward: as a small island, no automobile is required to get round. It’s dwelling to pleasant locals, and English is the official language.
- It’s received simply sufficient buzz: Stay music, seashore bars, reef excursions—however nothing overwhelming. It was a uncommon trip for us the place we relaxed and lingered greater than we explored and adventured.
- It’s surrounded by pure magnificence: From turquoise waters to mangroves and marine life; it’s naturally gorgeous irrespective of which means you face.
- It’s not too costly: You’ll be able to splurge or save, with choices for each funds.
- And that reef! The Belize Barrier Reef is actually proper offshore.
The place is San Pedro, Belize?
San Pedro is the most important city on Ambergris Caye, a barrier island simply off the northeastern coast of mainland Belize. It’s technically not an island however a peninsula, connecting to Mexico within the north. Nonetheless, you may solely attain San Pedro by boat or aircraft.
The island sits alongside the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, a mecca for snorkeling and diving, second solely to Australia’s Nice Barrier Reef in measurement and biodiversity. (Now we’ve snorkeled the 2 greatest barrier reefs on the planet!)
Regardless of its recognition, San Pedro nonetheless feels small and private—you’ll see the identical pleasant faces, drive the identical sandy streets, and watch life go by in colourful sluggish movement. It has no excessive rises, simply small and colourful picket homes, palm-tree lined streets, and pure white sand dusting the cobbled streets.
It’s the form of place the place flip-flops are formal put on and iguanas would possibly outnumber folks.
It rang a bell in my memory of my backpacking days by Southeast Asia, besides changing the tuk tuks with golf carts.
We had fairly the journey arriving with ferries breaking down, and San Pedro was what I wanted to set me again to actuality – this sort of journey is the place my coronary heart belongs as a result of it forces me out of my consolation zone, helps me develop, and relaxes me.
San Pedro is the primary developed space of Ambergris Caye, so is usually the place everybody stays, after which explores through golf cart. Many of the island continues to be undeveloped, however I’m positive it should change quickly!
The way you get to San Pedro (and our barely wild journey)
We flew into Belize Metropolis (BZE) from Raleigh, with a fast layover in Miami. Whole flying time was about 4.5 hours, and the views had been spectacular—suppose crystal-clear shallows, patchwork mangroves, and reef-speckled waters from Cuba to Belize.
E-book a window seat when you can—it’s mainly a scenic flight included in your airfare.
To get from Belize Metropolis to San Pedro, you may have two choices:
- A 15-minute Tropic Air puddle jumper, which presents unimaginable aerial views and will get you there quick (our return estimate was about $180 USD per particular person spherical journey), or
- The water taxi, which we selected for funds causes. (Nevertheless it was meant to be quicker)
The water taxi takes about 1.5 hours however requires extra coordination. You’ll have to seize a 30-minute cab journey from the airport to the ferry terminal. If you happen to’re touring gentle and love a little bit of journey, it’s a scenic and enjoyable solution to begin the journey.
That’s… until your ferry breaks down.
Yep. Ours did. Midway to Caye Caulker, the engine sputtered out, and we needed to crawl to the dock to modify boats. The wrongdoer? An overpacked, cramped vessel that ought to’ve by no means left shore.
The primary ferry service from Belize Metropolis to San Pedro is the San Pedro Belize Categorical Water Taxi, which is extremely really useful amongst the traveler group and the one we took on our return journey, however we took The Caribbean Sprinter on the way in which out – it was simply not sprinting.
So as to add to the comedy, our taxi driver had insisted we take that exact boat, telling us we wouldn’t make it in time for the extra dependable one. Was he proper? OR getting a kickback? We’ll by no means know.
Then, as our telephones weren’t linked, we didn’t know that upon arrival at San Pedro, our lodge was actually lower than a 5 min stroll.
The Caribbean Sprinter doesn’t go to the primary ferry terminal a few 15 min stroll from our lodge, however we didn’t know this, and so jumped in a golf cart and had been charged $10!!!
