San pedro: Where Paradise Comes with a Side of Adventure
For any well-travelled globetrotter and even those just starting out, going on the path less-travelled is one of the most thrilling experiences. I knew very little about Belize when I boarded the plane to this small corner of the planet. I was caught between two contrasting emotions of what expect but this small country easily became the highlight of all my impulsive adventures.
Belize may be small, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to experiences. For globetrotters, it is the kind of destination that makes a good travel story almost impossible to ruin. You do not need to spend half your holiday travelling between attractions just to change scenery.
Belize offers pristine beaches, colourful coral reefs, dense rainforests, wildlife-filled wetlands, underground caves, and fascinating Maya archaeological sites. It is essentially the travel equivalent of an all-you-can-explore buffet. For my Belize adventure, I visited San Pedro for 5 days and Caye Caulker on a day-trip. And by the end of my trip, I was lost for words for these small slices of heaven.
In this article, I will break down my adventures across San Pedro to allow you better plan your itinerary. I will discuss where I stayed, restaurants, top things to do, basically how to make the most of your time in San Pedro;
Where is Belize?
Belize is tucked just between Mexico and Guatemala. It is the only English-speaking country in Central America. However, Belize’s culture leans heavily toward the Caribbean, with locals often identifying more with Caribbean traditions than their Latin American neighbours. Creole is also widely spoken, barbecue is practically a way of life, and the scenery is almost offensively beautiful.
I had seen several photos of Caye Caulker plastered on my Instagram and was specifically here to see the idyllic island. However, my tour guide, Jordi, advised that I start my adventure in San Pedro and then do a day trip to Caye Caulker and I am glad he did. Located on the southern part of Ambergris Caye, San Pedro was a happy discovery.
Here, I got to blend with the locals and try their exceptional cuisine. As I strolled along the famous Secret Beach, I could hear enthusiastic food vendors holler about their baby back ribs. Add Belizeans’ passionate and wonderfully lively personalities to the mix, and you get a country that is not only breathtakingly gorgeous but also bursting with character.
San Pedro: Ambergris Caye’s Little Secret
San Pedro is a lively coastal town on the southern end of Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island, located about 36 miles northeast of Belize City. The island is a favourite among luxury travellers and families, thanks to its white-sand beaches, beautiful resorts, and energetic nightlife.
San Pedro has a wonderfully relaxed personality, summed up by its famous “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem” attitude. In other words, it is the kind of place where beachwear is practically a dress code, and the pace of life is refreshingly easy-going. The island is a paradise for snorkellers and scuba divers, thanks to the island’s exceptional underwater visibility and rich marine life.
Wander around the docks and you’ll likely spot brown pelicans and Great Frigatebirds going about their business. For a change of scenery, rent a golf cart and escape the busy centre, crossing the Boca del Rio Bridge towards northern Ambergris Caye. Follow the road in the direction of Secret Beach and keep an eye out for the mangrove lagoons, where an impressive variety of birds gather.
How to Get to San Pedro
Getting to San Pedro from Belize City means crossing the water between the mainland and Ambergris Caye. To reach the island, we took a short flight (about 15 minutes) from Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) located on the mainland to San Pedro Airport (SPR). Some adventurous travelers opt for a ferry to reach the island. These take between 30-60 minutes.
The best choice entirely depends on your budget and travel plans, but I personally find flying much more convenient. Taking the ferry means leaving the airport, travelling to the water taxi terminal, managing your luggage, waiting for departure, and then completing the boat journey. That's simply too much, especially after a long international flight.
A domestic flight takes only around 15 minutes and costs about $100 USD one way per person. Flights depart regularly, often about every hour, making it easy to find one that suits your schedule. I would recommend flying with Tropic Air from BZE to San Pedro Airport (SPR), as it is fast, convenient, and offers beautiful aerial views as you approach the island.
how to get around san pedro
Golf carts are the unofficial kings of the road on Ambergris Caye. I found them convenient, easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and ideal for navigating San Pedro’s narrow streets. Having one gave me complete freedom to explore without worrying about schedules, waiting for transport, or rushing from place to place.
I could drive through downtown San Pedro to Secret Beach or venture north towards luxury resorts, excellent restaurants, and quieter stretches of sand. You’ll need a valid driver’s license to rent one, and rentals are generally available by the hour, day, or week. Prices vary depending on the season and whether you choose a two-, four-, or six-seater cart.
Rentals typically cost around $35 to $60 a day depending on the rental company. Gas stations near town also make refuelling very easy. If you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb outside town, I highly recommend renting a cart—I used Isla Pearl Golf Cart Rental and had a great experience. They had my cart ready for me in such a short time.
They even offer customization for birthdays, anniversaries, girls’ trips, and other celebrations. Since I was visiting for my birthday, my cart was decorated to match the occasion, and it was such a cute and memorable experience.
Where to Stay in San Pedro
1. Bananas On The Beach
For my 6-day Belize adventure, I checked into Bananas On The Beach. The 3 nights I spent here was a perfectly reasonable amount of time to forget about real life. This newly revitalized 3-star beachfront boutique resort is located on Sea Grape Drive in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. It was cozy, convenient, and, most importantly, right where I wanted to be—on the beach.
