Top 10 Things to Do in San Pedro, Belize
San Pedro was my first trip after Covid.
I’d been living in Hong Kong, and after years of travel restrictions, I needed sunshine, ocean air, and a chance to just breathe again.
I had two full days on Ambergris Caye before heading north to volunteer with manatees — and they were exactly the slow, peaceful days I didn’t know I needed.
I didn’t cross much off the typical “Top 10” list. Instead, I relaxed, wandered, and soaked in island life.
Everything below? It’s what I missed this time — and what’s waiting for me when I go back.
Here are my top 10 picks for making the most of your time in San Pedro 👇
1. Snorkel the Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley ⏳ Missed This
You can’t visit San Pedro without getting in the water! Hol Chan is one of the Caribbean’s most famous snorkel sites—filled with colorful coral, turtles, and schools of tropical fish. A short boat ride away, Shark Ray Alley gives you a chance to swim beside gentle nurse sharks and stingrays. Don’t worry—they’re more curious than scary!
2. Take a Day Trip to Secret Beach ⏳ Missed This
“Secret” might be a stretch—it’s now one of the most popular hangouts on the island—but it’s still worth the trip. Rent a golf cart, bump along the sandy road, and spend the day swimming, paddleboarding, or lounging in an overwater hammock. Grab a coconut cocktail and enjoy the sunset vibes.
Sometimes the best plan in Belize is no plan at all — just beach, breeze, and bliss.
3. Dive the Great Blue Hole ⏳ Missed This
For certified divers, this bucket-list experience is just a boat ride away. The Great Blue Hole is one of Belize’s most iconic sights—a massive underwater sinkhole that drops over 400 feet. It’s eerie, beautiful, and absolutely unforgettable. Not a diver? You can still book a scenic flight for jaw-dropping aerial views.
The Great Blue Hole — Belize’s most famous natural wonder and a diver’s dream come true.
4. Explore Town by Golf Cart ⏳ Missed This
There are no big highways here—just sandy lanes lined with colorful houses, souvenir shops, and beach bars. Rent a golf cart and cruise the island at your own pace. You’ll find hidden bakeries, local art, and friendly faces everywhere you go.
The best (and only) way to get around San Pedro? By golf cart — even the police drive them!
5. Eat Your Way Through Local Flavors 🌟 Did This
From fresh ceviche and fry jacks to grilled lobster (in season!), San Pedro’s food scene is incredible. Stop by Elvi’s Kitchen for island classics, or grab tacos from a street cart. For breakfast, don’t miss Estel’s Dine by the Sea—beach views included.
Because food just tastes better when you’re sitting above turquoise water.
6. Watch the Sunset at a Beach Bar 🌟 Did This
The sunsets in San Pedro deserve their own category. Head to Palapa Bar, The Truck Stop, or Wayo’s Beach Bar for happy-hour drinks over the water. Some spots even have inner tubes so you can float with your beer while the sky turns pink.
Overwater dining done right — the kind of view that makes you forget what day it is.
7. Visit The Truck Stop ⏳ Missed This
This outdoor food park made from shipping containers is a local favorite. There’s everything from Asian fusion to ice cream, plus live music, trivia nights, and a pool with a swim-up bar. It’s fun, social, and always buzzing with travelers and locals.
8. Go Sailing or Take a Catamaran Cruise ⏳ Missed This
Spend a day gliding along the reef with the wind in your hair. Most tours include snorkeling stops, rum punch, and a stop at Caye Caulker for lunch. Sailing back at sunset with reggae music playing might just be your favorite memory from Belize.
9. Visit Caye Caulker for the Day ⏳ Missed This
Just a 30-minute water taxi away, this tiny island lives by the motto “Go Slow.” It’s the perfect contrast to San Pedro’s busier vibe. Spend the day at The Split, grab a smoothie, and watch pelicans dive for fish. Then head back to San Pedro before dark.
Hop over to Caye Caulker for a day — island vibes, turquoise water, and a reminder to slow down.
10. Support Marine Conservation at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Office ⏳ Missed This
Learn more about the reef ecosystem that makes Belize so special. You can chat with local guides, book eco-tours, or volunteer opportunities if you’re staying longer. Every visit helps keep the reef thriving for future generations.
Final Thoughts
San Pedro is one of those places that’s hard to leave. The rhythm of the waves, the warmth of the locals, and the endless adventures make it feel like home in no time. Whether you’re diving deep or just sipping coconut water on the sand—Belize will capture your heart.
I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of this manatee statue — the perfect reminder of where I was heading next: volunteering with these gentle giants.
Next Chapter
Next, I was heading to the mainland to volunteer with rescued manatees — an experience that completely changed how I see Belize. You can read about that part of my journey, plus travel tips and stories from the sanctuary, on the full blog at unsettledjd.com/blogs
