On the southern end of the Ambergris Caye in Belize, San Pedro is a hidden gem of rustic wooden houses, seafood restaurants and tranquil coves. Adventurous divers can explore wrecks and marine life, and there are plenty of spots to snorkel through the coral reefs closer to the shore. The waters surrounding the island are populated by eels, nurse sharks and stingrays, while on land you can get a glimpse of San Pedro's rich past with a wander through the Mayan ruins.
Sink your toes into the sand at a San Pedro hostel right on the beach or cool off at a place with a pool. A hostel with a garden blooming with tropical flowers gives you somewhere to relax after a day of diving. There are options with restaurants where you can sample the local cuisine, as well as places with tour and travel desks to help you make your next move. Lots of San Pedro hostels have free Wi-Fi so you can stay in touch with friends back home.
Downtown San Pedro is the central commercial hub where you'll find plenty of places to eat, drink and shop, as well as ferries to take you across to other islands. The north of the town is more upscale and peaceful, while the south is the main residential neighbourhood where you can connect with the locals. With its sandy streets, San Pedro has a very laid-back vibe and it's a great place to take a break from 21st-century life.
Lots of visitors to San Pedro like to get in the water and mingle with the harmless shark rays at Shark Ray Alley. The Truck Stop is an outdoor complex of places to eat and drink – you might even be able to catch a film under the stars while you're there. Admire the sunset with a cruise on the water, or gather a group and hire your own catamaran for an evening. Over on the mainland, you can take a day trip to the Xunantunich Mayan ruins or have a go at cave tubing.
To get to San Pedro, you can take a 15-minute flight from Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport to Ambergris Caye. If you're coming from Belize City, getting across to the island is easy: you can hop in a water taxi from the Belize Marine Terminal and the journey takes about 45 minutes. The island is mostly pedestrianised, so to get around you can hire a golf cart or simply go on foot.