Why Bananas? On The Beach
Located just half a mile from the world-famous Belize Barrier Reef, Bananas On The Beach gave me easy access to the Caribbean. The hotel also offered full-service amenities and help planning tours, which meant I could spend less time figuring out what to do and more time actually doing it.
After 3 nights here, “simply saying it was good” would be doing the place a serious injustice. The resort has 60 to 66 fully renovated rooms, making it suitable whether I’m travelling solo, as a couple, or with a larger group. Each room comes with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a walk-in shower, and a private balcony.
You can also choose between lively ocean views and more laid-back pool views. Selected rooms have kitchenettes with a fridge, microwave, and stovetop. There are two outdoor pools open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with complimentary loungers and umbrellas.
2. Villa Abrazos
For the final 2 nights of my Belize adventure, I booked a private room in the luxurious Villa Abrazos. This highly rated, 20,000-square-foot boutique hotel is located on the southern shoreline of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. It’s quite spacious, beachfront, has a pool and everything you need there, but you’re still able to get around the island easily.
Why Villa Abrazos
Villa Abrazos blends sleek European minimalism with masterful Belizean craftsmanship. Its museum-like lobby showcases original contemporary art, including pieces by Banksy, alongside an elegant Steinway grand piano. Its six enormous Grand Suites each offer more than 1,300 square feet of apartment-style luxury.
These are complete with king beds, private lounges, dining areas, Bang & Olufsen sound systems, oceanfront views and carved-stone spa soaking tubs. We also got custom bidets and organic bath products. Dining was equally polished, with a signature restaurant and brasserie led by Michelin-trained chefs.
When it is time to unwind, the minimalist day spa relies on premium Icelandic products and features a steam room, ice bath and massage pavilion. Also, the fully equipped gym is readily available with personal trainers readily on call. Outside, one of Ambergris Caye's largest private arching pool comes with shaded loungers and an open-air cocktail bar.
Top Things to Do in San Pedro
When I first stepped foot in San Pedro, I quickly realised that the town’s “secret” status was probably news to everyone except me. Tourists were everywhere, and I had to laugh at myself for apparently being the last person to discover this little beach town.
1. Go Beach Hopping
Ambergris Caye does have those postcard-worthy patches of sand, with water so clear that I could practically count my toes. But if you’re imagining endless walks along wide, powdery beaches, San Pedro might leave you wondering where the rest of the sand went.
Most beaches are smaller pockets, and depending on the season and the amount of sargassum washing into the Caribbean. Staying at a beachfront hotel or resort helps, as staff regularly rake the sargassum away. However, even if you’re not a guest, you can still enjoy the shoreline because Belize has no private beaches—all beaches are public.
You just can’t commandeer the hotel’s loungers or facilities. But you can always carry a towel with you and find a peaceful spot to laze. In many places, there’s barely enough sand to lay down a towel.
Beach erosion is a growing problem, with overdevelopment, docks, poorly designed seawalls, relentless sargassum removal and increasingly frequent storms all playing a role. That said, 2 of my favourites were Boca del Rio Public Beach and Secret Beach (read on below for details about my time on Secret Beach).
2. Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve was one of the highlights of my time in Belize and an experience I had long wanted to tick off my bucket list. Located just off Ambergris Caye, it is the country’s most popular snorkeling destination. It can easily be reached by a quick and enjoyable boat ride, with beautiful views of the southern end of the island along the way.
The reserve centres around a narrow “cut,” or channel, through the Belize Barrier Reef; fittingly, Hol Chan means “little channel” in Mayan. This opening is only about 20 to 25 yards wide and reaches depths of around 25 to 30 feet. Established in 1987 to help curb overfishing, the about three-square-mile marine reserve has since seen its marine life recover significantly.
It features four ecological zones, including the famous Shark Ray Alley, shallow seagrass beds, and mangrove areas. Most visitors combine a trip to Hol Chan with Shark Ray Alley, as I did after Jordi helped arrange our excursion to both sites.
The only real downside was the crowds, as the reserve can become busy with boats and snorkelers. You also need to hire a boat and pay a separate park fee in addition to the cost of the tour. But for me, the chance to experience two incredible underwater destinations in one trip made it completely worthwhile.
The real excitement came later when we slipped into the Shark Ray Alley to swim with sharks. The sharks looked intimidating at first because of their size, but they were remarkably calm. However, make sure to keep your distance, avoid touching them and never feed them.
3. Attend a Boat Party
Boat parties in San Pedro are a fantastic way to experience the stunning Caribbean scenery of Ambergris Caye. Most of these can only be attended as part of a tour. These excursions typically take guests out onto the turquoise waters. Here, they can enjoy music, drinks, dancing, and beautiful views of the island and surrounding Belize Barrier Reef.
Some boat parties include snorkelling stops, allowing you to cool off and explore colourful marine life before the celebrations continue on board. I didn't attend any in San Pedro because I had already booked Sunday Funday at Bella's Backpackers on Caye Caulker.