However hey—that’s journey. It gave us a narrative, a lesson, and numerous laughs (after the very fact).
Fortunately, we solely purchased a one-way ferry ticket. On the return journey, we caught the San Pedro Belize Categorical Water Taxi, and it was easy crusing all the way in which, with a a lot larger boat and fewer cramped seating space.
The ferry is about $80 per particular person spherical journey and the cab from the airport to the ferry terminal $30+.
On our return journey, we had been picked up by Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge within the Maya Mountains, our subsequent vacation spot, so didn’t have the return cab fare.
When to go to San Pedro: Seaweed Season Warning
After we arrived in San Pedro, we had been greeted by one thing we hadn’t anticipated—the unmistakable fart-like odor of seaweed.
From March to October, the east facet of the island (the place San Pedro is positioned) may be affected by massive quantities of sargassum, a sort of seaweed that washes up onshore in droves and brings an disagreeable odor with it.
You do get used to it after some time, and it wouldn’t cease me from visiting once more—nevertheless it had a noticeable influence.
Kalyra was notably bothered by it and mentioned she most likely wouldn’t return due to it.
If you happen to’re delicate to smells or planning a particular journey, contemplate visiting in the course of the dry/excessive season (November–February) when the seaweed is generally gone.
It is a pure phenomenon that impacts many locations within the Caribbean, together with in style spots like Tulum in Mexico. There’s not a lot that may be finished to forestall it.
Professional Tip: The west facet of the island (like Secret Seaside) is shielded from seaweed, in order that’s the place you’ll discover the very best swimming and the clearest water throughout seaweed season.
The place to remain: SunBreeze Resort
We stayed at SunBreeze Resort (hosted), proper on the seashore and only a few minutes’ stroll from the airport and ferry terminal. It was tremendous handy, and we cherished that Blue Water Grill, one among San Pedro’s greatest eating places, was proper on website.
The lodge’s courtyard pool, beachfront hammocks, and breezy rooms made it really feel like a quiet oasis simply steps from the power of city. It’s a mid-range lodge good for households, teams of buddies scuba diving, or solo vacationers on the lookout for a quiet, protected place to remain. (San Pedro is just not harmful, however when you’re on the lookout for an additional safe place to remain SunBreeze is it) Learn our full evaluate of Sunbreeze Resort in San Pedro, Belize with extra images)
One other place that caught our eye was Ramon’s Village Resort. It has extra of a thatched-roof, tropical jungle really feel and is right for these wanting a real island resort vibe. We went right here for dinner one night as the ladies begged us – they cherished its tropical vibe!
The best way to get round San Pedro
Overlook vehicles—golf carts are king on the island. You’ll be able to lease one for $40–$50 USD per day, which admittedly provides up, nevertheless it’s a part of the enjoyable.
Our women cherished the liberty of bumping round city in our little cart, and it made exploring the island straightforward. We used ours to go to Secret Seaside, hunt for breakfast spots, and zip round city looking for dinner spots. It’s a San Pedro ceremony of passage.
There are golf cart leases in all places and hawkers on the ferry terminal. We discovered ours there with Deluxe Golf Cart Leases. We had been supplied a particular worth for $35, however then whenever you added insurance coverage and the bridge toll, it ended up being $40 a day.
There’s a tiny bridge that leads from San Pedro city to the Secret Seaside costing $10 for a return journey – the golf carts have resident passes so paying for it in your rental will prevent. However on their web site, they are saying $25 a day!!! They had been good and dependable and straightforward to speak with through WhatsApp.
They are saying it’s door service however observe that they’ll choose you as much as take you to the golf cart rental place to fill out the paperwork. We might go away our golf cart on the ferry terminal once we left the subsequent day, which was helpful.
What to do in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye
Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef + Shark Ray Alley
Whenever you’re staying on the sting of the second largest barrier reef on the planet, snorkeling isn’t simply an possibility, it’s a should.
We joined an area tour to discover the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the well-known Shark Ray Alley, and it shortly turned one of the memorable experiences of our journey.
