The Allure Of San Pedro, Belize: A Tropical Paradise Unveiled

San Pedro in Belize is a popular tourist destination, famed for its beautiful beaches, scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, and laid-back vibe. The town is located on Ambergris Caye, the country's largest island, and is known for its friendly locals, delicious seafood, and stunning turquoise waters. With its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Pedro offers easy access to some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in the world. The town also boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, with world-class restaurants and bars, as well as a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to boutique guest houses. San Pedro's inhabitants, known as San Pedranos, are mostly of Mayan-Spanish descent and speak both English and Spanish fluently. The town has a rich history, having transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a bustling tourist hub, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and unique charm.

Snorkelling and scuba diving

San Pedro in Belize is a great place for snorkelling and scuba diving. The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is less than a mile offshore, making Ambergris Caye a top spot for diving and snorkelling. The crystal-clear turquoise waters of Belize are home to an abundance of marine life, including colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, dolphins, nurse sharks, stingrays, puffers, hogfish, grouper, crabs, octopus, lobster, anemones, and horse-eyed jacks.

There are countless dive sites and snorkel stops within a 15-minute boat ride from San Pedro. The Belize Reef is just a five-minute boat ride from the PADI dive centre in San Pedro, with over 100 dive sites to choose from.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular snorkelling and diving spot. It consists of Zone A, the coral reef, Zone B, the turtle grass beds, Zone C, the mangrove islands, and Zone D, Shark and Ray Alley. You can snorkel through vibrant coral reefs and see everything from stingrays to nurse sharks.

Other top snorkelling spots include the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, where you can snorkel between coral heads, and the world-famous Blue Hole.

If you prefer scuba diving, top diving sites near San Pedro include Half Moon Caye Wall, Long Caye Aquarium, and the Great Blue Hole. The Great Blue Hole is a massive underwater sinkhole located off the coast of Belize, near the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It is a dream dive for many divers around the world.

Turneffe Atoll is another great scuba diving spot. It is the largest and most visually spectacular of Belize's three atolls. The 400+ islets are mostly covered in dense mangroves interspersed with shallow lagoons, feeding the surrounding waters with a nutrient-rich soup.

There are several companies in San Pedro offering scuba diving and snorkelling tours and courses, including Belize Pro Dive Center, Scuba School and Family Dive Center Belize, Wicked Adventures of Belize, Sun Sea and Family Tours, and Blue Tang Inn.

Food and drink

San Pedro in Belize is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering everything from beachside lounges to vibrant local eateries. The area is known for its fresh seafood and bold local flavours.

North of the Bridge

The Truck Stop is a unique dining experience, offering an eclectic mix of pizza, Asian fusion, and Mexican-Caribbean cuisine. It is made up of railway car "shipping containers". Don't miss their Movie Night on Wednesdays for dinner under the stars.

For sunset views and delicious eats, head to Croc's Sunset Sports Bar. This double-decker bar is perfect for winding down with a drink and their famous chicken wings, fish tacos, and lavender Moscow mule.

San Pedro Town

Estel's Restaurant is a popular spot for a hearty breakfast. Enjoy their build-your-own plate option with your feet in the sand.

Hurricanes is a hidden gem overlooking the sea, offering clean washrooms and a cozy deck. Their grilled chicken sandwich and authentic ceviche are must-tries.

Elvi's Kitchen is a hotspot in San Pedro. It is famous for hosting Prince Harry and its longstanding history. Reservations are recommended! Their signature dishes include ceviche, coconut shrimp, and whole fish.

Waruguma is a local favourite, known for its massive Lobster Burrito.

Other Notable Mentions

Blue Water Grill Restaurant is a great option for romantic dining with a sea view. With live music every Friday night, sushi on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a prominent place for seafood on the menu, it's a popular choice.

Caramba is a hotspot for the freshest seafood dinner. Grilled lobster, fish, and shrimp star on the menu.

Lily's Treasure Chest is a fantastic lunch spot with the freshest seafood available and a full menu that highlights the many preparations of seafood.

Tipsy Lobster Seafood Grill is the place to go for fresh seafood, including seasonal favourites like conch fritters and lobster.

For those seeking vegan and vegetarian options, Wild Mango’s offers a fresh change with delicious salads and smoothies.

Food Tours

If you're looking to eat like a local and experience the history and culture of Belize, consider a food tour. Belize Food Tours offers a walking tour of local food, taking you to "mom and pop" kitchens and sharing fun historic tidbits.

History and culture

San Pedro, Belize, is a town on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, an island in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Belize. It was founded in 1848 and was granted township status in 1984. The town has a rich history and culture that has been influenced by its location, industry, and the people who have called it home over the years.

In Mayan times, Ambergris Caye was a trading post, with evidence of a former Maya population of 10,000 at the Marco Gonzalez ruins and the Basil Jones site. The narrow channel that separates Mexico and Belize was dug by the Maya to provide a trade route from the Bay of Chetumal to the Caribbean. Following the Maya, whalers, buccaneers, and fishermen settled in the area, along with workers in the coconut plantations.

