San Pedro, Belize: Beach Paradise Explored

San Pedro in Belize is known for its beaches, which are often described as having crystal clear, blue waters, and soft, sandy bottoms. The beaches are public, and while beach furniture is reserved for guests, anyone can swim at the beach. The beaches in San Pedro are unique because they are located near the Belize Barrier Reef, which makes the water calm and fairly shallow. This means there are no big waves, but also no dangerous currents that make swimming unsafe. The calm waters also allow for turtle grass to grow, providing an important habitat for juvenile marine species. While the beaches in San Pedro are great for lounging and swimming, they may not be ideal for those looking for large waves to surf or play in.

Swimming spots

San Pedro in Belize is a tropical paradise with calm, shallow waters and sandy beaches. While the beaches are not known for their waves, the island's proximity to the Barrier Reef makes it a popular destination for snorkelling and diving. In fact, all beachfront areas in Belize are public, so you can swim at any of the beaches you find on the island.

If you're looking for deeper waters to swim in, you may want to try the docks, as recommended by a local. Most resorts have docks with roped-off sections for swimming, away from the boats.

Mar de Tumbo

This stretch of beach is located just south of San Pedro Town and boasts a wide, expansive sandy beach lined with coconut palms. There are also resorts in the area, such as Banyan Bay and Banana Beach, where you can enjoy the warm, calm waters.

Ramon's Resort

This resort, located on the southern beaches of Ambergris Caye, offers a beautiful beach for swimming and wading in the warm, shallow waters. The beach is picture-perfect, with many coconut palms, and the resort is a long-time fixture of the island. While the resort amenities are reserved for guests, anyone can swim at the beach.

Central Park

Located in the heart of San Pedro Town, Central Park is a great spot for community gatherings and festivals, with a children's playground and a beachfront border. It's also convenient for swimming, as one of the water taxi docks is located nearby. There are several restaurants and bars in the area as well.

Boca Del Rio

This beach, located just north of San Pedro Town, is named for its position at the "mouth of the river" and ends at the toll bridge separating San Pedro Town from North Ambergris Caye. The northern section by the river is a popular local spot for swimming, especially on weekends. You can also find beach bars, such as Sandy Toes, a bit further down the beach.

Secret Beach

Located on the lee side of the island, about 4 miles north of San Pedro Town, Secret Beach has gained popularity in recent years among locals and tourists alike. It offers crystal clear waters, rocky coves, sandbars, and soft sandy beaches. There are several beach bars and restaurants, as well as water sports equipment available for rent.

X'tan Ha Resort

This waterfront resort, located 7.5 miles north of San Pedro Town, boasts one of the best sandy beaches on the reef side of the island. Guests can enjoy the beach just steps away from their seafront villas and take advantage of the over-the-water beach bar. The resort also offers water sports equipment such as kayaks and SUP boards.

So, whether you're looking for a quiet swim, a popular beach spot, or a resort experience, San Pedro, Belize, has a variety of swimming spots to choose from.

Snorkelling

San Pedro in Belize is a snorkeller's paradise. With its 185-mile barrier reef, the opportunity to see a vast array of sea life is pretty amazing. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, just 4 miles south of San Pedro, is considered one of the most impressive snorkelling spots in the world and is easily accessible for a half-day trip. It is divided into four main zones: the coral reef, grass beds, mangroves, and shark-ray alley. Within these zones, you can find over 160 species of fish, 40 species of coral, 5 sponges, 8 algae, and 2 seagrasses. You may even spot tarpon, Hammerhead sharks, and West Indian Manatees. As soon as your boat arrives, you will notice the nurse sharks and stingrays that frequent this area.

Another popular snorkelling destination is Mexico Rocks, located off the northern tip of Ambergris Caye on the Belizean Barrier Reef. Here, you can admire giant Brain Corals and large collections of other corals with juvenile fish. It is also possible to spot spiny lobsters, stingrays, conch, flounders, and a variety of angelfish. The underwater visibility is excellent, making it a perfect half-day adventure.