First cease: Hol Chan.
As we slipped into the nice and cozy, turquoise water and commenced swimming by vibrant coral gardens, we discovered ourselves surrounded by electrical blue fish, swaying sea followers, stingrays, and even two sea turtles gliding peacefully beneath us. It was a pinch-me second.
Our youngest had been a bit nervous beforehand. As we equipped with our snorkels, she mentioned, “I simply hope we see turtles.” Not two minutes later, we had been swimming alongside them. Magic.
Our guides, Choco and Sweet Man, had been pure pleasure – cracking jokes, preserving the temper gentle, and making the entire expertise much more enjoyable. (Sure, they had been just a little tacky at instances, however we cherished them for it.)
We cut up into two teams, with Choco as our information. He identified hidden octopuses, totally different coral species, and tiny sea creatures we might have utterly missed on our personal.
He was particularly sort and attentive to 2 older snorkelers in our group who weren’t assured swimmers, which we actually appreciated.
Then got here the spotlight: Shark Ray Alley
Only a brief boat journey from Hol Chan, it’s a shallow spot the place nurse sharks and stingrays collect in massive numbers.
A number of years in the past, I by no means would’ve dreamed of leaping into shark-filled water. However one thing had shifted and as quickly as we arrived, I used to be first to dive proper in, calling to Craig and Savannah to hitch me. They adopted with out hesitation.
I wasn’t scared, simply filled with awe and pleasure as dozens of nurse sharks swam underneath and round us. They’re just like the puppies of the ocean – swish, innocent, even form of cute. It was surreal to be so near them, feeling utterly at peace of their presence.
Savannah was beaming all the time. She later mentioned it’d’ve been the very best day of her life, snorkeling over coral reefs, swimming with sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks. Not a foul solution to kick off your time in Belize.
Listed here are a couple of tour choices:
Exploring Secret Seaside: From Swing Bar to Mystico Seaside
On the west facet of the island is the (not-so-secret-anymore) Secret Seaside, a set of bars and seashore golf equipment with calm, crystal-clear water, good for swimming and lounging.
We began at Swing Bar, well-known for its swings and hammocks over the water, volleyball nets, and get together scene. Assume: music, drinks, and a youthful crowd doing pictures at midday. It was enjoyable… for about 10 minutes. Then we craved one thing just a little extra peaceable.
Enter our favourite discover of the journey: Mistico Seaside, the comparatively new addition to Secret Seaside. Situated additional down the seashore street and tucked away on the nook, it had all the things we wished with pristine water, upscale loungers, scrumptious meals, and a laid-back vibe.
No blasting get together music, simply cool lounge music, together with a stay saxophonist, and the sound of the breeze and waves.
We couldn’t consider how a lot quieter it was than in all places else at Secret Seaside, and it was so fantastically designed with swinging egg chairs, flower-covered mirrors, picnic tables and hammocks within the water, video games like Jenga to play, and even a swimming pool.
We cherished it a lot we got here again a second day for lunch and sundown. The sundown right here is spectacular – and once more we nearly had it to ourselves. We had scrumptious nachos right here as nicely and a few nice cocktails. We thought of going to one of many different seashore bars and after driving up and down checking them out, all of us shouted, “Mistico!” For us, not one of the others in contrast.
If you happen to’re younger and desire a get together quickly, nonetheless, Mistico might not be for you. And you probably have youthful children, you could like Secret Seaside Waterpark, the primary floating journey waterpark in Belize.
There’s a Secret Seaside shuttle boat from San Pedro, however at $30 return per grownup, that makes it costlier than a golf cart rental if there are multiple of you!
Tip: All seashore spots are free to enter, however there’s an expectation you’ll order meals or drinks. Costs may be excessive (e.g. $25 USD for a fish taco plate), so funds accordingly. Plus, consider the price of golf cart leases to get there and it’s an costly seashore day, however hey, you’re on trip in Belize
Lunch (or dinner) at The Truck Cease
The Truck Cease is an island must-do: 4 meals vehicles in colourful delivery containers, organized round a communal eating space with video games, a pool with swim-up bar, and even an out of doors 18ft film display screen out the again.
