30 Best Things to Do in San Pedro & Ambergris Caye

Discover the top things to do on Ambergris Caye, in San Pedro town, and beyond.

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Belize’s largest island, Ambergris Caye is known for its vacation vibes, sprawling beaches, and boujee resorts. Positioned near the Belize Barrier Reef, Ambergris Caye’s main town, San Pedro, is one of the most popular places in Belize.

There are plenty of fun things to do in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, both on land and at sea. We had a lot of fun making the most of many of the activities that this busy island has to offer. From relaxing beach days to snorkelling and diving excursions, there are countless activities to fill up your Belize itinerary. We’ve listed all the best activities, attractions, recommendations, and tips in this guide.

What to do in San Pedro

San Pedro is a primary tourism hub, renowned for its activities, some of which are the most fun things to do in Belize. Ambergris Caye is the perfect location to experience some of the best snorkelling in Belize. You can engage in a range of activities, predominantly focusing on marine exploration, including snorkelling, diving, and sailing.

On land, you can explore the island by golf cart, visiting popular spots like Secret Beach. San Pedro town also offers cultural experiences, diverse dining, and great shopping. Whether you’re staying in the town of San Pedro or further north in a resort, many of the best activities will take you out of the town and around the island of Ambergris Caye.

San Pedro Activities Map

Discover the top activities and attractions in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye on our interactive map.

The best things to do in San Pedro

We’ve started with the top things to do in the town of San Pedro and then expanded into further sections on the best ocean-based adventures, ethical animal encounters, and day trips from Ambergris Caye.

1. Explore the town

San Pedro town is home to a network of busy streets, an array of shops, diverse restaurants, and lively bars. It’s the best place to start your trip, orienting yourself in the heart of Ambergris Caye. We’re going to delve into all the best things to do, but to get acquainted with the town, start with this little checklist:

2. Bask on beautiful beaches

While San Pedro is primarily known as a jumping-off point for marine adventures out to sea, it also has some stunning spots to spread out on sandy shores. The beaches here may have a slightly different character than the picture-perfect, wide sandy stretches found elsewhere in the Caribbean, but there are still some beautiful beaches to spend a day lazing on, including:

Due to the close proximity of the Belize Barrier Reef, the eastern, or “reef side,” of Ambergris Caye (where San Pedro Town is located) often has narrower beaches with seagrass beds near the shore. However, resorts meticulously maintain their beachfront areas, raking the sand and creating inviting spaces for guests. The calm, shallow waters here are perfect for wading and swimming, and many resorts have over-the-water docks that extend into deeper, clear water for swimming and water sports.

3. Shop in the artisanal markets and stores

You’ll find a mix of souvenir shops, local boutiques, and practical stores in San Pedro, perfect for shopping. Look for handcrafted items, local artwork, Belizean chocolate, and the ubiquitous Marie Sharp’s hot sauce.

4. Rent a golf cart and explore the island

Renting and driving a golf cart in San Pedro isn’t just a convenient way to get around, but it’s one of the most fun things to do in Ambergris Caye. With very few traditional cars on the island, golf carts are the primary mode of transportation, used by both locals and tourists. It’s super freeing to be able to explore further afield, at your own pace. Many popular spots, especially Secret Beach, the Truck Stop to the north, and some quieter resorts to the south, are best reached by golf cart.

All drivers must have a valid driver’s license from their home country, and most companies require you to be at least 18 years old. Rentals are petrol-powered 4-seater or 6-seater carts and are super easy to drive. It’s recommended to book your golf cart in advance, especially during peak season from December to April, to ensure availability.

5. Seek out Secret Beach

Despite its name, Secret Beach is no longer a hidden gem, but it’s still worth visiting. A popular and well-developed beach destination on the west coast, Secret Beach offers a different experience from the island’s reef-side shores. Unlike the east side, the western coast is protected, resulting in exceptionally calm, shallow, and turquoise waters. You can wade out a considerable distance, and the water often remains waist-deep, making it perfect for swimming and floating in the crystal-clear water.

The coastline here is a lively hub with numerous beach bars and restaurants, some with in-water dining tables. They offer lounge chairs, palapas for shade, and often tables set right in the water, allowing you to sip cocktails and enjoy meals with your feet in the sea. Popular spots include Blue Bayou, Pirate’s Not-So-Secret Beach Bar & Grill, and Wet N Wild.

6. Fly over the Great Blue Hole

Ambergris Caye is one of the best places to experience a quintessential Belize icon: the Great Blue Hole. A natural sinkhole in the middle of the Belize Barrier Reef, the Blue Hole is over 300 metres (984 feet) across and around 125 metres (410 feet) deep, appearing as a perfect navy-blue circle.

It may be one of the more expensive things to do in San Pedro, but it’s also one of the best things to do in Belize, and so worth it. The best way to experience it is to fly over the Blue Hole in Belize from John Greif II Airport. As well as the hole, you’ll also get to see stunning views of the Barrier Reef and remote islands, and you may even spot animals like manatees, rays, sharks, and dolphins in the water.

7. Kick back, relax, and find zen

Even in a busy destination like San Pedro, finding moments to unwind is essential for a truly rejuvenating vacation. The island offers ample opportunities to relax, whether you prefer quiet solitude or a guided pathway to inner peace.

Many resorts, beachfront bars, and even private rentals in San Pedro have hammocks strung between palm trees or over the water. There’s nothing quite like gently swaying in the breeze, reading a good book, with the sound of the waves providing a natural soundtrack.

For those seeking a more structured approach to relaxation, San Pedro has a growing wellness scene, particularly focused on yoga.

Ocean Activities in Ambergris Caye

With its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ambergris Caye is one of the best islands in Belize and a paradise for ocean enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking encounters with diverse marine life, shallow snorkelling, deep-sea diving, or simply sailing across turquoise seas, the ocean activities available from San Pedro are some of the best in Belize.

8. Swim in the Caribbean Sea

Swimming in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea is a quintessential San Pedro experience. Jump in and enjoy a refreshing dip, relaxing in clear waters. While lots of seagrass lies close to the shore in some areas, there are several excellent spots specifically suited for a swim off the island’s coastline.

9. Night dive or snorkel

For a truly unique and often mesmerising perspective of Belize’s underwater world, consider embarking on a night dive or snorkel from San Pedro. As the sun sets, the underwater world undergoes a dramatic transformation, revealing a host of nocturnal creatures and behaviours rarely seen during the day. Many marine animals that hide during the day become active hunters and foragers at night, and you may even witness the natural phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton.

Ambergris Caye has a much larger variety of dive shops than its neighbouring island, Caye Caulker, with many dive sites located just offshore. If you’re looking for an eco-conscious tour operator, check out Ecologic Divers.

10. Sail on a catamaran cruise

There are few better ways to experience the beauty of the Caribbean Sea around Ambergris Caye than by sailing on a catamaran. These spacious, stable vessels offer a luxurious and relaxing way to explore the turquoise waters, with tours catering to various interests and durations. Choose a trip with snorkel stops if you want to get in the water, or opt for a sunset cruise for a more romantic experience with epic views.

11. Snorkel on the Belize Barrier Reef

The best way to explore the underwater world in San Pedro is on a snorkelling tour of the Belize Barrier Reef. An expansive reef system, the barrier reef stretches 180 miles (290 km), is one of Belize’s best protected reserves, and is part of the larger Mesoamerican Reef – the second-largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

There are multiple zones in Hol Chan Marine Reserve, with two of the most popular snorkel sites being the Hol Chan Cut (a deep channel) and Shark Ray Alley (which we cover next in this list). Animals you might encounter include sharks, stingrays, spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, and even manatees, as well as colourful corals.

For the best experience, pick a sustainable operator that doesn’t feed the animals or encourage touching them. From San Pedro, the only hands-off company that doesn’t feed the animals that we know of is Ecologic Divers.

Ethical Animal Encounters in Ambergris Caye

San Pedro offers an extraordinary array of animal encounters, both in its surrounding marine ecosystems and, surprisingly, within its terrestrial habitats. The abundance of diverse species attracted us to Belize, and we were not disappointed. Here are the best ethical animal encounters in Ambergris Caye.

12. Swim with sharks and rays in Shark Ray Alley

Just south of Ambergris Caye, nurse sharks and Caribbean stingrays can be found in large numbers in Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s Shark Ray Alley. A popular snorkel site in a protected marine reserve, Shark Ray Alley has become a hotspot for encounters with these gentle marine creatures.

Historically, this area became a feeding spot due to fishermen cleaning their catch, inadvertently attracting species like nurse sharks and Caribbean stingrays. This practice evolved into a tourist attraction, with the animals recognising the sound of the boats and approaching in hopes of an easy meal. Unfortunately, a lot of companies still feed the animals, which isn’t very ethical or good for them. But, there are a number of responsible operators that run tours to snorkel with sharks and rays that don’t involve feeding them. From San Pedro, you can join an eco-friendly Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley tour with Ecologic Divers.

13. SCUBA dive with sharks

SCUBA diving in Belize with sharks is a thrilling and highly sought-after experience that can be readily arranged through numerous dive shops on Ambergris Caye. While gentle nurse sharks are the star of the show in Hol Chan Marine Reserve, other dive sites offer the opportunity to encounter large Caribbean reef sharks.

