Top 12 Things To Do in San Pedro, Belize!
San Pedro is the capital of Belize’s largest island—Ambergris Caye. And while bigger isn’t always better, this popular island definitely stands out as one of the country’s must-see destinations.
Madonna knew what she was talking about when she dubbed Ambergris Caye “La Isla Bonita.”
But there are more things to do in San Pedro than simply soaking up the gorgeous scenery.
Adventurous travelers can spend their days whizzing around on their rented golf carts, visiting markets, vibrant dock bars, and secret beaches.
Once you’ve discovered all of San Pedro town, there are tons of incredible attractions nearby, including dive sites, other islands, and things to do on Belize’s mainland.
This is your ultimate guide to things to do in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and beyond!
Table of Contents
- Best Things To Do in San Pedro
- 1. Snorkel Tour (Most Popular Thing To Do in San Pedro!)
- 2. Artisan Market
- 3. Palapa Bar
- 4. Belize Chocolate Company
- 5. Caye Caulker Day Trip
- 6. Secret Beach (Best Thing To Do in San Pedro for a Beach Day!)
- 7. Rent a Golf Cart and Cruise Around
- 8. The Truck Stop
- 9. Chicken Drop
- 10. Tours on the Mainland
- 12. Blue Hole
- When to Visit San Pedro, Belize
- How to Get to San Pedro
- Where to Eat in San Pedro
- Tips for Booking Your Trip:
- Where to Stay in San Pedro
- What to Pack For San Pedro
- More Around Belize
- 27 Amazing Things To Do in Belize — A Complete Guide!
- 7 Belize Waterfalls You HAVE to Visit!
- 7 Best Beaches in Belize for Beach-Bumming
- Things To Do in Caye Caulker, Belize: Your Guide to The Island
- 10 Things To Do in San Ignacio: Your Complete Adventure Guide
- Where To Stay In Belize: 21 of the Best Hotels and Resorts
- How to Get from Belize City to San Pedro or Caye Caulker
- Caye Caulker Snorkeling: Your Underwater Playground!
- How to Get from Belize City to Caye Caulker
Best Things To Do in San Pedro
Booking Your Trip NOW?
Here is the quick low down for your visit to San Pedro!
🗺️ Top Experiences and Tours in !!!!!
- Snorkeling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of the best things to do in San Pedro!
- Head to Secret Beach for a cool getaway at some beach bars for the day.
- Visit Caye Caulker, the awesome sister island just a quick boat ride away!
🏨 Where to Stay
🚘 Looking for a way to get around?
Book your boat to San Pedro here!
🛟 Safety
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1. Snorkel Tour (Most Popular Thing To Do in San Pedro!)
Situated just a few miles off the coastline, snorkeling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is one of the best things to do in San Pedro. The reserve is part of the larger Belize Barrier Reef System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the second-largest barrier reef on Earth.
This snorkel tour will take you to the reef, where you’ll swim past colorful coral and abundant marine life. Sea turtles, southern rays, and schools of tropical fish will escort you around the reserve as they show off their habitat.
Tours also go through Shark Alley, where you can swim with (mostly) harmless nurse sharks. This is the exact tour I did, and it was perfect. The company was focused on being sustainable, and they were highly vigilant in making sure everyone treated the reef with respect and without touching anything. They also don’t chum for the sharks!
*Don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen!
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2. Artisan Market
There’s no better way to get a taste of Belizean culture than by visiting an artisan market. San Pedro has one of the best and biggest, tucked away
This unassuming spot is much larger than it looks at first glance, with rows of stalls showcasing handmade trinkets, wood carving, conch shell work, and more.
If you get hungry as you wander, you can grab some fresh fruit or hit up the nearby delicious ramen shop.
3. Palapa Bar
Marketing itself as the original over-the-water bar of Belize, a pit stop (or full day of relaxing) at Palapa Bar is one of the best things to do in San Pedro town.
You can live the island dream while sipping strong cocktails on the dock or get a bucket of beer sent down on the zipline as you relax in an inner tube on the water. The bar also boasts live music daily and some of the best sunset views on the island.
