This photo was taken by San Pedro's Central Park.
Updated April 2025.

La Isla Bonita ("The Beautiful Island")

San Pedro, located on the southern tip of Ambergris Caye, has evolved from a quiet fishing village into one of Belize’s most beloved destinations. Its roots trace back to Maya communities who once used the island as seasonal fishing grounds, and later to Mestizo families who fled the Caste War in the 1840s and established the first permanent settlement. Over the decades, San Pedro grew around fishing, coconut farming, and maritime trade, weathering storms—both literal and political—until tourism began to reshape the town in the late 20th century.
​
Today, San Pedro is affectionately known as La Isla Bonita—“The Beautiful Island”—a nickname popularized by Madonna’s 1987 hit song of the same name, which famously opens with “Last night I dreamt of San Pedro.” With its colorful buildings, friendly atmosphere, and proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, the town attracts divers, beach lovers, and adventurers from around the world. 

Overview

  • 7:00 - 8:00 AM: Estel's Dine by the Sea - early morning fry jack breakfast
  • 8:30 - 11:30 AM: Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley - famous marine reserve to snorkel with nurse sharks and rays
  • 12:30 - 1:30 PM: The Truck Stop - food park made from shipping containers
  • ​2:00 - 6:00 PM: Secret Beach - best beach on the island but can be crowded
  • 7:00 - 8:30 PM: Dinner in San Pedro
  • 9:00 - 11:00 PM: Nightlife - options to dance the night away
​Click the star to add the map to your Google Maps!​ To view it, simply open Google Maps, navigate to the Menu, choose “Your Places,” click "Maps", and voila, the map should be added.

Tips

Getting To/From the City
There are two ways to get here: plane and water taxi:
  • Small Plane: Leave from Belize City Municipal (TZA) and international (BZE) airports to San Pedro's John Greif II Airport (SPR).
    • Duration is 15-20 minutes in the air via either Maya Island Air and TropicAir.
    • Cost: $100 - 200 roundtrip.
  • Water Taxi: Leave from Belize City's Marine Terminal and there are 2 options. You can buy in-person, but it might be easier to purchase online during busier seasons. They also allow you to change your ticket times.
    • San Pedro Belize Express: (~$70 round-trip with additional processing fees): Larger boat and more spacious as it's more expensive, but is slower than the Caribbean Sprinter, completing the trip in 90 minutes.
    • Caribbean Sprinter ($48 round-trip): Smaller boat and a little more crowded, but it's cheaper with more options throughout the day. This is what the locals use and is faster (~75 minutes).​
Getting Around the City
  • The easiest way to get around the city is by walking. Recommend staying on the coast to avoid the fumes and crowded golf-cart streets.
    ​
  • Otherwise, you can rent a golf cart for ~$30-50/day to get around.

  • Many hotels and AirBnBs all have their own piers, so tour companies can pick you up right on the water in their boats!
Water
Recommend drinking bottled water, but most hotels and AirBnBs provide you with filtered water refilling options and opportunities.
Payment
The national currency is Belize Dollars (BZD), with a 2:1 conversion ratio with the U.S. Dollar.

Most restaurants accept card, but for the few restaurants that don't, you can pay with USD.
Picture
BZD and USD

1-Day Plan

Sunrise: Beach
7:00 - 8:00 AM: Estel's Dine by the Sea
  • Serves all-day breakfasts and relaxed island vibes, it's also one of the only restaurants that open early for a quick breakfast.

  • It's known for its Belizean-style fry jacks (golden and crumbly fried dough usually filled with beans, meat, tomatoes, and other fillings), hearty burritos, and fresh seafood platters grilled right on the beach.
    ​
  • You can dine right beside the Caribbean Sea while enjoying the sunrise.
8:30 - 11:30 AM: Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley
  • ​One of the most famous snorkeling and diving sites in Belize, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected marine ecosystem covering coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove habitats.
  • “Hol Chan” means “little channel” in Maya, referring to a natural cut in the barrier reef where a vibrant underwater world thrives.
  • Divers and snorkelers encounter turtles, stingrays, barracuda, and dazzling schools of tropical fish.
  • Just south lies Shark Ray Alley, a shallow zone teeming with nurse sharks (slow-moving and harmless) and southern stingrays. Visitors can swim alongside them.
Rent a golf cart to travel to the next two destinations.
12:30 - 1:30 PM: The Truck Stop
  • Unique open-air food park made from brightly painted shipping containers.
  • Located north of the bridge in the northern part of the Caye, it offers rotating food vendors serving international food with everything from Thai noodles to wood-fired pizza and house-made ice cream.
  • Coming here for lunch is great, but it's also quite popular at dinnertime with live music, outdoor movies, and trivia nights in the center.
  • There’s a sunset deck overlooking the lagoon, a swimming pool, and a full bar known for creative cocktails like coconut mojitos and watermelon jalapeño margaritas.
2:00 - 6:00 PM: Secret Beach
  • No longer a secret, but it's one of the most picturesque and popular beach destinations on Ambergris Caye.
  • Located on the island’s western coast, it has shallow, crystal-clear water perfect for wading, paddleboarding, and floating with a cold drink in hand.
  • Overwater docks and beach bars line the shoreline, offering Belizean food, music, and hammocks.
  • It's famous for its Instagram-worthy views and calm water, ideal for watching the sunset, but getting here requires a bumpy golf cart ride on the unpaved road.
7:00 - 8:30 PM: Dinner in San Pedro
Check out the restaurants section for all my recommendations.
9:00 - 11:00 PM: Nightlife
  • Palapa Bar: Right atop the water, you can stay inside or you can float in inner tubes in a protected area within the warm, shallow water.
  • Sunset Lounge: A rooftop bar with cozy seating and sweeping views of the lagoon. It doesn't usually get busy until 11 PM though.
  • Wayo's Beach Bar: A casual beachfront bar with swing seats and a live music bar
  • Jeemars Nightclub and Restaurant​: Post-9 PM, this place is filled with vibrant dancing and music. No covers before midnight on Saturdays!

