Belize in the Moment: Dive, Dine & Drift in San Pedro

Your journey begins as you land in Belize City, where the anticipation truly kicks in. From here, you have two options to reach San Pedro. The quickest and most scenic route is via a puddle jumper flight on either Tropic Air or Maya Air. Both offer similar service and pricing, with roundtrip fares averaging around $240. These flights typically stop running between 8–9 pm, so if your international flight arrives later, plan for an overnight stay in the city. The upside? You get to visit Jett’s Bar in the airport — a legendary local spot — where you can sip a hurricane and enjoy a surprisingly great hot dog.

Alternatively, you can take a ferry. After catching a cab to the marina (No worries, we will provide details), the water taxi gives you a more budget-friendly and leisurely ride to the island. Upon arrival — whether by air or sea — you’ll be warmly greeted by a member of the hotel staff, who will assist you with your bags and transport you to your final stop.

Once checked in, take a moment to breathe in that Caribbean air. If time allows, stop by your dive shop to say hello, get a sense of the schedule for tomorrow and make sure everything is good to go For dinner, I recommend keeping it simple and dining at your hotel. Alaia’s rooftop, Las Terrazas’ seasonal menus, Grand Caribe’s Rain Rooftop Restaurant and Ramon’s Pineapples on the Beach all deliver both comfort and flavor. If you want to venture out, Rum Dog across the bridge offers overwater dining with fantastic drinks and a laid-back atmosphere.

• Insider tips: US dollars are accepted everywhere. Make sure to check the exchange rate, but the standard is 2:1. I recommend bringing small bills ($1s and $5s) for tips. While you can leave gratuities via credit card, they don’t always go directly to the person who served you, so cash is best.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, your dive day begins! Most dive shops will arrange to pick you up between 8:00 and 9:00 am, and you’ll be heading out on your first two-tank dive. During the surface interval between dives, light snacks and water are usually provided.

Once you return to your hotel around lunchtime, take advantage of the downtime. Either dine onsite or take a walk along the beach — Lily’s Treasure Chest is a personal favorite and ideal for a refreshing drink and bite to eat. Afterward, you might find yourself napping under the shade of a palm tree or lounging poolside.

For dinner, you have two excellent options depending on where you're staying. South of the bridge or near the town center, El Fogon serves up traditional Belizean fare with a heart. If you're staying north of the bridge, Crocs is a fantastic pick with sunset views, a casual vibe and bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers that never disappoint.

If you’re not yet scuba-certified, don’t let that stop you. Many dive shops offer Discovery Dives or full certification programs that start online and finish in the water right here. I’d love to help you navigate your options — this is one of my favorite parts of travel planning: assisting others to discover their next passion.

• Local navigation tip: Directions here are simple — just north or south of the bridge. The farther north you go, the more tranquil it becomes. The center of town is bustling during the day but settles down in the evening. South of the island is up-and-coming and filled with smaller lodges and B&Bs.

Today is for the bold and the bucket list. The full-day Blue Hole excursion starts early — typically between 5:00 and 5:30 am. You'll set off on a roughly two-hour boat ride to Lighthouse Reef, where the Great Blue Hole awaits. This experience typically includes three dives and returns you to San Pedro around 5–6 pm.

By the time you get back, you’ll probably want to keep it low-key. Blue Water Grill offers fantastic sushi and seafood, either dine-in or to-go. If you're too tired to venture out, your hotel concierge can assist you with island food delivery options.

• What to pack: Bring polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen and a long-sleeved UPF shirt (brands like HUK are great). The sun hits differently on the water, and you’ll be grateful for the protection. An insulated shopper bag or mug also comes in handy both on the boat and poolside.

This day offers another opportunity for diving. After breakfast, your dive guide will collect you for a one- or two-tank dive. Upon returning in the early afternoon, enjoy a casual lunch and carve out some time for pure relaxation.

In the evening, consider stepping up your adventure with a night dive. Exploring the reef after dark is a magical experience — watching eels, octopus and sleeping sharks is truly unforgettable. If you’re curious or nervous, feel free to ask me — I’ve done several and would love to share what to expect.

• Tipping etiquette: For scuba diving, tipping around 10–15% of your dive cost is the norm. If you had a particularly outstanding guide or experience, a $20–30 tip per day is greatly appreciated.

• Feel-good bonus: If you have some extra time, visit the SAGA Humane Society. You can volunteer to walk a dog and make a four-legged friend’s day.

Today is yours to design. Start with breakfast at Castaway’s and then either take it easy by the pool or get in the golf cart and head to Secret Beach. If you choose to chill at the resort, lunch and cocktails from the pool bar are an excellent pairing.

If you're up for more of a scene, Secret Beach offers a fun and social vibe with plenty of beachfront restaurants and clear water for swimming. Happy Island and Blue Bayou both offer strong drinks and stronger views.

Dinner tonight is casual and festive at the Truck Stop. This open-air venue features several converted shipping container restaurants — think wood-fired pizza, Chinese food, Mexican fare and even ice cream. There’s also a lively bar and frequent live music, making it a fun stop for all types of travelers.

• Insider tip: Buying beer by the case at the local grocery store saves money, especially if you plan to lounge poolside all day. Be sure to return your bottles for a deposit refund.

Your final day on the island is always bittersweet. Depending on your departure time, enjoy a slow morning by the pool or sneak in one last breakfast at French Croissant Bakery — a hidden gem near the airport with great pastries and lattes.

If your flight allows, swing by Carlo & Ernie’s Runway Bar. It’s a quirky little spot where you can grab a drink and watch planes take off just feet away. And if you missed Jett’s Bar on the way in, now’s your last chance — don’t leave without saying hi to Jett himself.