Lexi Webster
Downtown San Pedro, Belize, is located on Ambergris Caye, a Caribbean island that belongs to the small Central American country of Belize. It is the largest city on the island, which is approximately 40 km long and 1.6 km wide, with a population of around 10,000 people. The town is known for its classic Caribbean vibes, crystal clear turquoise sea, and reggae music. It offers a range of accommodation options, from low-rise hotels to beachfront resorts, as well as a variety of dining choices, including resort-style restaurants, bars, and street vendors. The main modes of transportation on the island are golf carts and bicycles, although some cars and taxis are also present. San Pedro is a popular tourist destination, known for its safety, friendly community, and outdoor adventures such as snorkelling and diving.
What You'll Learn
Getting to downtown San Pedro
San Pedro, Belize is a tranquil paradise that offers serenity and adventure to its visitors. Getting to downtown San Pedro is easy and convenient, with a range of transportation options available. Here is a detailed guide to help you get to downtown San Pedro:
By Plane:
Belize's domestic airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, offer scenic flights from Belize City International Airport to San Pedro. The flight time is approximately 15-20 minutes, providing breathtaking views of the mainland, the cayes, and the barrier reef. The planes, typically Cessnas, seat about a dozen passengers and land at the San Pedro airstrip in downtown. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during the peak season from Christmas to April. The round-trip ticket price is around $175 USD.
By Water Taxi:
Taking a water taxi is a more affordable option to get to downtown San Pedro. The water taxi terminal is located in downtown Belize City, about a 20-minute taxi ride from the international airport. Water taxis depart several times a day, and the travel time to San Pedro is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Two popular water taxi services are San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter, which offer regular trips between Belize City and San Pedro, with a stop at Caye Caulker. The water taxis are usually covered boats with open sides and can accommodate around 20-35 passengers. The fare is approximately $20 USD, and tickets can be purchased at the terminal.
Upon Arrival in San Pedro:
Once you arrive in downtown San Pedro by plane or water taxi, you will find it convenient to navigate. The downtown area is bustling, with easy access to taxis and other transportation options. If you have booked accommodation, your hotel or lodging can arrange to meet you at the airport or water taxi terminal. Alternatively, you can easily find a taxi to your destination or choose to walk if your hotel is nearby.
Safety in San Pedro:
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is known for its low crime rate and strong community cohesion. The local authorities maintain a visible police presence, contributing to the island's reputation as a safe and secure destination for tourists. The people of San Pedro understand the importance of tourism and prioritize the safety and well-being of visitors. This creates a welcoming atmosphere where hospitality and friendliness are highly valued.
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Downtown San Pedro's airstrip
Belize's two airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, fly directly from the country's main airport, Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), to the San Pedro airstrip in downtown San Pedro. The San Pedro airstrip is the only one on Ambergris Caye, the island on which San Pedro is located.
The San Pedro airstrip is also known as the John Greif II Airport, having been renamed in 2010. The runway was extended in 2012, with a total runway length of 3500 feet, and a width of 60 feet. The runway is long enough to accommodate Cessna planes, which are commonly used for flights to and from Belize City.
The flight from Belize City to San Pedro is approximately 25 miles and takes around 20 minutes. It offers beautiful views of the mainland, the cayes, and the barrier reef. The airstrip is conveniently located in downtown San Pedro, with easy access to taxis and hotels.
The San Pedro airstrip is a busy hub, serving as the main gateway to Ambergris Caye. It is an essential transportation link for both locals and tourists, providing quick and easy access to and from the island.
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The water taxi terminal
The water taxi is a great way to get a pleasant introduction to Belize. The boats are generally covered but open-sided, and the trip is within the reef, so the ride should be relatively smooth. The boats seat around 35 people in a U-shape, and there is limited outside seating available on the top level. The back of the boat provides the smoothest ride, but it's best to stay away from the motors if you are sensitive to the smell of gas. The front of the boat can be a bit bumpier.
The water taxi is the least expensive way to get from Belize City to San Pedro, but it is also the most time-consuming. The trip takes about 1.5 hours, and there are scheduled daily departures to and from Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The boats stop briefly at Caye Caulker and also on demand at Caye Chapel.
To get to the water taxi terminal from the airport, you can take a taxi for a set fare of $25 US, and often a $5 US fee is added per additional passenger. The trip takes around 20-45 minutes, depending on traffic. There is also a shuttle service offered by San Pedro Belize Express for $25 US for the first person and $10 US for each additional person.
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The Swing Bridge
The bridge is manually operated by four men cranking it by hand until it is perpendicular to the Haulover Creek, allowing boat traffic to pass through. After the boats have passed, the bridge is cranked back to its original position, a process that takes over an hour to complete. Since 2007, the bridge is only manually opened by special request as traffic on the creek has decreased.
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The San Pedro Police Department
San Pedro, located on Ambergris Caye, is a tropical paradise known for its serenity and adventure. It boasts a remarkably low crime rate, which is a testament to the effectiveness of the local authorities, including the San Pedro Police Department. The department's dedication to public safety has significantly contributed to the island's reputation as a secure and welcoming destination for tourists.
The police headquarters in San Pedro is conveniently located in the heart of the town, ensuring easy access for those seeking assistance. The Phoenix Resort, known for its safety and security, is situated right across the street from the police station. This proximity to the police department adds to the sense of security and peace of mind for visitors and residents alike.
In addition to the dedicated work of the San Pedro Police Department, the island offers a range of reliable transportation options and well-maintained resorts. These factors contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience for all who visit San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. The strong police presence and the community's commitment to safety allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and breathtaking beauty of the island.
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Frequently asked questions
You can fly into San Pedro's airstrip, which is located in downtown San Pedro. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the two airlines that fly directly from Belize City's international airport to San Pedro.
The flight from Belize City to San Pedro is approximately 20 minutes.
A round-trip ticket costs around $90.
Yes, you can take a water taxi or ferry from Belize City. First, take a taxi to the ferry terminal, which costs about $25, then take the water taxi to San Pedro, which costs about $38 for a round-trip ticket.
The water taxi ride from Belize City to San Pedro takes about 75 minutes.
