Lexi Webster
San Pedro, Belize is a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, the largest island of Belize's 200-plus islands. It is the major settlement on the island, with a population of about 16,444, making it the second-largest town in the Belize District. The town is known for its postcard-perfect setting, with coconut palms swaying gently in the trade winds and clear turquoise waters. San Pedro offers a range of accommodation options, from low-rise hotels and guest houses to boutique-style resorts and condos. The town is also a popular spot for diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing, with the Belize Barrier Reef located just offshore.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 10,000+ year-round inhabitants, with estimates ranging from 14,000 to 16,444 |
| Population Demographics | Predominantly Mestizo (77%), with Maya, Creole, Garifuna, and expats making up the rest |
| Language | Spanish and English are both commonly spoken, with many inhabitants also speaking an intermediate form between the two known as "Kitchen Spanish" |
| Main Industries | Tourism, fishing, and diving |
| Main Mode of Transportation | Golf carts and bicycles |
| Distance from Belize City | 35 miles |
| Distance from Caye Caulker | 14 miles |
| Distance from Belize's Barrier Reef | 0.75 miles |
| Length | 25 miles |
| Width | Up to 2 miles |
What You'll Learn
San Pedro's population
San Pedro is a town in the southern part of Ambergris Caye, an island in the Belize District of Belize in Central America. San Pedro is the second-largest town in the Belize District and the largest in the Belize Rural South constituency.
According to 2015 mid-year estimates, San Pedro had a population of about 16,444 people. However, other sources suggest that the population has grown to over 10,000 inhabitants, with many newcomers from the mainland and abroad. San Pedro is known for being a popular tourist destination, with its beautiful beaches, clear turquoise sea, and abundance of water activities. It is also a major settlement point and has the largest concentration of visitor accommodations in Belize.
The original inhabitants of San Pedro, known as "San Pedranos," are Mestizo and have roots in Mexico, with most speaking both Spanish and English fluently. Due to the influence of English-based Kriol, some San Pedranos also speak an intermediate form between English and Spanish, known as "Kitchen Spanish." The town's population has grown significantly over the years, transforming it from a sleepy fishing village to a bustling tourist hub.
In summary, San Pedro, Belize, has experienced population growth, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to 16,444 inhabitants. The town's vibrant culture, natural attractions, and diverse offerings continue to draw visitors and newcomers, contributing to its growing population and thriving tourism industry.
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San Pedro's history
San Pedro, Belize, is a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, an island in the Belize District of Belize, in Central America. San Pedro is the capital of Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, which is 25 miles long and about a mile across at its widest points.
The first permanent settlers of San Pedro arrived between 1848 and 1849. These were probably relatives of fishermen who had previously built fishing camps on the cayes. The settlement soon grew to a village of about 30 houses and over 50 inhabitants. In 1984, San Pedro was granted township status and held a declaration ceremony attended by Governor-General Elmira Minita Gordon, Area Representative Louis Sylvestre, and most of the residents of San Pedro. Gilberto Chico Gomez was the town's first mayor.
In the early 2000s, Madonna stated in an interview with the New York Times that the inspiration for the name of San Pedro in her song "La Isla Bonita" was likely her reading of an exit ramp on the way to the music studio. The song, written by Madonna, Patrick Leonard, and Bruce Gaitsch, put San Pedro on the map, and the town is now a tourist mecca. It is known for its beaches, dive shops, and attractions such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, and the Ambergris Museum.
San Pedro is also a gateway to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef in the world, which is home to a diverse range of species. Scuba diving is one of the town's primary industries, and there are two hyperbaric decompression chambers on the island to accommodate the many divers who visit.
Today, San Pedro is known for its festivals, including El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro, which dates back to the 1870s, and the San Pedro Lobsterfest. The town has a population of about 16,444 and is the second-largest in the Belize District.
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San Pedro's culture
San Pedro, Belize, is a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, an island in the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef.
The town has a diverse population, including locals and expats from around the world, with most inhabitants speaking both Spanish and English fluently. The friendly locals are known for their laid-back vibe and colourful traditional dress. The typical island dress code consists of bare feet, t-shirts, and shorts.
In addition to its cultural offerings, San Pedro is known for its natural beauty and water sports. The island's shores are dotted with soft, white sand, and the turquoise waters offer a variety of activities, including snorkelling, diving, and fishing, as well as kayaking, windsurfing, and parasailing.
