Explore San Pedro, Ambergris Caye: A Guide to Dining, Sleeping, and Fun!

The capital of Ambergris Caye, an island off the north coast of Belize, is a top travel spot in Belize as a world-famous snorkeling and scuba diving paradise, and a whole lot more. To make the most of its many offerings, we’ve put this San Pedro, Ambergris Caye guide together. Discover the best of the town’s dining, sleeping, and fun with our recommended list of restaurants, hotels, attractions, and activities. 

Transportation: Getting to and around San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize is located about 40 miles northeast of Belize City across the Caribbean Sea. After landing at Philip Goldson International Airport near the village of Ladyville, roughly 10 miles north of Belize City, you’ll have two different options for getting to San Pedro. You can take a connecting flight with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air for the 15-minute flight, or take a water taxi from Belize City. Water taxis are generally less expensive than flights with roundtrip fares at BZ$81/US$40, purchased at the San Pedro Belize Express Taxi Limited terminal in Belize City, or online. That said, you will need to catch a taxi from the airport to reach the docks in Belize City, starting at approximately BZD$60/US$30, and paid in cash.

After arriving at Ambergris Caye, transportation will then continue to your chosen resort. Van shuttles are provided by Sandy Point Resorts, or you can take a taxi. Once you’ve settled in, the most popular way to get around San Pedro town is by golf cart, the primary mode of transportation on the island. There are many rental companies available in town but some resorts, including Sandy Point Resorts, will arrange a rental for guests. It offers a fun way to explore at your own pace, enjoying the breathtaking scenery, and perhaps stumbling upon a few hidden gems along the way.

Top Things to Do

Snorkel or Dive

With Belize’s barrier reef, the largest in the Northern Hemisphere representing all the main reef and coastal habitats, just a half-mile off the windward coast of Ambergris Caye, snorkeling and diving are the most popular things to do here. You can explore many world-class diving sites, including Shark Ray Alley, one of the best in the Caribbean, and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You can take a diving tour to the reserve via a 45-minute ride by boat from San Pedro. It brings the chance to encounter all sorts of incredible marine life, including spider grabs, eagle rays, large groupers, and moray eels along with channel walls that are covered with colorful corals. Afterward, head to Shark Ray Alley to swim among the harmless nurse sharks and friendly rays.

Experience the Great Blue Hole

One of the must-dos when visiting San Pedro is to join an excursion to the Great Blue Hole. It’s worth a section of its own as one of the world’s top 10 dive sites, although non-divers can snorkel its rim. It’s easily accessed from San Pedro with the local dive shops and other operators like the highly recommended family-owned Amigos Del Mar, offering tours to the huge underwater sinkhole near the center of Lighthouse Reef. Located about two hours away by boat, it’s part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, and a rare geological formation. From high above one can see a deep sapphire blue hole in the middle that’s contrasted against striking turquoise waters. The main attraction is the stunning, 40-foot-long stalactites made of limestone but you can also see a variety of marine life, including exotic fish and the occasional nurse, black tip, and bull shark. 

It’s also possible to take in the Great Blue Hole from a bird’s-eye view via a flyover tour in a small plane or helicopter departing from San Pedro, available through Astrum Helicopters, Maya Island Air, and Tropic Air. Viewing it from that vantage point you can marvel at its brilliant shades of blue.

Sample Delicious Belizean Eats on a Food Tour

Belize is known for its mouthwatering cuisine that includes everything from Johnny Cakes and ceviche to conch fritters, tamales, and rice and beans, the country’s national dish. For a good sampling, consider taking a Belize food tour in San Pedro, ideally at the start of your trip. It will not only help you get your bearings but you’ll get to try flavors at a variety of local eateries so you’ll know where to return later. 

Discovering the Beaches

There aren’t many wide sandy beaches on Ambergris Caye as the island is so close to the reef and some of the undeveloped coastline is made up of mangrove forest. In fact, there is only one proper public beach destination on the island: Secret Beach.

