San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize Guide
San Pedro, the only town on Ambergris Caye, is a vibrant and laid-back Caribbean paradise. Known for its stunning turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and the world-renowned Belize Barrier Reef just offshore, San Pedro offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation, adding to the town's unique charm and creating a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
Beyond its natural beauty, San Pedro boasts a lively cultural scene. The town is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from the Maya, Mestizo, Creole, and Garifuna people. This rich heritage is reflected in the local cuisine, music, and art, making San Pedro a truly immersive and unforgettable travel destination.
Food & Cuisine
San Pedro's cuisine is a delightful fusion of Caribbean flavors, with fresh seafood taking center stage. Expect to find grilled lobster, conch fritters, ceviche, and whole fried fish on most menus. Rice and beans, often cooked with coconut milk, are a staple side dish. For a truly authentic experience, visit Elvi's Kitchen, known for its Mayan buffet and sand floor dining. Caramba! Restaurant is another popular choice for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere. For local snacks and street food, explore the Central Park area, where you'll find vendors selling everything from tacos and pupusas to fresh fruit and juices. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local Belikin beer!
Nightlife
San Pedro offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with a mix of beachfront bars, lively clubs, and laid-back lounges. The main street, Barrier Reef Drive (also known as Front Street), is where you'll find a concentration of bars and restaurants that stay open late. Fido's Courtyard is a popular spot for live music and dancing, while Palapa Bar & Grill offers a unique experience with its inner tube seating in the water. For a more relaxed vibe, head to one of the many beach bars along the coast, where you can enjoy cocktails and listen to the waves.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit San Pedro is during the dry season, which runs from late November to May. During this time, you can expect sunny skies, warm temperatures, and lower humidity. The shoulder seasons (April-May and November) offer a good balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Transportation
San Pedro is a small island town where golf carts are the primary mode of transportation. You can rent them easily from various rental agencies around town. Walking is also a popular option, especially within the central areas. Water taxis are used to travel between different points along the coast and to nearby islands. There are no buses, trams, or subways/metros.
Airport
The primary airport serving San Pedro is the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport (SPR), located right in the heart of town. It's a small airport primarily used for domestic flights. From the airport, you can easily walk to your hotel or take a taxi (golf cart) for a short ride.
Attractions
Belizean Arts is a boutique gallery in San Pedro, showcasing a diverse collection of local artwork, crafts, and souvenirs. Visitors can browse through paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and textiles created by Belizean artists, while learning about the country's cultural heritage and artistic traditions. The gallery also offers workshops, demonstrations, and events that highlight the creativity and talent of Belizean artisans.
Xunantunich is an ancient Mayan archaeological site located near San Pedro. It features impressive ruins of temples and palaces, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Mayan civilization. Visitors can climb to the top of El Castillo, the tallest structure in Xunantunich, for panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and the Mopan River.
Belizean Arts is a boutique gallery in San Pedro, showcasing a diverse collection of local artwork, crafts, and souvenirs. Visitors can browse through paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and textiles created by Belizean artists, while learning about the country's cultural heritage and artistic traditions. The gallery also offers workshops, demonstrations, and events that highlight the creativity and talent of Belizean artisans.
Secret Beach is a hidden gem on Ambergris Caye, offering crystal clear waters and a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds. Visitors can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the calm waters, or enjoy water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. The beach is also known for its stunning sunsets, making it a perfect spot for romantic evenings.
Belizean Melody Art Gallery is a charming art gallery in San Pedro, featuring a collection of paintings, sculptures, and crafts by local artists. Visitors can admire the vibrant colors, intricate details, and diverse styles of Belizean art, while supporting the creative community. The gallery also hosts exhibitions, events, and art classes that showcase the talent and passion of Belizean artists, making it a cultural hub in San Pedro.
Shark Ray Alley is a unique snorkeling spot near San Pedro, where visitors can swim with nurse sharks and stingrays in their natural habitat. The shallow waters of the alley attract these gentle creatures, providing an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Guided tours are available for those who want to experience the thrill of swimming alongside these fascinating marine animals.
Belizean Arts is a boutique gallery in San Pedro, showcasing a diverse collection of local artwork, crafts, and souvenirs. Visitors can browse through paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and textiles created by Belizean artists, while learning about the country's cultural heritage and artistic traditions. The gallery also offers workshops, demonstrations, and events that highlight the creativity and talent of Belizean artisans.
Tres Cocos is a scenic neighborhood in San Pedro, known for its upscale resorts, beachfront properties, and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can stroll along the sandy shores, relax in beachfront cafes, or enjoy water sports like snorkeling and diving. The neighborhood also offers opportunities for shopping, dining, and nightlife, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The Ambergris Museum & Cultural Center showcases the history and heritage of San Pedro and Ambergris Caye through exhibits on Mayan artifacts, colonial artifacts, and local art. Visitors can learn about the island's past, culture, and traditions, while admiring artifacts and artworks that reflect its diverse influences. The museum also hosts events, workshops, and educational programs for all ages.
Boca Del Rio Beach is a picturesque stretch of sandy shore in San Pedro, offering calm waters and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can relax on the beach, swim in the clear waters, or enjoy water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. The beach is lined with palm trees and beach bars, making it a popular spot for sunbathing and socializing.
