San Pedro Ambergris Caye is the largest island and one of the most visited places in Belize. It is known for its beautiful coastlines overlooking the Belize Barrier Reef, the second biggest in the world and the largest in the Northern Hemisphere. The island is 1km wide and 25km long and located in the clear shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea just off the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. San Pedro Town is the only inhabited area and has a low-key, laid-back vibe. The friendly locals are called “Sanpedranos” and speak a combination of Spanish, English, Mayan and Creole – all at the same time.  Visitors have such fun that they return time and again!

Must experiences

• The Secret (not-so-secret) beach is found northwest of San Pedro town. Enjoy a relaxing day swimming in the sun with free lounge chairs, shaded tables in the water, shaded rustic bars, spa massages overlooking the ocean, grilled food, exotic cocktails and shallow turquoise waters!

• Catamaran tour: Explore the seas with friends on a private yacht or motor cruiser. Guests are able to enjoy all sorts of marine activities – jet skiing, fishing, snorkeling or simply enjoying nature with an abundance of food and drinks served. We highly recommend the sunset booze cruise or sunset dinner cruise.

• 4 of the 5 best diving spots are nearby, one of which is the Great Blue Hole, the ultimate item on every adventure diver’s bucket list. It is the largest sea hole in the world and divers are able to explore thousands of stalactites and stalagmites and experience amazing encounters with beautiful sea creatures.

• Rent a golf cart or go bike riding. You normally only see these cute rides on the golf course right? Well, San Pedro is known for the use of golf carts as a primary mode of transportation around the island.

• Go bar hopping. If you like to go out and enjoy a cocktail, music and the local vibes, then head for the many home grown bars located on the strip featuring local DJs pumping all genres of music to chill to.

• Visit the Iguana Eco Corner. This sanctuary is tucked behind one of San Pedro’s residential streets and you’ll see loads of beautiful green iguanas roaming freely and can even feed them a tasty banana.

Must eat

• Elvis Kitchen: One of the most popular and distinguished restaurants on the island. It is known for its unique setting and delicious food featuring many tasty cuisines (International, Mexican, Caribbean, Seafood and Central American)

• Estel’s Dine By The Sea is basically an extension of the beach – complete with sandy floors and ocean breezes – and is the best place to enjoy breakfast. Ask for the local Fry Jack breakfast – a Belizean speciality!

• Lunch at El Fogon, which means “the fire hearth.”  They specialize in traditional and authentic Belizean food cooked with firewood out in the open. Try their shrimp coconut curry, fish panades or pigs tail with split peas.

• Neri’s Tacos: If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive pick-me-up meal, then Neri’s is the place to go. Enjoy Mexican-style food ranging from tacos to burritos and more.

Best nightlife

There is an abundance of fun night-time activities in San Pedro town and wonderful early evening entertainment spots to visit. Enjoy wine and cigar bars and try the nightly hermit crab racing. Watch the sunset at Crocs Beach Bar, drink local Belkin beer at Wayos Beach Bar, and head to the Jungle Temple nightclub to dance.

Best time to visit

In San Pedro, the summers are long, hot, wet and overcast. The winters are warm and mostly clear. The best time to visit is November-April in the dry season. Rainy season is June-October but the rain showers only last a couple of hours. Temperatures on average range from 77 degrees F to 88 degrees F. April and May are the best months for divers and snorkelers to see Whale Sharks.

Top tips

The Costa Maya International Festival has grown to be one of Belize’s largest and most anticipated cultural events. It’s held annually in August on the island and is a week-long celebration that brings musical groups, artists and beauty queens from neighboring countries. The festival includes lobster cookouts, beach volleyball, mechanical rides, football marathons, a big all-night fair, the International Costa Maya Beauty Pageant, and is capped off by dancing with regional music groups. Also worth a mention is Caye Caulker Lobster Festival in July.

Our recommended DMC: The local travel team at R3 Go Belize Travel, managed by Danielle and Yure Roberts.