San Pedro Town City
Popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches
Ambergris Caye’s main town, where sandy ‘streets’ host dive shops, beachfront bars and golf-cart taxis. Day trips run to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley for snorkeling and close encounters with nurse sharks and rays.
Why Visit San Pedro Town?#
Set on Ambergris Caye, this colorful beach town is popular for reef access, warm nightlife and a friendly island vibe. Divers and snorkelers head to the Belize Barrier Reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley; fishermen line Front Street at sunset. Lobster and conch feature on every menu, while lively bars and seafood shacks keep evenings energetic. Small-scale hotels and bright wooden storefronts make it easy to explore on foot or by golf cart.
Best Things to Do in San Pedro Town#
San Pedro Town Bucket List#
Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley - Excellent snorkeling with nurse sharks, rays and colorful reef within short boat rides.
Secret Beach - Popular northwest cove with shallow turquoise pools, bars and lively weekend atmosphere.
Marco Gonzalez Maya Site - Coastal archaeological reserve with Maya artifacts and conservation-focused boardwalk trails.
San Pedro House of Culture - Small museum and gallery showcasing Ambergris Caye history, Garifuna and Creole traditions.
Belize Chocolate Company (San Pedro) - Factory shop offering cacao tours, artisanal chocolates and tastings near town center.
Mangrove Kayak Tours - Guided mangrove paddles revealing birds, juvenile fish nurseries and quiet coastal waterways.
Great Blue Hole & Lighthouse Reef Atoll - Chartered dive or flight to the Blue Hole and surrounding reef systems.
Caye Caulker - Short water-taxi ride to relaxed island life, local eateries and The Split snorkel spots.
Best Time to Visit San Pedro Town#
San Pedro is at its best November-April when trade winds steady the sea and visibility is superb for snorkeling and diving. May-October brings more showers and Jun-Nov increases hurricane-related disruptions.
November - April
24-30°C (75-86°F)
Sunny, calm waters and excellent underwater visibility make November-April perfect for diving, snorkeling, and beach cocktails; crowds rise around holidays, so book accommodations early.
May - October
25-32°C (77-90°F)
Afternoon storms are frequent but brief; fewer tourists, greener island, and cheaper rates make May-October appealing if you don’t mind occasional rain interruptions.
June - November
25-32°C (77-90°F)
Hurricane season peaks mid-August to October; be ready for itinerary changes, canceled ferries, and to monitor forecasts closely if traveling then-insurance is a must.
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How to Get to San Pedro Town#
San Pedro Town (Ambergris Caye) is normally reached via Belize City: arrive internationally at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) and then take a short domestic flight or a water taxi from Belize City to the island. Water taxis are frequent and generally the simplest option for travellers without checked large luggage.
Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE): Most international flights arrive at BZE (near Belize City). From BZE you can transfer to the water‑taxi terminals for connections to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, take a taxi into Belize City (US$25-35, 20-30 minutes), or use a shared shuttle (about US$10-15, 30-45 minutes). Domestic carriers (Tropic Air, Maya Island Air) run frequent flights from Belize City to the airstrip on Ambergris Caye (short flights, higher fares than the ferry).
Train: There is no passenger rail service in Belize.
Bus: Overland buses connect Belize City with towns across the mainland - however San Pedro is on Ambergris Caye, so the final leg is by water or air. From Belize City’s water‑taxi terminals you can reach San Pedro by fast ferry (San Pedro Belize Express and other operators). Expect ferry crossings of about 1-1.5 hours to San Pedro and fares typically in the US$30-45 one‑way range; Caye Caulker ferries are shorter (around 45 minutes) and cheaper (roughly US$10-20).
How to Get Around San Pedro Town#
For San Pedro the water taxi and short domestic flights are the two realistic arrival options from Belize City; ferries are typically cheaper and carry more luggage, while flights save time. On the island, golf carts and walking are the most practical ways to get around.
