Unforgettable Experiences: Things You Must Do in San Pedro, Belize

With countless activities to enjoy in San Pedro, Belize, it can be tough to fit everything in—unless you have endless time! Our curated guide to the top experiences will help you make the most of your escape, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in this Belizean paradise.

Explore a Stunning Underwater World

Many visitors to San Pedro come for the opportunity to experience the incredible underwater world. World-class snorkeling and diving await with the second largest barrier reef in the world only about a half-mile off the island’s windward side. Stretching for 700 miles, this UNESCO-listed site offers brilliant turquoise waters with remarkable visibility for viewing everything from green turtles, moray eels, and all sorts of colorful fish to eagle rays and multiple shark species. 

There are many opportunities for certified divers to enjoy the Belize barrier reef but those who don’t dive can enjoy a snorkel trip, something that even first-timers can easily do, with guided excursions available. Just a 20-minute boat ride from San Pedro you can discover the beauty of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on a tour that showcases the spectacular marine diversity, including the vibrant coral reef. Nearby Shark Ray Alley offers the chance to swim around friendly rays, nurse sharks, and magnificent coral formations. 

Experience the Thrill of Parasailing

While San Pedro is a great place to let stress melt away, there are plenty of thrilling experiences available too, including parasailing. Suitable for nearly all ages, it provides a sense of serenity and a rush of adrenaline as you take to the skies, soaring above the sea. Take in an unparalleled view of the stunning turquoise water, the barrier reef, and the island – with any luck you might even spot marine life like eagle rays while up in the air. 

Join a Food Tour

San Pedro is a culinary paradise with a long list of eateries for sampling Belizean cuisine. You’ll find everything from the national dish of rice and beans often paired with stew chicken to empanadas, tamales, ceviche, and conch fritters. A walking food tour brings the chance to explore multiple restaurants and specialty food shops while sampling refreshing drinks and a variety of tasty bites. We recommend joining one at the start of your visit so you can return to some of your favorite spots later – with so many good venues you might want to take notes! 

Discover the Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is world-famous, thanks in part to oceanographer legend Jacques Cousteau. Located near the center of Lighthouse Reef, it’s a massive underwater sinkhole, the largest of its kind measuring 400 feet deep and roughly 1,000 feet across. The highlight for divers are the overhanging shelves and vertical cliffs. They not only support up to 40-foot-long limestone stalactites and stalagmites but a wealth of tropical fish and Caribbean reef sharks, while easily accessed from San Pedro via a local dive shop like the family-owned Amigos Del Mar. It’s something that snorkelers of all skill levels, including kids, can enjoy too. Plus, there are a number of other stops typically made for marveling at the marine life. 

Step into Chocolate Paradise at the Belize Chocolate Company

Did you know that chocolate is made right here in San Pedro? This is world-class stuff, all made from organic Belizean cacao at the Belize Chocolate Company. Pop into the cafe/shop to inhale the delectable scent and try a taste. The wide range of offerings includes everything from salted chocolate-covered caramels to dark chocolate with chili and the vegan coconut milk chocolate bar. You can even unwind here while sipping chocolate tea. If you’re interested in learning how the products are made, chocolate-making classes are offered revealing the process from bean to bar.

Experience Fun, Food, and Friendly Competition at The Truck Stop

The Truck Stop is a unique place to enjoy food and refreshing drinks, along with some friendly competition. This is a one of a kind shipping container food truck park and beer garden with delicious Asian fare, pizzas, tacos, ice cream, and much more. There’s an 18-foot screen for movie nights, outdoor games area with cornhole, a swimming pool with a swim-up bar, live music, trivia, and game shows. Be sure and take a selfie by the beautiful Belize mural while you’re here. Whether you’re craving tasty eats, cold beer, or a fun filled afternoon, The Truck Stop offers a laid-back and entertaining experience for all ages. 

Take in a Movie Night at the Moon Bar

On Friday nights, the Moon Bar is the place to be in San Pedro, Belize! This is when you can enjoy the unique golf cart drive-in for movies with popcorn, pizza, and cocktails like the amazing frozen Coconut Mojito. To secure your spot, make sure to RSVP in advance—space fills up quickly. Check out their latest movie schedule and updates on their Facebook page.

Experience the unique charm of this laid-back spot while enjoying a movie under the stars. The Moon Bar offers a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with friends or family.

