Exploring Belize: Getting To San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

Belize is located in Central America on the western edge of the Caribbean Sea, with Ambergris Caye being one of the hundreds of islands off its coast. To get to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, you'll need to fly or take a boat from the mainland. The closest international airport is Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, located outside of Belize City. From there, you can either take a domestic flight to San Pedro Airport or a water taxi to the island. The flight option is more expensive but offers stunning views of the barrier reef and takes only about 15 minutes, while the water taxi is a cheaper and more scenic choice, with a ride time of around 75 minutes. Once you arrive in San Pedro, you can explore the town on foot or rent a golf cart to travel to more distant locations.

Getting to San Pedro by air

To get to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, by air, you will first need to fly to the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) near Belize City. There are no direct international flights to San Pedro, so a layover in Belize City is required. Several major airlines offer daily direct flights to Philip Goldson International Airport from the United States, Central America, Europe, and Canada.

From the international airport in Belize City, you can either fly or take a boat to San Pedro. Flying is the easiest method of travelling around Belize. The two domestic airlines in Belize, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, offer frequent daily flights to San Pedro. Maya Island Air offers 11 daily flights from Belize City and 3 from Corozal to San Pedro, while Tropic Air offers a similar schedule and a computerized reservation system. The flight from Belize City to San Pedro takes about 15 to 20 minutes and costs around US$44 to US$125 round-trip.

You can choose to fly out of either the International Airport in Ladyville, about 9 miles north of Belize City, or the Municipal Airport, a small airstrip in Belize City. Flying out of the International Airport is more convenient, as it only requires a short walk to the domestic terminal to catch your connecting flight. On the other hand, flying from the Municipal Airport can save you money, especially if you are travelling in a group. Adult one-way fares from the International Airport are approximately US$47, while from the Municipal Airport, they are US$26 for adults and US$18 for children under 12. A taxi between the two airports will cost around US$15 to US$17.50.

Reservations for Maya Island Air or Tropic Air flights are not always necessary, especially during the off-season. However, during peak season, it is recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred flight time. Many hotels on Ambergris Caye can arrange your air travel to the island when you make your room reservations, often at no extra cost. You can also book directly with the airlines by telephone or online.

Getting to San Pedro by boat

To get to San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, you'll need to take a boat from Belize City. There are two water taxi companies that operate scheduled services: Ocean Ferry and San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi. The latter offers more daily departures and free Wi-Fi on board. The boat ride takes around 75 minutes, and tickets cost between $14.50 and $20 one-way.

In Belize City, the Ocean Ferry Water Taxi Terminal is on North Front Street next to the Swing Bridge, with boats leaving between 8 am and 5:30 pm daily. The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi departs from the Tourism Village in Belize City. Boats depart San Pedro from the pier across from Doc'ks Tiki Bar, 6 am-5:30 pm daily.

There is also the option of a private water taxi service, Nautilus Water Taxi Service, which will take you from a marina on the river next to the international airport directly to your chosen location in San Pedro. This service costs $100 one-way or $150 round-trip to San Pedro Town, with an additional charge for locations further north on the island.

To get to the Belize City water taxi terminals from the international airport, you can take a taxi. The set fare is $25, with an additional $5 fee for each extra passenger. The journey takes around 15-45 minutes, depending on traffic.

The water taxi ride from Belize City to San Pedro takes about 1.5 hours, with a stop in Caye Caulker along the way. The boats are generally covered but open-air, and the ride is usually smooth as it is within the protection of the barrier reef.

Upon arrival in San Pedro, you can walk to your accommodation if it is nearby, or take a taxi. Alternatively, your hotel may be able to arrange to meet you at the pier.

Getting around San Pedro

San Pedro is a small town, so walking is a great option for getting around. The downtown core is packed with bars, restaurants, and unique shops to explore. If you're staying at a hotel, they may even offer free bikes for guests. Biking is a great option for short distances, especially in the downtown area.

However, for longer distances, you may want to consider renting a golf cart, which is a popular option for tourists. Golf carts can be used to travel beyond downtown San Pedro, and are relatively cheap to rent. You can also catch a taxi or use the boat service or ferry provided by your hotel.

If you're looking to visit Secret Beach, located about an hour north of downtown San Pedro, you'll need to take a taxi or golf cart. This popular spot is known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and the many beach bars and restaurants that line the shore.

Water taxis are another option for getting around San Pedro. They can be taken from the Belize City harbour to San Pedro on an hourly basis from 8 am to 5:30 pm. The boat ride takes about 1.5 hours one way and costs around $30.50.

So, whether you're walking, biking, or taking a golf cart, taxi, or water taxi, getting around San Pedro is easy and offers a great opportunity to explore the town and surrounding areas.

Where to stay in San Pedro

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is a popular tourist destination in Belize, known for its stunning natural beauty, glowing aqua waters, and barrier reef. The island offers a wide range of accommodation options, from small cabanas far from town to luxurious, modern condos, fantastic resorts, and private rental homes. Here are some of the best places to stay in San Pedro:

Victoria House Resort & Spa

This colonial-style resort is located on the waterfront, a few miles from downtown San Pedro. It features wide tile floors, rich crown moulding, and towering four-poster beds. Guests can enjoy yoga on the beach, fishing, and having their catch grilled by the on-site chefs.

Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club

Tucked away among manicured gardens and canals, Mahogany Bay Resort is the only private beach club in Belize. It offers dining and shopping options, as well as hammocks and cabanas suspended over the sea. It is located in Ambergris Caye South and is just a 15-minute golf cart ride from San Pedro's downtown.

PUR Boutique Cabanas

An intimate, adults-only boutique hotel with just six cabins, PUR Boutique Cabanas is a leafy escape just a seven-minute golf cart ride from downtown San Pedro. It features a build-your-own taco bar and a swim-up poolside bar serving margaritas and rum shots.

Ramon's Village Resort

Ramon's Village Resort is a Tahitian-style tropical resort with thatched-roof cabanas and mahogany wood floors. It is within walking distance of downtown San Pedro and offers balconies with jungle, pool, or seaside views. The resort also has a lagoon-like pool and a smoothie shop.

Grand Caribe Belize

With 800 feet of sandy beach access, six swimming pools, and two piers, Grand Caribe is a family-friendly resort offering rooms ranging from one-bedroom condos to a five-bedroom beachfront villa. They provide family-oriented tours such as swimming with stingrays and jungle hikes, as well as babysitting services and a tiki torch-lit dinner on the pier.

Coco Beach Resort

Located a few miles north of San Pedro, Coco Beach Resort is a haven for relaxation and adventure, featuring two pools with a water slide and a swim-up bar, as well as weekday water aerobics classes. They also offer various water sports, including catamaran sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, and parasailing.

Matachica Resort & Spa

An adults-only resort located a speedboat ride away from San Pedro, Matachica is filled with bright colours and fun. Each casita features a wildlife-inspired mural spanning the bedroom wall. Guests can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients at the Mambo Restaurant and rum punch at the outdoor bar.

Las Terrazas Resort and Residences

Sandwiched between the lagoon and ocean, Las Terrazas is a quiet retreat located a 20-minute drive from San Pedro. It offers oversized residences ranging from 1,000 to 3,100 square feet, providing ample space and privacy. The resort also features a 70-foot infinity pool and a spa offering Caribbean sea purification treatments.

The Palms Oceanfront Suites

Located across from the San Pedro Airport and within walking distance of downtown, The Palms offers 12 Caribbean-inspired suites and poolside casitas, all with verandas overlooking the ocean. They also arrange half-day and full-day trips to neighbouring islands like Caye Caulker and Goff's Caye.

Mayan Princess Hotel

The Mayan Princess Hotel is a casual, all-suite hotel hidden off one of San Pedro's main streets. Each suite features a kitchenette and an ocean-view balcony. They offer fishing tours along the nearby coral reef and Rocky Point, as well as art lovers easy access to the popular Belizean Arts gallery across the street.

Lina Point Belize Overwater Resort

Lina Point offers a unique experience with its eight cabanas sitting on stilts over the water, with glass floors in the bedrooms providing a view of the ocean. The resort also features an overwater swimming pool, an outdoor bar, and a rooftop restaurant, Hooked, offering 360-degree views of the San Pedro sky.

What to do in San Pedro

San Pedro, the capital of Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye, is a tourist mecca, boasting great beaches and plenty of dive shops. Here are some things to do when you get there:

Explore the Island by Golf Cart or Bike

Golf carts are a popular mode of transport in San Pedro, used by both locals and tourists. You can rent a golf cart or a bike to explore the island, which is bigger than you might think! If you're feeling adventurous, make the journey to Secret Beach, where you'll find beach bars, restaurants, and a nice beach.

Visit the Truck Stop

The Truck Stop is a food truck garden with a bar, ice cream shop, and a pool. They host various events throughout the week, including outdoor movie nights, trivia, and other fun games. It's also a great spot to watch the sunset.

Go Snorkelling or Diving

Belize is proud to be home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world. A must-do when in San Pedro is to experience the Belize Barrier Reef by snorkelling or diving. Popular spots include the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Mexico Rocks.

Indulge in Chocolate

The Belize Chocolate Company offers visitors the chance to learn about the history of cacao and the process of making chocolate through daily classes. You can also visit their boutique to purchase chocolate treats, including vegan and gluten-free options.

Take a Tour of the Town

San Pedro town is a vibrant place to explore, with colourful streets, golf carts, bicycles, and pedestrians. Visit Central Park, often a spot for community gatherings and festivals. Grab a scoop of ice cream at Manelly's Homemade Ice Cream and pick up unique souvenirs at the Di Bush Toucan Gift Store. You can also find an array of fruit stands and locally handmade goods.

Visit Caye Caulker

Take a day trip to Caye Caulker, a popular island off Belize's mainland. It's a 30-minute boat ride from San Pedro and offers idyllic Caribbean vibes, stunning scenery, and fun "beach" bars.

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