Many restaurants also have live music in the evenings!
The town does end up a little dead at night, which is great for the divers heading out early the next day!

Museums

Ambergris Caye isn't known for their musueums, but the ones that exist are located quite far from downtown (save for the Iguana Eco Sanctuary). 
  • Iguana Eco Sanctuary: A peaceful mangrove sanctuary where you can stroll shaded trails and spot dozens of green iguanas basking in their natural habitat.
  • Eco Museum Belize: An interactive journey through Ambergris Caye’s history, featuring Maya traditions, colonial stories, and hands-on cultural experiences like traditional cooking and nature walks.
  • Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Site: A quiet Maya ruin tucked into the jungle at the southern tip of the island, offering a glimpse into ancient coastal trade and settlement life.

Other Activities



The town is a colorful blend of Caribbean ease and Belizean culture. With narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-colored buildings, it offers a mix of beach bars, souvenir shops, art galleries, and dive centers. 

They love to highlight puns, especially "Unbelizeable"!
  • Catamaran Sunset Cruise: A dreamy way to end the day—set sail with drinks, music, and stunning views as the sun dips below the horizon.
  • Beachside Massage: Relax under a palapa or palm tree with an ocean breeze and the sound of waves while getting a full-body massage right on the sand. You can head to Magic Touch Beach Spa ($25-30 USD for a 30-minute Swedish or deep-tissue massage) or find $1 USD per minute deals.
  • Belizean Food Tour: Sample your way through rich local flavors, like stewed chicken, fry jacks, and rum cake.
Belize Chocolate Company:
  • Local chocolate store that offers a variety of delicious and interesting chocolates. Recommend the passionfruit caramel and the Mayan temple with strong rum tastes. 
  • It's known for their Cacao Tea, but it is quite an acquired taste.
  • They offer 30-40 minute chocolate tours Monday through Friday at 10:30 AM, where they demo and allow you to sample chocolate.
  • Central Park: More of a square than a park, but it does have the San Pedro sign and a small playground with nighttime stalls selling fragrant foods lining the edges.
  • San Pedro Roman Catholic Church: A charming, pastel-painted church with massess on Sunday mornings with English in the morning (8 AM and 10 AM) and Spanish in the evenings (7 PM).
  • Saul's Cigar and Coffee House: Cigar shop that also sells their own Kahlua, coffee-like rum cream liqueur that you can add into your own coffee. Very friendly staff.

Restaurants

  • Given that it's a touristy town, prices are similar to in the U.S.; however, the seafood is usually freshly caught and the drinks are cheaper (and tastier!).

  • All restaurants will have a general sales tax of 12.5% with an additional 10-15% service charge either added or recommended.

