Best of Belize: San Pedro & Caye Caulker

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Advisor - Francessca Magyar
Curated By

Francessca Magyar

  • Belize

  • Tropical Vacations

  • Couples Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Beaches

Advisor - Best of Belize: San Pedro & Caye Caulker
Curator’s statement

This Caribbean destination is truly un-Belize-able. From beachfront cabanas to relaxing spa resorts, Belize is your go-to getaway. Swim with sharks, sip on a piña colada (or my favorite: coconut mojito), enjoy authentic Caribbean bites, and soak up the sun in paradise. Island hop with ease through their ferry system and experience paradise on earth!

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Where to stay in Belize

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Things to do in Belize

Just me & a gentle giant at "Stingray Beach"

“Go slow” at the Palapa Bar & Grill: This iconic waterfront restaurant in San Pedro brings all the island vibes. With live music, delicious shrimp tacos, tropical drinks, and local charm, this is the perfect day-time destination. Nothing beats a fresh mojito after lounging in the sun all day. The motto in Belize is “go slow”—it’s pretty easy to do so at the Palapa Bar!

Snorkel the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley: Prepare to be utterly amazed by the underwater beauty of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. This reef is vibrant and lively—home to Caribbean marine life and an abundance of coral reefs. Most snorkeling tours stop along Shark Ray Alley, an absolute must in Belize. Swimming alongside these friendly sharks was one of the most remarkable experiences!

Feed the stingrays at “Stingray Beach”: The Iguana Reef Inn is located on the West side of Caye Caulker. Their beach is commonly known as “Stingray Beach”. Around 4 pm each day, stingrays flood the shore as guests feed and interact with them. Don’t be afraid to hop in the water and pet these gentle giants! Stick around for the gorgeous sunset views and a beachfront cocktail.

Bar-hop and enjoy local street food in Caye Caulker: I enjoyed some of the best jerk chicken of my life in Belize served on a paper plate from the streets of Caye Caulker. The main strip is full of local vendors grilling authentic Caribbean street food. Along with street vendors, there are tons of waterfront bars. Belize has some of the best tropical cocktails, crafted with their locally made rum and fresh fruit juices—the piña colada from “Sip N’ Dip” and the coconut margarita from “The Dock” were my absolute favorites!

Take a rooftop yoga class: Namaste Cafe in Caye Caulker is the perfect place to spend a peaceful morning. Rooftop yoga, scenic island views, a nourishing breakfast, and an iced latte = the perfect morning.

Places to eat & drink in Belize

Top contender for best piña colada ever at Sip N' Dip.

  • Palapa Bar & Grill: Awesome tropical drinks, delicious bar bites, and an unbeatable waterfront ambiance.

  • The Hidden Treasure: Elegant restaurant with a beautiful ambiance—perfect for a date night. Delicious food and drink!

  • Coffee de los Mayas: A drive-thru coffee shop, even on your bike! Loved spending our mornings biking to get an iced coconut latte.

  • Sip N’ Dip: The perfect spot to lounge around and enjoy a piña colada (or two... or three...).

  • The Dock Cafe & Bar: A tiny tiki shack on the water with outstanding margaritas! I can’t choose whether the spicy margarita or the coconut margarita were my favorite.

  • Reina’s: Recommended by the locals, such a great find! Super casual spot with amazing BBQ and Caribbean bites.

  • The Pelican Sunset Bar: Sunset and dinner? Sounds like an ideal night. Delicious steak with refreshing cocktails to pair.

Need to know

The San Pedro Belize Express is the island’s ferry, transporting guests all day long. San Pedro and Caye Caulker are definitely the most popular islands to stay at. San Pedro has more of a “city” feel, with lots of locals actually living on the island.

Caye Caulker is a more adventurous island with lots to do and places to lounge. Caye Caulker is split into two islands, with a very small gap called “the split”. The north end has a few resorts and hotels as it’s just starting to develop. However, there’s a ferry that goes between the two constantly. We stayed at El Ben Cabanas on the north end—a beautiful accommodation with individual cabanas. The hotel has their own boat transfer, but we ended up just taking the split-to-split ferry more often as it was more convenient.

Belize is my favorite Caribbean destination! Between the friendly locals, delicious local cuisine, refreshing cocktails, and gorgeous water, it truly is paradise on earth. I can’t think of a better destination to truly relax and unwind—and even their motto is “go slow”!

Advisor - Francessca Magyar

Travel Advisor

Francessca Magyar

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