Belize is a bucket list country that should be on everyone’s list. Ambergris Caye, pronounced as “AM-BER-GRIS KEE,” is a top destination in Belize for tourists looking to soak up the island vibes and relax.
In this post, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, and tips on how to prepare so you can focus on living your best vacation life!
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This is the third 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
What to do, see and eat in Ambergris Caye
Where is Ambergris Caye?
Ambergris Caye is one of the largest islands (peninsulas, really) located off the eastern shore of the Belize Barrier Reef. San Pedro, a former fishing village, is a bustling, charming town on the island, perfect for sailing and reef exploration.
What to expect
The island is famous for its turquoise waters surrounding the island and its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef – A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourists flock to the island for sailing, diving, and, my personal favorite, snorkeling! San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is also an ideal destination if you’re looking to chill and relax at fancy beach resorts, dine at tasty restaurants, and partake in the nightlife scene.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit San Pedro is from late November to mid-April during the dry season. Peak season attracts thousands of tourists looking to escape the chilly winter months. However, if you’re willing to deal with the crowds for incredible weather, sunny skies, and dope beaches, it’s worth visiting during this time.
May-November is considered the wet season, with fewer crowds. You can expect spells of rain, humidity, and strong winds. Be mindful of hurricane season if you decide to visit during the wet season. I recommend checking the weather beforehand. Be sure to pack an umbrella, just in case. Oh, and one more thing, some businesses close down during the off-peak season, so be sure to do your research.
We visited in June and lucked out with the weather. Aside from the rain on our first day, it was sunny and humid.
Language
English is the official language of Belize, but most Belizians speak Creole Patois. Many Belizians are multilingual.
Fun Fact: Belize is the only country in Central America that speaks English.
Time zone
Belize is located in the Central Standard Time Zone and does not observe daylight saving time.
Currency
The currency in Belize is the Belize dollar (BZD). The currency exchange is $2 Belize dollars to USD 1. So if you do happen to run out of Belizian dollars and have American dollars, use that! I ran out of Belizian dollars a few times and was grateful that most accepted U.S. currency.
Credit cards and ATMs
I recommend carrying some cash with you because it’s good to be prepared! Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are accepted in Belize. American Express isn’t widely accepted, especially at smaller or family-owned restaurants and hotels.
ATMs on the island were hit or miss. Some machines had cash, and others were out of order. To avoid this, be sure to bring enough money with you. As I mentioned above, most establishments accept the US dollar.
Plugs
The plugs in Belize are the same as in North America. Bring a travel adapter with surge protection if you’re visiting Mexico outside of North America.
How to get to Ambergris Caye
There are two ways to get to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye from Belize City Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport. We opted to take the water ferry versus the 15-minute plane ride due to the hurricane-like weather conditions.
Flying would’ve been the faster option, but we weren’t too crazy about the idea of flying with excessive winds and thunderstorms!
Whatever method of transportation you choose to get to the island, make sure to factor in the time it takes to get back to the airport, whether you’re taking a plane or ferry and then a taxi. You don’t want to miss your return flight.
Most airlines have a cut-off time for international check-ins, so be sure to know all the details. To avoid any mishaps, we left Ambergris Caye one day earlier and spent it wandering around Belize City, which was fun!
I suggest doing the same, especially if you aren’t trying to go through the hassle of missing your flight! Who wants that?
By airplane
If you decide to fly to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye from Belize City, two main airlines fly directly to and from the island every hour, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. The flight time is between 15 and 20 minutes.
Note: There is also air service from Corozal, Belmopan, and Caye Caulker, Belize.
Tickets on Maya Island Air can run between $45 to $108 (one way). Tropic Air prices are between $80 to $120 (one way). That is all dependent, of course, on the day and time. I suggest booking online early to get the best rates.
You can fly from the international airport, but the flights tend to be more expensive. For a cheaper alternative, take a short taxi ride from the international airport to Belize City Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport and fly with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. This option will save you money.
By ferry
From Belize City
We took the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi from Belize City to Ambergris Caye. 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.
While the water taxi is a cheaper alternative to flying, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- If you miss your ferry, you’ll have to wait at least an hour for the next one. I mean, it’s not the end of the world, but it can be frustrating if you want to keep to a schedule or have activities planned on the island.
