If you’re thinking about visiting Belize and are wondering what are the top things to do in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye — I can help you with that. As a local, I’ve lived all my life on “La Isla Bonita” and I can steer you on the right path.
Related: 3 perfect days in San Pedro & Top Things to Do in Belize
The activities recommended here are San Pedro-specific, they range from snorkeling at Hol Chan to sailing to a sandbar, and from eating at top restaurants to taking cooking lessons for traditional Belizean foods. By following my suggestions, I guarantee that you’ll have a great time during your vacation.
Top things to do in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
1. Go snorkeling or diving
Belizeans are very proud of having the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Because who wouldn’t? Therefore, if there’s anything you absolutely must do when in San Pedro, it’s experience the Belize Barrier Reef. This can be done by snorkeling or diving. My favourite snorkel spots are the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Mexico Rocks! Check out Cari’Bean tours for deep sea fishing/ snorkeling, which also includes a BBQ lunch on a secluded island.
Related: Great Blue Hole + Best dive sites in Belize
2. Fishing
We are also well known as a top fishing destination in Belize. We have a variety of options, from deep-sea fishing to fly fishing, to spearfishing to simply fishing off a dock. You’ll enjoy fishing here, whether you fish to eat your catch or you prefer recreational, catch-and-release fishing. Check out Go Fish Belize (Abby Marin) for fly fishing and deep-sea fishing trips.
3. Visit the Truck Stop
The Truck Stop is one of my favourite places to hang out in Ambergris Caye. It’s a food truck garden, fully equipped with a bar, ice cream shop, and POOL. They keep things interesting all throughout the week: there’s outdoor movie nights every Wednesday and Saturday, and trivia and other fun games on other nights (follow their social media for updates). It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset. There is something for people of all ages, bring family, bring a date, bring friends. It’s just awesome, trust me.
4. The Belize Chocolate Company
Every weekday, through classes, you have the opportunity to learn how the Belize Chocolate Company makes their chocolates. And if you don’t get a chance to take a class, at least stop by to have some. They have an entire boutique full of variety, including vegan and gluten-free options. You can also try chocolate coffee, tea, shakes, cookies, brownies, and cheesecake…you can get carried away, you’re on vacation. Try the chocolate, take some home, and have your friends try it. The more you know about this place, the more you will love it, just like the rest of Belize.
5. Explore San Pedro by golf cart or bike (+ visit Secret Beach, maybe?)
The island is bigger than you think, even bigger than I imagine, sometimes. Therefore, you should find some mode of transportation to fully explore the island. I recommend renting a golf cart but renting a bike also works.
For a fun day, grab some friends and make the journey to Secret Beach. There are beach bars, restaurants, and a nice BEACH! I know we live on an island and you’d expect beaches everywhere but sadly that’s not the case since we’ve had much erosion over the years.
If you prefer peace and quiet, Akbol Yoga retreat is one of my favorite getaways. They have yoga classes every morning and the food and drinks there are delicious. If you prefer to be alone, they have a huge dock where you can take your yoga mat and do your own practice. You can also go swimming or relax on the hammocks on the beach.
6. Painting Workshop
If you like painting, Melody at Belizean Melody Art Gallery can hook you up with a unique Belizean painting workshop. This is a fun activity as a date or group activity. The classes are for adults and kids. If you think you can’t paint, they will show you how anyone can be an artist!
Related: The best time to visit San Pedro
7. Drink with the locals!
San Pedro’s nightlife is legendary! Have a few drinks or have many – you’re on an island, let loose, have fun, dance until your feet hurt, and stay up until the sun rises. It’s okay, you’re on vacation.
Bars are not difficult to find in these parts, but I have my favourites. These are my personal preferences during the week, if you go to any of these, we might even meet:
- Top San Pedro Bars
- Monday: Half off wine at Red Ginger at The Phoenix
- Tuesday: $10 wine at Wine de Vine and Sushi night at Blue Water Grill
- Wednesday: Half off champagne at Red Ginger, Ladies Night at Pedro’s Inn.