If you are a beginner, Goff's Caye could be a good option. Its waters are rather shallow, and you can find an abundance of brain coral, colourful fish, stingrays, barracudas, and small sharks. The island itself is small, with little more than sand, palm trees, a dock, and a shack selling food and drinks. But on a sunny day, it can be a surreal and idyllic experience.

For those looking for more colourful corals, Coral Gardens, located between Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, is a great choice. While the fish life is not as abundant, you can still spot gorgeous reef fish such as Parrot Fish, Hog Fish, and Fairy Bassets. Moray eels, nurse sharks, and lobsters are also frequent visitors.

With so many incredible snorkelling spots, San Pedro, Belize, is a dream destination for anyone wanting to explore the underwater world.

Resorts

San Pedro in Belize is known for its beaches, turquoise waters, and friendly people. The town is located on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, the largest of the coral islands in Belize.

Grand Caribe Belize

A beautiful, modern resort on the Caribbean Sea, located in the tranquil north Ambergris Caye area. It offers private beach access, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, dining, and a concierge team to help with bookings and grocery deliveries.

Pelican Reef Villas Resort

Located a few steps from San Pedro Beach, this resort offers free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a garden. It is rated exceptional by guests, who praise the cleanliness, spaciousness, and amenities of the rooms, as well as the friendly staff.

Villas Secreta Beachfront Resort

This beachfront villa resort features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a shared lounge, and a bar. It is highly rated for its clean and stylish rooms, friendly staff, and complimentary breakfast. The property also has a restaurant and is well-located, offering a private beach but also being close to Secret Beach and San Pedro town.

Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club, Curio Collection

This resort, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is located a short walk from San Pedro Beach. It offers free bikes, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a private beach. Guests rave about the friendly staff, the proximity to shops and restaurants, and the gorgeously decorated cottages and villas.

Matachica Resort and Spa

This resort features a pool, a beach area with lounge chairs, and a dock with giant lounge chairs. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the staff is friendly.

Coco Beach Resort

A peaceful resort that is not too crowded, located 3.5 miles north of San Pedro. It offers easy golf cart rental and is close to Secret Beach and the town of San Pedro. It has a pool, a pool bar, and a restaurant.

Ramon's Village Resort

Located a short walk from San Pedro Beach, this resort features a restaurant, free private parking, a shared lounge, and a garden. The rooms are large and air-conditioned, and the staff is friendly and awesome. The resort is also located near a good Indian restaurant.

Belizean Shores Resort

Located on the beach, this resort is a short boat ride away from shops and restaurants in town. It has a large swimming pool and a nice stretch of beach.

Portofino Beach Resort

A boutique resort located on a stretch of white sandy beach on the north end of Ambergris Caye, about 6 miles north of San Pedro.

Xanadu Island Resort

An eco-friendly, luxury beach resort situated on the beach, about 2 miles south of San Pedro.

The Phoenix Resort

An award-winning beachside resort located in the downtown core of Ambergris Caye. It offers condo-style accommodations and a refreshing set of pools.

Las Terrazas Resort

A beach resort in North Ambergris Caye offering island-style villa accommodations. The resort has a world-class restaurant and bar, a private beach and pool, and access to kayaks and paddleboards. The rooms are spacious, with modern kitchens and in-room laundry.

Caribbean Villas Hotel

A resort located a 10-minute walk along the beach from San Pedro. It has two pools, a bar/restaurant, and clean beach access.

Brahma Blue Resort

A low-key resort located on Ambergris Caye, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a restaurant, and a bar. The property is clean and feels like a private island, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.

Restaurants and bars

San Pedro in Belize has a large American ex-pat community, and a relatively high standard of living, so there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from.

For a beachside dining experience, there are several options. Estel's Dine by the Sea is a classic spot, right on the beach, and famous for its fry jacks with honey and mango jam. It's also a great spot for a beach BBQ on Sundays. Blue Bayou Bar & Restaurant is another beachside spot, with a slightly more local feel, and waiters who wade into the lagoon to take your order. Secret Paradise Beach Bar and La Cala Beachside Bar and Grill are two more options for beachside drinks and dining.

