The Island Of San Pedro: A Tropical Paradise In Belize

San Pedro is a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, an island in Belize, Central America. It is the largest town on the island and the second-largest in the Belize District. San Pedro was once a small fishing village but has since become a popular tourist destination, famed for its scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. The town is named after the patron saint of fishing, St. Peter.

San Pedro's history and culture

San Pedro, a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, is Belize's biggest island. In Mayan times, Ambergris Caye was a trading post. The first European contact with Ambergris Caye was made by Spanish explorers in 1508. The Maya, who had been living in Central America for some 15 centuries, successfully repulsed attempts by Europeans to settle the area.

The village of San Pedro was founded in 1848 by Mestizo refugees from the Guerra de Castas in Yucatan. The first permanent settlers of San Pedro arrived between 1848 and 1849, consisting of the 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. The settling of Ambergris Caye was typical of this general pattern: the refugees who came to live there had been farmers and fishermen in Yucatan, and they continued these activities in San Pedro.

San Pedro was officially granted township status in 1984. The town has a laid-back vibe and is known for its friendly locals, stunning beaches, lively culture, and vibrant nightlife. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its barrier reef, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. The Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere, is home to a rich array of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and sharks.

San Pedro is also known for its diverse population, including both locals and expats from around the world. Visitors can explore the town's colourful streets, sample traditional Belizean cuisine, and experience the lively music and dance scene. The town is also home to several festivals throughout the year, including El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro, which goes back to the 1870s.

The town's economy and tourism

San Pedro, Belize, is a town on the southern tip of Ambergris Caye, the country's largest island. It is the capital of Ambergris Caye and was founded in 1848. The town has a population of around 16,444-20,000 people and is known for its colourful atmosphere and vibrant tourism industry.

San Pedro's economy is largely driven by tourism, with the town serving as a popular gateway to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The town offers a range of resorts, hotels, restaurants, and dive centres that cater to visitors seeking to explore the reef and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Scuba diving is a notable economic activity, with many divers visiting the area, leading to the presence of two hyperbaric decompression chambers on the island.

The town's tourism industry benefits from its accessibility, with an airstrip providing regular connections to the mainland and a water taxi dock offering connections to Belize City and nearby islands. San Pedro's popularity as a tourist destination is also enhanced by its vibrant festivals, including the raucous El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro, Lobsterfest, and the International Costa Maya Festival.

In addition to scuba diving, popular activities in San Pedro include windsurfing, kiteboarding, sea kayaking, bird watching, fishing, sailing, snorkelling, and exploring the local wildlife. The town's infrastructure includes high-speed internet, banks, shops, swimming pools, and even a gourmet farmer's market.

The growth of tourism in San Pedro has contributed to an increase in the population and the expansion of resorts, hotels, and lodging options. This development has resulted in higher living expenses compared to other parts of Belize, with property prices and utility costs being notably higher in the town.

San Pedro's vibrant tourism economy, driven by its natural attractions and diverse offerings, makes it a significant contributor to Belize's tourism industry.

Popular attractions and activities

San Pedro in Belize is a tourist hotspot, known for its beaches and dive shops. Here are some of the most popular attractions and activities:

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

This beautiful nature reserve is a popular diving and snorkelling destination. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. The reserve is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, southern rays, and several species of fish and sharks. Visitors can embark on snorkelling tours to explore the vibrant coral walls of the channel.

Secret Beach

Located on the western side of Ambergris Caye, Secret Beach offers crystal-clear, calm waters, and a peaceful atmosphere. It is easily accessible by golf cart, Jet Ski, or boat. Visitors can enjoy beach bars and restaurants, and water activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking.

Belize Chocolate Company

The Belize Chocolate Company offers a unique opportunity to learn about the bean-to-bar chocolate-making process. Visitors can take chocolate-making classes and indulge in various treats, including vegan and gluten-free options. The company uses beans sourced from small farmers in Southern Belize, showcasing the country's renowned chocolate.

Black & White Cultural Entertainment Center

The Black & White Cultural Entertainment Center is the place to celebrate the diverse cultures of Belize. It hosts live drumming recitals, cultural presentations, and a buffet featuring cuisines from different ethnic groups. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Belizean food and experience the vibrant Garifuna culture through music and dance.

The Truck Stop

The Truck Stop is San Pedro's entertainment hub, offering a unique blend of food, drinks, and entertainment. It features food trucks, a bar, an ice cream shop, and a pool. With movie nights, trivia games, live music, and themed events, there's something for everyone. It's a great spot to hang out and watch the sunset.

Other Activities

San Pedro offers a range of water activities such as parasailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and Jet Ski rentals. Visitors can also explore the town by renting a golf cart or bicycle. For a relaxing experience, Ocean Essence Day Spa, the original over-water day spa in San Pedro, offers certified massage therapists and a calming atmosphere.

Food and entertainment

San Pedro, Belize, is a tourist hotspot, known for its beaches, dive shops, and proximity to Caye Caulker. It is the only town on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize.

San Pedro has a wide variety of food and entertainment options.

Food

Belizean food is known for its fresh seafood and simple, delicious dishes. Ceviche, conch fritters, stone crab, lobster, and whole fried hogfish are all popular choices. There are also plenty of restaurants serving international cuisine, including French, American, Mexican, and Caribbean food.

For those who want to try a bit of everything, Belize Food Tours offers a 2-3 hour lunch walking tour that takes visitors through downtown San Pedro to taste local specialties, desserts, drinks, and more. The tour is led by a local guide who shares stories and historical insights about the island.

Entertainment

San Pedro has a vibrant nightlife scene with world-class restaurants, beach bars, and live music. The Truck Stop, located on Ambergris Caye, is Belize's first shipping container food truck park. It features a variety of food options, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, an outdoor games area, and a different event every night, including live music, game shows, movie nights, and trivia.

The island also offers plenty of water activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, and jet skiing. Scuba diving and snorkelling are particularly popular, with the Belize Barrier Reef located just offshore, providing easy access to world-class dive and snorkel sites.

Some popular festivals and events in San Pedro include the San Pedro Lobsterfest, the Holiday-lighted Boat Parade, and the International Costa Maya Festival.

Transport on the island

San Pedro is located on Ambergris Caye, an island off the coast of Belize. The island's proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef makes it a popular destination for diving, snorkelling, sailing, and fishing.

The main town of San Pedro is located in the southern part of the island and contains the airport and most shops, hotels, and restaurants. The island is 25 miles long, so many people choose to rent a golf cart or catch a taxi to travel long distances beyond downtown San Pedro.

For shorter distances, walking or biking is recommended, especially in the downtown core, which has many unique bars, restaurants, and shops to explore. Many hotels offer free bikes to their guests.

To get to Ambergris Caye, you can either fly or take a water taxi from Belize City. The flight from Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA) to San Pedro Airport (SPR) takes about 15 minutes and costs around $50-$180. The water taxi takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs $22-$45.

Once on the island, golf carts are the main mode of transportation. They can be rented from companies like Advanced Golf Cart Rental, which has locations near the San Pedro Airport and the Water Taxi Terminal. A 2-seater golf cart costs around $30 for 24 hours, while a 6-seater golf cart costs $60.

Taxis are also available on the island, and some resorts offer boat services or ferries for their guests.

Frequently asked questions