San Pedro is also famous for its festivals, with one of the most notable being El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro. This tradition dates back to the 1870s and centres around "Juan Carnaval," a legendary island god. During the festival, children and adults participate in a colourful celebration using water paint and eggs, with rules in place to ensure safety and respect for non-participants.
With its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and array of water activities, San Pedro, Belize, offers a unique and exciting experience for visitors seeking to explore the Caribbean.
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San Pedro's economy
San Pedro, Belize, is a town on the southern part of the island of Ambergris Caye. Once a sleepy fishing village, it has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize, with a growing economy centred around tourism and fishing.
The town has a population of approximately 16,444 as of 2015 estimates, and is known for its beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and laid-back, barefoot vibe. San Pedro is particularly popular for diving and snorkelling, with the Belize Barrier Reef—the second-largest reef system in the world—located just offshore. The reef is home to a diverse range of species and offers countless dive sites and snorkelling spots within a short boat ride from the island.
In addition to its natural attractions, San Pedro also boasts excellent restaurants, bars, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The town's infrastructure includes low-rise hotels, guesthouses, resorts, condos, and well-stocked stores. Golf carts and bicycles are the primary mode of transportation, adding to the town's relaxed atmosphere.
San Pedro's inhabitants, known as "San Pedranos," are mostly of Mexican origin and are known for their fishing heritage. Most San Pedranos speak both Spanish and English fluently, with some also speaking an intermediate form known as "Kitchen Spanish."
The town's economy is primarily driven by tourism, particularly scuba diving. The abundance of natural attractions, including protected areas such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, draws visitors from all over the world. The town's infrastructure and amenities cater to tourists with a range of accommodation options, dining experiences, and excursion opportunities.
Fishing is also a significant contributor to the local economy, with San Pedro offering some of the best fishing facilities in the country. The seafood caught is fresh and readily available in local restaurants, contributing to the town's culinary scene.
In summary, San Pedro's economy is largely based on tourism and fishing, with a focus on scuba diving, snorkelling, and other water activities. The town's natural attractions, infrastructure, and cultural heritage combine to create a thriving and unique destination that continues to draw visitors year after year.
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San Pedro's attractions
San Pedro, Belize, is a tourist mecca, attracting visitors with its beaches, dive shops, and marine life. The town is located on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, an island that is 25 miles long and about a mile across at its widest points.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected area known for its excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. It is one of the top diving sites in Belize and is located less than a mile offshore, making it easily accessible for those looking to explore the diverse marine life.
Belize Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. It is a top spot for diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing. With its proximity to Ambergris Caye, it is a must-visit attraction when in San Pedro.
Secret Beach Waterpark Bar and Grill
Secret Beach offers an incredible 2-story bar and waterpark experience. It features award-winning food and drinks, and a wonderful atmosphere. The upstairs viewing deck provides a perfect spot to take in magnificent sunsets.
Black & White Cultural Entertainment Center
This cultural centre showcases the local Belizean culture, with a focus on the dynamic Garifuna culture. Visitors can enjoy live drumming, dancing, and traditional Garifuna food, including dishes such as hudut (fish serre) and plantains, coconut rice, and stew chicken.
Belizean Melody Art Gallery
Founded by local artist Melody Sanchez Wolfe, this small art gallery features original artwork and crafts made by local artists. Melody also hosts paint parties for adults and children, offering a unique creative experience.
Explore by Golf Cart or Bike
Renting a golf cart or bike is a great way to explore the island. You can make your way to Secret Beach, where you'll find beach bars, restaurants, and a nice stretch of sand. For a quieter experience, the Akbol Yoga retreat offers yoga classes, delicious food and drinks, and a peaceful dock for relaxation.
San Pedro offers a range of attractions, from marine adventures to cultural experiences and artistic pursuits. With its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere, it is a popular destination for visitors to Belize.
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Frequently asked questions
San Pedro is a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, an island in Belize. The island is 25 miles long and about 1-2 miles wide at its widest points.
Ambergris Caye is the largest of the 200-plus islands in Belize.
San Pedro is the second-largest town in the Belize District and the largest in the Belize Rural South constituency. The population was estimated to be around 16,444 in 2015 and has since grown to over 10,000 year-round inhabitants.
San Pedro is the major settlement on Ambergris Caye and the largest town on the island.
The population of San Pedro has grown in recent years due to expansion in the southern and northern areas of the island. The original "San Pedranos" (from the 1800s to the 1970s) were Mestizo, but the town has seen an influx of newcomers from the mainland and abroad.