Secret Beach was once primarily a local spot but it’s since been developed. While it may no longer be a “secret,” you’ll discover water that’s calm, clear, and shallow, ideal for snorkeling and other activities in and on the water while surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty. Located 4.5 miles north of San Pedro, it’s best accessed by a golf cart along the bumpy road winding through swampland. There are several bars here where you can unwind with a cocktail while gazing out at the incredible scenery. If you plan on going into the water, be sure to bring some type of water shoes (waterproof footwear) due to the rocky shoreline with seagrass inhabited by stingrays.

Day Trip to Caye Caulker 

Just a short ferry right from San Pedro can bring you to Caye Caulker for a change of pace/ Ferries run between the islands throughout the day and you can buy your ticket right at the terminal for the 30-minute ride. Get into the island’s relaxed vibe with life enjoyed at a slower pace while offering plenty of picturesque scenery that can be explored on foot or by golf cart taxi. Just wandering down the charming main street is enjoyable with its many artisan vendors and street food stalls. 

The Lazy Lizard at “The Split,” a narrow channel that divides Caye Caulker into two parts, is a popular spot for enjoying the island’s atmosphere with a refreshing rum punch and delicious ceviche. Before or after, you can leap into the crystal-clear water of the channel, ideal for swimming. 

Day Trips from Ambergris Caye

There are multiple tours available to the mainland for taking part in a variety of activities and visiting top attractions. You can be picked up right at your resort to ensure an on-time arrival for the ferry or a flight and then you’ll be met on the mainland by an expert local guide. 

Among the most enticing options is a visit to the ancient Maya site of Xunantunich above the Mopan River west of Belize City near the Guatemalan border. Another intriguing destination is Lamanai, a Mesoamerican archaeological site that was once a major Maya city. 

Or, choose to visit Altun Ha which includes a boat ride up the narrow, winding Northern River, watching for jungle wildlife along the way. You’ll dock at the village of Bomba before heading to the ancient site with temples, sacrificial altars, and dozens of buildings that have been excavated over the past 60 years.

If you’re up for a thrill, there are also excursions that will bring you to the Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve for an unforgettable day of adventure. You can zip above and through the forest on a zipline and then relax with a ride on an inner tube while traveling through a cave. While you float, you’ll be able to admire stunning stalactites and stalagmites, along with other magnificent scenery.

Where to Stay

Sandy Point Resorts is a collection of award-winning beachfront vacation resorts, ensuring something ideal for every type of visitor whether you’re visiting Ambergris Caye as a solo traveler, a romance-seeking couple, a family with children, or as part of a large wedding party. 

Belizean Shores Resort 

A TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024 Winner, Belizean Shores Resort is just a few miles north of San Pedro Town on a beautiful stretch of beach. Here you’ll enjoy a tranquil setting that’s still easily accessible to the top attractions on the island. Enjoy comfortable accommodation done up in authentic island style with many of the comforts of home, including a kitchen and a separate bedroom and living space. Enjoy a sea or a pool view, including options along the seafront where you can step right off your private porch onto the beach. There’s also a pool with a swim-up bar, poolside dining, and a spa with a range of pampering treatments designed to enhance beauty or relaxation. 

An excursion center is also on-site for snorkeling and diving tours to take advantage of the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the most magnificent underwater playgrounds on Earth. Sea kayaking and activities on land are available too, including a water trampoline near the end of the dock, along with basketball and tennis courts. Activities on the mainland can be arranged too, including ziplining through the rainforest, cave tubing, visits to Mayan temples, and underground caves. 

Coco Beach Resort 

A winner of TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards best of the best, Coco Beach Resort is a luxury property providing the ultimate in relaxation on the beach north of San Pedro. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful sands but hammocks, a floating trampoline, and two saltwater pools, one with a waterslide and the other with a pool bar. Complimentary kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available, and massages can be enjoyed on the beach or in-room. A wide range of activities can be arranged too, including world-class diving and snorkeling, fishing, river kayaking, horseback riding, and tours that explore Mayan temples. 

