San Pedro Belize Guide Getting Around
About San Pedro
San Pedro Belize Guide Getting Around – To Dos – Eats – Stay
Looking for a fun tropical getaway with delicious food, and friendly people? Look no further, San
Pedro Town is just what you want. Picture yourself experiencing a downtown atmosphere on a
unique island, with bright blue Caribbean waters, and tropical sea breezes. Enjoying cool cocktails, sunset suppers, meeting new people and top rated resort in San Pedro.
San Pedro is a busy small town. You can find it on the southern end of Ambergris Caye.
This island is the largest in Belize. The length is 25 miles and the width at its widest point is 5 miles. The island is less than 40 miles from Belize City.
You can get there by air in a 15-minute plane ride. You can also take a 90-minute water taxi from Belize City. RIO golf cart rental can pick you up whenever and wherever you land in town.
San Pedro Town is about a mile wide. Water partly surrounds it.
The Caribbean Sea is to the east, and a lagoon is to the west. It has 3 main streets: Barrier Reef Dr, Pescador Dr, and Almond St. Most locals and repeat travelers refer to Front Street, Middle Street, and Back Street.
Table of Contents
Getting Around On The Island
You will not find a standard-size car rental option on Ambergris Caye, our narrow and often bustling streets were not designed for that. The best way to explore San Pedro is by renting a golf cart. You can use Google Maps to help you.
You will see great views and many restaurants along Boca del Rio Drive. This road runs along the beautiful seafront. Enjoy the beach bars and the scenery!
At the south end, you can start at the famous Palapa Bar, one of the many over-water bars on the island. Go float in a tube and have a bucket of beer lowered by rope, or enjoy a local favorite rum punch for about $10BZ.
If you are coming to the beach road from the north be sure and Make Wayo’s Beachside Beernet your first stop. You could start by enjoying time at Boca del Rio Park. Public picnic tables with palapas sit by the water.
Nothing compares to people watching at the park and enjoying boats going by. People often sell local snacks, or you could bring your own picnic. Some fresh watermelon from Mrs. Gotay’s fruit stand or lunch from Aba Isieni Arzu Kitchen are both close by.
Where To Stay In San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
San Pedro town and the nearby area offer many places to stay. You can choose from hostels, boutique hotels, mid-size hotels, condos, and a large resort. Prices range from $30 up to $800.
Many have small kitchens to cook up your fresh caught fish and veggies from the local vegetable and fruit stalls. Vendors are always happy to tell you what is in season and will offer advice on how best to prepare your purchases. You can also stay further north or south if you are looking for condos, vacation rentals, and resorts.
Looking for something specific? Check our Guest Services page, we feature some great San Pedro and Ambergris Caye vacation. Many of these places have tropical gardens, a relaxing swimming pool, and dining options. They are great starting points for island tours and adventures in mainland Belize.
Eating and drinking in San Pedro
For breakfast and lunch, you can find many small, low-cost local eateries and food carts around town. They offer johnny cakes, stuffed fried jacks, garnachas, rice and beans, coleslaw, and stew chicken. Most meals cost around $10 BZ or less, depending on what you choose.
Weekends are popular for a street barbecue with chicken or ribs being the main options. You can visit Central Park any day of the week. Go in the afternoon or evening. Enjoy street food like Belizean hamburgers, tacos, and burritos.
From savory to sweet, you will find so many different food options to try around town. A nice dinner can cost you around $50 – $65 BZ per person without drinks, depending on your choice.
You can also go south for dinner. Enjoy some Belizean culture with great food and music. A seven-minute drive from downtown San Pedro is all it takes. Visit the Black and White Garifuna Bar for some Garifuna cooking, culture, and music.
Visit the Artisan‘s Market or check out our local art galleries and souvenir shops.
With all your driving, don’t forget to check your gas. Ambergris Caye has two gas stations.
The downtown San Pedro one is located on Caribeña St. A short drive south will get you to the gas station on the corner of Sea Grape Drive and Blake St. If you make it that far, stop by the Beach Bar & Grill, at Caribbean Villas Hotel for a cocktail with a view.
