San Pedro: Belize's Tropical Island Paradise

San Pedro is a town on Ambergris Caye, a Caribbean island that is part of Belize, a small Central American country. It is the largest city on the island, which is about 40 km long and 1.6 km wide, and is known for its crystal clear turquoise sea, white sand beaches, and laid-back Caribbean vibes. San Pedro is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and bars, as well as easy access to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, making it a top spot for diving and snorkelling. The town has a population of around 10,000 and is known for its friendly locals, delicious food, and vibrant music scene.

San Pedro is on Ambergris Caye

San Pedro is a town on the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. It is the largest city on the island, which is roughly 40km long and 1.6km wide, and is known for its pearly white-sand beaches and turquoise blue waters. San Pedro is a popular tourist destination, famed by Madonna in her song 'La Isla Bonita'. The town has a population of around 10,000 and is growing, with a blend of locals and foreigners alike, all drawn to its tropical paradise.

The town has a classic Caribbean vibe, with crystal clear waters, reggae music, and an abundance of low-rise hotels, beachfront resorts, and vacation rentals. The island offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly street vendors and condos, all adhering to the rule that no building can be taller than a coconut tree.

San Pedro is easily accessible by plane or boat from Belize City. The flight takes around 20 minutes, while the water taxi ride takes about 75 minutes. Once on the island, the main mode of transportation is by golf cart or bicycle, with some cars and taxis also available.

The town boasts a blend of Latin and Afro-Caribbean styles, evident in its cuisine and language, with Spanish and Kriol being commonly spoken. The island's cuisine offers a delicious mix of Mexican and Caribbean flavours, and there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and street vendors to choose from.

San Pedro is also known for its diving and snorkelling spots, with the largest coral reef in the Americas just a few feet from its shore. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located south of the island, is a popular attraction, offering both land and sea experiences and providing the perfect spot for novice divers and snorkelers to explore the vibrant marine life.

The island is also home to the Secret Beach, a once-secluded spot that has now become a bustling hub of beach bars and restaurants, offering calm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

With its stunning natural beauty, friendly locals, and abundance of activities, San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is a must-visit destination for those seeking a tropical paradise in Belize.

It's Belize's largest island

San Pedro is located on Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island. Ambergris Caye is about 25 miles long and is never more than a few miles wide. It is situated in the very north of Belize, just off the coast, and is one of the hundreds of cayes or "keys" scattered along the country's coastline.

As the largest island and most visited spot in Belize, Ambergris Caye offers a wide range of attractions, including hotels, bars, restaurants, shops, and dive and snorkel sites. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, glowing aqua waters, and access to the second-largest barrier reef in the world.

The town of San Pedro is the largest city on Ambergris Caye and the traditional hub of the island. It is named after the patron saint of fishing, St. Peter. San Pedro is a must-visit vacation destination, known for its picturesque white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise sea, and laid-back Caribbean vibes. The city has a population of around 10,000 and is continuously growing due to its appeal as a tropical island paradise.

One of the unique features of San Pedro is its blend of cultures and languages. The islanders are mostly of Mayan-Spanish descent, and Spanish and Kriol are commonly spoken alongside English. The town also boasts a blend of Latin and Afro-Caribbean styles, particularly evident in the cuisine and music.

San Pedro offers a variety of accommodation options, from low-rise hotels and guest houses to beachfront resorts and condos, catering to different budgets. The main modes of transportation on the island are golf carts and bicycles, with some cars and taxis also available.

The island is also known for its delicious food, featuring a unique blend of Mexican and Caribbean influences. Visitors can find everything from fancy resort restaurants to budget-friendly street vendors.

In addition to its beautiful beaches and clear turquoise sea, San Pedro offers a range of activities for visitors, including snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and exploring the nearby Secret Beach and Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve.

San Pedro is a popular tourist destination and can be reached by plane or boat from Belize City. It is a vibrant and growing community that captures the essence of Caribbean life, making it a beloved destination for travellers seeking sun, sand, and sea.

You can fly or take a boat from Belize City

San Pedro, Belize is located on Ambergris Caye, an island off the coast of Belize. To get there from Belize City, you can either fly or take a boat.

Flying from Belize City to San Pedro

Flying is a quick and easy option for travelling from Belize City to San Pedro. The flight time is only about 20 minutes, and there are two airlines that operate this route: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. The planes are typically small, seating about a dozen people. The price of a round-trip ticket is usually around $175 US, but it can vary depending on the season and demand. Keep in mind that the airport in San Pedro is just an airstrip, not an official airport. However, you can easily find a taxi or your hotel shuttle at the runway.

Taking a Boat from Belize City to San Pedro

If you prefer a more scenic and affordable option, you can take a water taxi or ferry from Belize City to San Pedro. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and there are two main companies that operate this route: San Pedro Belize Express and Caribbean Sprinter. The price of a one-way ticket can range from $57 to $228, depending on the operator and season. It is important to note that ferries do not operate after 5:30 pm, so plan your travel accordingly. Additionally, you will need to take a taxi from the airport to the water taxi terminals in Belize City, which will cost around $25 US.

Direct Water Taxi from Belize City Airport to San Pedro

Another option for a more direct and personalised experience is the Nautilus Water Taxi Service. They will pick you up from the airport and take you to your chosen location in San Pedro. The ride takes about an hour, and they also offer a complimentary shuttle and an optional grocery stop. The price of a one-way ticket is $100 US, and a round-trip ticket is $150 US.

Golf carts are the main mode of transport

San Pedro is a town on Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, situated at the southernmost tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its laid-back lifestyle, stunning beaches, and diving spots.

Golf carts are the primary mode of transport in San Pedro, and they are readily available for rent. Renting a golf cart is an ideal way to explore the island at your own pace and enjoy the sea breeze. The cost of renting a golf cart in San Pedro typically starts at USD 35-40 per day, with options available for larger groups, including 6-seater carts.

Several companies offer golf cart rentals in San Pedro, providing convenient services such as online booking, free delivery to hotels and resorts, and competitive pricing. Aviz Golf Cart Rental, for example, offers a seamless rental experience with new golf carts and customisable features. Island Cruiser Golf Cart Rentals is another popular choice, known for its well-maintained, comfortable, and stylish carts, as well as its exceptional customer service.

Golf carts offer a fun and eco-friendly way to get around San Pedro, and they are perfectly suited to the island's relaxed atmosphere. With a golf cart, you can easily access various destinations, including the truck stop, secret beach, local bars, and restaurants. So, if you're planning a trip to San Pedro, be sure to consider renting a golf cart to enhance your exploration of this beautiful island paradise.

It's known for its beaches and marine life

San Pedro, Belize, is known for its beaches and marine life. Located on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, San Pedro is a top dive destination. Just a few feet from its shore lies the largest coral reef in the Americas and one of the hemisphere's second-largest barrier reefs. The reef provides a natural wonder, with an array of colourful fish and marine creatures, offering spectacular diving and snorkelling opportunities.

The island boasts a variety of beaches to explore, each with its unique charm. While seagrass populates some shores due to the nearby reef, there are plenty of sandy beaches and calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming and water sports. Secret Beach, located on the lee side of the island, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering crystal clear waters, rocky coves, and soft sandy shores. It's a great day trip, with beach bars, restaurants, and water sports equipment available for rent.

Another notable beach is Mar de Tumbo, just south of San Pedro Town. This stretch of beach boasts a wide, expansive sandy shoreline with coconut palms, creating an idyllic setting. The beach is home to resorts such as Banyan Bay and Banana Beach, where anyone can take a dip in the warm, calm waters.

Central Park, located in the heart of San Pedro Town, is a vibrant community space that often hosts gatherings and festivals. With its beachfront setting, it provides a convenient spot for a quick swim, and it's easily accessible with nearby water taxi docks and surrounding restaurants and bars.

Boca Del Rio, meaning "mouth of the river," is a stretch of beach that ends at the river and the toll bridge separating San Pedro Town from North Ambergris Caye. This beach is a popular local spot, especially on weekends, with sandy shores and calm waters ideal for swimming. It's also home to the Sandy Toes beach bar, offering a relaxing atmosphere.

In addition to its beaches, San Pedro is known for its marine life. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located south of the island, is an environmentally protected area that encompasses both land and sea. The shallow waters of Hol Chan make it an ideal spot for snorkelling, with colourful fish and moray eels calling the reef home. Shark Ray Alley, a short boat ride from town, is another natural aquarium, where you can snorkel or swim with nurse sharks and rays in waters that are typically only eight feet deep.

San Pedro truly shines when it comes to beaches and marine life, offering a diverse range of experiences that cater to nature enthusiasts, adventurers, and those seeking relaxation in a tropical paradise.

Frequently asked questions