I was surprised by how much more expensive San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize is than other places in Central America. It made a lot of sense given that Ambergris Caye is the most visited place in Belize and the number of tourists that visit the island.
Like most popular destinations that depend on tourism, owners can demand a higher price point for services. I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a cheapskate; I fancy myself a good deal or four. While most activities I found in San Pedro came with a hefty price tag, I discovered a few budget-friendly things in the town. Find out about nine inexpensive things to add to your itinerary that won’t blow your travel budget.
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This is the tenth 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: 9 Ridiculously Cheap or Free Things To Do in San Pedro
9 Ridiculously Affordable Things To Do in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
1. Visit the Belizean Arts Gallery
This 30-year-old art gallery located in Fido’s Courtyard, the oldest bar and restaurant on the island right in the heart of San Pedro, is totally worth stopping in to see the vast and colorful collections of original paintings, jewelry, ceramics, Garifuna drums, and Mayan masks all made by Belizean local artists.
As a collector of canvas paintings, I was in absolute heaven and wanted to take home the entire store. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s definitely worth visiting the gallery.
2. Stop by Belizean Melody Art Gallery
This cute studio is another gallery worth checking out. The artwork, jewelry, and crafts are authentically made by local Belizean artists. I thought the painting and crafts were a little overpriced and stuck to window shopping.
I didn’t get a chance to experience this, but paint parties for adults and children are available by appointment or every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. Melody, the owner, guides you every step of the way, so don’t be shy if you don’t have an artist bone in your body. Once you’ve completed your masterpiece, you can take it home! Talk about a unique souvenir!
3. Don’t miss the Belize Chocolate Company
If you’re a chocolate lover, then the Belize Chocolate Company is definitely worth visiting! The chocolate and other treats are reasonably priced and make a great gift to someone or yourself! What’s special about the chocolate is that the cacao beans are bought and made locally. Chocolate-making classes are available, which I later found out. I was bummed I missed out, but come back and share your two cents if you take the class.
4. Buy a gift at Belizean Thingz
There’s always that one person who asks, “what’d you get me?” after returning from a trip. If you know what I’m talking about, then stocking up on relatively inexpensive souvenirs and handcrafted pieces of art at Belizean Thingz is your best bet.
This charming gift shop sells one-of-a-kind handmade pieces of art, clothing, apparel, shot glasses, and my personal favorite, hot sauce! You can find something for everyone without spending all your monies.
5. Go to Saul’s Cigar & Coffee
This family-owned business is your one-stop shop for rum, cigars, and coffee. Given the three main items on the menu, you’re sure to meet some interesting people! Come here for a famous hot coffee or cold, depending on your room, with rum cream and a cigar from Belize, Cuba, or another corner of the world. Saul’s has a good variety of tea options if coffee, rum, and cigars aren’t your thing.
6. Tour the Caye Coffee Roasting Company
Start your morning at Caye Coffee Roasting Co, the only coffee roasting facility for a cup of coffee. It’s the only coffee roasting facility that offers its product throughout Belize and the United States. Here you’ll have the chance to watch the coffee-making process!
7. Head to the beach
Spending a day at the secret beach is a no-brainer if you’ve already rented a golf cart. After all, the sun and beach are free and for everyone!
8. Catch a sunset
Watching sunsets has to be one of my favorite things to do. On our first day after the rain cleared, we were met with the most spectacular sunset with mixtures of fiery reds, pinks, and oranges. It costs nothing to admire the beauty that is mother nature! Some ofthe best places to catch a sunset on the island include:
- The lagoon behind the Truck Stop
- Rain Restaurant Rooftop and Terrance
- Stella’s Sunset Wine Bar & Restaurant
- The piers at the San Pedro Water Taxi Terminal
- Palapa Bar and Grill
9. Watch the sunrise
On the flip side, the sunrises in San Pedro are one of a kind and are not to be missed. Before the town wakes up, sacrifice sleeping in one morning and experience the tranquil island and all it has to offer.
Depending on the time of the year, sunrises are between 5:00 and 5:40 a.m. Since the island’s east side faces the reef, you’ll be ideally situated to catch the most magnificent sunrise anywhere. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two!
Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents
You don’t have to break the bank traveling. Looking for alternative and cheap activities adds another layer of fun. The people you meet along the also way add to your travel experiences.
What’s your favorite free or cheap thing to do in San Pedro? Comment below!
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