After reflecting on my recent trip to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, there are a few things I wish I had known beforehand or taken the time to do my research to plan accordingly. However, hindsight is 20-20; while I can’t take back the past, I can help prepare you for your upcoming trip.
In this post, I am sharing 12 essential things you need to know before visiting Ambergris Caye to avoid making preventable mistakes! Here is everything you need to know before visiting Ambergris Caye.
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This is the fifth post in the Belize travel series. Here’s the complete 10-part series:
Belize Travel Series
For The Culture: 9 Ways to Experience Garifuna Culture
Food: 10 Delicious Foods To Try in Belize
Travel Guide: The Complete Ambergris Caye Guide: What To Do, See & Eat
Packing Tips: The Complete Packing List for Ambergris Caye
Travel Tips: 12 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Ambergris Caye
Inspiration: 21 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Belize
Snorkeling Guide: The Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Ambergris Caye Bucket List: 17 Best Things To Do in Ambergris Caye
Belize City: How to Spend 48 Hours in Belize, City: 7 Best Things To Do
San Pedro: 7 Ridiculously Cheap or Free Things To Do in San Pedro
12 Important Things You Need to Know Before Visiting San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
1. Have a valid passport
This goes without saying but make sure your passport is valid for at least six months before it expires. U.S. visitors don’t need a tourist visa to enter Belize. Be sure not to miss this crucial step.
2. Bring cash before arrival
The ATMs on the island can be unpredictable and not work, which happened a few times. I recommend bringing enough cash for food, excursions, tipping, or anything else you want. U.S. dollars are accepted on the island in you run out of Belizean dollars. The exchange rate in Belize is $ 1 USD to BZD 2.
3. The sun rises bright and early every morning
For you early birds or late-night partygoers, the sun rises year-round at 5:30 am! This means you’re the first to greet the sun!
4. Fly or take a boat to Ambergris Caye
The easiest and fastest way to get to the island is by air. Flights from Belize City are 15-20 mins.
Two Belize airlines, Mayan Island Air and Tropic Air fly every hour to the island, starting as early as 7:30 am and ending with the last flight at 5:30 pm. During the peak seasons, additional flights are added to accommodate the demand. It’s always a good idea to purchase your flights in advance, especially during the peak season.
The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi from Belize City to Ambergris Caye is about 90 minutes, depending on weather conditions. Tickets are $29/BZ$58 one way. The water taxi runs daily, and departure times vary depending on the day. Check the link above to confirm departure times for the days you plan on traveling. If you are visiting during the peak season, buy your tickets ahead of time.
Ocean Ferry, a 45-minute ferry, is also available from Belize City. You can check the website for departure times and ticket prices. While we didn’t take this boat over to Ambergris Caye, it’s an alternative if the San Pedro Express happens to sell out.
5. Rent a golf cart
Aside from walking, golf carts are the most popular mode of transportation for getting around the island. You can find a golf cart rental in the center of town.
Rental prices vary by shop, but you shouldn’t pay more than $60 daily. If you’re visiting during the peak season, reserve your golf carts ahead of time, as rentals will sell out!
The carts are gas efficient, and you don’t want to miss out on the chance to scoot around the island in a golf cart!
6. Travel adapters aren’t needed
If you’re traveling from the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, you don’t need to bring an adaptor. The standard voltage in Belize is 110/220V, and the three-prong outlets used in North America are the same on the island.
7. The water is safe to drink
The tap water in Ambergris Caye has a desalination process which makes the water safe to drink. However, if you’re concerned about getting sick, I recommend sticking with bottled water even when brushing your teeth!
Note: Fruits and vegetables are safe to eat.
8. Island time
Everything on the island is more of a laid-back, chill vibe, and things move slower. If you’re like me and living in a busy city, Ambergris Caye is the perfect place to slow down, be one with nature, and recharge.
Insider tip: Check out the happy hours along the beach in San Pedro; there are plenty of options to choose from, so you can’t go wrong!
9. Do you need to tip in San Pedro?
The answer is yes. Tipping in Belize is expected, just like in the U.S. You can tip on the entire bill if you’d like, but that’s not my thing. I suggest leaving at least %15 of the bill before tax for the tip.
10. Watch out for the sandflies
These little buggers are the worst! “No-see-ums,” as I learned, are sand flies that are on practically every beach in Belize. They bite, and well, it hurts. Wear baby oil or bug spray to keep the flies from biting you. Bug spray is, of course, great for keeping mosquitos away.
11. Bring casual clothing
San Pedro wasn’t a fancy place, and I don’t recommend bringing anything you wouldn’t want to lose. Many of the roads on the island aren’t paved, so your shoes and clothing may get dusty when traveling around town either on foot or by golf cart. Also, most of the activities on the island are outdoors; you only really need to worry about comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
12. Buy your libations at the airport
Before you leave the Belize international airport and head to San Pedro, stop at duty-free and stock up on the wine and liquor you think you will need beforehand. We noticed liquor and wine were more expensive on the island and purposefully wanted to avoid overpaying for bottles we passed in the airport for less!
Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents
There you have it! 12 important things you need to know before visiting Ambergris Caye, Belize.
If you’ve visited Ambergris Caye before, what did you wish you knew beforehand? Share with us below!
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