- Unlike the plane, the boat ride takes 90 mins, so if you are short on time and the weather is agreeable, consider flying over.
- During the dry season (peak season), getting to the island may take longer than expected.
- The boats can be delayed or canceled during bad weather or choppy water conditions.
- If you get seasick, then this option is not for you!
From Caye Caulker
San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi runs daily from Caye Caulker to Ambergris Caye. The boat ride is about 45 minutes, and tickets are $19/BZ$38 one-way and $38/BZ$76 round trip.
From San Ignacio
You can take the bus to Belize City or fly from San Ignacio directly to the island. Flight time is around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Shuttles or cabs can take you by water taxi in Belize City.
Where to stay
There are plenty of hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye ranging from budget to luxury. Depending on the length of your stay, you should factor location into your plans. Here’s a breakdown of the areas on the island:
San Pedro Town: This is the place to be if you want to be within walking distance or close to most bars, restaurants, and nightlife. I liked staying in San Pedro because it was impossible to get lost!
If you’re looking for budget-friendly hotels in the city center, check out Ocean Tide Beach Resort and Belize Budget Suites. Mid-range hotels, SunBreeze Hotel, and Mayan Princess, are good choices. For hostel lovers, check out Sandbar Beach Front Hostel.
Check out the Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, Victoria House Resort & Spa, and Alaia Belize for luxury hotels and resorts.
The Belize Tourism Board offers more hotels on the Gold Standard Hotels approved list.
We stayed in an Airbnb, which has since been sold.
North of Town: 5 miles up the street from downtown San Pedro has more upscale resorts, bars, and restaurants. There’s no place better to stay than at the Matachica Resort & Spa. You can book your own bungalow, casita, or villa. For an extra fancy stay, check out Matachica Resort & Spa.
South of Town: This area is mostly residential, with fewer stores, bars, and restaurants.
On Ambergris Caye
The John Greif II (SPR) airport is conveniently located in downtown San Pedro.
Insider Tip: For my frugal fannies out there, you can opt to mix and match your transportation—meaning taking the ferry over to the island and flying back to the mainland. This option may be the most cost-effective if you play your cards right.
While we didn’t fly to the island, I heard the ride was breathtaking, and seeing the crystal clear blue waters, and coral reefs are not to be missed! If you’re comfortable with small planes (14 seaters) and the weather conditions are good, I suggest flying at least one way for the experience and the views!
Insider Tip: It took longer than usual to clear customs at the international airport, so give yourself a minimum of 3 hours to make it to your connecting domestic flight.
Top things to do and see in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
San Pedro offers a variety of fun, mostly outdoor activities. I live in a busy city and am always on the go; I appreciate opportunities to slow down and spend time in nature. What I also enjoyed about San Pedro is there is something for everyone! Here are a few bucket list activities you can’t miss!
Go diving in the Great Blue Hole: This giant marine sinkhole is part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve located east of Ambergris Caye. It’s approximately 147 ft deep, making it perfect for diving! If that’s your thing, of course. You must buy a $40 permit to dive there, and most travel agents will offer to help arrange a trip as part of the package.
Fun Fact: In 2012, The Discovery channel voted The Great Blue Hole as the most fantastic place on earth.
Spend the day at Secret Beach: Don’t let the name fool you; the secret beach is very secret! However, it’s worth spending the day enjoying the shallow, crystal clear blue waters, sandy floor, and chill vibes. Secret beach is 6.5 miles north of San Pedro on the western lagoon side of the island. The best way to get to the secret beach is by renting a golf cart.
Insider Tip: Don’t forget to bring music and a cooler stocked with your favorite libations!
Go snorkeling in Hol Chan Marine Reserve: Ok, so I will keep it real; as a first-time snorkeler, I was a little nervous as swimming in deep, deep waters makes me nervous! Luckily I pushed past my fears and ended up having a blast!
You can set up this excursion with your hotel /resort staff or your Airbnb host. Our host hooked us up with La Gaviota Sailing Adventures, and we had a blast! Professional guides take you swimming through colorful coral reefs, exploring tropical fishes, stingrays, and even nurse sharks in their natural habitat.
My favorite part of the excursion was seeing humongous giant sea turtles like the ones from Finding Nemo merrily swimming past us!