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 grew, and the inhabitants, known as San Pedranos, were mostly of Mexican origin. The primary industries in San Pedro were coconuts and fishing, with tourism eventually growing roots on the island. Today, San Pedro is a bustling town with a diverse population, including both locals and expats from around the world.

The town is known for its lively and vibrant culture, including its colourful streets, traditional Belizean cuisine, and lively music and dance scene. It is also famous for its festivals, such as El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro, which has its roots in the 1870s and features the burning of a stuffed doll-like idol of "Juan Carnaval," symbolizing the cleansing of the community's sins.

San Pedro has also become a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, including snorkelling, diving, and fishing, as well as explore the rich marine life of the reef.

Transport

San Pedro, Belize is located on Ambergris Caye, an island off the coast of Belize. As it is an island, there are limited transport options to get there. However, once you arrive, there are several ways to get around.

Getting to San Pedro

As San Pedro does not have an international airport, you will first need to fly to the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) near Belize City. From there, you have a few options:

• Take a domestic flight: Both Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer flights directly from the international airport to the San Pedro airstrip. The flight is quick (around 20 minutes) and easy, and you will be treated to beautiful views. A round-trip ticket will cost around $175 US.
• Take a water taxi: Water taxis are available on a daily basis from the Belize City harbour. Boats leave for San Pedro on an hourly basis from 8 am to 5:30 pm. The ride takes about 1.5 hours and costs $30.50 US one way or $56.50 US round trip.
• Take a hopper plane: These small planes transport passengers to popular islands like Ambergris Caye.

Getting Around San Pedro

Once you're on Ambergris Caye, you can get around by walking, biking, or using various forms of transport:

• Golf carts: Golf carts are a popular way to get around the island, especially for longer distances. There are many companies offering golf cart rentals, including Village Golf Cart Rentals, Rock's Golf Carts Rentals, and Island Bee Golf Cart Rentals.
• Taxis: Taxis are affordable and easy to flag down in San Pedro. Fares typically range from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approximately $5 to $7.50 US). However, regular taxis do not have a fixed meter rate or a consistent look, so be sure to agree on a price before getting in.
• Water taxis: Water taxis are the best way to access Belize's numerous cayes. There are multiple water taxi services, including the San Pedro Belize Express, that operate daily shuttle services between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and Ambergris Caye. One-way tickets typically cost between $21 and $31 US.
• Buses: Commuter buses are available but tend to be run-down, and routes can be difficult to navigate. Autotransportes De Oriente (ADO) provides transport from Belize City to nearby Mexican destinations, while James Bus offers daily service between Belize City and Southern Belize.
• Rental cars: Rental cars are easy to find near the airports, but you will need to acquire an international driving permit. Consider renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as some roads can be rustic and challenging to navigate.

Shopping

San Pedro in Belize is a shopper's paradise, with a wide variety of products to choose from. The town offers an interesting and unusual selection of Central American goods, from art and jewellery to wine, liquor, clothing, and edibles. The colourful and interesting stores are all within walking distance, and there is no mall in sight!

For those looking for souvenirs, the local artisans' market on Back Street is a great place to start. Here, you can find handmade crafts, including wooden sculptures, shell art, and hand-woven hammocks. The San Pedro Artisans Market is another excellent spot for handmade souvenirs, with local artists displaying their works for sale. You can also find gift shops selling products made by local Belizeans, Mexicans, and Guatemalans, as well as imported items.

If you're looking for art, San Pedro has plenty of galleries and studios to explore, including the Belizean Melody Art Gallery, Papo's Art Studio, and Paradise Framing & Art Gallery. For chocolate lovers, the Belize Chocolate Company offers bean-to-bar chocolate made from organic cacao beans grown on small family farms in southern Belize. They also offer chocolate-making classes and milkshakes to go.

For those interested in rum, Traveller's Liqours on Middle Street offers a variety of blends and varieties to suit different taste buds. You can also find rum at The Rum, Cigar and Coffee House, which, as the name suggests, also offers a selection of cigars and coffee.

If you're looking for unique jewellery, D & G Fine Jewelry and Arts on Front Street is a great option, with designs made from precious metals, stones, and black coral, a material native to Belize.

For skincare and beauty products, Belize Breezes Soap Co. is a must-visit, with over 18 years of experience creating natural and chemical-free soaps and skincare.

Lastly, for those looking for clothing and accessories, there are boutiques like Mambo Chill, which offers clothing, jewellery, and beautiful fabrics. The Belikin Store is also a popular spot for beer lovers, offering souvenirs, merchandise, and even draft beer.

So, whether you're looking for unique souvenirs, local art, or a taste of Belize's famous rum and chocolate, San Pedro has plenty of shopping options to explore and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions