Swimming Spots In San Pedro, Belize

San Pedro in Belize is a bustling town with paved streets downtown and a lively, energetic vibe. It is the only town on Ambergris Caye, a Caribbean island surrounded by turquoise seascapes. With the Caribbean Sea to the east and the San Pedro Lagoon to the west, the natural beauty of Ambergris is just one of the many draws for tourists and expats alike.

The beaches of Ambergris Caye are swimmable, though many prefer to jump into deeper water. The Belize Barrier Reef, the largest in the Northern Hemisphere, is a short distance offshore, making Ambergris Caye beaches ideal for snorkelling and diving. The reef acts as a natural breakwater, resulting in calm, shallow waters near the shoreline.

There are several resorts with well-maintained beaches near San Pedro, including Ramon's Village Resort, which has its own stretch of white coral sand and a long dock. North of town along the Boca del Rio, you'll find Sandy Toes beach bar, and further north, X'Tan Ha Resort and Tranquility Bay, which offer lovely beaches with clear waters.

For a more secluded option, Secret Beach, located several miles north of San Pedro, offers miles of clear waters and a bohemian mix of beach bars and clubs.

Secret Beach

The water at Secret Beach is crystal clear and waist-deep, with stunning craggy limestone shores and sandy bottoms. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cold drink or a fresh meal while basking in the sun. The beach can get busy, especially on Sundays when locals have the day off, so consider visiting on a weekday if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.

There are several bars at Secret Beach, each with its own unique vibe. Blue Bayou Bar, for example, has tables partially submerged in the water and waiters who take your order while wading out to you. If you're looking for a more relaxed and laid-back vibe, good food, and chill music, this is the bar for you.

To make the most of your day at Secret Beach, consider the following tips:

• Rent a golf cart: Unless you are staying at Secret Beach, you will need to rent a golf cart to get there. Rates run about $70 USD for the day, and companies usually offer pickup from the airport or delivery to your hotel.
• Know when to arrive and leave: Tables fill up quickly, so get there early if you want to secure a spot. The beach is busiest on Sundays, followed by Saturdays, so consider visiting on a weekday if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray: Don't underestimate the power of the Caribbean sun! And if you plan to stay for sunset, bring mosquito spray to protect yourself from the brutal mosquitoes.
• Stay for sunset: Come back for a second day and stay for the sunset. It's a magical experience, but remember that it gets dark quickly after sunset, and you don't want to be making the bumpy ride back to San Pedro in the dark.
• Explore the area: Beachfront and docks are public in Belize, so feel free to walk along the coast north and south of the "bar scene." You'll find secluded spots perfect for lounging and enjoying the stunning natural beauty of Ambergris Caye.

So, is Secret Beach worth visiting? Absolutely! While it may not be much of a secret anymore, it is still a lot of fun and definitely worth the trip from San Pedro.

Ambergris Caye

The beaches of Ambergris Caye are unique due to their proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest reef in the Northern Hemisphere. This reef acts as a natural breakwater, resulting in calm, shallow waters along the shoreline. While the beaches may not have broad white sand stretches, they offer a different kind of beauty and experience. The shallow waters provide an important marine ecosystem, nurturing juvenile marine life and offering a glimpse into the diverse underwater world of colourful fishes, manatees, conch, lobsters, and more.

For those looking for a casual swim, there are several resorts and beaches to choose from. Ramon's Village Resort, located just south of San Pedro Town, offers a beautiful stretch of beach and a popular swimming dock. North of town, along Boca del Rio, you'll find Sandy Toes beach bar, a great spot to wade into the water. X'Tan Ha Resort and Tranquility Bay, located further north, also provide lovely beaches with clear waters. These resorts offer easy access to deeper water for swimming and boast gorgeous pools with sea views.

For a more secluded experience, head to the Secret Beach on the leeward side of the island. This once-hidden gem has become a favourite among locals and visitors alike, offering crystal clear waters, rocky coves, sandbars, and soft sandy beaches. You can also charter a boat to explore the small cayes and sandbars scattered along the leeward side, where you can enjoy a private beach experience.