- Thursday: Chicken Drop – a must for your first time on the island, Sushi at Blue Water grill then Lola’s Probably
- Friday: Anything on Front Street – And half off wine at Red Ginger
- Saturday: Any bar on Front Street
- Sunday: Wayo’s, Sandy Toes, Playa Bar, Crocs, Truck Stop
Additionally, for watching sports, try Lola’s Pub and Crocs Sunset, and if you want to have drinks on the beach, try Wayo’s, Sandy Toes, or Playa Bar.
8. Eat Local
There are a few places you can eat local, try El Fogon or Brianna’s deli or ask any local Belizean where they recommend. You can even have a private chef come over and make you a home-cooked meal. You haven’t been somewhere until you have eaten like locals. Take every opportunity to try authentic Belizean cuisine.
My personal favourite restaurants are Blue Water Grill, Elvi’s Kitchen, El Fogon, and Wild Mango’s.
Sushi Tuesday and Thursday at Blue Water Grill is an island favourite. You’ll see tourists and locals indulging in sushi nights side by side. If you’re intrigued, I recommend that you make early reservations. They also have an awesome wine list and they are right on the beach!
If you’re looking for good coffee spots, try Lavish Habit or The Junction.
9. Get on a boat — for a sunset cruise or to go to a sandbar
You can have your own private experience at one of our sandbars: get a boat, grab food, drinks, and music, and go have an amazing time.
Another one of my favorite activities in San Pedro is sunset cruises. Being on a boat and witnessing the transition from day to night is magical.
Catamaran cruises can either be done as full-day tours which include snorkeling or just the sunset cruise option. An awesome group experience is to have dinner on Seaduced by Belize’s houseboat. It is a great place for an intimate, beautiful celebration or engagement.
Other catamaran tours I can recommend are Lady Leslie, Yolo party boat, and Tuff E Nuff tours. Each of these can be rented out privately or you can join a group, which is always fun since you never know who you might meet.
With my suggestions above I am not discrediting any other boating experience, the ones I mention are just those that I have personally experienced. I actually don’t think you can make a bad decision on any of the boat tours, as long as you read the reviews and know what you are interested in getting from the experience.
10. Food Tours
Food tours are a relatively new and fun thing to do in San Pedro. Exploring our island and Belize through Belizean cuisine is both delicious and educational – you learn to make some of our local dishes and eat them after.
Bonus: Day Trips from Ambergris Caye
The 10 activities and tours mentioned above are in or near the island. If you’re interested in easy day trips from Ambergris Caye, I recommend the following:
- Visiting the Lamanai Maya Ruins, which includes a riverboat safari
- Spending the day in Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye’s laidback sister island.
- Visiting the Belize Zoo to find out why it’s considered the world’s best little zoo
- Birdwatching at the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
- Going on a Cave tubing and Zipline adventure
Wondering where to stay in San Pedro?
Here’s a list of the top hotels on the island of Ambergris Caye!
how can we go fishing while in San Pedro Belize
Aloha Lorenzo, thank you for the well put together article. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
I am planning to stay in San Pedro this upcoming February. Any recommendations on stays, restaurants, bars, etc.? Do you even suggest staying in San Pedro?
Its difficult to decide between Placencia or Ambrigis Caye for our first visit to Beliz. Thought about splitting our time between the 2 places. How would we travel between the two places, is there a ferry we could take?
Thanks,
Bg
As long as you’re visiting Belize for a week or more, you can definitely split your time between Placencia and Ambergris Caye. I would suggest taking local flights so that you get between places quickly (Placencia to San Pedro is about an hour). Otherwise, you would have to take a private shuttle from Placencia to Belize City (3 hrs) and catch a water taxi from there to San Pedro (1.5 hrs).
Planning a trip there early summer. As far as lodging what do you recommend? We were looking at a small place called Ramon’s Village.
Ramons is a great spot. Here are all the Ambergris Caye hotels that I recommend: https://www.belizeadventure.ca/destinations/ambergris-caye/hotels/
Hi,
This is fantastic. I will love to visit here next year God willing.
Thank you very much.
Is this a good place to stay 4 months? I’m traveling alone with my dog I usually go to PVR MEXICO but would love to see a new place! How safe is it and are there nearby beaches to go to daily? Will it be easy with my dog to get to the Island and are dogs allowed in the restaurants,markets etc. She is a ESA dog