If you're looking for seafood, there are plenty of options. Aji Tapa Bar & Restaurant is a friendly spot with sea views and Spanish-inspired small plates. Anglers Seafood Restaurant is another good choice, where you can select your own fish for dishes like blackened snapper and shrimp ceviche. For a splurge, Mambo Restaurant and Bistro at the Matachica Resort offers a stylish, sophisticated dining experience, with a focus on seafood. Hidden Treasure Restaurant is another upscale choice, with a menu featuring local flavours.

For authentic Belizean food, El Fogon is a good option, serving authentic, down-home dishes like chaya tamales and Creole stews. Another local spot is Antojito's San Telmo, which serves cheap and cheerful Belizean fare, including breakfast tacos. Robin's Kitchen is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in South Ambergris Caye, serving delicious and affordable jerk chicken BBQ.

For a more international dining experience, Frenchy's is an award-winning French and Mediterranean restaurant, located in a converted wooden house. Vista Rooftop is an intimate rooftop lounge and bar, serving Asian and Nikkei cuisine, alongside signature cocktails.

For a more casual dining experience, there are plenty of bars and grills to choose from, including the Palapa Bar and Grill, and the Moon Bar at Mangata Villas, which also features adult-only movie nights. For a fun, social atmosphere, the Truck Stop Shipping Container Food Park has food trucks, a pool, and a film night every Wednesday.

Finally, for foodies, the Belize Chocolate Company offers chocolate-making classes, as well as chocolate bars and baked goods.

Day trips

San Pedro in Belize is a great place for a beach vacation, with plenty of options for day trips to suit all interests. Here are some ideas for day trips to the beaches in and around San Pedro, Belize:

Mar de Tumbo Beach

This beach is just south of San Pedro Town and offers a wide and expansive stretch of sandy beach, peppered with coconut palms. There are resorts in this area, including Banyan Bay and Banana Beach, so it's a great spot to enjoy some beachfront amenities.

Secret Beach

Located about 4 miles north of San Pedro Town, Secret Beach is a popular day trip destination for both locals and tourists. Here, you'll find calm and shallow waters, perfect for swimming, and a variety of beach bars and restaurants. It's a great spot to rent water sports equipment and enjoy the local culture and cuisine.

Central Park

Right in the heart of San Pedro Town, Central Park offers a community space for gatherings and festivals, with a children's playground and a beachfront. It's a convenient spot to take a dip in the sea, with nearby water taxi docks and a range of dining options.

Boca del Rio

This beach, named for its location at the "mouth of the river," offers a stretch of beach that ends at the river and the toll bridge separating San Pedro Town from North Ambergris Caye. The northern section by the river is ideal for swimming and is a popular spot for locals, especially on weekends. You'll also find beach bars like Sandy Toes a little further down.

X'tan Ha Resort

Located 7.5 miles north of San Pedro Town, this resort offers a peaceful beach experience with one of the best sandy beaches on the reef side of the island. Guests can enjoy the water trampoline, kayaks, and SUP boards, along with an over-the-water beach bar.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

For a full-day bucket list experience, you can go snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. This is a great way to explore the diverse marine life that Belize has to offer.

Caye Caulker

Take a day trip to the laid-back island of Caye Caulker, just a short boat ride away from San Pedro. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, snorkel at the Belize Barrier Reef, and explore the local restaurants and bars.

Altun Ha Mayan Site

For a combination of history and adventure, take a day trip to the Altun Ha Mayan Site. You can explore the ancient ruins and also experience cave tubing and ziplining in the same day.

Lamanai Maya Ruins

Another option for a historical day trip is to visit the Lamanai Maya Ruins, which includes a riverboat safari. You can explore the ruins and learn about the ancient Mayan civilisation while enjoying the natural surroundings.

The Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is known as "the world's best little zoo." It's a great day trip option to learn about the local wildlife and conservation efforts.

Lighthouse Reef on Half Moon Caye

Take a trip to Half Moon Caye to experience paradisiacal views of Caribbean waters and a crescent-shaped beach made of magnificent white sand, dotted with coconut palms. It's also a protected turtle-nesting site, offering a unique opportunity to observe nature.

With so many options for day trips, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the beaches and cultural attractions of San Pedro, Belize.

Frequently asked questions