Exploring San Pedro, Belize: Days Of Adventure And Relaxation

San Pedro in Belize is a popular destination for tourists, with its mix of pristine beaches, lush jungle terrains, fascinating history, UNESCO World Heritage sites, incredible food and friendly people. The small Central American country is nestled between Mexico and Guatemala but has a distinct Caribbean feel compared to its Latin surroundings.

There is no definitive answer to how many days one should spend in San Pedro, Belize, as it depends on individual preferences and travel plans. However, based on the sources provided, a trip to San Pedro can range from a day trip to two weeks or more.

For those with limited time, a day trip to San Pedro from Belize City is an option, with a 15-minute flight or an hour-and-a-half water taxi ride. This would allow for a quick exploration of the town, with its golf cart transportation, and a taste of the local cuisine.

For a more comprehensive experience, a stay of several days to two weeks is recommended. This would allow for a full exploration of San Pedro and its surrounding areas, including the famous Secret Beach, the Chicken Drop tourist attraction, and The Truck Stop bar. In addition, there are several nearby islands and sites that can be visited as day trips, such as Caye Caulker, the Great Blue Hole, and the Mayan ruins of Tikal in Guatemala.

Therefore, depending on one's interests and available time, a trip to San Pedro, Belize, can range from a day to two weeks or more, offering a variety of experiences and activities to suit different travellers.

San Pedro's best restaurants

San Pedro in Belize is known for its diverse food scene, with a mix of Latin, Caribbean, traditional Belizean, and seafood cuisine. Here is a list of some of the best restaurants in San Pedro:

Elvis Kitchen

One of the oldest local restaurants in San Pedro, Elvis Kitchen is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including garlic butter red snapper. The restaurant is also known for its friendly staff and lively atmosphere.

Estel's Dine by the Sea

Estel's is a great choice for breakfast, with a beautiful beachfront location and a vibrant downtown vibe. On Sundays, they host a beach BBQ with a variety of grilled meats.

Blue Water Grill

Blue Water Grill offers an extensive menu, including sushi, and is perfectly located on the beach with views of the barrier reef. It has a nice patio that feels casual yet fancy, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal.

Waruguma

Waruguma is a popular spot for affordable meals, especially their pupusas. They also serve a delicious lobster burrito that is a must-try.

El Fogon

El Fogon is the place to go for authentic Belizean food on a budget. They offer simple yet delicious meals, such as rice and beans with chicken or beef, and are a local favourite.

Robin's Kitchen

Located in South Ambergris Caye, Robin's Kitchen is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant with delicious jerk chicken BBQ that draws people from all over the island. Their food is not only tasty but also affordable.

Wild Mangos

Wild Mangos is a waterfront restaurant in downtown San Pedro, offering superb seafood dining in a casual atmosphere. Their charred watermelon salad and almond-crusted grouper are highly recommended.

Hungry Grouper

The Hungry Grouper is a small local restaurant in downtown San Pedro, serving authentic Belizean cuisine. It is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, with a friendly owner who is happy to chat with diners. The blackened red snapper with cilantro lime rice is a must-try.

Caramba Restaurant and Bar

Caramba is a bar and grill in downtown San Pedro, offering a fusion of Caribbean and Mexican cuisine. They are known for their "Catch of the Day" display, where you can choose your freshly caught seafood for your meal. Their jerk fish is a popular choice.

Lily's Treasure Chest

Lily's Treasure Chest is a local restaurant in downtown San Pedro, popular among tourists and locals alike. It offers fresh, tasty, and affordable meals, with happy hour drinks and ceviche that should not be missed.

The Belize Chocolate Company

For a sweet treat, head to the Belize Chocolate Company, which is located downtown. They offer artisanal chocolates made from locally grown Belizean cocoa, as well as coffee, baked goods, and chocolate-making classes.

The best day trips from Belize

Belize is a small Central American country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, with a distinct Caribbean feel. It is home to the second-largest barrier reef system in the world and the famous sinkhole in the middle of the ocean known as the "Great Blue Hole", making it a popular destination for scuba divers and marine enthusiasts.

