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San Pedro is a small city on Ambergris Caye, the biggest 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, however 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, contemporary seafood, and entrance door entry to the second largest barrier reef on the planet, San Pedro gives the form of getaway that balances journey with laid-back attraction.
On this information, I’ll share the place to remain, the best way to get round, what to do, and naturally, the place to eat, with loads of private tales and ideas from our journey.
Is it price visiting San Pedro Belize?
Right here’s what bought us (and what we expect will promote you too):
- It’s simple: 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, seaside 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 approach you face.
- It’s not too costly: You’ll be able to splurge or save, with choices for each price range.
- And that reef! The Belize Barrier Reef is actually proper offshore.
The place is San Pedro, Belize?
San Pedro is the biggest 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 possibly can solely attain San Pedro by boat or airplane.
The island sits alongside the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, a mecca for snorkeling and diving, second solely to Australia’s Nice Barrier Reef in dimension 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 gradual movement. It has no excessive rises, simply small and colourful wood 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 may outnumber folks.
It stroke a chord in my memory of my backpacking days by way of 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 principle 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 experience)
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—assume crystal-clear shallows, patchwork mangroves, and reef-speckled waters from Cuba to Belize.
Guide a window seat in case you can—it’s principally 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 gives unbelievable 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 price range causes. (Nevertheless it was meant to be sooner)
The water taxi takes about 1.5 hours however requires extra coordination. You’ll must seize a 30-minute cab experience from the airport to the ferry terminal. Should you’re touring mild and love a little bit of journey, it’s a scenic and enjoyable strategy 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 change boats. The perpetrator? 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 Specific Water Taxi, which is very really useful amongst the traveler neighborhood 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 specific 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 related, 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 principle 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 plenty of laughs (after the actual fact).
Fortunately, we solely purchased a one-way ferry ticket. On the return journey, we caught the San Pedro Belize Specific Water Taxi, and it was clean crusing all the way in which, with a a lot greater 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 scent of seaweed.
From March to October, the east aspect of the island (the place San Pedro is situated) will be affected by giant 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—however it had a noticeable affect.
Kalyra was significantly bothered by it and mentioned she in all probability wouldn’t return due to it.
Should you’re delicate to smells or planning a particular journey, think about visiting through the dry/excessive season (November–February) when the seaweed is generally gone.
This can be a pure phenomenon that impacts many locations within the Caribbean, together with common spots like Tulum in Mexico. There’s not a lot that may be accomplished to stop it.
Professional Tip: The west aspect of the island (like Secret Seashore) is protected against seaweed, in order that’s the place you’ll discover the most effective swimming and the clearest water throughout seaweed season.
The place to remain: SunBreeze Lodge
We stayed at SunBreeze Lodge (hosted), proper on the seaside 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 web site.
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 pals scuba diving, or solo vacationers in search of a quiet, secure place to remain. (San Pedro shouldn’t be harmful, however in case you’re in search of an additional safe place to remain SunBreeze is it) Full assessment put up on Sunbreeze coming subsequent.)
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 good 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!
Tips on how to get round San Pedro
Neglect vehicles—golf carts are king on the island. You’ll be able to hire one for $40–$50 USD per day, which admittedly provides up, however 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 simple. We used ours to go to Secret Seashore, hunt for breakfast spots, and zip round city trying to find dinner spots. It’s a San Pedro ceremony of passage.
There are golf cart leases in every single place 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 once 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 Seashore 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 be aware that they are going to choose you as much as take you to the golf cart rental place to fill out the paperwork. We may 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
Once you’re staying on the sting of the second largest barrier reef on the planet, snorkeling isn’t simply an choice, it’s a should.
We joined a neighborhood tour to discover the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the well-known Shark Ray Alley, and it rapidly grew to become one of the vital memorable experiences of our journey.
First cease: Hol Chan.
As we slipped into the nice and cozy, turquoise water and commenced swimming by way of 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, holding the temper mild, and making the entire expertise much more enjoyable. (Sure, they had been slightly tacky at occasions, however we cherished them for it.)
We break up into two teams, with Choco as our information. He identified hidden octopuses, completely different coral species, and tiny sea creatures we’d 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 experience from Hol Chan, it’s a shallow spot the place nurse sharks and stingrays collect in giant numbers.
Just a few 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 affix 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 – sleek, innocent, even form of cute. It was surreal to be so near them, feeling utterly at peace of their presence.
Savannah was beaming the complete time. She later mentioned it’d’ve been the most effective day of her life, snorkeling over coral reefs, swimming with sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks. Not a foul strategy to kick off your time in Belize.
Listed below are just a few tour choices:
Exploring Secret Seashore: From Swing Bar to Mystico Seashore
On the west aspect of the island is the (not-so-secret-anymore) Secret Seashore, a set of bars and seaside 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 celebration scene. Suppose: music, drinks, and a youthful crowd doing photographs at midday. It was enjoyable… for about 10 minutes. Then we craved one thing slightly extra peaceable.