The regionally sourced meals choices embody Malaysian and Southeast Asian, Latin Fusion, pizza, ice cream and a bar! We had Pad Thai (which was surprisingly wonderful) and drinks whereas the ladies performed cornhole. The vibe was informal and enjoyable, although the mosquitoes had been ferocious, because of the mangroves behind it. Convey repellent!
We drove by once more that night and it was full of stay music enjoying within the meals truck space. It’s clearly an area hotspot after darkish.They’ve one thing occurring each night time from stay music to recreation reveals, trivia, and film nights.
It’s just a little bit out of San Pedro city on the way in which to Secret Seaside, so that you’ll want your golf cart!
Iguana Sanctuary: A Hidden Gem
On our second-last night time, our waiter at Wayo’s tipped us off about Calvin Inexperienced’s Iguana Sanctuary, and we’re so glad he did. It’s a quiet, low-key conservation undertaking began by one man obsessed with saving Belize’s dwindling iguana inhabitants.
Situated close to the lagoon (sure, it’s buggy, put on repellent!), the sanctuary is dwelling to dozens of inexperienced iguanas, a lot of them rescued and rehabilitated. Inexperienced iguanas are sometimes hunted in Belize as meals…the “bamboo hen”.
These neon orange and inexperienced iguanas are utilized by people and love munching on fruit. Some could also be hiding within the timber, and others tough to identify as they mix into the surroundings. One was proper close to Kalyra’s legs on the pathway for a while earlier than we observed it.
Admission is free, however donations are inspired to assist fund the sanctuary’s care. It’s a kind of easy, soulful stops that makes you like journey.
Calvin Inexperienced’s Iguana Sanctuary is across the bend from the primary gasoline station and the bridge in north downtown San Pedro. Open: 8am to 4:30pm
Belize Chocolate Firm
Sure, chocolate deserves its personal part.
Belize Chocolate Firm is a small, waterfront store the place you may find out about Belizean cacao, sip chocolate espresso (iced or scorching), attempt a flight of truffles, or buy chocolate physique merchandise, all made onsite by a British couple who now name Belize dwelling. The chocolate is made utilizing cocoa beans and sugar from Belizean farmers.
It was a welcome cease for a cool breeze and a candy deal with, and we loved a chocolate espresso on the deck with waterfront views. It was fairly bitter, so I wanted sugar, which I don’t often like in my espresso. I’m glad I had it however most likely wouldn’t order one other. We actually cherished our 4-pack particular person candies that we purchased.
In addition they have chocolate lessons, which I’d have favored to do nevertheless it didn’t work with our schedules.
Seaside Therapeutic massage
This was a pleasant shock. Craig and I had been strolling alongside the seashore in San Pedro City once we noticed the Magic Contact Seaside Spa therapeutic massage hut providing 1-hour deep tissue massages for $60 USD.
That worth is unprecedented within the US, and immediately transported us again to our backpacking days in Thailand the place $5 massages had been the norm.
We didn’t hesitate. And we’re so glad we didn’t. With the ocean breeze blowing by the thatched roof and the sounds of waves lapping close by, it was the proper post-snorkeling deal with.
I didn’t even actually discover the odor of the seaweed!
Don’t Miss the San Pedro Signal
It’s touristy, sure—but additionally iconic. The colourful San Pedro signal sits proper by the seashore and is ideal for a fast picture op.
Fellow vacationers took our images, and we returned the favor.
The place to eat in San Pedro
San Pedro has no scarcity of meals choices—from hole-in-the-wall native taco and breakfast burrito joints to upmarket beachfront eating.
Most locations we dined at we might stroll to from our lodge. Right here’s what we cherished:
Elvi’s Kitchen
Our favourite spot on the island to eat was Elvi’s Kitchen, a San Pedro establishment serving trendy Maya delicacies in an off-the-cuff, sand-floored setting.