Some shark diving trips from San Pedro take place beyond the break of the Belize Barrier Reef, where the open ocean brings larger waves and stronger currents. These conditions can be quite challenging, even for experienced divers, due to the rougher waters and increased depth. Because of this, dive operators often require certification and prior experience before taking divers to these offshore sites.

Not all dive operators provide the same experience, so you need to choose carefully. To avoid the traumatic experience we had diving in Caye Caulker with leaky equipment in a storm, choose a reputable company that prioritises safety and conservation (unfortunately, many dive masters condone touching the marine life, which is not ok). Again, we’d recommend checking out Ecologic Divers.

14. Spot birds and crocodiles in the mangrove lagoons

Exploring the mangrove lagoons of Ambergris Caye is a contrast from the offshore coral reefs. Ambergris Caye’s western side is characterised by extensive mangrove forests and shallow lagoons. These mangroves are vital ecosystems, serving as nurseries and habitats for fish and even crocodiles, as well as birds like herons, egrets, pelicans, ospreys, hawks, frigatebirds, and roseate spoonbills.

The best way to explore the mangrove lagoons and spot wildlife is by taking a guided boat tour, but you could also rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore these areas yourself.

Unfortunately, a lot of Ambergris Caye’s mangroves are under threat from rapid development, being bulldozed to build luxury resorts and homes for expats. We hope the local government will tighten restrictions to protect these important ecosystems and their inhabitants, or there won’t be much left.

15. Visit ACES Wildlife Rescue

Ambergris Caye is home to the American Crocodile. While these are wild animals and sightings are not guaranteed, they are present in the lagoons around the island. For a better chance of spotting one, head to the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary (ACES), a wildlife rescue centre. Located about 1.5 miles north of San Pedro, ACES is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and protection of Belize’s native wildlife, particularly crocodiles, and their critical wetland habitats.

ACES provides 24/7 emergency response to injured, ill, or orphaned wildlife. You can take an educational nocturnal tour where you can observe juvenile crocodiles in their natural mangrove habitat. Appointments must be made in advance

16. Walk a dog at the SAGA Humane Society

For an incredibly rewarding and heartwarming activity in San Pedro, visit the SAGA Humane Society. This organisation is dedicated to promoting kindness and preventing cruelty to animals on Ambergris Caye, operating the island’s only non-profit veterinary clinic and providing shelter and care for lost, unwanted, and homeless dogs and cats.

Volunteer to walk a dog, socialise with the cats, or simply make a donation to support the amazing work they do to rehome animals in need. You don’t need to call ahead – simply pop in during their open hours.

17. Visit the Iguana Eco Sanctuary

The Iguana Eco Sanctuary is a small non-profit park dedicated to protecting iguanas and their mangrove habitat. The founder, Calvin Young, started caring for a few iguanas in the area behind his house years ago, and it has since grown into a haven for hundreds of these reptiles. Unfortunately, the iguanas and their habitat are under threat due to the development of San Pedro and the expansion of the nearby electrical substation. Visitors can get up close with the iguanas, learn about their life cycle, diet, and behaviours. You might see them on the ground or in the trees around the boardwalk.

18. Spot pelicans and frigatebirds on the docks

Even without a dedicated birdwatching tour, simply wandering along the docks and piers of San Pedro offers an easily accessible opportunity to spot pelicans and frigatebirds. These majestic seabirds are iconic inhabitants of Ambergris Caye and are almost guaranteed sightings. You’ll see them perched on almost every dock, patiently waiting for fishing boats to come in, or plunging headfirst into the water in spectacular dives to catch fish.

Culinary experiences in Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is home to a diverse culinary scene that blends local Belizean flavours with international influences. From casual beachfront shacks to upscale fine dining, there’s an array of restaurants in San Pedro for every preference.

19. Tuck into tasty treats at The Truck Stop

Located a short golf cart ride north of San Pedro Town, The Truck Stop is Belize’s first shipping container food park. Instead of a single restaurant, it features multiple food vendors housed in colourful containers, each offering a different cuisine, from Asian fusion to pizzas and tacos. A large, central bar serves a wide selection of drinks, including local beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages, while the open-air layout has picnic tables and communal seating arrangements, making it a social hub. The Truck Stop is known for its regular events and entertainment, with live music, games, and movie nights scheduled regularly.

20. Dine in the sea at Blue Bayou

Blue Bayou is located at Secret Beach and is known for its tables set directly in the shallows. You can enjoy your meal with your feet submerged in the Caribbean Sea, snap photos on the in-water swings, and sip cocktails with epic views. It also has a beach area with chairs, hammocks, and a bar, making it a great place to spend the day.