Day Trip to Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island located just a 30-minute water taxi ride from San Pedro. This vibrant little island has a distinct backpacker and bohemian vibe, with no cars on the island. The entire island can be walked in about an hour, and it offers a mix of colourful street art, laid-back beach bars, and pristine Caribbean waters. Caye Caulker is known for "The Split", a popular spot where you can find beach bars, inner-tube tables, and Instagram-worthy over-water swings. You can also book snorkelling and diving tours from Caye Caulker to explore the surrounding marine life and coral reefs.

Day Trip to San Ignacio and the Cayo District

The Cayo District, located about a 2-hour drive from Belize City, is a great destination for adventure seekers and history buffs. It offers a variety of activities such as exploring Mayan ruins, tubing down rivers, and spotting wildlife like toucans, howler monkeys, crocodiles, and jaguars. One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour, where you can explore a cave that was once used by the Mayans for human sacrifices. The cave contains crystallized skeletons and ancient artifacts, and getting there involves a 45-minute jungle walk and swimming across three rivers.

Day Trip to Tikal National Park, Guatemala

For those looking to explore more of the Mayan civilization, a day trip to Tikal National Park in Guatemala is a great option. Located about 1.5 hours from the Belize border, Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once a stronghold of the Mayan civilization. The site features impressive temples that visitors can climb, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests and wetlands. Tikal is also a popular destination for wildlife lovers, as the reserve is home to a diverse range of birds, jaguars, pumas, and monkeys.

Day Trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley

For a day of snorkelling and marine life exploration, head to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. These sites offer the chance to swim with turtles, dolphins, nurse sharks, and a variety of tropical fish. Tour operators in San Pedro and Caye Caulker offer full-day snorkelling and diving trips to these locations.

Day Trip to Altun Ha and Cave Tubing

Combine history and adventure with a day trip to Altun Ha, an ancient Mayan temple, and cave tubing in the Belizean rainforest. Altun Ha was a significant ceremonial site for the Mayans, and it features pyramids, tombs, and temples. Cave tubing involves floating through underground cave systems, often used by the Mayans for rituals, and is a unique way to explore the natural beauty of Belize.

The best places to stay in Belize

Belize is a small Central American country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, with a distinct Caribbean feel. It is home to the second-largest barrier reef system in the world and the famous sinkhole, the "Great Blue Hole". The country is known for its biodiversity, with pristine beaches and lush jungle terrains.

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

San Pedro is the only city on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize. It is the most developed of the Belize islands, with several luxury resorts and plenty of activities. Some recommended places to stay in San Pedro include the Mahogany Bay Village Resort and Beach Club, Victoria House Resort & Spa, and Caribbean Villas Hotel.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small, vibrant island with a distinct backpacker/bohemian feel. The entire island can be walked in an hour or two, and there are no cars, so it is best explored on foot, by golf cart, or by bike. There are plenty of fun beach bars along "The Split", a popular spot on the island. While there are currently no luxury accommodations on Caye Caulker, it is still a great place to stay for a more relaxed and budget-friendly experience.

Hopkins, Mainland

Hopkins is a unique cultural area on the mainland, home to a large Garifuna population. It offers access to both the reef and the rainforest, making it a great base for exploring the best of Belize. A recommended place to stay in Hopkins is the Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort, the only hotel in Belize where you can see both the reef and the rainforest.

San Ignacio, Cayo District

San Ignacio is the second-largest city in Belize and a popular jumping-off point for visitors. It is close to several significant Mayan ruins, expansive cave systems, and the country's spectacular rainforest. It also has a bustling market and a colourful historic centre. Recommended places to stay in San Ignacio include the luxurious San Ignacio Resort Hotel and the eco-lodge, Gaia River Lodge.

Placencia

Placencia is a gorgeous 16-mile peninsula with white, palm-fringed sand beaches. It has excellent facilities, making it a great choice for families, with a range of restaurants and great diving and snorkelling spots. Recommended places to stay in Placencia include the family-friendly Itz'ana Belize Resort & Residences and the good-value Robert's Grove.

The best bars in San Pedro

San Pedro in Belize is a bustling town with plenty of bars to choose from. Here is a list of some of the best bars to visit during your stay:

Wahoo's Lounge

A beach bar with delicious, cheap happy hour rum drinks and a beautiful setting. Wahoo's is known for its world-famous chicken drop on Thursday nights, where a well-fed chicken plays bingo on a giant board, and the person whose number it poops on wins money. It's a great spot to hang out and enjoy the beach and the drinks.