Rooms have a beachy vibe, all of which include a king-size bed and full pull-out sofa, purified water, cable TV, a minifridge, microwave, and coffeemaker with a free bag of Belizean coffee. There are also luxury casitas with fully-equipped kitchens and separate living rooms, along with a variety of one- and two-bedroom suites, villas, and luxury sea-view penthouses.

Belizean Cove Estates

Also just a few miles north of San Pedro, Belizean Cove Estates is a collection of a half-dozen three-bedroom beachfront rentals. These secluded vacation homes are ideal for larger groups as well as honeymooning and other romance-seeking couples looking for privacy and plenty of luxuries. Set around a large free-form saltwater pool among lush tropical landscapes with coconut palms, they offer one to three bedrooms, all with gourmet kitchens, private verandahs that overlook the Caribbean, and central air-conditioning. Complimentary snorkeling gear, SUP, and sea kayaks are all included.

Costa Blu Beach Resort 

Costa Blu Beach Resort opens in December 2025. Designed for families, couples, and solos, it’s sure to provide an unrivaled paradise in north Ambergris Caye, located 6.5 miles north of San Pedro near Mexico Rocks Marine Reserve. You’ll have easy access to the reserve’s remarkable water clarity and abundant marine life as a top spot for snorkeling just off the island’s far northern tip. Plus, every suite offers a front-row suite to the striking natural beauty of the Caribbean.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Belize is generally considered to be the dry season, from December through April, when temperatures average in the mid to upper 80s Fahrenheit and the sea hovers right around 80 degrees. But keep in mind that here on Ambergris Caye, the weather stays fairly dry in June, July, and August too. With minimal rainfall and calm water, the visibility is outstanding this time of year for viewing the abundant marine life and vibrant coral reefs. 

Just outside of the peak tourist season in November or May, you can still enjoy pleasant weather and there won’t be as many visitors around. June marks the start of the rainy season on the mainland which coincides with Belize’s low season, although temperatures will still be warm. Typically, afternoon showers are brief, helping to keep things more moderate. Do be aware that from August through October, there is a higher risk of tropical storms and hurricanes. 

The peak tourist season in Belize is December through April, which also coincides with the dry season. There’s plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall during this time, ideal for outdoor activities like visiting the ruins, exploring the jungles, swimming, and snorkeling. Of course, as the busiest period of the year, prices are typically higher and you’re likely to encounter bigger crowds.

Many visitors that frequent Belize feel the months just outside of the peak season, November and May, are the best time to visit Belize. Sunshine is still abundant but there’s less competition for hotel rooms and space on the beaches. Between June and October, part of the rainy season, costs are typically the lowest of the year and there will be fewer visitors, but be aware hurricanes can occur with a higher risk from August through October. While bargains are more easily found, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the forecast and be sure you purchase travel insurance. It’s a necessity any time of year but with the risk of interruption higher now, it’s critical.

Uncovering the Past 

While the first Europeans to arrive on Ambergris Caye was in 1508 by Spanish explorers, the region was well populated with Maya at the time who prevented settlement attempts. San Pedra was founded by Mestizo refugees fleeing the Guerra de Castas in the Yucatan Peninsula in 1848. The small settlement eventually evolved into a thriving fishing village.

San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye, was founded in 1848 by Mestizo refugees fleeing the Guerra de Castas in the Yucatan Peninsula, and it grew from a small settlement to a thriving fishing and farming community. In 1869, the ownership rights to Ambergris Caye were purchased by James Hume Black who transformed the island into a coconut plantation. In the 1950s, there was a series of devastating earthquakes that destroyed the coconut industry leading to the Belizean government purchasing Ambergris Caye and redistributing ownership rights to the islanders themselves. On November 27, 1984, San Pedro officially became a township.

