The Island Escape: Discovering San Pedro, Belize's Tropical Paradise

San Pedro, Belize is a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, the largest of the 200-plus islands of Belize. It is the country's second-largest town and the largest in the Belize Rural South constituency. Once a sleepy fishing village, San Pedro is now a bustling tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant culture. The town offers a unique blend of Mexican, Caribbean, and English colonial architecture, with wooden homes, boutiques, bars, cafes, and restaurants lining its streets. San Pedro is also known for its excellent scuba diving and snorkelling spots, with easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town's population has grown to over 10,000 year-round inhabitants, with a mix of locals and newcomers from the mainland and abroad. San Pedro is named after the patron saint of fishing, St. Peter, and its inhabitants, the San Pedranos, are known for their fishing traditions and friendly atmosphere.

San Pedro's history and culture

San Pedro, a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, is the largest of Belize's 200-plus islands. The town was founded in 1848 by Mestizo refugees from the Guerra de Castas in Yucatan and was granted township status in 1984. The first permanent settlers of San Pedro arrived between 1848 and 1849, consisting of fishermen and their families.

The town's inhabitants, known as San Pedranos, originally came from Mexico and speak both Spanish and English fluently. San Pedro has a rich history and culture that reflects the diverse backgrounds of its residents. It was once a quaint fishing village, with coconut and fishing as its main industries. Over time, tourism began to grow, attracting real estate development and transforming the island.

San Pedro is known for its lively and diverse culture, friendly locals, and laid-back vibe. The town is home to colourful streets, wooden homes with a mix of Mexican, Caribbean, and English colonial architecture, and a variety of gift shops, boutiques, bars, cafes, and restaurants. The local dress code is typically barefoot, t-shirts, and shorts.

San Pedro is also famous for its festivals, including El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro, which dates back to the 1870s and centres around the legend of "Juan Carnaval". The town is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere.

In addition, San Pedro offers a range of activities such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, sea kayaking, bird watching, fishing, sailing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. With its growing tourism industry, San Pedro continues to be a dynamic and thriving town, attracting visitors and residents alike.

The town's best restaurants

San Pedro in Belize is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering everything from beachside lounges to vibrant local eateries. Here is a list of some of the town's best restaurants:

Estel's Restaurant

A popular spot for breakfast with a view, Estel's offers a build-your-own plate option with your feet in the sand. It is also a great choice for brunch.

Elvi's Kitchen

Elvi's Kitchen is a hotspot in San Pedro, famous for hosting Prince Harry and its longstanding history. It is known for its Friday night Mayan buffet, fried chicken, and seafood. It is the oldest restaurant on the island and can get busy, so reservations are recommended.

Waruguma

Waruguma is a local favourite, offering a unique 'no menu' concept where you pick fresh seafood and decide how it's cooked. It is also known for its massive lobster burrito, a testament to Belizean flavours.

The Truck Stop

The Truck Stop is a collection of railway car "shipping containers" offering an eclectic mix of pizza, Asian fusion, and Mexican-Caribbean cuisine. It has a dirt floor and string lights, with food stalls, a bar, and an open game area in the back. It also hosts weekly events like live music, movies, and trivia nights.

Crocs Sunset Sports Bar

This double-decker bar is perfect for winding down after a visit to Secret Beach. It offers famous chicken wings, fish tacos, and a lavender Moscow mule.

Palapa Bar and Grill

A favourite among travellers, Palapa Bar and Grill has a relaxing ambiance. You can float in an inner tube with a bucket of beer and enjoy tasty fish tacos.

Wild Mango's

Wild Mango's offers vegetarian and vegan options, with fresh salads and smoothies. It is a great lunch spot on the beach with chef-inspired food and low-key service.

Blue Water Grill

Blue Water Grill is a good spot for large groups, with a nice beachfront location. They have sushi on Fridays, featuring fresh fish.

Black Orchid Restaurant

Black Orchid Restaurant offers tablecloth dining and a variety of really great food in an elegantly casual environment. They serve appetizers, gourmet dinners, and desserts.

The Hidden Treasure Restaurant

Hidden away on a back street in the Escalante residential neighbourhood, The Hidden Treasure Restaurant offers fine dining in a rustic yet elegant and romantic setting. Specialising in Latin American and Caribbean cuisine, you can dine by candlelight under an exotic hardwood roof. They also offer a free shuttle service for customers from resorts and condos located in and south of San Pedro Town.

San Pedro has a variety of cuisines to choose from, and these restaurants cater to every taste and budget, ensuring your Belizean adventure is as flavorful as it is memorable.