Hang Out at a Beach Bar

Of course, you’ll want to spend time hanging out at a beach bar as it’s a classic thing to do in San Pedro. The Palapa Bar and Grill is the original, a locals’ favorite on the beach and over the water at the north end of town. You can enjoy live music and even paddle around in an inner tube in a crystal-clear swimming hole while a bartender lowers down cold Belikin beers in an ice bucket.

Sandy Toes Beach Bar & Grill is another good pick for outdoor dining and drinking with DJs and live music often hosted. It’s right on the beach for stellar views enjoyed with everything from blackened fish tacos to fried chicken that can be enjoyed with a refreshing frozen mojito.

Rent a Golf Cart to Visit Secret Beach

Secret Beach is no longer a secret but it is the only proper public beach on Ambergris Caye. Edged by shallow, calm clear blue waters, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon or the entire day. As it’s accessed via a bumpy road, located 4.5 miles north of town, the best way to get there is by renting a golf cart. It’s the most popular way to get around San Pedro and the entire island, available for rent at many venues, including Sandy Point Resorts. Once there, you can swim, snorkel, or just relax with a cocktail at one of the bars while enjoying the magnificent scenery. Don’t forget your water shoes as the shoreline is rocky and stingrays inhabit the seagrass.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Most of the shopping on Ambergris Caye is in or around San Pedro Town, offering everything from ingredients for a picnic and making your own meals at local grocery stores to art galleries and shops with handcrafted artisan goods. Some of our favorites are Marie Sharp’s hot sauce, chocolate made in Belize, and local artisan-made jewelry. The San Pedro Artisans Market is the perfect place to look for more unique souvenirs with most items original and handmade in Belize, with some from Guatemala. 

Embark on a Sunset Cruise

A sunset cruise can provide the ultimate finale to the end of any day on Ambergris Caye. There are multiple options departing from San Pedro, whether you’re looking for a basic catamaran trip with light bites, beer, and rum punch included; a full dinner cruise, or even a luxurious private charter. You’ll be able to relax while sailing the turquoise sea and toast to the sunset as it melts below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant colors before it fills with a canopy of stars.

Catch Your Own Dinner

Those who like to fish shouldn’t miss the chance to take part in the activity while visiting San Pedro. Not only does it bring the chance to be surrounded by the beautiful Caribbean out in deep water, but expert local guides provide insight into all the local fish and can even prep your catch. This is an iconic spot for fishing with the chance to hook everything from snapper and grouper to mahi mahi, tuna, and marlin. Many trips include the opportunity to snorkel so you can check two epic experiences off your list. 

Fishing can be enjoyed year-round in the waters that surround Ambergris Caye, with the very best time to visit San Pedro for the activity depending on what you hope to catch. January often means calm seas that are good for catching tarpon and bonefish while the top catches in February are wahoo, grouper, and snook. Mahi mahi show up in June while blue marlin sailfish are commonly caught in August which is also a top month for tarpon. The tarpon are still abundant in September, as are the bonefish which continues through December.

Once you’ve landed the prize, you’ll need a place to cook it and many restaurants throughout San Pedro offer the service, including Caramba Restaurant & Bar.

Day Trip to Caye Caulker

If you want to enjoy a tranquil vibe and an even slower pace of life, hop on the ferry for the short ride to Caye Caulker. It’s a tiny island, only about four miles long and less than a mile wide, making it easy to explore. There are golf cart taxis available or rent a bike and pedal around, stopping to soak up the vibe and enjoy the views along the way. 

There are no fancy restaurants here but you will find plenty of casual local eateries with everything from fresh lobster to BBQ that can be enjoyed with a cold Belikin beer or rum punch. One of the top spots is the Lazy Lizard located at “The Split,” a narrow channel dividing the island into two parts with crystal-clear water for swimming before or after sipping and dining.

Consider this your fair warning: Once you visit San Pedro, Belize, chances are you’ll be planning your return before you even leave. Many visitors fall in love at first sight, captivated by the island’s vibrant charm and endless opportunities for adventure. With so many things to do in San Pedro, experiencing it all will require more than one trip.

This list of our favorite San Pedro activities is just the beginning. Whether you’re exploring local attractions or simply embracing island time, there’s something magical about wandering, relaxing, and slipping into a dream world. Imagine swaying in a hammock, where the only sounds are birds singing and gentle waves lapping nearby—pure bliss.

Ready to dive into the best of Ambergris Caye? Start planning your Belize vacation today and prepare to create unforgettable memories!