21. Try tasty treats in the Belize Chocolate Company

Located on Barrier Reef Drive in downtown San Pedro, the Belize Chocolate Company is a wonderful spot to indulge in delicious bites and learn about Belizean chocolate. The company specialises in crafting exquisite bean-to-bar chocolates using 100% Belizean ingredients, including cacao from the Toledo District and sugar from Orange Walk. You’ll find a wide array of chocolate bars, including dark, milk, and speciality flavours infused with local ingredients like coconut, orange, or chilli. They also offer truffles, chocolate drinks (hot and cold), and even cacao-based body products.

22. Eat in local restaurants

If you’re wondering where to eat in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, the island has a variety of great spots for foodies. Beyond the resort restaurants, you’ll find fresh seafood, traditional rice and beans, savoury pupusas, and crispy fry jacks. Local spots provide a fantastic opportunity to experience the island’s diverse cultural influences, while international restaurants serve home classics with a Belizean twist.

End your meal with a creative cocktail or ice-cold Belikin beer. The nightlife in San Pedro is lively, with a range of options from laidback beach bars to upbeat spots with live music.

23. Sample authentic Belizean cuisine on a food tour

Try local Belizean cuisine on a food tour to try multiple dishes and learn more about local culinary culture. Guided walking tours take you through San Pedro’s town square and local areas, stopping at various vendors and tiny stalls for tastings, where you’ll get to bite into everything from fluffy fry jacks and savoury pupusas to the iconic rice and beans, all while learning about the fascinating history and cultural stories behind each dish.

Day trips from San Pedro

Day trips from San Pedro open up a whole world of adventure beyond Ambergris Caye, offering opportunities to explore Belize’s rich history, diverse ecosystems, and local culture away from the island. From Belize’s ancient Mayan ruins deep in the jungle to pristine national parks further afield, San Pedro serves as the perfect launchpad for fun excursions and day trips.

24. Visit Mayan ruins on the mainland

While Ambergris Caye itself doesn’t boast ancient ruins, it’s incredibly easy to embark on a day trip to explore the Mayan sites on the Belizean mainland. You’ll first need to take a water taxi (around 1.5 hours) or a short flight (about 15-20 minutes) to Belize City. However, the most seamless way to explore is to book a dedicated Mayan ruins tour from San Pedro, as these often include your mainland transportation. Here are the best sites to visit:

25. SCUBA Dive the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye

For experienced divers, a trip to SCUBA dive the Great Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye is often considered the pinnacle of Belizean diving and a true bucket-list adventure. This full-day excursion takes you far offshore to the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, promising a unique underwater experience.

Made famous by Jacques Cousteau, who called the Blue Hole “one of the best dive sites in the world”, you can descend 40 metres (130 ft) to observe the impressive geological formations like giant stalactites and stalagmites that formed when the cavern was above sea level during the last Ice Age. Following the Blue Hole dive, you’ll typically move to Half Moon Caye Wall for your second dive. This site offers colourful coral formations, swim-throughs, and a much more diverse array of marine life, including fish, turtles, and rays. It’s a long day trip, but worth it if you have the time, money, and Advanced certification level.

26. Explore the neighbouring island of Caye Caulker

Just a short trip from San Pedro, the laid-back island of Caye Caulker offers a delightful contrast to Ambergris Caye and is a fantastic day trip option. Known for its motto “Go Slow,” Caye Caulker is smaller, more bohemian, and less developed and commercial than Ambergris Caye.

The public water taxi service runs frequently from San Pedro throughout the day, and the journey typically takes about 30 minutes. Hang out at the Split, a narrow channel that divides Caye Caulker into two, created by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. It’s now a popular swimming area with shallow, calm waters, a lively beach bar (the Lazy Lizard), and plenty of space to relax in the sun.

There are lots of fun things to do in Caye Caulker, and we’d recommend staying a few days if your itinerary allows. But if you have limited time, a day trip from San Pedro is a great way to experience a more relaxed tropical island.

27. Go cave tubing

For an exhilarating adventure that delves into Belize’s ancient underground world, you can embark on a cave tubing day trip from San Pedro. This popular activity involves floating down a gentle river on an inflatable ring, drifting through a series of ancient limestone caves filled with impressive formations. Many tours incorporate educational commentary about the Maya civilisation, which considered these caves sacred underworld portals, or extra stops like ziplining.

What not to do in San Pedro & Ambergris Caye

We’ve covered lots of amazing things to do in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your visit has a positive impact. To ensure this incredible destination remains vibrant for future generations, it’s essential to be a mindful and responsible traveller.

