San Pedro, Belize: Island Paradise

San Pedro, Belize, is a vibrant town located on the island of Ambergris Caye in the Caribbean Sea. It is the largest city on this gorgeous island, which is known for its stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. San Pedro is easily accessible by air or sea, with a short flight or water taxi ride from Belize City. The town offers a unique blend of cultures, with friendly locals, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere. Visitors can explore the town's wooden homes, boutiques, bars, and cafes, while also enjoying the nearby pearly beaches and crystal-clear sea. San Pedro is particularly famous as the inspiration behind Madonna's classic song La Isla Bonita, and the town continues to attract tourists with its vibrant festivals, water sports, and natural beauty.

San Pedro's history and culture

San Pedro, located on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, is the largest of Belize's 200-plus islands. The island is 25 miles long and a little over a mile wide in some places. It is situated in the Caribbean Sea, just off the tip of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. San Pedro was once a sleepy fishing village, but it was granted town status in 1984 and is now a popular tourist destination. The town has a diverse population, including both locals and expats from around the world, and a unique, vibrant culture.

The history of San Pedro is deeply rooted in its maritime location and fishing industry. 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 into a village, and the refugees from the Yucatan Peninsula continued fishing and farming activities in their new home. Today, it is said that one is not a true San Pedrano if they don't know how to fish.

Ambergris Caye, the island on which San Pedro is located, has a rich history dating back to Mayan times. The island was once a trading post for the Maya civilisation, with a population of 10,000 people. The Maya dug a narrow channel between Mexico and Belize to provide a trade route from the bay of Chetumal to the Caribbean. After the Maya came the whalers, buccaneers, and the ancestors of today's residents, who worked in the coconut plantations and fishing industry.

The culture of San Pedro is lively and diverse, with a mix of Mexican, Caribbean, and English colonial influences. The town is known for its friendly locals, who often wear the typical island dress code of bare feet, t-shirts, and shorts. Visitors can explore the colourful streets, sample traditional Belizean cuisine, and experience the vibrant music and dance scene. San Pedro is also known for its festivals, including the famous El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro, which has its roots in the 1870s and centres around the legend of "Juan Carnaval".

Getting to San Pedro

San Pedro is located on Ambergris Caye, the largest of Belize's 200-plus islands. To get to San Pedro, you can either fly or take a boat from Belize City. The flight takes around 15 to 20 minutes and costs approximately $90. If you opt for the water taxi, you'll first need to take a 20-minute taxi ride to the ferry terminal, followed by a 75-minute water taxi ride. The round-trip water taxi ticket costs $38.

The San Pedro Town Airstrip offers regular flights to and from the mainland. Alternatively, you can travel by water taxi, which connects San Pedro to Belize City and nearby islands such as Caye Caulker.

Once you arrive in San Pedro, you'll find that the main modes of transportation on the island are typically golf carts or bicycles. Many resorts and hotels provide complimentary bicycles for their guests, making it easy to explore the town and its surroundings. However, if you want to venture further out, such as to the Secret Beach, renting a golf cart is recommended. Golf cart rentals typically cost $25 to $40 per day, but you may be able to get a better deal by bargaining for weekly discounts.

Where to stay

San Pedro, Belize, is a bustling fishing town with a variety of accommodation options, from larger resorts to intimate hotels, rental houses, fishing lodges, and budget hostels. Here is a detailed list of some great places to stay in San Pedro:

Victoria House Resort

The Victoria House Resort is a beautiful British colonial-style resort located a short distance south of downtown San Pedro. It is known for its elegance, luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and world-class service. This resort is also famous for being the place where Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed rekindled their love.

Ramon's Village Resort

Ramon's Village Resort brings the unique aesthetics of Bora Bora to Ambergris Caye. Located in downtown San Pedro, it offers beachfront thatched cabanas surrounded by tropical gardens and swimming pools. Ramon's Village is one of the oldest and most popular hotels in the area, named after a local tourism pioneer.

Pelican Reef Villas Resort

Pelican Reef Villas is a modern and well-equipped beachfront condo located 15 minutes away from downtown San Pedro. It is perfect for couples and families, offering the option to cook their own meals or dine at the onsite restaurant. Guests can enjoy lounging by the pool, snorkelling, fishing, or relaxing on their private beachfront.

Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club

Part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, Mahogany Bay Resort is located in Ambergris Caye South, just 15 minutes by golf cart from San Pedro's downtown. This resort is the first international luxury hotel chain in Belize, featuring a chic restaurant, private beach, friendly staff, and beautifully decorated beach cottages and villas.