If you get hungry, tasty bar bites are available all day and night.
4. Belize Chocolate Company
Chocolate has been a Belizean delicacy since the Mayans ruled the area, so don’t miss your chance to indulge while in San Pedro. The Belize Chocolate Company offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the chocolate-making process and history of cacao through daily classes.
Chocolate and culture, is there a better combo? You can learn all about the bean-to-chocolate process while tasting different forms of this decadent treat. There’s also a boutique where you can take some chocolate back as a souvenir or gift (if you don’t eat it all before you land back home, that is!).
5. Caye Caulker Day Trip
Caye Caulker is another popular island off Belize’s mainland, and taking a day trip here is one of the best things to do in San Pedro. This itty bitty island packs a big punch with idyllic Caribbean vibes, stunning scenery, and some seriously fun “beach” bars.
If relaxation is on the itinerary, there’s no better spot than Caye Caulker. Of course, I highly recommend you visit Caye Caulker for more than a day, but if a day trip is all you can swing, that’s better than nothing.
You can easily book your tickets here from San Pedro to Caye Caulker, it’s only about a 30-minute boat ride away!
READ MORE: 11 Things To Do in Caye Caulker, Belize: Your Guide to The Island
6. Secret Beach (Best Thing To Do in San Pedro for a Beach Day!)
Secret Beach is a not-so-secret stretch of sand that is nonetheless worth a visit. It’s one of the best things to do on Ambergris Caye when you’re in need of a beach day, and it sits just 7 miles north of San Pedro.
The beach is a popular spot for water sports, drinking, dining, and simply bumming on the rocky and sandy shores. Although it’s not really a secret, it’s typically not overcrowded, thanks to the 30-minute bumpy golf cart ride out there.
As long as you order a drink or something from the bars, all of the lounge chairs are free to use as well.
NOTE: You find a few locals waiving you down on your way to this beach. If you’re comfortable and have space in your golf cart, pick them up. We picked up two locals needing a ride over to this beach so they could sell their goods on the beach for the day.
RELATED: 7 Best Beaches in Belize for Beach-Bumming
7. Rent a Golf Cart and Cruise Around
Ambergris Caye may be the largest Belizean island, but it remains *relatively* free from car traffic. Instead, locals and tourists alike whiz around on golf carts.
This open-air vehicle is the perfect accompaniment to the balmy weather and narrow streets, making it easy to explore the entirety of Ambergris Caye.
You can hire carts from the local town rental, and many of the island’s hotels also offer rentals. Standard driving rules apply, and you’ll need a valid driver’s license to maneuver one of these bad boys.
As mentioned above, hitchhiking is common on Ambergris Caye, so don’t hesitate to let the locals hitch a ride if you feel comfortable.
TIP: We rented from Isla Bonita Golf Cart Rentals, which is in the grocery store. They were super nice and easy to rent from, with no fuss or scammy behavior.
8. The Truck Stop
After a day of zooming around Ambergris Caye, pull over at the Truck Stop. This is one of the island’s main entertainment hubs, offering up tasty food from a correlation of shipping containers.
There are also fun outdoor games, a stage for live music, a movie theater screen, and a pool!
Keep your eyes peeled (or stalk their social media pages) for fun events like trivia night, farmers’ markets, cornhole tournaments, and more. Be sure to take advantage of their pool, as well! Day or night, the Truck Stop is one of the best things to do in San Pedro.
You could spend a whole day here swimming, eating at several food trucks, watching a game, playing games, and then attending an event later that night. It’s truly a fun stop on the island, but you’ll need your own golf cart, or a taxi drop-off to get out here.
9. Chicken Drop
San Pedro is famed for its incredible nightlife. Make it a Thursday night if you pick just one night to indulge. The infamous Chicken Drop is held at the Corona del Mar Hotel every Thursday night, and I can confidently say you’ve never experienced anything like this.
Purchase a ticket for BZD$1 and pick a number on the checkered board. Here’s where it gets interesting. A chicken is brought out to the board, and whichever numbered square it does its business on (aka, poops on) is the winner.