28. Feeding animals

While it might seem like a harmless gesture, feeding wild animals in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye is incredibly detrimental to their health and disrupts their natural behaviour. Providing food, whether to fish, nurse sharks, stingrays, or even birds, can disrupt their natural diets, make them dependent on human handouts, and lead to aggression or unnatural population growth. It also concentrates animals in certain areas, increasing their vulnerability to predators and disease, and can even cause them to associate humans with food, leading to dangerous encounters.

It’s best to avoid supporting operators that feed animals and to choose eco-conscious, hands-off companies.

29. Touching animals

Interacting physically with the wildlife in Belize, especially marine life, can have severe negative consequences. Touching animals like rays, sharks, turtles, and fish can strip away their protective outer layers, transfer harmful viruses, and make them susceptible to disease and infection. It also causes immense stress to the animals, alters their natural behaviours, and can directly harm fragile creatures, even inadvertently.

We read ghastly reviews of tour guides wrestling sharks and visitors touching marine and land animals. It’s best to observe and admire from a respectful distance to ensure the wellbeing and the health of the ecosystem and its inhabitants.

30. Destroying the ecosystem

The natural environment of San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, particularly the Belize Barrier Reef and its surrounding areas, is a precious and fragile ecosystem that relies on every component for its health. It’s crucial to be an environmentally conscious visitor: never touch, stand on, or break corals, as these are living organisms that grow incredibly slowly and are vital habitats for countless marine species.

Similarly, resist the temptation to take with you or buy any souvenirs made from natural materials directly sourced from the environment, such as shells, pieces of coral, sand, or products derived from animals. This practice directly contributes to habitat degradation and the depletion of natural resources, impacting the delicate balance that makes this destination so special.

San Pedro & Ambergris Caye Travel Information

Now you know the best things to do in San Pedro and around Ambergris Caye, you may be wondering about the logistics of planning your Belize trip.

We’ve covered everything you need to know about visiting Ambergris Caye in our traveller’s guide to the island, as well as the best hotels on Ambergris Caye to the best restaurants in San Pedro and beyond. We’ve also included transportation information, a breakdown of when is best to visit, and lots of handy tips.

Things to do in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye: FAQs

To finish, we’ll leave you with these frequently asked questions about things to do on Ambergris Caye, answered.

What is San Pedro, Belize, famous for?

San Pedro is most famous for its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, world-class diving (including the iconic Blue Hole), excellent snorkelling, and a lively island atmosphere. It’s a popular vacation destination, with plenty of resorts, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Is there anything to do in San Pedro, Belize?

San Pedro offers a wide array of activities, from water sports like diving, snorkelling, and fishing, to exploring local culture, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, and enjoying diverse culinary experiences. You can also get out of the town and explore Ambergris Caye, which has plenty to see and do.

What to do in San Pedro, Belize, for adults?

Adults can enjoy diving and snorkelling, fishing charters, upbeat nightlife at beach bars, fine dining, spa treatments, and exploring Ambergris Caye by golf cart.

What to do in San Pedro, Belize, when it rains?

When it rains, you can visit local shops, enjoy indoor dining experiences, take a chocolate-making class, or relax with a book and a drink at a cosy bar. If you choose your accommodation wisely, you can also simply kick back and relax in your resort, watching the storm pass.

What do to in San Pedro, Belize, at night?

San Pedro’s nightlife offers a variety of options, including beach bars with live music, rooftop lounges with sunset views, and casual spots for a relaxing drink. You can often find a place to dance the night away or simply unwind with a local rum punch under the stars.

Can you swim in the ocean in San Pedro, Belize?

Yes, you can swim in the ocean in San Pedro, though many areas further north or south of the main town have clearer and calmer water. Head out to specific swimming spots like Secret Beach or take a trip to the Barrier Reef for the best swimming and snorkelling.

What is the best beach on Ambergris Caye?

While the entire eastern coast offers beachfront access, Secret Beach on the western side of the island is widely considered the best beach for its calm, shallow, crystal-clear water.

Where is the best place to snorkel in Ambergris Caye?

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are consistently hailed as the best places to snorkel in Ambergris Caye due to their incredible marine life and healthy coral. It’s a short boat ride from San Pedro.

Read next:

A Traveller’s Guide to San Pedro & Ambergris Caye

14 Best Hotels and Resorts in San Pedro & Ambergris Caye

15 Best Restaurants in San Pedro & Ambergris Caye

Renting a Golf Cart in San Pedro and Driving Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye vs Caye Caulker: Which Island to Choose?

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