Elvi’s started as a burger take-out stand in 1974 by native Mrs. Elvia Staines and is now an Worldwide Gold Star Award profitable restaurant. Head chef Jennie has labored with Chef Sean Kuylen (who’s head chef at Hidden Valley).
The meals was recent, flavorful, and uniquely Belizean. Extremely suggest the guacamole, tacos (don’t ignore the pibil) and shrimp mac and cheese.
Costs are first rate particularly compared to a number of the different eating places in San Pedro.
Blue Water Grill
Situated at our lodge, this out of doors restaurant in San Pedro has nice water views, scrumptious meals, and nightly stay music. Blue Water Grill is pricier than a number of the different locations we dined, however with the elevated meals we skilled it was value it.
My fish fillet marinated in a spicy selfmade jerk sauce, served with coconut white rice, cinnamon plantains & charred pineapple salsa was scrumptious.
Savannah, Craig and I additionally loved breakfast with a view one morning of cinnamon French toast, huevos rancheros, and a Belizean breakfast with fry jacks.
Fry Jack Home
The ladies’ favourite breakfast spot. Fry Jack Home serves up a Belizean specialty, fry jacks with every kind of toppings.
This doughy deal with, or meal, is sort of a Belizean model of beignets meets pancakes—gentle, doughy, and supplied with candy or savory toppings. Nutella was the ladies’ desire on each visits.
It’s informal, fast, and in style—go early to beat the push!
Caroline’s Cookin
A small, regionally owned seashore shack positioned on the western seashore of San Pedro city with a downstairs eating backyard and a small, lined terrace rooftop.
We adopted the rave critiques on Journey Advisor to this hidden gem to find tasty Caribbean dishes like hen curry with rice and plantains and grilled shrimps. Their recent juices had been a success.
Honest warning: the view is beautiful, however there was trash on the sting of the water slightly below, which was disappointing. Nonetheless, the meals was nice, and the small, open air eating upstairs was pretty.
Pineapples on the Seaside – Eating with a View
Tucked proper into the sand at Ramon’s Village Resort, Pineapples on the Seaside is kind of probably the very best place to eat on Ambergris Caye.
Open-air and welcoming, it’s shaded by a hovering 35-foot thatched roof and adorned with tropical greenery, Mayan statues, and an enormous carved Mayan stone head overlooking the pool provides the house a magical, immersive really feel.
Whether or not you select to dine inside or underneath one of many swaying palapas proper on the seashore, the Caribbean Sea is all the time in view. Our women weren’t letting us go away with out consuming right here and it didn’t disappoint with scrumptious meals of fisherman’s soup, garlic pesto fish, apple mint hen, and rasta pasta with shrimp.
Farmhouse Café
An surprising gem! We discovered the Farmhouse Café close to the ferry terminal and had been blown away by the espresso and peaceable upstairs deck overlooking the water.
Good for a quiet morning or early lunch – this artisan café additionally serves sandwiches, toast, and pastries. Under, native artisans promote jewellery and crafts—value a browse.
In addition they have a location simply north of the bridge.
Honorable mentions
- Caramba – We wished to do this festive seafood spot, however the wait was almost an hour. Make a reservation!
- Native taco stands – We had a few of our greatest (and least expensive) meals from hole-in-the-wall distributors round city—tacos, burritos, and juices for a couple of {dollars}.
Last ideas: An ideal island escape
Our San Pedro journey was the best mixture of relaxation and exploration. From gliding by coral gardens to lazy mornings with espresso and a sea breeze, the island gave us time to reconnect as a household whereas discovering a completely new a part of the world.
Would we return? Completely. However for now, we’ll be dreaming of secret seashores, iguana kisses, and chocolate espresso underneath a thatched roof.
Planning a visit to San Pedro? Drop your questions within the feedback or attain out—I’d love that can assist you plan your personal good Belize getaway.