Today, San Pedro is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize, bringing many to enjoy the excellent opportunities for water sports and beach bars for sipping cocktails.

You can explore some of the island’s fascinating past by visiting Marco Gonzalez Reserve, the only official Maya site here. Located five miles south of San Pedro, deep in a mangrove lagoon, it wasn’t discovered until 1984 when local Marco Gonzalez led visiting archaeologists to the site. Now a natural reserve, visiting provides a good look at how the Maya left their mark on Ambergris Caye.

Delving into Culture

One of the best ways to experience vibrant Belizean culture is to plan your trip around the country’s Independence Day on September 21. It marks two different occasions: The Battle of St. George’s Caye when the Spaniards were defeated in 1798 and the country’s new constitution that was adopted in 1981, when British Honduras ceased to exist. The colorful festivities include parades, traditional performances, fireworks, music, and dance.

There are other options for delving into the culture too. Enjoy rice and beans, the national Belize dish, which reflects the influences of several different cultures, including Mayan, Garifuna, Creole, and Caribbean. You can also learn about traditional chocolate making firsthand at the Belize Chocolate Company. Chocolate-making classes are hosted that will show you how it’s made from bean to bar, with samples included. 

Bars and Restaurants

Spending time in the beach bars, enjoying delicious eats, and often live music is one of the top things to do in San Pedro. There are so many good options we’ve created an entire blog post on “where to eat” for the ultimate guide on dining here. Some of the highlights include Coco’s Loco. While it’s hard to beat time at any beach bar, this one even has its own swim-up bar along with yard games and a schedule of fun events. Wayo’s Beach Bar and Palapa Bar and Grill are also good options.

When it comes to San Pedro restaurants, don’t miss the conch fritters at Elvi’s kitchen, made with tender, minced conch in a batter made with flour, eggs, onions, and herbs. Deep-fried, they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Some of the best tamales, made with a corn dough called masa and filled with seasoned chicken or pork before being wrapped in waha or banana leaves, then boiled and steamed, can be enjoyed at Sweet-Tutz & Delights Restaurant. One of the best places to try the national dish of rice and beans is El Fogon, typically featuring kidney beans, cooked with coconut milk and served with stew chicken.

Safety

One of the most common questions potential visitors have about traveling to this Central American country is “How safe is Belize?” Belize is generally safe for visitors but as with any international travel, it’s important to follow common sense safety rules. That includes keeping valuables secure, staying aware of your surroundings, and avoiding isolated areas after dark. Be sure to arrange your excursions and activities with professional operators, tour guides certified under the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), or your hotel/resort concierge. Tour guides are required to be BTB-certified to be legally recognized.

Currency and Costs

Belize currency is the Belize dollar (BZD). Nearly every place you’ll encounter as a visitor will readily accept your USD, although you may have trouble using a large bill (higher than a $20). Most tours and accommodations are even listed in US prices, while shops and restaurants list prices in BZ. Currency exchange is easy for Americans as the Belize dollar is locked at $2 Belize which equals $1 USD. 

Costs can vary significantly depending on your travel style and preferences. For the most unforgettable experience, you’ll want to choose at least a mid-range hotel or resort. Expect to pay anywhere from about $250 for a mid to upscale room to $500 or more per night for a multi-bedroom villa. Budget-friendly meals are readily available through street food and local restaurants at a cost of under $10. A mid-range restaurant can cost $20 to $30 per person, while fine dining can run $100 or more. 

Good to Know: Insider Tips

We have a couple of “good to know” insider tips before you seal the plans for your trip to San Pedro. Some visitors confuse the town with the island – keep in mind that Ambergris is the entire island, 25 miles long, including the underwater terrain at Boca del Rio, a half-mile northeast of the town of San Pedro. 

Of course, the most important tip we can give for the most rewarding travel experience is to embrace the unexpected by staying flexible. Respect the local customs, and connect with the locals whenever possible. Being flexible on island time is key as it’s a motto of the island. Relax and enjoy it like the locals do!