San Pedro Town

The beaches of Ambergris Caye are swimmable, but many prefer to jump into deeper water. The calm, shallow waters near the shoreline are an important marine ecosystem, acting as a nursery for juvenile marine creatures. The beach at Sandy Point Resorts, north of San Pedro Town, has spacious docks with hammocks and easy access to deeper water for swimming.

For a traditional beach experience, head just south of San Pedro Town to Ramon's Village Resort, which has a beautiful strip of beach and a popular swimming dock. North of town, along Boca del Rio, you'll find beach bars like Sandy Toes and Palapa Bar, with spots specifically set up for swimming and lounging.

If you're looking for a more secluded spot, head north of the town to Secret Beach, a shoreline on the leeward side of Ambergris Caye with crystal clear waters, rocky coves, sandbars, and soft sandy beaches. This used to be a quiet swimming spot, but today it's a sprawling, bohemian mix of beach bars, clubs, and socialising.

For a unique swimming experience, try swimming off the docks (and boats), which is a favourite activity of locals. The dock at Ak'Bol Eco-Resort in the Tres Cocos neighbourhood is one of the best swimming spots on the island.

The Belize Barrier Reef

The reef acts as a natural breakwater, protecting the shoreline from big waves. It results in calm, shallow water near the shoreline, which serves as a nursery for juvenile marine creatures. This ecosystem is vital for the early life stages of colourful fishes often seen while snorkelling or diving. The shallow waters are also an important food source for sea turtles, manatees, conch, and lobsters, as they feed on the marine plant life, such as turtle grass, found in this area.

In 1996, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its ecological importance and vulnerability. While protective measures have been implemented, the reef remains under threat from oceanic pollution, uncontrolled tourism, shipping, and fishing. Despite these challenges, the Belize Barrier Reef remains a breathtaking natural wonder and a testament to the country's rich marine life.

Swimming spots near San Pedro Town

San Pedro Town is the only town on Ambergris Caye, an island off the coast of Belize. While the town itself does not have the best beaches, there are plenty of swimming spots nearby. Here are some of the top places to take a dip near San Pedro Town:

Secret Beach

Located several miles north of San Pedro Town, this beach is no longer a secret! With miles of clear waters and soft sandy beaches, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic and take a swim. This beach is on the west side of Ambergris Caye, which means no turtle grass and crystal clear waters.

Ramon's Village Resort

Just south of San Pedro Town, Ramon's Village Resort has a beautiful strip of beach that's great for wading. It also has a popular swimming dock that's perfect for kids. The resort boasts white coral sand and a long dock that stretches out into the Caribbean Sea.

Boca del Rio

Just north of San Pedro Town, Boca del Rio is a neighbourhood that lines the beach. It's a pretty stretch with bars, restaurants, homes, and small hotels. Park your golf cart, grab a bite to eat, and wade into the water. This spot is especially popular with families on weekends.

Sandy Toes Beach Bar

Also located along Boca del Rio, Sandy Toes Beach Bar offers a great spot for swimming and lounging. Enjoy a drink and a meal, then take a dip in the clear waters.

X'Tan Ha Resort

About 5 miles north of Ambergris Caye, X'Tan Ha Resort combines beautiful beaches with luxury. It has a spectacular dock for lounging and romantic views. The resort also offers complimentary SUP boards and kayaks for exploring the shoreline.

Tranquility Bay Resort

A short boat ride from San Pedro Town, Tranquility Bay Resort is a stunning north-side retreat with a private beach. Enjoy the clear waters and stunning views at this isolated getaway.

So, while San Pedro Town itself may not have the best beaches, there are plenty of amazing swimming spots just a short distance away. Whether you're looking for a quiet wade or a lively dip with bars and restaurants, you'll find it near San Pedro Town.

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