san pedro, belize

Accessibility Rating: 3 | Safety Rating: 4 | Walkability Rating: 3 | Affordability Rating: 2 | Night Life & Entertainment Rating: 4 | Language Ease Rating: 5 | Food Scene Rating: 4 | Transportation Rating: 4 | Connectivity Rating: 4 | Solo Traveler Rating: 4 |

Accessibility Rating: 3 | Safety Rating: 4 | Walkability Rating: 3 | Affordability Rating: 2 | Night Life & Entertainment Rating: 4 | Language Ease Rating: 5 | Food Scene Rating: 4 | Transportation Rating: 4 | Connectivity Rating: 4 | Solo Traveler Rating: 4 |

travel tips

  • Golf carts are the main transportation — reserve early, especially in high season.

  • Stay near town if you want nightlife and walkability; stay south for quieter beaches. Secret Beach is about 45 minutes from town so I don't recommend staying there. 

  • Enjoy reef-safe snorkeling — the Belize Barrier Reef is fragile and strictly protected.

  • Cash is king — USD is widely accepted, and the rate is always 2 BZD = 1 USD.

  • Book your excursions ahead — Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley fill up fast.

  • Avoid swimming after dark due to currents and marine life activity.

  • Eat local — try fry jacks for breakfast and stewed chicken with rice & beans.

A dolphin swimming in turquoise ocean water near a boat on a sunny day, with a distant shoreline and blue sky with some clouds.

Local experiences

  • Caramba- This is a seafood feast! You start by choosing what fresh caught seafood you want before entering the restaurant. Once you’re at the table you’ll be presented with all the ways they can prepare each seafood option as well as choose your side dishes. This was my favorite meal while on the island. 

    Fry Jack House- A fry jack is a fluffy, golden-fried dough bread from Belize, lightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, usually split open and stuffed with eggs, beans, cheese, or meat for breakfast.

    Maxie’s- Maxie’s is a cool after hours spot offering small bites. The top of the restaurant turns into a club at night. It’s definitely worth checking out!

    Happy’s Tequilaria- Food and drinks on the island can get expensive! This was such a fun budget option that I found offering good food options and drinks. I watched the SuperBowl here with locals from the island!

    Toast- This is a scenic bar where the viral “Toast” swing in the ocean is located. They offer simple bar food but it’s a solid option if you’re just looking for vibes. 

    Elvi’s Kitchen- Elvi’s is a staple that has been in San Pedro for generations. It’s known for flavorful Belizean and international cuisine and fresh seafood.

    Robin’s Kitchen- The food here was so fire!! She has this outside set up that kind of reminds you of a backyard cookout. It’s super casual and local. I can’t recommend this place enough!

  • French Angel Expedition- Opt for the full day boat tour. This includes a discovery dive and snorkeling.

    Tuff E Nuff- This was another highly recommended tour company. They offer a variety of tours in San Pedro, Caye Caulker and mainland Belize.

  • Wayo’s

  • Mahogany Bay Spa

A dolphin swimming in the ocean near a boat with a coastal city in the background on a sunny day.
Latrice sitting on a swing at the beach in front of clear water and blue sky, with a colorful 'ISLAND' sign above her and a pier extending into the ocean.
Fried fish with shrimp, boiled potatoes, grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, and small bowls of sides on a white plate.
Sign for French Angel Expedition office, established in 2006, with a fish logo, contact phone numbers, website, and email address. The sign is surrounded by regional fishing symbols and colorful illustrations of fish on a red background.
A view of the ocean with a dorsal fin of a shark visible above the water surface near a boat, under a partly cloudy sky, with a distant shoreline in the background.
A hand holding a colorful tray with sliced bananas and orange slices over clear ocean water.
A plate of taco with ground beef, lettuce, shredded cheese, cut jalapeños, sour cream, and a crunchy shell, with a second plate of breakfast food in the background.
A plate of Mexican breakfast food with two fried tortilla chips, a small bowl of red salsa, a fried egg topped with tomatoes, cheese, and green peppers, and several strips of bacon. The person sitting at the table is wearing an orange shirt with a sn
Fresh seafood including shrimp, lobster tail, fish, octopus tentacles, and scallops displayed on a white tray at a market or restaurant.