Matachica Resort & Spa

Matachica is an adults-only resort located in North Ambergris Caye, perfect for couples seeking access to the lively town of San Pedro. Accommodations include beach huts and luxurious villas, all cosy and uniquely decorated. Matachica is ideal for those seeking seclusion and relaxation.

The Phoenix Resort

The Phoenix Resort is an award-winning beachside resort located in the heart of Ambergris Caye. It is perfect for travellers who want to explore the vibrant town of San Pedro while also having easy access to a nearby hotel. The resort offers deluxe condo-style accommodations and a refreshing set of pools.

Where to eat

San Pedro, Belize, is brimming with culinary delights, from fine dining to casual eateries, all offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences.

Wild Mango San Pedro Restaurant

This funky, cozy beachfront restaurant is an island favourite, serving creative and innovative dishes with a robust menu. It is always busy with patrons, and for good reason. Try the Tres Amigos ceviche, which offers three different types of ceviche, or opt for one of their many vegan and vegetarian options, like the Vegan Kale Salad.

Elvi's Kitchen

An iconic restaurant in San Pedro, Elvi's has been a staple for 20 years. Founded by Elvia Staines, it began as a burger aisle and now features live music and decor reminiscent of San Pedro's fishing village roots. Don't miss the Grand Mayan Buffet on Fridays, showcasing an assortment of Maya-Mestizo food.

Blue Water Grill

Considered an island staple, Blue Water Grill is a lively spot frequented by both locals and tourists. It is known for its Sushi Tuesday and Thursday nights, but also offers a variety of dishes to suit all palettes, like the Hawaiian-style Ahi Poke Salad and Cajun Snook.

Aji Tapa Bar & Restaurant

A waterside establishment with a varied menu, Aji Tapa is known for its fresh seafood and steak options, as well as its tapas and paella. It is one of the top-rated restaurants in San Pedro, with a refined setting ideal for a three-course dinner.

Hidden Treasure Restaurant

This fine-dining, open-air restaurant in south San Pedro offers a romantic and cozy dining experience. It features live music on Thursdays, showcasing a fusion of Latin, Caribbean, and American music. The Seafood Treasure is a must-try for seafood lovers.

Palmilla at Victoria House

Located in the Ambergris resort south of San Pedro, Palmilla is known for its elegant setting and high-quality food. It is a popular choice for romantics and special occasions, offering indoor and outdoor dining options. Try the almond-crusted lobster strips or the cashew-crusted grouper for a unique dining experience.

Things to do

San Pedro, located on the island of Ambergris Caye, is a bustling town with a lot to offer visitors. Here are some things to do when visiting:

Explore the Town

Take a walk through the streets of San Pedro and soak in the vibrant culture. The town is filled with wooden homes, some adorned with Mexican decor, others with Caribbean flair, and some retaining their English colonial architecture. Front And Middle streets (now Barrier Reef Drive/Pescador Drive) are lined with gift shops, boutiques, bars, cafes, and restaurants. The locals are known for their friendliness, and you'll enjoy hearing the smooth sounds of reggae as you explore.

Visit the Beach

San Pedro is surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters and picturesque white sand beaches. You won't have to wander far to find a spot to relax with a cocktail and enjoy the Caribbean sun.

Try the Local Cuisine

San Pedro offers a variety of dining options, from fancy resort restaurants to budget-friendly street vendors. The town's cuisine is a unique blend of Mexican and Caribbean flavours, and you can find everything from fresh seafood to Italian pasta. Some recommended restaurants include The French Touch, Mesa, and Ammore'Pasta.

Adventure to Secret Beach

Rent a golf cart and head across the island to Secret Beach. The journey itself is an adventure as you pass through jungle and swamp areas, spotting wildlife such as crocodiles and iguanas. Secret Beach offers beachfront hotels and restaurants, as well as excellent snorkelling and swimming opportunities in the Caribbean waters.

Dive and Snorkel

As a popular gateway to the nearby Belize Barrier Reef, San Pedro is an excellent base for diving and snorkelling. You can rent equipment and join tours to explore the reef, including the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.

Attend a Festival

San Pedro hosts several exuberant festivals throughout the year, including Carnival, Lobsterfest in June, and the International Costa Maya Festival in August, a combination of a beauty pageant, street fair, and live music concert.

Frequently asked questions