Water activities and sports

San Pedro, Belize, is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of activities on its sparkling waters. Here is a detailed overview of the water activities and sports you can enjoy in San Pedro:

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling:

The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, is a major drawcard for divers and snorkelers. The Scuba School and Family Dive Centre is a popular choice, offering excursions to see sharks, turtles, dolphins, eagle rays, and vibrant coral reefs. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Mexico Rocks are also favoured spots for snorkelling.

Fishing Charters:

San Pedro is renowned as a top fishing destination. Go Fish Belize provides deep-sea and fly-fishing trips, while other operators offer spearfishing and casual fishing experiences.

Sailing and Windsurfing:

Belize Sailing Centre caters to sailing enthusiasts, providing lessons and equipment. Kitexplorer San Pedro is the place to go for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with patient instructors and favourable winds.

Jet Skiing and Kayaking:

San Pedro Water Sports offers jet ski rentals, along with kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

Catamaran Cruises:

For a more relaxed water experience, catamaran cruises are available, often combined with snorkelling or fishing excursions. Operators such as Lady Leslie, Yolo party boat, and Tuff E Nuff tours provide group or private charter options.

Swimming and Beach Activities:

Secret Beach is the place to be for a blend of water activities and beach relaxation. It features beach bars, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere.

San Pedro truly delivers on water activities and sports, providing options for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a tranquil aquatic experience.

Wildlife and nature

San Pedro, Belize, is a nature lover's paradise. The town is located on Ambergris Caye, the largest of Belize's 200-plus islands. The island is 25 miles long and just over a mile wide in some places. It is characterised by mangrove swamps, lagoons, and sandy beaches. The coastline is protected by the 190-mile-long Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest living coral reef system in the world.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a popular spot for diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing. It is home to a diverse array of marine life, including nurse sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, coral reefs, and colourful fish. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are two popular snorkelling and dive sites located within the reef.

In addition to its marine life, San Pedro is also home to indigenous bird species and wildlife. The central and northern ends of the island are largely undeveloped, making them ideal locations for birdwatching and spotting indigenous wildlife.

The island also offers nature and wildlife tours, such as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a diverse nature reserve home to a wide range of wildlife, and the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour, which offers a glimpse into the world of the ancient Maya.

San Pedro is also known for its lush rainforests and jungles. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a nature reserve located in the cool, highland region of Belize, offering a peaceful escape into nature. For a more adventurous experience, the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve combines nature and history, allowing visitors to explore ancient Mayan artefacts.

The island's natural beauty extends beyond the sea and into the sky, with breathtaking sunsets that can be admired from the comfort of a sailboat or the shore.

Transport and accommodation

San Pedro, located on the beautiful Ambergris Caye in Belize, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. The island is easily navigable, with many places accessible on foot, especially in the town centre.

Transport

Getting to San Pedro

To get to San Pedro, you can either fly into the island or take a water taxi. Maya Island Air offers flights to San Pedro from Belize City, with approximately twelve flights a day. The flight option is ideal if you are prone to motion sickness or prefer a quicker journey.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the Belize City Airport to one of the two water taxi terminals. The taxi ride will cost around $25 and take between 20 to 30 minutes. The water taxi ride itself will cost $28 one-way or $38 for a round trip and takes between 75 to 90 minutes.

Getting Around San Pedro

Golf cart rentals are a popular mode of transport in San Pedro and can be rented for around $25 to $75 per day. Bikes are also available for rent, with daily rates as low as $10. Water taxis are another option for getting around, especially if you plan to visit nearby cayes.

Accommodation

San Pedro offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Luxury Resorts

For those seeking a lavish experience, San Pedro has several luxurious beachfront resorts with ocean views, private beaches, and top-notch amenities. These high-end accommodations often include guided tours, spa treatments, and gourmet dining. Prices for these resorts can be several hundred dollars per night.

Budget-Friendly Options

If you're travelling on a budget, there are plenty of more affordable options, including smaller hotels and guesthouses. These can range from $50 to $100 per night and are typically within walking distance of the beach and local attractions.

Mid-Range Hotels

For those looking for a balance between affordability and amenities, there are also mid-range options. Hotels like Drift Inn San Pedro, located on the beachfront, offer comfortable rooms, a courtyard, and access to a kitchen, all for around $70 per night.

Bed and Breakfasts

For a more intimate and unique experience, bed and breakfasts like Marbucks Bed & Breakfast offer charming accommodations with easy golf cart parking and a quiet, secluded feel. Rates for these can start at around $222 per night.

San Pedro has a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets, making it an accessible destination for many travellers.

Frequently asked questions