The list of restaurants below is sorted based on my favorites and also by cuisine (Belizean or non-Belizean)
Belizean
  • Elvi's Kitchen: One of the most popular and the oldest restaurant in San Pedro and for good reason. They have live music on Thursdays and the floor is beach sand. Reservations recommended.
    • Best dish here is the Chef Jennie's Curry, but their Coco-Ginger Shrimp was also delightful.
  • Caramba Restaurant and Bar: Fresh seafood with "Catch of the Day" laid out outside, where you can specify how the fish will be prepared. Each fish can feed 2-3 people and recommend trying the hogfish and stone crab claws. Reservations recommended.
  • Sweet-Tutz & Delights: Locals head here for big portions, especially their Belize tamale lunch deal. They have large goblet-size smoothies and you should also try their Belizean dumplings.
  • El Fogon: Best place to try Belizean barbecue with salbutes, fish creole, and conch fritters.
  • The Fry Jack House: Small walk-in restaurant known for their fry jacks. Try their classic bacon or sausage fry jack.
  • Maxie's Restaurant and Lounge: Their seafood is quite good, especially the blackened or creamy curry sauces. Their cocktails are too sweet, but they have massive fruit smoothies.
Non-Belizean
  • Frenchy's Restaurant and Lounge: French food with creative vegan and vegetarian options; however, it is catered towards meat eaters with amazing souffles and grilled peaches.
  • Palmilla Restaurant: Located in the VIctoria House, it is known for the hidden oasis ambiance with the best dish of duck risotto and lobster tail and a delicious goat cheese cake for dessert. They offer a complimentary shuttle service.
  • The Hidden Treasure Restaurant & Lounge: A more upscale dining restaurant with steak and seafood but known for their banana coconut cream pie. They offer a shuttle service to pick you up from downtown to bring you here and back.
  • Blue Water Grill: Right on the water with more international fare options like shrimp pad thai or fish burgers. They have Tuesday/Friday sushi nights.
  • ​Black Orchid Restaurant & Lounge: Further south from the town center, but they serve a mix of Belize and international cuisine with many seafood and pasta options. It is on the more formal side and reservations are recommended. Main difficulty is reaching here from downtown.
Snacks and Desserts
  • El Patio Grill: Their food is on the pricier end for smaller portions, but their frozen key lime pie is to DIE for! Absolutely come here for dessert and enjoy live music Wednesdays!
  • French Croissant Bakery: Authentic French pastries and crusty breads that make this cozy spot feel like a little corner of Paris.
  • Izzy's Smoothies, Snacks & Juice Bar: While it doesn't really have that many snacks, it's the perfect place for a smoothie or juice!
  • Caye Custard: Rich, creamy custards and ice cream treats that are perfect for cooling off on a hot afternoon or evening.
  • Churro O’Clock: Homemade and vegan chrros made to order and stuffed with chocolate and other toppings. Note that their hours on Google Maps aren't always accurate and they sometimes close early in the evenings.
  • Charmaine's Cafe and Dessert Shop: A local bakery specializing in beautifully decorated cakes and sweet treats. They have a nice upstairs dining area.


Other Things to Try:
​
  • Doradas: A rip-off of Doritos that somehow tastes quite good!
  • Belikin: Coined "The Beer of Belize", it was released in 1971. The name actually means "road to the east" or "road to the burning sun", referencing Belize's Maya heritage.

Diving

Why Dive in Belize?
  1. Great Blue Hole – One of the world's most famous dive sites, a giant marine sinkhole 400+ ft deep.
  2. Incredible Marine Biodiversity – Home to vibrant coral reefs, rays, sea turtles, and 500+ fish species.
  3. Belize Barrier Reef – The second-largest barrier reef in the world, offering stunning underwater landscapes.
  4. Diverse Dive Sites – Shallow coral gardens to deep wall dives and wrecks.
  5. Shark Encounters – Dive with nurse sharks, reef sharks, and whale sharks (seasonal).
  6. Uncrowded & Pristine Waters – Less tourist traffic, warm waters, great visibility
Dive Shops to Consider:
Note that these dive shops will also pick you up from your lodging, so don't worry about how far you are (although your lodging should be on the waterfront or you can easily walk to an open pier).
  • Belize Pro Dive Center: My top choice! Good customer service with highly trained and attentive dive masters that execute srong safety protocols. 
  • Amigos del Mar: Large, comfortable vessels and a long-running family-run operation.
  • Ambergris Divers: Friendly, patient staff that provide good service for reef and island dives. Great for casual day trips with options like tarpon feeding.
  • Scuba School & Family Dive Center: Best choice for families and beginners seeking personalized attention and safety-focused instructors.
Multiple dive shops offer 3-tank day trips to both Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe with lunch included. 3-day or 4-day package deals can even get you to both!
Most Common Dives From Here:
  • Lighthouse Reef: One of Belize’s most iconic atolls, Lighthouse Reef is home to dramatic drop-offs, rich biodiversity, and two of the country’s most celebrated dive sites: the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye Wall. 
    • Blue Hole: A perfeclty circular underwater sinkhole over 300 feet across and 400 feet deep. Dives let you go down 130 feet to swim between stalactites. Usually reserved for more advanced divers, but they have 2 divemasters to monitor everyone's health. Despite mixed reviews online, I think it's one of the most beautiful and extraordinary geologic dives that everyone should try. 
    • Half Moon Caye: Stunning sea wall dives similar to diving in a giant fish tank.
    • ​NOTE: You will be on a boat for ~2.5 hours to get out to the Blue Hole from San Pedro and the ride can be bumpy.​​
  • Turneffe Atoll: The largest and most biologically diverse atoll in Belize,
    • ​The Elbow: The signature dive site where two strong currents meet, drawing in massive schools of jacks, snappers, groupers, and eagle rays. The visibility is stunning, and the drift diving here is world-class, ideal for experienced divers.
    • NOTE: It’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour boat ride from San Pedro depending on sea conditions. While the ride is shorter than the trip to Lighthouse Reef, swells can still be significant. 

Other Resources

Wander Within a Day
Search below to find something else you're looking for!
Please note that all text and photos are copyrighted unless otherwise indicated. 
If you have any questions or would like to contact me!