San Pedro is a small town on the southern end of Ambergris Caye, an island off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean Sea. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back island vibes. Whether you are an adventure seeker or just looking to relax and soak up the sun, there are plenty of things to do in San Pedro Belize. Here are 16 things to check out on your next visit.
Snorkeling and Diving in San Pedro Belize
San Pedro is known for its amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities. And that’s because the waters surrounding the island are home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and even sharks. The most common way to snorkel in the area is to take a guided snorkeling or diving tour to explore the underwater world of Belize. You will find no lack of tour companies around town to book your excursion. In fact, your hotel’s front desk will likely arrange the booking for you!
Visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected area of the Belize Barrier Reef, and it’s one of the top snorkeling and diving destinations in the country, and probably the Caribbean. The reserve is home to a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, nurse sharks, and stingrays. You can actually see the waves breaking at the reef from the East shore of the island. But just because it looks close enough to swim to, does not mean it is. Plus, to legally access the marine reserve, tourists must be with a guided charter.
Explore Secret Beach
Located on the West side of the island, Secret Beach is a beautiful spot for swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, and catching the beautiful sunset. The water is crystal clear, the sand is soft, and there are plenty of loungers to lay out on the beach. There are also several beach bars and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. Ease into the refreshing water and have a seat at one of the in-water palapas while you sip your cocktail and watch the sunset.
Go Fishing
Belize is known for its incredible fishing opportunities, and San Pedro is no exception. Take a guided fishing tour to catch barracuda, snapper, and other local fish. You can even make a meal out of it by booking a tour complete with a BBQ lunch on the beach. Your guide may even grill up your catch, if you’re lucky enough!
Visit the San Pedro Central Park
San Pedro Central Park is a beautiful public park in the center of town. It’s a great place to relax and people-watch, and there are often events and festivals held here. If you arrive to the island on the water taxi, the first place you’ll visit is this park. You can see it decorated for the Easter holiday in the photo above.
Take a Sunset Cruise
Watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea is a must-do experience in San Pedro. Take a sunset cruise to enjoy the beautiful views while sipping on a refreshing drink. With so much of the island’s infrastructure on the East side of the island, a cruise to see the sunset in the West is highly recommended.
Visit the Belize Chocolate Company in San Pedro Belize
Belize Chocolate Company is a small, family-owned business that produces high-quality chocolate using locally sourced cacao. Take a tour of the factory to see how chocolate is made, and sample some of their delicious treats. You can also take a chocolate class. Another great thing about this shop is that if you get hooked on their declivitous products, you can always order them online once you’re home and continue to support this wonderful, local business!
Explore the Mayan Ruins of Altun Ha
Located on the mainland, Altun Ha is an ancient Mayan city that dates back to 200 BC. Take a guided tour to explore the ruins and learn about the history of the Mayan civilization. Altun Ha is practically a must see for visitors to Belize, so be sure to fit this excursion in as you plan your trip!
Visit the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site
Located on the southern end of Ambergris Caye, the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site is a small Mayan ruin that dates back to 300 BC. It’s a great spot for history buffs and those interested in learning about the ancient Maya civilization. It was once a Maya trading post and features many Maya fishing artifacts. It is a lesser known site and attracts a smaller amount of tourists, making it a good option for those wishing to avoid large crowds.
Take a Water Taxi to Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a small island located about 30 minutes from San Pedro by water taxi. It’s known for its laid-back island vibe, and there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops to explore. To purchase tickets for the water taxi, you will need to show up at the terminal 30 minutes or so before your desired departure time. You can find the updated water taxi schedule on the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi’s website. It will be a bit cheaper to book round-trip tickets with an open return time.
Visit the Belizean Melody Art Gallery
The Belizean Melody Art Gallery opened in 2008 and was founded by Melody Sanchez Wolfe, a native to the island. It features a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other art pieces created by local artists. It’s a great place to appreciate the local art scene and purchase a unique souvenir to take home.
Try Local Belizean Cuisine in San Pedro
San Pedro is home to a variety of restaurants serving up delicious Belizean cuisine, including fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional dishes like stewed chicken with rice and beans. Be sure to try the local specialty, fry jacks, a fried dough served with jam or honey. They are especially delicious with some beans and scrambles eggs in the morning!
Check out our blog Savor the Flavor: The Top 5 Restaurants in San Pedro, Belize for more tips on where to dine during your travels!
Rent a Golf Cart
Golf carts are a popular mode of transportation on Ambergris Caye, and renting one is a fun way to explore the island. Without one, visitors are mostly confined to the small town. Depending on how long your are visiting, renting a golf cart may be in your best interest for exploring all the island has to offer. Cruise around and discover hidden beaches, off the beaten-path restaurants and bars, and get a sense of the development happening all around the island.
Read more on golf cart rentals in our blog Exploring San Pedro with Ease: Our Experience Renting a Golf Cart.
Visit the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve
Located on the North end of Ambergris Caye, the Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve is a protected area that is home to a variety of marine life, including manatees and dolphins. Take a guided tour to explore the park and learn about the local ecosystem. Diving opportunities available!
Take a Yoga Class
San Pedro has a thriving yoga community, and there are plenty of studios and teachers offering classes for all levels. Take a class on the beach or in a studio to rejuvenate your mind and body. Here is a great blog on some of the most popular places to get your flow on, on the island: Looking for a Yoga Class? Here are 5 Places on Ambergris Caye to Flow.
Relax on the Beach
Last, but certainly not least, relax on the beach. No trip to San Pedro is complete without some beach time. With its clear waters and soft sand, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from. So grab a book, a cold drink, lather on that sunscreen and enjoy the sunshine!
Final Thoughts on Exploring San Pedro, Belize
San Pedro, Belize offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation, making it the perfect destination for travelers of all types. With these top 16 things to do, you’ll be sure to have a memorable and fulfilling experience on this beautiful island.