Coco Loco's Beach Bar

Coco Loco's is a fantastic spot to unwind and enjoy a swim-up bar. It is located right on the beach, offering a stunning view of the ocean. The staff are friendly and accommodating, and the food is perfect after a day of fun in the sun.

The Truck Stop

A lively shipping container-concept bar with several dining options and a beer garden. You can find pizza, noodles, tacos, and ice cream, along with live music, games, and a swimming pool. It's a great spot for families, with activities every night and outdoor movie screenings.

Palapa Bar

This bar will transport you to Tahiti with its overwater bungalow setting. You can sip on icy drinks while lounging in the Caribbean waters, as there are tables in the water. It's a great spot to spend the afternoon, with several bars and restaurants along this strip of sand.

Level Up Barcade

A fun escape from the hustle and bustle of San Pedro, Level Up offers a pleasant surprise with its super-friendly staff, well-maintained games, and good food and beer choices. It's family-friendly and definitely worth a visit.

Nauti Crab

On Mondays, Nauti Crab hosts a "Guitar Circle," a drop-in event where locals and tourists gather to play and sing catchy tunes. It's an unexpected highlight for many visitors, leaving them with wonderful memories.

The best things to do in San Pedro

San Pedro, the only town on Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye, is a buzzing hub of activity, with plenty of attractions for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do during your stay:

Explore the Town by Golf Cart

Golf carts are the main mode of transportation in San Pedro, with locals and tourists alike using them to run errands, meet friends, or head to the beach. Rent a cart and join the parade to experience the vibrant town from an open-air vehicle as you make your way to shops and restaurants.

Discover Secret Beach

Once a hidden gem, Secret Beach now attracts many beachgoers who enjoy its turquoise waters and soft sand. Located seven miles north of San Pedro, it offers miles of clear waters, free of seaweed, and a peaceful vibe. You can get there by golf cart, jet ski, or boat, and enjoy beachside restaurants, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Snorkelling and Diving

Belize is proud to be home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, and San Pedro offers plenty of opportunities to explore it. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular snorkelling and diving destination, with vibrant coral and a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, and sharks. For a unique experience, swim with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley.

If you're an experienced diver, don't miss the chance to explore the Great Blue Hole, a giant submarine sinkhole with massive stalagmites and stalactites. It's home to various shark species, and you can arrange dive tours or night dives from San Pedro.

Sail to Caye Caulker

Take a ferry or charter a catamaran to the laid-back island of Caye Caulker, known for its seaside eateries, boutique stores, and gorgeous beaches. Enjoy music and lounging at The Split, formed when a hurricane divided the island in 1961. Caye Caulker also offers snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, and other water activities.

Indulge in Food and Drinks

San Pedro has a variety of dining options, from local Belizean cuisine to international fare. For a unique dining experience, visit The Truck Stop, a shipping container park with food options ranging from New Haven-style pizza to Asian and Latin cuisine. Enjoy live entertainment, a swimming pool, and daily themed events like movie nights and trivia games.

For a sweet treat, take a tour of the Belize Chocolate Company to learn about the country's rich chocolate history and sample a variety of chocolates, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Explore History and Culture

Discover San Pedro's cultural diversity at the Black & White Cultural Entertainment Center, which celebrates the Garifuna, Mestizo, Creole, Maya, and other ethnic groups of Belize. Experience live drumming recitals, taste diverse cuisines, and attend cultural presentations.

For a glimpse into the past, visit the Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve at the tip of Ambergris Caye. Surrounded by dense jungle and mangroves, it is believed to have been a Mayan trading post, with at least 49 known structures and pottery made from clay and quartz brought from overseas.

Adventure Activities

For an adrenaline-pumping experience, sign up for the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour. Hike through the jungle, swim across rivers, and explore a pitch-black cave with ancient artefacts and crystallised skeletons from Mayan human sacrifices.

If you're looking for more above-ground adventures, rent a bike or golf cart and head to the northern part of Ambergris Caye. Visit Bacalar Chico National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with nature trails and snorkelling spots. Keep an eye out for rare wildlife, including ocelots, pumas, and jaguars.

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