Is San Pedro, Belize Safe?
Yes, San Pedro is safe, however, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are.
Do not bring out more than you need at night, stick to a set amount of cash and one credit card if needed. Unless it’s a special occasion, leave your expensive items in your hotel safe or designated secret place.
feel we are friendly, helpful, and timely.
Once you love our low-priced golf cart rental rates, you can reach out to our reservation team. They will help you book your golf cart. By email, phone, WhatsApp, or Facebook messenger.
* The legal driving age in Belize is 18+ years old and you must have a valid driver’s license.
We promise that upgrading your San Pedro vacation with an RIO Golf Cart Rental is worth it. You will enjoy driving a golf cart around the island.
Things to do in San Pedro Belize
San Pedro attracts many travelers. It offers world-class diving and snorkeling. Daytime and sunset catamaran options are also available. Staying in or closer to town also makes for easy Belize tours too.
The Great Blue Hole, nearby Caye Caulker Island, Mayan Ruins, cave tubing, Hobie cat or parasailing, and more. Or maybe you just want to relax on a hammock with a view. Whichever you choose, you will find no shortage of things to do.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve And Shark Ray Alley
This is a great nearby tour, being only a 10 min boat ride (approx 4 miles) south of town. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.
It has many interesting marine animals that live in the clear waters. These waters are about 6 to 9 meters deep.
A nearby top attraction, Shark Ray Alley is a shallow spot south of Hol Chan. Here, you can safely swim with nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.
For a longer boat ride, go to Central Park. Take the San Pedro Belize express water taxi from Ambergris Caye to Caye Caulker. Click through for the San Pedro Belize Express water taxi schedule https://belizewatertaxi.com/schedule/.
This is a super fun self-guided day trip. Here you can visit the famous split, visit the seahorse sanctuary or feed the tarpon.
On this island, the motto is “go slow” and you will notice that great vibe all over town. You can enjoy a fun Catamaran day trip. It includes a snorkel stop and lunch on Caye Caulker. You will sail back under the beautiful afternoon skies.
Other fun things to do In Ambergris Caye
Now, you can continue on your own. Head about 5 miles south.
Then, take a 1/4 mile walk to visit the Marco Gonzales Maya site. Remember to bring bug spray just in case. This is a 2000-year-old Mayan Reserve.
Is a mini jungle experience while touring this almost “virgin” site. No tall temples here. But the clearing of the house foundations will give you a sense of the Maya Traders’ lives. Enjoy the shards of pottery covering the ground and leave things where you find them when visiting this site.
Not looking to go that far, the Eco Iguana Corner, near the town gas station is another great stop. Colorful iguanas relax in the trees and around the property. They enjoy their meals of fruit and vegetables. Definitely, a must-stop for a great wildlife experience right here on the island.
North Ambergris Caye
So many things to do while visiting. An off the beaten path 45 minute (approx) drive to Secret beach, in the north west part of the island is a must see while here. A highly popular destination exists.
Secret Beach is no longer a secret. You will see many carts filled with floaties heading out. They go to enjoy the calm, clear water without sargasso or seagrass.
You can also choose to go past the secret beach turnoff. Take a scenic cart ride north to Tranquillity Bay Resort. There, you can enjoy lunch and a cocktail at their restaurant.
The beauty of going far north of Ambergris Caye is that the reef is close to the shore. You might see a roseate spoonbill or a great blue heron. On the beach closer to town, watch for fishermen cleaning their catch to see stingrays, frigate birds and pelicans.
Experience all Belize has to Offer!
San Pedro, on Ambergris Caye in Belize, is a lively place. Famous for its beautiful Caribbean waters, rich culture, and many activities. Visitors can enjoy world-class diving, snorkeling, and local cuisine, making it an ideal spot for a tropical getaway.
No best time exists to go to Belize; it’s always a good time to travel to this beautiful country in Central America. Enjoy a fun vacation by exploring the jungle and Maya ruins. Visit the town of San Ignacio and its nearby areas. Stay at one of the many resorts and lodges, before going to to the beach.