Lexi Webster
San Pedro is the largest settlement and only town on Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island. The town is the main hub of the island, with the airport, shops, hotels, and restaurants. It is a popular tourist destination, with a range of accommodation, beautiful beaches, and excellent scuba diving and snorkelling spots. The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just off the coast of Ambergris Caye, making it a top spot for water activities. San Pedro is also known for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere, with golf carts and bicycles as the main mode of transportation. The town has a rich history, dating back to the days of the Maya, and was once a small fishing village before tourism became the main industry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Just off the coast of Belize, in the Caribbean Sea |
| Size | 25 miles long, about a mile wide |
| Population | 10,000+ |
| History | Pre-Columbian Maya community, European Pirates, Mexican Refugees |
| Economy | Tourism, previously coconut and fishing industries |
| Main Town | San Pedro |
| Main Attractions | Belize Barrier Reef, beaches, scuba diving, snorkelling |
| Transport | Golf carts, bicycles, taxis, boats, small airstrip |
| Food | Seafood, rice and beans, stewed chicken, potato salad, lobster, conch |
What You'll Learn
San Pedro Town is the largest settlement on Ambergris Caye
San Pedro is the first place visitors to Ambergris Caye will land, either by plane or water taxi, and it is a hub for the island's tourism industry. The town has a population of over 10,000 year-round inhabitants, including many newcomers from the mainland and abroad, as well as the original "San Pedranos" who are Mestizo and speak both Spanish and English.
San Pedro offers a range of accommodation options, from low-rise hotels and guest houses to boutique-style resorts and condos. The town also has a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, and is known for its fresh seafood and cold beer. The main form of transportation in San Pedro is golf carts, which can be rented by visitors to explore the island.
San Pedro is also a popular base for excursions and tours, including diving and snorkelling trips to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town itself has a traditional feel, with bicycle vendors selling Creole buns and ice pops, and dogs lying in the sun on the side of the road. Despite the growth of tourism, San Pedro has retained its laid-back vibe and is known for its friendly and tolerant locals.
In addition to its modern conveniences and amenities, San Pedro also offers easy access to nature and wildlife. The town is surrounded by tropical flora and broadleaf forests, and the sea is abundant with fish, divers, snorkelers, and sailors. San Pedro is also a great starting point for excursions to nearby attractions and distant islands and atolls.
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Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize
The island's main town, San Pedro, is located in the southern part of the island and is the largest settlement and only town on Ambergris Caye. San Pedro is named after the patron saint of fishing, St. Peter, and has a rich history as a traditional fishing village. Today, it is a bustling hub of activity, with a variety of resorts, hotels, shops, and restaurants. The town also offers a glimpse into the local culture and way of life, with its wooden houses, vibrant street life, and friendly locals.
Ambergris Caye has something for everyone. For nature lovers, the island is a top destination for scuba diving and snorkelling, with easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The reef is home to a diverse array of marine life, including colourful fish, rays, eels, and even manatees. In addition, the island offers a variety of water-oriented activities such as swimming, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and jet-skiing. For those interested in history and culture, Ambergris Caye has a fascinating past, having been inhabited by a Maya community in Pre-Columbian times, as well as serving as a base for whalers and pirates in the 17th century. The island also boasts a small Maya ruin site and the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, which offers insight into the ancient Maya history and wildlife of the region.
The island is also known for its vibrant social scene, with a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as annual events such as the Costa Maya Festival, Carnival, and the Lobster Fest. Ambergris Caye is easily accessible by plane or boat from Belize City, making it a convenient destination for travellers.
With its natural beauty, rich history, and diverse attractions, Ambergris Caye is a must-visit destination in Belize, offering a unique blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation.
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The island is known for its scuba diving and snorkelling
San Pedro is indeed on Ambergris Caye, an island in Belize. The island is known for its scuba diving and snorkelling, and with good reason.
Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and is located just off the coast in the Caribbean Sea. It is about 25 miles long and a mile wide at its widest point. The island's proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, makes it a top spot for diving and snorkelling. The reef is just 0.75 miles offshore, meaning there are countless dive sites and snorkel spots within a short boat ride of the island.
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular spot for both divers and snorkellers. It consists of four zones: Zone A, the coral reef; Zone B, the turtle grass beds; Zone C, the mangrove islands; and Zone D, Shark and Ray Alley. Another popular snorkelling site is Shark Ray Alley, where you can spot a tangle of sharks and jump in to join them.
For scuba divers, top sites near San Pedro include Half Moon Caye Wall, Long Caye Aquarium, and the Great Blue Hole, a massive underwater sinkhole located off the coast of Belize. The Turneffe Atoll is also a popular scuba diving spot, as the largest and most visually spectacular of Belize's three atolls.
With its clear turquoise waters, abundant marine life, and easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef, it's no wonder that Ambergris Caye is known for its scuba diving and snorkelling.
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The best time to visit is from December to April
San Pedro is indeed located on Ambergris Caye, an island in Belize.
The best time to visit San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, Belize, is from December to April, during the country's dry season. This peak season draws thousands of tourists, and for good reasons. You can expect warm temperatures, clear skies, and easy access to the country's top attractions. The dry season is also Belize's high tourism season, which means that you can take advantage of the amazing weather to enjoy tons of fun outdoor activities such as water sports and jungle adventures.
The months of December, January, and February are cool and breezy, with lots of sunshine. In March, April, and May, it tends to get hotter with almost no clouds. The azure waters remain clear and calm, perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling adventures.
However, due to the popularity of this time, hotel stays and tours are more expensive. If you want to beat the rush of tourists and don't mind bringing an umbrella, you can consider visiting during the rainy season in September and October. Keep in mind that some establishments shut down during the offseason, and hurricanes are known to disrupt this coastal country between June and October.
If you're looking for ideal weather without the crowds, January to April is your best bet. But there's no wrong time to visit San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, Belize. It's a question of your personal preferences and what you want to experience during your trip.
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The island is accessible by plane, boat, or helicopter
San Pedro is indeed on Ambergris Caye, an island in Belize. The island is accessible by plane, boat, or helicopter.
By Plane
Flying is the quickest way to get to Ambergris Caye. There are two airports in Belize City: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport and Municipal Airport. Both offer frequent daily flights to San Pedro Airport (airport code SPR) on Ambergris Caye. Flights from the international airport are more expensive and are recommended for those arriving on international flights, while flights from the municipal airport are cheaper and more convenient for those already in Belize City. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the two airlines that service this route. Flights from the international airport cost around BZ$140 each way, while flights from the municipal airport cost BZ$72 each way. The flight time is approximately 15 minutes.
By Boat
Ocean Ferry Belize and San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi are the two water taxi companies that offer transportation to Ambergris Caye from Belize City. The boats are covered speedboats with space for 50-100 passengers. The ride takes about an hour and a half and includes a stop at Caye Caulker. The fare is between BZ$34 and BZ$56 one way, or between BZ$64 and BZ$76 round trip. Ocean Ferry offers five trips a day, while San Pedro Belize Express offers nine. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or in person at the terminals. Pets are allowed but must be contained in kennels or bags.
By Helicopter
There are also charter helicopter options available, which can be arranged directly with hotels that have helipads.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, San Pedro is the largest settlement and only town on Ambergris Caye, which is an island in Belize.
San Pedro is a popular destination for diving and snorkelling, with easy access to the Belize Barrier Reef. There are also golf carts, bicycles and taxis for rent, and several restaurants, bars and boutiques to visit.
You can take a domestic flight or water taxi from Belize City to San Pedro.
The dry season from December to April is the best time to visit, but hotel stays and tours will be more expensive.
Local cuisine includes rice and beans, stewed chicken and potato salad. Seafood is also popular, with dishes such as lobster, conch and an array of fish.