- Domestic flights (Tropic Air / Maya Island Air) (US$60-100 (one‑way, approximate)) - Tropic Air and Maya Island Air operate regular short flights from Belize City to the airstrip on Ambergris Caye (San Pedro). Flights are about 10-20 minutes and can save time, especially if you have limited time or are travelling with less flexible schedules. Expect higher fares than the ferry and small aircraft baggage limits.
- Water taxi (San Pedro Belize Express, Ocean Ferry) (US$10-45) - The fast ferry from Belize City to San Pedro (operators include San Pedro Belize Express) takes roughly 1-1.5 hours; fares are commonly around US$30-45 one‑way. Ferries to Caye Caulker are shorter (about 45 minutes) and cheaper (around US$10-20). Boats run several times daily but sell out in high season - book or arrive early.
- Taxi / transfers in Belize City (US$10-35) - From BZE to the Belize City water‑taxi terminals or hotels, taxis take about 20-45 minutes depending on traffic. Shared shuttles are cheaper if you don’t mind extra stops. Confirm fares before boarding.
- Car rental (Varies (daily rates)) - Car hire is available on the mainland but not on Ambergris Caye; if you plan to combine island and mainland travel, rent on the mainland and return before boarding the ferry. Parking at the water‑taxi terminals is available but can fill during busy periods.
- Taxis and golf carts (San Pedro) (Golf cart rental US$25-70/day; short taxi rides US$3-10) - San Pedro’s main local transport is golf carts, taxis and bicycles - golf‑cart rental is the most practical way to get around the island quickly. Taxis are available for airport and terminal transfers; agree price in advance for longer trips.
- Walking - San Pedro’s main street and beachfront area are compact and very walkable for day-to-day exploring; walking is often the easiest way to reach shops and restaurants in town.
Where to Stay in San Pedro Town#
Central San Pedro - $30-90/night
Budget travellers can find small hotels and guesthouses near the water and town centre - dorms are rare, so book simple private rooms in advance.
SunBreeze Hotel - Affordable central hotel with pool.
Ramon’s Village Resort (budget rooms) - Bungalow-style rooms; dive centre onsite.
Beachfront & North End - $120-250/night
Good mid-range choices include boutique resorts and well-equipped hotels offering pools, restaurants, and easy beach access - popular in high season.
Victoria House Resort & Spa - Boutique resort with villas and pool.
Caye Casa / mid-range villas - Comfortable suites close to town.
Beachfront North - $250+/night
Luxury options are limited but strong - private beachfront resorts and boutique properties offering spa services, water activities, and refined dining.
Matachica Resort & Spa - Upscale beachfront casitas and spa.
Ramon’s Village Resort (premium bungalows) - Iconic beachfront bungalows and dive service.
Where to Eat in San Pedro Town#
San Pedro mixes classic Belizean dishes with fresh Caribbean seafood - seaside restaurants serve fried fish, ceviche and rich regional stews.
- Elvi’s Kitchen - Belizean classics and island seafood
- Estel’s Dine by the Sea - Seafood right on the water
- Waruguma Restaurant - Traditional Belizean soups and stews
Expect a mix of beachfront grills, international restaurants and late-night stalls - perfect after diving or a day on the water.
- Beachfront grills and international cafes - Casual dining with global influences
- Fine-dining options (various) - Upscale seafood and fusion menus
- Street-food stalls - Quick bites: tacos, fry jacks, empanadas
Breakdown of cuisine types found across San Pedro Town’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in San Pedro Town#
San Pedro has a wide range of tourist‑oriented shops: dive shops, souvenir stores, jewelry and small galleries line the main streets. You’ll find beachwear, reef‑related gear and locally made art and crafts concentrated near the dock and Central Park. Prices vary; smaller boutiques take cash and cards, but many market stalls prefer cash.
Nightlife in San Pedro Town#
San Pedro has a lively, resort‑town nightlife focused around Front Street and the beach. Expect casual beach bars, late‑night restaurants and live music rather than large nightclubs. Scenes range from chilled beachfront parties to busier bars after dark; peak nights and holiday periods are the busiest, so plan reservations for popular spots.
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