It may sound a bit crass, but the live DJ, hyped-up crowd, and the chance to win BZD$100 make for some serious fun.
10. Tours on the Mainland
Spending all your time on Ambergris Caye may be tempting, and there are tons of things to do in San Pedro alone. But make sure you explore some of Belize’s mainland, too.
If planning for multiple destinations seems too stressful, tons of tours will guide you to some of the nation’s best attractions.
This tour starts in Belize City and takes you ziplining through the lush jungle, tubing down rivers, and through some of the best Mayan ruins. You can book your boat to the mainland and then have a fun-filled day around the mainland.
A lot of people come to Belize and just hang out on the islands, so if that’s you, this tour is a great option to get a quick taste of the mainland activities without having to pack up your stuff.
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12. Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is one of Belize’s national treasures and has been mystifying divers for centuries.
It’s quite literally a giant blue hole situated along the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and you’ll need a boat to access it. You’ll also need a PADI Open Advanced Water Certificate if you want to dive.
Diving here is a little nerve-wracking, but it’s an experience unlike any other, with massive stalagmites, stalactites, and fascinating marine life.
If you lack the expertise to dive below the surface, you can take a helicopter tour over the top for a bird’s eye view, although you’ll need to shell out quite a bit of cash to do so!
When to Visit San Pedro, Belize
The best time to visit San Pedro depends on several factors, including weather, crowds, and activities.
The peak tourist season runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is dry and mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the low 80s Fahrenheit. The sea is also calm and clear, making it perfect for water-based activities like snorkeling and diving.
However, this is also the busiest time of year, and prices for accommodation and activities can be higher.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds and enjoy lower prices, the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to November are good options. These months see occasional rain showers, but temperatures remain warm, and the sea is still pleasant for swimming and water activities.
During these months, you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
July and August are the peak months for hurricane season in Belize, so it is not advisable to visit during this time. However, if you do decide to visit during these months, make sure to check the weather forecasts and be prepared for possible changes to your itinerary.
For reference, I enjoyed Belize for a few weeks in the month of November. There were a few days of overcast and a couple of days where it rained. However, the rain usually doesn’t last long.
When checking the forecast, it was actually supposed to rain the entire time we were meant to spend in San Pedro! But in the end, it rained a couple of times, but only briefly, during our visit.
How to Get to San Pedro
If boats aren’t your thing, taking a flight to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, followed by a short domestic flight to San Pedro, is definitely an option for you.
Domestic airlines such as Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer multiple flights per day to San Pedro, and the journey takes around 15-20 minutes.
Alternatively, for a more pocket-friendly option, ferrys operate daily services from Belize City to San Pedro, with a journey time of around 1.5 hours. Your boat will make a stop at Caye Caulker to let passengers off there, and the next stop will be at San Pedro.
This is the most recommended way to get from Belize City to San Pedro since it’s economical, and there are several times throughout the day that the boats depart. You can easily book your boat trip here.
READ MORE: How to Get from Belize City to San Pedro or Caye Caulker
If you are traveling overland from Mexico or Guatemala you have a couple of choices:
Chetumal, Mexico is the main jumping point, either by bus or boat, to get into Belize. I recommend heading from Chetumal to San Pedro directly by boat. It was an easy and smooth transfer when I did it the opposite way and went from San Pedro to Chetumal.
Flores, Guatemala, is the jumping point for you to get a bus to Belize. You can stop in San Ignacio (which I do recommend!) or head straight to Belize City to grab a boat to San Pedro.
The bus journey from Mexico or Guatemala can take several hours, so it’s best to plan ahead and check schedules in advance. You can search here for your bus tickets for any of these journeys.
TRANSPORTATION TIP
If you’re looking for bus or boat tickets around Central America and Mexico, you can easily book them online! Check Availability
Where to Eat in San Pedro
- Dfamily – Top-notch breakfasts here! The fry jack breakfast was our favorite, and they do perfect coffees too.