Visit the Belize Chocolate Company: This cute boutique chocolate shop located in the center of San Pedro is THE place to buy Belize-made chocolate. Stop in and sample the delicious range of chocolates and cacao-based drinks.
Getting around the island
The easiest and move convenient way to get around the island is by renting a golf cart. Alternatively, walking and biking are other popular ways to get around.
Golf carts are the best way to get around the island. Carts are available for rent by the hour or day. We picked up ours at Time out golf cart rental and paid about $150 for three days. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better price as we did! Whether you’re renting for a day or a few days, inspect the golf cart before leaving the rental place.
Make sure to inspect your cart beforehand. Check to see if your cart has good tires, working headlights, and tail lights, especially if you plan to head to the secret beach or other places throughout the island.
Important Tip: Most golf cart rental companies limit how far you can travel. A good rule of thumb is to not go past 7.5 miles north of Ambergris Caye, so you don’t need a tow back to town.
Bikes are available for rent throughout the island. Renting a golf cart is convenient if you’re staying further away from San Pedro.
Walking is the most common way to get around, especially if you’re staying in San Pedro. We walked everywhere the first two days, and it took less than 10 minutes to get around. Most hotels and resorts are relatively close to the town center.
Water taxis are usually offered by beachside resorts. A few dive shops provide free transportation with the purchase of a diving excursion.
Where to eat
We were happy with the range of restaurant options on the island. We found the restaurants had something for everyone, even vegan and vegetarian dishes with reasonably affordable price points.
- Try street food: I don’t know about you, but I love some street food. I got tacos for as little as $1 a taco! The moment you get off the San Pedro Express ferry, you’ll be met with several food vendors.
- You can also find street food in front of the K-Mart Belkin grocery store. Every day you can find a man (I wish I got him the name) grilling chicken and selling plates with rice and salad for $5.
- Dine at El Fagon: We ate here on our first night. The food was well-seasoned and affordable. The music was a personal highlight for me; it was non-stop soca! I had the Belizean Chicken Creole.
- Get dressed up and head to Rain: My cousin’s birthday dinner was the perfect excuse to get all dolled up and enjoy dinner at a fancier restaurant on the island. If you are a seafood lover, you will appreciate the menu items. However, if you are allergic or seafood isn’t your thing, don’t worry; there are many other options. Don’t miss out on the gorgeous sunsets!
- Eat at Iguana Juans: This resturant has great burritos, tamales, vegan and vegetarian options.
- Stop in Juicy Dive: For their flavorful acai bowls, smoothies, and breakfast wraps!
- Enjoy Elvis Kitchen: It is one of the most popular restaurants on the island, especially if you’re looking for seafood dishes
- Sand Bar: Serves tasty vegan pizza options!
- Grab a bite to eat at Truck Stop: This food park, located a mile north of San Pedro, is made up entirely of shipping containers. The converted park offers a variety of delicious cuisines from yummy top-class eateries. The live music was on point, and the beer garden out back offered a nice view of the lagoon.
Is Ambergris Caye safe?
Ambergris is generally safe for visitors. Illegal activities remain pretty low because the island is dependent on tourism. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise the same caution as if you were in your own country.
Anything can happen anywhere at any time. That means always being mindful of your surroundings, keeping an eye on your belongings, and avoiding dangerous situations. Remember to lock your hotel room or Airbnb doors and patios/balconies.
Overall, we felt safe walking around the island, especially at night. We didn’t venture out past the touristy areas because we knew we didn’t have any business going where we didn’t belong!
My intention is not to scare you but to remind you to always remain alert. After all, you’re there to have a good time.
Is Ambergris expensive?
San Pedro, Ambergris wasn’t as expensive as other Caribbean islands. However, compared to other places in Central America, we found the island to be on the pricier side.
If you’re on a budget and looking for a cheaper alternative, then head over to Caye Caulker. We stayed in San Pedro the entire time, and I would’ve liked to experience the smaller, more chill sister island. Next time!
Conclusion Lady Chin’s Two Cents
Ambergris Caye was unbelizable and exceeded my expectations. I was sad when it was time to venture back to the mainland. If you’re looking for an island with chill vibes, marvelous beaches, and a plethora of outdoor activities, then San Pedro is your place!
I tend to stay away from trendy tourist destinations, but I fell in love with the island.
What other recommendations do you have for first-time visitors?
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