Exploring San Pedro, Belize: Navigating The Island Paradise

Getting around San Pedro, Belize, is a unique experience. As the capital of Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, San Pedro is a bustling small town with a laid-back vibe. With its narrow streets and proximity to the water, the preferred mode of transportation is the golf cart.

Golf carts rule the roads of San Pedro, with locals and visitors alike opting for this mode of transport to get around the island. While bicycles and walking are also common within the town, a golf cart is necessary to reach further locations such as Secret Beach. The golf cart rental company, Avis, offers convenient pick-up services wherever you land on the island.

San Pedro's streets are narrow, so there are few cars or taxis. The town is walkable, with a mile-wide radius, and has three main roads: Barrier Reef Drive, Pescador Drive, and Almond Street, locally known as Front, Middle, and Back Streets.

For those arriving by air, the San Pedro airstrip is conveniently located downtown, with easy access to taxis and hotels nearby. Water taxis are also a popular option, connecting San Pedro to Belize City and nearby islands.

With its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and array of activities, San Pedro offers a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who visit.

Domestic flights from Belize City

Belize City is served by the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, the only international airport in Belize, located in Ladyville, a village 10 miles outside of Belize City. From here, you can take a domestic flight to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. These flights depart from the international airport and land at the San Pedro airstrip in downtown San Pedro. The flight time is approximately 15-20 minutes.

The planes are usually Cessna Caravan planes, also known as "puddle jumpers", and they typically seat around 12 passengers. The views from the plane are stunning, offering a unique perspective of the mainland, the cayes, and the barrier reef. You can book your ticket online in advance or pay in cash at the airport, although this may result in a longer wait during the busiest season. A round-trip ticket currently costs around $175 USD.

Tropic Air also offers scenic flights from Belize International Airport to Maya Flats, a short distance from the San Ignacio Resort Hotel.

Getting to San Pedro by Other Means

If you're not keen on flying, you can also reach San Pedro by water taxi or ferry from Belize City. This option is less expensive but more time-consuming. The water taxi ride takes about 90 minutes, and the last boats depart at 5:30 pm sharp, so it's important to plan your journey accordingly.

Alternatively, you can explore the option of renting a golf cart once you arrive in San Pedro, as the streets of San Pedro are narrow and not designed for standard-size cars.

Water taxi from Belize City

The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi is the most popular water taxi service from Belize City to San Pedro. The journey takes 1.5 hours and costs around $50 BZE. The water taxi is an efficient and relatively inexpensive way to travel from Belize City to San Pedro.

The water taxi terminal in Belize City is about 12 miles from the Phillip Goldson International Airport. After landing, you will need to go through immigration and customs, pick up your luggage, and then take a taxi to the water taxi terminal. The taxi fare is usually $25US, with an additional $5US fee for each extra passenger. The journey to the water taxi terminal takes around 20-45 minutes.

At the water taxi terminal, you will need to check in your larger bags before buying a ticket at the front desk. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the counter. The boats are generally covered but open-sided, and the ride is usually smooth as it is within the reef.

The water taxi goes from Belize City to Caye Caulker and then on to San Pedro. The ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker takes about an hour, and the total journey from Belize City to San Pedro is 1.5 hours.

It is recommended to arrive early to secure your preferred seating. The middle of the boat or the doors are good options, while the back of the boat provides a smoother ride. The front of the boat can be bumpier, and it is best to stay away from the motors if you are sensitive to the smell of gas.

The water taxi is a convenient and affordable option for travelling between Belize City and San Pedro, offering a beautiful ride through the Caribbean Sea.

Golf cart

When driving a golf cart in San Pedro, it's important to note that the island's roads are a mix of cobblestone, paved, and dirt roads, with speed bumps and potholes. The golf carts also don't have good suspension, so the ride may be bumpy.

With a golf cart, you can easily explore the island, visiting popular destinations such as Secret Beach, the Truck Stop, and Boca del Rio Beach. You can also use a golf cart to get to the Marco Gonzales Maya site, a 2000-year-old Mayan Archaeological Reserve located about 5 miles south of San Pedro.

Bicycle

If you're planning to get around San Pedro by bicycle, here are some things to keep in mind:

Purchasing a Bicycle

If you're considering buying a bicycle during your stay in San Pedro, you can find them at hardware stores on the island. The cost of a bicycle is around $295 BZD, and you can also purchase a basket for around $40 BZD. It's recommended to buy a lock for your bicycle, as bicycle theft is common in Belize.

Renting a Bicycle

If you're looking to rent a bicycle, check with your hotel first, as some offer complimentary bikes or rentals for a small fee. There are also dedicated bicycle rental shops in San Pedro, such as Joe's Bike Rentals on Caribena Street, Calvio Bike Rentals, and El Guapo. A one-week bike rental typically costs around $80 BZD.

Riding a Bicycle in San Pedro

Riding a bicycle in San Pedro offers a unique perspective on the town and its surroundings. The ride from San Pedro Town to Secret Beach, a popular destination, is approximately 8-9 miles each way. The route includes a mix of paved roads and some bumps, and it can get hot, so be sure to wear sunscreen and bring water. Along the way, you can stop at places like Donovan's Coconuts and Gustavo's Last Stand.

While San Pedro's narrow streets and laid-back atmosphere make it ideal for cycling, remember to follow basic safety precautions. Wear a helmet, obey traffic rules, and be mindful of golf carts and other vehicles.

So, whether you're purchasing or renting, getting around San Pedro by bicycle is a fun and eco-friendly option that will allow you to explore the town and its nearby attractions at your own pace.

Walking

San Pedro is located on Ambergris Caye, an island off the coast of Belize. The island is 25 miles long and 5 miles wide at its widest point, and San Pedro Town itself is a mile or less wide. The town is small and bustling, and the streets are narrow, so walking is a great way to get around.

San Pedro's streets are not the most pedestrian-friendly, with golf carts being a popular mode of transport for both locals and tourists. However, if you're happy to walk, it's a great way to explore the town and take in the sights, sounds and smells at your own pace.

There are three main streets in San Pedro: Barrier Reef Drive (also known as Front Street), Pescador Drive (Middle Street), and Almond Street (Back Street). These streets are worth walking along, as they offer a variety of dining and shopping options. Barrier Reef Drive, in particular, has the Belize Chocolate store, art galleries, and souvenir shops to explore.

If you're looking for a nice beach walk, head to the lagoon side of town (west). You'll find great picture opportunities with the docked boats, and you can also enjoy beautiful sunsets on that side.

For a unique dining experience, try the food carts and local eateries around town, where you can find delicious local food for around $10 BZ or less. Try dishes like Johnny cakes, stuffed fried jacks, garnachas, rice and beans, and stew chicken.

While walking is a great way to explore San Pedro Town, if you want to venture further out to places like Secret Beach, you may want to consider renting a golf cart or bicycle.

So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready to explore the charming streets of San Pedro, Belize!

Frequently asked questions