Downtown
Restaurants, barsThe heart of town, by the water taxi docks.
Island guide
Things to do in San Pedro
The lively town on Ambergris Caye: Hol Chan Marine Reserve minutes away, Blue Hole dive trips, golf carts instead of cars, Secret Beach, beach bars and the most restaurants in Belize.
7
Hostels in the city
9.2
Average, from 1,919 reviews
90 min
From Belize City by water taxi
40 km
Long, Ambergris Caye
The big island
San Pedro is the only town on Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, which stretches north almost to the Mexican border. It is busier, more developed and more expensive than Caye Caulker, with resorts, condos, a long strip of restaurants and bars, and golf carts buzzing along sandy streets.
The Belize Barrier Reef runs close to shore here, and Hol Chan Marine Reserve, one of the best snorkelling spots in the country, is only a short boat ride from town. Dive shops run trips to the Great Blue Hole, Turneffe Atoll and the reef walls, and fishing and sailing trips are easy to arrange.
On the west side of the island, Secret Beach has calm, shallow turquoise water and beach bars, about 45 minutes away by golf cart. Ambergris Caye is often said to have inspired the Madonna song 'La Isla Bonita'. Give San Pedro three to five days.
Where to base yourself
Downtown for restaurants and bars, south of town for quieter stays near the airstrip, or north of the bridge for resorts.
South of town
Quieter, near the airstripGuesthouses and condos south of the centre.
North of the bridge
Resorts, quietResorts and beaches across the river bridge.
Secret Beach
Calm water, barsOn the west side of the island.
Orange labels are neighbourhoods, dots are the 7 top-rated hostels. Map data from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in San Pedro
Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where nurse sharks and rays gather, on half-day or full-day boat trips from town. Divers can head to the Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe Atoll, or dive the reef walls just offshore.
Hire a golf cart and drive to Secret Beach on the west side for calm water and beach bars, and explore the north of the island, towards Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve near the Mexican border.
Try kitesurfing, paddleboarding or sailing, take a sunset cruise, and walk the beach path through town. Day trips also go to Caye Caulker and to Maya sites on the mainland.
Free things
And what it costs nothing to do
The beaches and the beach path through town are free, and so is swimming from the public docks.
Secret Beach is free once you get there, though golf cart hire costs money.
The reef trips are paid, and Hol Chan has an entry fee for the marine reserve.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking
San Pedro has the biggest choice of restaurants in Belize, from beach bars to fine dining. Cheaper eats are found in the back streets: tacos, burritos, fry jacks and rice and beans from local stalls.
Fresh fish, conch and lobster in season are everywhere. Lobster Fest celebrates the opening of the season in June.
Belikin is the local beer. Restaurant meals often add a service charge.
Nightlife
Going out
San Pedro has the busiest nightlife in Belize, with beach bars, live music and clubs in town, and golf carts carrying people between them. Some bars hold weekly parties and themed nights.
Secret Beach is busy by day, with bars on the water.
Use taxis or drive carefully at night; golf cart accidents are common after drinking.
Getting around
Getting around
Water taxis run from Belize City to San Pedro in around 90 minutes, usually via Caye Caulker. A return ticket costs about BZ$80 (around €35). Short flights from Belize City's international and municipal airports take about 15 minutes.
In San Pedro, people walk, cycle, take taxis or hire golf carts. Secret Beach and the north of the island are easiest by golf cart.
Water taxis also run from San Pedro to Chetumal in Mexico.
Costs
What San Pedro costs
San Pedro is one of the most expensive places in Belize. Dorm beds start at around €25 to €35 a night, and restaurant mains cost €15 to €30.
Snorkel trips cost about €45 to €85, Blue Hole dive days around €260 to €345, and golf cart hire adds up.
The Belize dollar is fixed at two to one with the US dollar, and US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, though change often comes in Belize dollars.
Safety
Safety and scams
San Pedro is generally safe, though petty theft and break-ins happen. Lock your room and do not leave belongings on the beach.
Golf cart accidents are common, especially at night; never drive after drinking. Choose dive and snorkel operators on safety, not just price.
Sandflies are a nuisance at dawn and dusk. Hurricane season runs from June to November. In an emergency, call 911.
Out on the reef
The reef is minutes from town.
Caye Caulker
The laid-back island next door.
What's on
What is on while you are there
Lobster Fest, Carnival and the dry season.
June
Lobster Fest
San Pedro
Celebrating the start of lobster season.
February, before Lent
San Pedro Carnival
San Pedro
Painting, dancing and parades.
Hostels
Where to stay
The highest-rated hostels in San Pedro, live from Hostelworld. Prices and availability are live on each property page.
Ambergris Sunset Hotel
Rooms from €17 a night
See dates and book
Drift Inn
Dorms from €15 a night
See dates and book
Lina Point Belize Overwater Cabanas
Rooms from €52 a night
See dates and book
Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant
Dorms from €16 a night
See dates and book
Royal Caribbean Resort
Rooms from €45 a night
See dates and book
Hotel Royal Blue & Golf Cart Rental
Rooms from €4 a night
See dates and book
Feathers Belize
Rooms from €23 a night
See dates and book
When to go
December to April is the dry season, with calm seas and the best visibility. Lobster Fest is in June. September and October are the wettest months and the peak of hurricane season.
Jan
Dry season, busiest
Feb
Dry, lobster season closes mid-month
Mar
Dry and warm
Apr
Hot and dry
May
Rains begin, quieter
Jun
Wet afternoons, lobster season opens
Jul
Hot and humid
Aug
Wet, hurricane risk building
Sep
Peak hurricane risk, some places close
Oct
Wet, easing late in the month
Nov
Rains ending, good value
Dec
Dry season returns
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs, rounded. Sea breezes keep it comfortable.
What your trip will cost
Per night, for one person, based on San Pedro prices.
Treat these as a guide. Dives and golf cart hire cost extra.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
San Pedro questions
The ones we get asked most.
San Pedro or Caye Caulker?
San Pedro is bigger, busier and pricier, with more restaurants and nightlife. Caye Caulker is smaller and cheaper.
How do I get to San Pedro?
By water taxi from Belize City in around 90 minutes, or by a 15-minute flight.
Do I need a golf cart in San Pedro?
Not in town, but it is the easiest way to reach Secret Beach and the north.
Where is the best snorkelling near San Pedro?
Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, a short boat ride away.
Is San Pedro expensive?
Yes, it is one of the priciest places in Belize.
Is San Pedro safe?
Generally yes. Lock your room and never drive a golf cart after drinking.
When is the best time to visit?
December to April for calm seas and dry weather.
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