The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top attractions in San Pedro. It is the second largest barrier reef in the world, offering incredible opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and marine life spotting. Visitors can explore the vibrant coral gardens, swim with tropical fish, and encounter sea turtles and dolphins in their natural habitat.
Caye Caulker is a charming island near San Pedro, known for its laid-back vibe and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can relax on the sandy beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, and explore the colorful coral reefs. The island also offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and fishing, making it a popular day trip destination from San Pedro.
Marco Gonzalez Maya Site is an ancient archaeological site near San Pedro, featuring ruins of a pre-Columbian Maya settlement. Visitors can explore the site's plazas, temples, and residential structures, while learning about the history and culture of the Maya civilization. Guided tours are available for those who want to delve deeper into the site's significance and archaeological findings.
Mexico Rocks is a popular snorkeling site near San Pedro, known for its crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life. Visitors can explore the shallow coral gardens, swim with tropical fish, and encounter sea turtles and rays in their natural habitat. Guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the underwater ecosystem and its inhabitants.
Belizean Melody Art Gallery is a charming art gallery in San Pedro, featuring a collection of paintings, sculptures, and crafts by local artists. Visitors can admire the vibrant colors, intricate details, and diverse styles of Belizean art, while supporting the creative community. The gallery also hosts exhibitions, events, and art classes that showcase the talent and passion of Belizean artists, making it a cultural hub in San Pedro.
Belizean Melody Art Gallery is a charming art gallery in San Pedro, featuring a collection of paintings, sculptures, and crafts by local artists. Visitors can admire the vibrant colors, intricate details, and diverse styles of Belizean art, while supporting the creative community. The gallery also hosts exhibitions, events, and art classes that showcase the talent and passion of Belizean artists, making it a cultural hub in San Pedro.
Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve is a protected area near San Pedro, offering a pristine environment for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore mangrove forests, lagoons, and coral reefs, while spotting a variety of wildlife including birds, manatees, and crocodiles. The park also features ancient Mayan ruins and offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking.
The Belize Chocolate Company is a popular attraction in San Pedro, offering guided tours and tastings of locally made chocolate products. Visitors can learn about the chocolate-making process, from cacao bean to chocolate bar, while sampling a variety of sweet treats. The company also sells a range of chocolate products, including truffles, bars, and hot cocoa mixes, making it a must-visit for chocolate lovers.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular snorkeling and diving spot, known for its diverse marine life including colorful coral reefs, nurse sharks, and stingrays. Visitors can explore the underwater world through guided tours or on their own, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Day Trips
Secret Beach
Escape the crowds and discover the not-so-secret Secret Beach! Located on the west side of Ambergris Caye, this beach offers calm, shallow turquoise waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Several beach bars and restaurants provide food and drinks, making it a great spot to spend the day.
Travel Time
Approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour by golf cart from San Pedro
Activities
- Swimming in calm, shallow waters
- Sunbathing on the beach
- Enjoying food and drinks at beach bars
- Kayaking or paddleboarding
- Relaxing in a hammock
Lamanai Archaeological Reserve
Step back in time at Lamanai, a significant Mayan city that was occupied for over 3,000 years. The journey to Lamanai is an adventure in itself, involving a boat trip up the New River, where you'll spot diverse wildlife like birds, monkeys, and crocodiles. Explore the impressive Mayan temples, including the iconic Mask Temple and High Temple, and learn about the fascinating history of this ancient civilization.
Travel Time
Approximately 2 hours by boat and van from San Pedro (includes transfer to the mainland)
Activities
- Exploring Mayan ruins and temples
- Wildlife spotting along the New River
- Learning about Mayan history and culture
- Climbing the High Temple for panoramic views
Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley
Dive into an underwater paradise! Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a must-do for snorkelers and divers. Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and even gentle nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley. It's an unforgettable experience to swim alongside these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. This trip usually combines both locations for a full day of aquatic adventure.
Travel Time
Approximately 15-20 minutes by boat from San Pedro
Activities
- Snorkeling or diving in Hol Chan Marine Reserve
- Swimming with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley
- Observing diverse marine life
- Enjoying a boat ride with stunning views
Go Slow! That's the motto of Caye Caulker, and it perfectly captures the island's laid-back vibe. Just a short boat ride from San Pedro, Caye Caulker offers a more relaxed atmosphere with sandy streets, colorful wooden houses, and a focus on enjoying the simple things in life. Swim at the Split, indulge in fresh seafood, and soak up the sun.
Travel Time
Approximately 30-45 minutes by water taxi from San Pedro
Activities
- Swimming and sunbathing at The Split
- Snorkeling or diving the Belize Barrier Reef
- Enjoying fresh seafood at local restaurants
- Exploring the island by foot or bicycle
- Relaxing in a hammock
Altun Ha Mayan Ruins
Altun Ha, meaning "Rockstone Pond," is a relatively easily accessible Mayan site from Ambergris Caye. While smaller than Lamanai, it's still a fascinating glimpse into Mayan history. The site is known for the discovery of the Jade Head, a significant Mayan artifact. Explore the plazas, temples, and residential areas, and imagine life in this ancient city.
Travel Time
Approximately 2 hours by boat and van from San Pedro (includes transfer to the mainland)
Activities
- Exploring Mayan ruins and temples
- Learning about Mayan history and culture
- Birdwatching in the surrounding jungle
- Photography of the ancient structures