- Sandbar – This was an easy spot, as my hotel was just behind this spot. The pizza was good, and so were the cocktails, but I’ll let you know—the service was a bit… quirky, but hey, it’s island life!
- Truck Stop – Worth mentioning again—You’ll get a variety of food trucks to nosh at and a really cool place to chill for hours.
- Elvi’s – You’ll probably hear everyone recommend this one, and yes, it’s true, don’t miss it! These were the richest and most flavorful Belizian dishes we had during our time here (and we didn’t have a bad meal in Belize at ALL). This isn’t a budget spot, but it’s worth it.
- Big Taste – Your go-to spot for Mexican food.
- Palapa Bar and Grill – Also mentioned above—A cool spot to hang out in rafts or on a dock in the water with good drinks and grill and bar food on call.
- Pirates Not-So-Secret Beach Bar and Grill – There are a few options on Secret Beach, but this is where I ended up hanging out during my time here. You’ll get table service for food and drink out on their in-the-water tables or at their lounge chairs on shore.
- El Fogon – For lunch or dinner, hit this authentic Beliezian food spot up!
Tips for Booking Your Trip:
TRANSPORTATION – GuateGo
The best way to get bus and train tickets around Central America and Mexico. Check here.
Things to do
You’ll want to book a few tours! I use Viator and GetYourGuide!
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Where to Stay in San Pedro
When deciding where to stay in Belize, San Pedro has plenty of incredible accommodation options to fit any budget, but it’s pretty hard to go wrong with the views on a peninsula island being stunning no matter where you stay.
I’ve picked a few that are closer to town as well as further out if you’re looking for a more luxurious getaway.
Drift Inn San Pedro
At Drift Inn, the beach is only a minute’s walk away with private hostel dock access. But if you feel like just spending a day to reset, enjoy the on-site pool, restaurant, and bar available to you.
Once you’re refreshed, take advantage of the tour shop in the hostel to book excursions around the island.
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Ramon’s Village Resort
Ramon’s Village Resort is a tropical paradise with cabanas, beachfront views, and lush rainforest all around. They serve American-style breakfast options and also have a spa for pampering.
The rooms offer modern amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and you can make use of the sun terraces with each room.
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Ambergris Sunset Hotel
Located right in the middle of town, Ambergris Sunset Hotel is an excellent budget-friendly option. With clean and simple rooms, this accommodation serves as a good base if you care more about being outside and active than lounging in your room.
Grab a drink at the on-site bar, sunbathe by the pool, and when you’re ready, your central location will make it easy to begin exploring.
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X’tan Ha “The Waterfront” Resort
A bit further out of town, the villas at X’tan Ha Resort have modern amenities with charming traditional decor. All rooms are equipped with full kitchens, but you can enjoy local and international cuisine at their restaurant.
There’s access to kayaks, paddleboards, a pool, and a water trampoline among other entertainment like giant chess!
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RELATED: Where To Stay In Belize: 21 of the Best Hotels and Resorts
What to Pack For San Pedro
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen – The sun in San Pedro can be intense, but wearing normal sunscreen isn’t the best if you’re going in the water. Please, if you can, make sure it’s reef-safe!
- Insect Repellent – Mosquitoes and other insects can be common on the island, but if you’re going inland at any point as well, you’ll definitely need some, particularly with DEET. The bugs can be vicious!
- Swimsuits – San Pedro is an island paradise, and you’ll want to spend plenty of time in the water. Pack two suits!
- Lightweight Clothing – Pack lightweight and breathable clothing like quick dry t-shirts, shorts, and light dresses. The dress code is island casual here.
- Comfortable Shoes – Whether you’re exploring the island on foot or hitting the beach, comfortable footwear like sandals or sneakers are essential. I live in sandals and flip-flops but you might want walking shoes as well.
- Dry Bag – My go-to travel accessory. A waterproof bag is the best beach bag, rainy-day bag, or going-on-a-boat bag… I don’t travel without one!
I hope this guide helped you find all the best things to do you San Pedro so you can better plan your visit!
