Curator’s statement
I’ve been traveling to Belize for over 15 years, and San Pedro continues to steal my heart every single time. It’s where I discovered my love for scuba diving, made lifelong friends and tasted some of the most unforgettable food in the Caribbean. This island paradise is a diver’s dream and the definition of laid-back island life. Don’t expect mega resorts or cookie-cutter all-inclusives — here, you’re encouraged to hop around and experience everything from beachfront bars to hidden gem eateries. Bonus: it’s an English-speaking country, so getting around and connecting with locals is a breeze.
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Things to do in San Pedro
Golf carts are a must if you plan on moving around the island. You can rent by day/week or on a monthly basis. This is the main form of travel for the island.
Scuba diving – San Pedro sits beside the second-largest barrier reef in the world. You'll dive with sea turtles, sharks, dolphins and rays — maybe even spot an elusive octopus.
Snorkeling – Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley offer thrilling encounters with nurse sharks, stingrays and amazing coral formations.
Fly fishing — Test your luck with a “Grand Slam”: bonefish, tarpon and permit in one day. Local guides make the experience unforgettable.
Caye Caulker day trip — Join a boat tour with Amigos Del Mar (ask for Alonso!) and cruise to this laid-back island. Order the off-menu Lazy Lizard cocktail for a true local secret, while visiting Caye Caulker.
Belizean food tours — A flavorful way to try traditional dishes like stew, chicken, fry jacks and fresh ceviche.
Secret Beach – Grab a golf cart and head west. Chill at beach clubs like Blue Bayou and Happy Island — lounge chairs and in-water dining included.
Mayan Ruin Tour — Start with a puddle jumper flight, then take a riverboat to ancient Mayan ruins. Expect wildlife along the way and wear comfy shoes!
Places to eat & drink in San Pedro
Fully loaded michelada from Anglers!
Blue Bayou — This beach club is famous for its in-water dining experience. Grab a table in the sea and feast on cheesy quesadillas or the legendary seafood platter while soaking up the sun and good music.
Lily’s Treasure Chest – A beloved local hangout just steps from the dive shops. It’s the perfect place to kick back after a two-tank dive with a cold drink and tasty Belizean bites. They have excellent breakfast, too!
Happy Island – Sip rum drinks served in whole pineapples, put your name on the wall and snack on jalapeño poppers and ceviche.
Caramba’s – Ideal for a special night out (I celebrated my last birthday here!). Select your fresh-caught seafood from the ice display and have it cooked your way — this is all brought in fresh daily. Can’t decide? Their full menu has plenty of options.
Castaways – Start your day with beach views and Belizean breakfast classics. The Dirty Monkey cocktail and lobster eggs Benedict (when in season) are musts — and don’t skip the fry jacks!
Anglers – Craving bold flavors? This local gem is known for loaded micheladas, crispy whole-fried grouper and bacon-wrapped scallops that’ll have you coming back twice in one trip.
Rain Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace — Offering panoramic views and a more upscale setting, Rain is perfect for sunset cocktails or a romantic dinner. Reservations recommended!
Palapa Bar & Grill – A floating party! Lounge in inner tubes while buckets of beer are lowered to you by a pulley system. Their fresh ceviche, daily-caught fish and fun vibe are island essentials.
Tipsy Lobster — Located on the quieter north side, this local favorite shines during lobster season. Try the blackened lobster or grilled catch of the day — always fresh and flavorful.
Truck Stop — A can’t-miss hub built from shipping containers. You’ll find pizza, Thai, Mexican eats, a walk-up bar, live music, lagoon views, dip pools, lawn games and more. It’s a foodie playground and fun for all ages. We eat here multiple times each visit!
Need to know
Safety & Hospitality – San Pedro is known for its welcoming locals and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors often comment on how safe and friendly the island feels, whether walking around town or grabbing a drink solo. Not once have I or any of my friends or family felt unsafe. Use common sense, but know that most locals are ready to answer any questions or provide any guidance.
English-Speaking – No language barrier here! Belize is one of the few Central American countries where English is the official language, making travel logistics and local connections super easy. You will find the mixture of Creole and Spanish infatuating.
Incredible Food & Rich Culture — From street-side fry jacks to fresh-caught lobster, the local cuisine is a delicious blend of Caribbean, Latin and Creole flavors. Add in music, cultural festivals and colorful island vibes, and you'll quickly fall in love with the culture.
Heads-Up for Travelers:
Power Outages — The island experiences occasional outages, especially during storms or peak usage. It’s always smart to bring a power bank and stay charged up. We have experienced full-day outages (with notice), and short spans of no power during storms.
Sargassum (Seaweed) – Like much of the Caribbean, San Pedro can experience seaweed buildup depending on the season (mostly May–September). Secret Beach (on the leeward side) typically stays clearer.
Trash in Outskirts — While the town center and tourist areas are well-kept, you may notice litter in less-developed zones. Supporting eco-friendly businesses and cleanup initiatives helps keep the island beautiful. Take a trash bag in your cart and collect trash as you drive!
Travel Advisor
Alissa Rogers
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