San Pedro for First-Timers: Complete Travel Guide

If you’re dreaming of clear turquoise waters, sandy streets, and a friendly island atmosphere, San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is your ticket to paradise. But if it’s your first time visiting San Pedro, you might be wondering: where should you stay? How do you get around? What should you do first?

This complete guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from accommodations and local food to etiquette and excursions—so your Belize adventure starts off stress-free and full of magic.

Why Visit San Pedro?

San Pedro is the heartbeat of Ambergris Caye, Belize&’s largest island, located just off the coast of the mainland. It's a colorful blend of laid-back island life and exciting Caribbean adventure.

What makes San Pedro stand out? It&’s the kind of place where diving with sharks is a morning activity and sipping coconut rum on a beach swing is your afternoon plan. You&’ll find stunning coral reefs, fresh seafood, vibrant local culture, and a strong expat and traveler-friendly community.

Unlike smaller Caye Caulker, San Pedro offers a wider variety of accommodations, more organized tours, and family-friendly options, perfect for first-timers seeking a mix of comfort and exploration.

How to Get to San Pedro

There are two main ways to reach San Pedro from Belize City:

By Air:
Hop on a short 15-minute flight from Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE). Local airlines like Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer scenic flights directly to San Pedro Town. Expect to pay around $85–$100 USD one-way.

By Water Taxi:
Budget-conscious travelers often opt for the San Pedro Belize Express or Ocean Ferry Belize. These boats take around 1.5 hours and cost $25–$35 USD round-trip. You&’ll get a breezy ride through the Caribbean Sea and a closer look at the coast.

Best Time to Visit San Pedro

Belize has a subtropical climate, so it&’s warm all year round. Here&’s what to expect:

Dry Season (November–May): Sunny days and perfect beach weather. This is the peak tourist season, so book accommodations early.
Wet Season (June–October): Rainfall is more common, but you'll enjoy fewer crowds and lower prices.
Bonus Tip: Visit in July for Lobsterfest, a fun food and music celebration of lobster season.

Note: Occasionally, sargassum seaweed may wash ashore between March and August, but resorts typically clean beaches daily.

Where to Stay in San Pedro

San Pedro offers something for every budget and vibe:

Budget Options:

Sandbar Beachfront Hostel – Affordable dorms and beachfront hammocks.
Drift Inn – Great for solo travelers with a pool and social atmosphere.

Mid-Range Choices:

The Palapa House – Oceanfront condos near town.
Ramon&’s Village Resort – Tropical cabanas with a private beach.

Luxury Retreats:

Victoria House Resort & Spa – Classic colonial-style elegance.
Matachica Resort – Private casitas perfect for couples or honeymoons.

Bonus Tip: Traveling with pets? Look into The Phoenix or Mahogany Bay Resort, both pet-friendly and full of modern amenities.

Top Things to Do in San Pedro

You&’ll never be bored on this little island. Here&’s what to prioritize:

Snorkeling & Diving

Hol Chan Marine Reserve: Swim with schools of fish and spot sea turtles.
Shark Ray Alley: Encounter nurse sharks and stingrays up close—no cage necessary!
Mexico Rocks: A quieter reef with stunning coral formations.

Relax & Explore

Secret Beach: Rent a golf cart and head northwest for turquoise swimming and floating bars.
Golf Cart Island Tour: Discover San Pedro&’s neighborhoods, beach bars, and photo ops.
Sunset Cruise: Wind down with a catamaran cruise and rum punch in hand.

Day Trips

Caye Caulker: A relaxed neighboring island only 30 minutes away by boat.
Great Blue Hole Scenic Flight: A bucket-list aerial view you won&’t forget.

Getting Around San Pedro

There are no Ubers or buses here, but that&’s part of the charm!

Golf Carts: Most visitors rent a golf cart – expect $40–$60 USD/day. It&’s the best way to reach places like Secret Beach.
Bicycles: Rent a bike if you're staying near town – cheap, eco-friendly, and fun!
On Foot: Downtown San Pedro is small and walkable, perfect for casual beach strolls.
Water Taxis: Useful for hopping between islands or resorts north of the bridge.

Food & Drink for First-Timers

Belize&’s food is a mix of Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, and Maya influences. Don&’t miss:

Fry Jacks: Puffy fried dough stuffed with beans, eggs, or cheese.
Stewed Chicken: Served with rice and beans and coconut milk.
Ceviche: Fresh conch or shrimp in lime juice, perfect on a hot day.
Lobster (in season): Grilled, stuffed, or in tacos!

Great restaurant picks:

Elvi&’s Kitchen: Local favorite with a sand floor.
The Truck Stop: A food truck park with games, drinks, and a pool.
Palapa Bar: Enjoy a Belikin beer in a tube over the water.

Local Etiquette & Cultural Tips

Belizeans are warm and welcoming, but a little etiquette goes a long way:

Say hello: Use “Good morning/afternoon” when entering shops or greeting people.
Tipping: 10–15% is standard if not included in the bill.
Dress modestly: Swimwear is fine on the beach but not in stores or restaurants.
Respect Sunday closures: Many businesses slow down or close completely.

Safety & Practical Travel Tips

San Pedro is generally very safe, especially in the tourist areas. Still, be smart:

Don&’t leave valuables in golf carts or on the beach.
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral.
Carry some cash, especially for street food, tips, and small shops.
ATMs are available but may run out during weekends or holidays.

Suggested Itinerary (3–5 Days)

Want a quick plan to hit the highlights? Here&’s a sample itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive, check into your hotel, and explore San Pedro town. Enjoy a sunset dinner at Elvi&’s Kitchen.
Day 2: Take a half-day snorkeling tour to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley. Afternoon nap, then beach bar hopping at Palapa and The Truck Stop.
Day 3: Rent a golf cart and spend the day at Secret Beach. Optional evening catamaran cruise.
Day 4: Day trip to Caye Caulker or book a scenic Blue Hole flight. Try some street food for dinner.
Day 5: Souvenir shopping, fresh juice at a local café, and a beach walk before departure.

Final Thoughts

San Pedro is the perfect Belizean destination for first-time travelers – it&’s safe, scenic, and easy to navigate. With its unbeatable reef, relaxed lifestyle, and welcoming locals, you&’ll quickly see why so many people return again and again.

Whether you're diving into coral caves, lounging at Secret Beach, or enjoying seafood with a sea breeze, your San Pedro adventure is just the beginning.