Enter our favourite discover of the journey: Mistico Seashore, the comparatively new addition to Secret Seashore. Positioned additional down the seaside highway 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 celebration music, simply cool lounge music, together with a reside saxophonist, and the sound of the breeze and waves.
We couldn’t consider how a lot quieter it was than in every single place else at Secret Seashore, and it was so superbly 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 virtually 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 seaside bars and after driving up and down checking them out, all of us shouted, “Mistico!” For us, not one of the others in contrast.
Should you’re younger and desire a celebration quickly, nevertheless, Mistico might not be for you. And you probably have youthful youngsters, it’s possible you’ll like Secret Seashore Waterpark, the primary floating journey waterpark in Belize.
There may be a Secret Seashore shuttle boat from San Pedro, however at $30 return per grownup, that makes it dearer than a golf cart rental if there are a couple of of you!
Tip: All seaside spots are free to enter, however there’s an expectation you’ll order meals or drinks. Costs will be excessive (e.g. $25 USD for a fish taco plate), so price range accordingly. Plus, think about the price of golf cart leases to get there and it’s an costly seaside 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 vans in colourful transport 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 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, due to the mangroves behind it. Deliver repellent!
We drove by once more that night and it was full of reside music taking part in within the meals truck space. It’s clearly a neighborhood hotspot after darkish.They’ve one thing taking place each night time from reside music to sport exhibits, trivia, and film nights.
It’s slightly bit out of San Pedro city on the way in which to Secret Seashore, 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.
Positioned close to the lagoon (sure, it’s buggy, put on repellent!), the sanctuary is dwelling to dozens of inexperienced iguanas, lots of them rescued and rehabilitated. Inexperienced iguanas are sometimes hunted in Belize as meals…the “bamboo rooster”.
These neon orange and inexperienced iguanas are utilized by people and love munching on fruit. Some could also be hiding within the bushes, 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 type of easy, soulful stops that makes you like journey.
Calvin Inexperienced’s Iguana Sanctuary is across the bend from the principle 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 possibly can find out about Belizean cacao, sip chocolate espresso (iced or sizzling), strive 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 normally like in my espresso. I’m glad I had it however in all probability wouldn’t order one other. We actually cherished our 4-pack particular person candies that we purchased.
Additionally they have chocolate courses, which I might have preferred to do however it didn’t work with our schedules.
Seashore Therapeutic massage
This was a pleasant shock. Craig and I had been strolling alongside the seaside in San Pedro City once we noticed the Magic Contact Seashore 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 way of 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 scent 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 seaside and is ideal for a fast picture op.
Fellow vacationers took our photographs, 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 may 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 successful restaurant. Head chef Jennie has labored with Chef Sean Kuylen (who’s head chef at Hidden Valley).
The meals was contemporary, flavorful, and uniquely Belizean. Extremely suggest the guacamole, tacos (don’t ignore the pibil) and shrimp mac and cheese.
Costs are respectable particularly compared to among the different eating places in San Pedro.
Blue Water Grill
Positioned at our lodge, this out of doors restaurant in San Pedro has nice water views, scrumptious meals, and nightly reside music. Blue Water Grill is pricier than among the different locations we dined, however with the elevated meals we skilled it was price it.
My fish fillet marinated in a spicy home made 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 all types of toppings.
This doughy deal with, or meal, is sort of a Belizean model of beignets meets pancakes—mild, doughy, and supplied with candy or savory toppings. Nutella was the ladies’ desire on each visits.
It’s informal, fast, and common—go early to beat the push!
Caroline’s Cookin
A small, regionally owned seaside shack situated on the western seaside of San Pedro city with a downstairs eating backyard and a small, coated terrace rooftop.
We adopted the rave evaluations on Journey Advisor to this hidden gem to find tasty Caribbean dishes like rooster curry with rice and plantains and grilled shrimps. Their contemporary juices had been a success.
Honest warning: the view is gorgeous, 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 beautiful.
Pineapples on the Seashore – Eating with a View
Tucked proper into the sand at Ramon’s Village Resort, Pineapples on the Seashore is sort of presumably the most effective 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 a large 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 seaside, the Caribbean Sea is at all times 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 rooster, and rasta pasta with shrimp.
Farmhouse Café
An sudden 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.
Excellent for a quiet morning or early lunch – this artisan café additionally serves sandwiches, toast, and pastries. Beneath, native artisans promote jewellery and crafts—price a browse.
Additionally they have a location simply north of the bridge.
Honorable mentions
- Caramba – We wished to do that festive seafood spot, however the wait was practically 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 just a few {dollars}.
Ultimate ideas: An ideal island escape
Our San Pedro journey was the perfect mixture of relaxation and exploration. From gliding by way of 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 individual good Belize getaway.