Laze on Secret Beach
Secret Beach was the surprise star of my San Pedro beach-hopping adventure. I stumbled across this gorgeous stretch of sand and immediately understood why people rave about it—so much so that I visited twice. Sitting on the west side of Ambergris Caye, Secret Beach is blissfully free of the sargassum that often plagues other shores.
If sitting beside the water sounds too conventional, simply take your meal to one of the picnic tables in the water—because apparently Belize decided chairs should come with a swimming option. There’s even an inflatable obstacle course that my friend thoroughly enjoyed if you love a little adventure sprinkled on your beach lazes.
Secret Beach gets busy as the day progresses, so arriving in the morning is your best bet. I also recommend visiting on a weekday as weekends often turn into an unofficial “whose music is louder?” contest between the beach bars. Getting there is half the fun, too. You can arrive by boat, which was my favourite of the two experiences, or rent a golf cart and drive there yourself.
The golf cart is the more practical—and considerably more entertaining—option, especially because you can stop along the way to look for wildlife. Taxis are available, but they cost more and rob you of the road-trip adventure. Whichever way you arrive, Secret Beach is a must on any San Pedro itinerary.
Head to Central Park
A visit to Central Park in San Pedro is one item that you’ll hardly see on any San Pedro itinerary but this improvisation served me right. Sitting along Barrier Reef Drive, the park is a lively social and cultural hub where you can admire the colourful “San Pedro” sign. I took a couple of pictures here for my Instagram and they were exceptionally beautiful.
If you’ve been following my Instagram and TikTok closely then you know I love great photo moments. There are also pop-up stalls packed with local art, textiles and handmade souvenirs. For foodies, follow your nose towards street vendors serving traditional snacks, savoury bites and sweet treats. Those traveling with kids can keep them entertained with swings, slides and playgrounds.
Explore a Conch Shell Graveyard
The Conch Shell Graveyard is located just off the coast of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and I got to see it as part of my snorkelling tour to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. This spot is severely underrated but it was another of those unforgettable boat trips and offered up some interesting history behind it.
For decades, local commercial fishermen cleaned their daily catch of Queen Conch in this shallow area. They sold the delicious meat to restaurants for favourites such as ceviche and fritters while tossing the empty, heavy shells overboard. After years, thousands of pink-and-white shells accumulated on the seafloor to create a man-made reef.
The hollow shells now provide cosy hideouts and nursery grounds for small tropical fish, damselfish and juvenile marine creatures. Also, nurse sharks, stingrays and octopuses cruise the piles in search of crabs and smaller prey. Microorganisms and soft corals have also begun attaching themselves to the calcium carbonate shells.
See Coral Gardens on a Snorkelling Adventure
The popular shallow-water marine site is located near San Pedro on Ambergris Caye and within the wider Caye Caulker Marine Reserve area. As soon as I slipped into the clear water, I was greeted by vibrant, flower-like coral formations, with visibility reaching up to 80 feet on a good day.
Colourful tropical fish darted around the reef, while nurse sharks and stingrays added to the excitement, and I kept an eye out for the occasional manatee. It's nearly impossible to reach the gardens on your own. So, joining a tour is the smart move.
Most visitors reach Coral Gardens on guided boat tours departing from San Pedro or Caye Caulker. Most of these tours pair the experience with a stop at the famous Shark Ray Alley. Jordi helped me piece together an organised tour to Coral Gardens and my job was to make the most of it as well as snap a few pictures.
Must-try cuisine in san pedro
Belizean cuisine was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my trip. I was especially excited about the seafood, and red snapper did not disappoint. I ate it on five of the six days I was in San Pedro. Most restaurants serve it with a generous serving of protein, Belizean rice and beans, and either coleslaw or potato salad.
Most restaurants also have shrimp, chicken, and pulled pork as regulars. French fries and onion rings also appeared on most menus I came across. Seafood lovers have plenty to explore beyond snapper, including conch fritters, coconut-based fish stews, and hudut. The latter is a Garifuna speciality made with mashed green and ripe plantains and fish cooked in coconut broth.
Belizean favourites such as tamales, salbutes, garnaches, and fry jacks are also quite common on most restaurant menus. However, you really can’t visit Belize without trying ceviche. And don’t just order one kind—try conch, shrimp, fish, lobster when it is in season, and mixed seafood ceviche. Every restaurant seems to have its own take on it, so try it in different places.
I had plenty of ceviche with tortilla chips during my trip, and sampling different versions was part of the fun. For a first-timer, discovering all these dishes on my own can be tricky. I recommend you join a food tour with Belize Food Tour in San Pedro for the ultimate foodie experience. It's run by siblings Felipe and Dora, who grew up on the island.
At the time of my visit, it was the only food tour company operating there. I love mingling with locals and eating where they eat, so the experience was right up my alley. We washed everything down with plenty of bottled water and Belikin, Belize’s local beer.
Where to Eat in San Pedro
Dining in San Pedro is a delicious mash-up of Belizean flavours, Caribbean influences and international cuisine. Fresh seafood naturally takes centre stage, with grilled lobster, conch, snapper and ceviche appearing on menus. Local favourites such as rice and beans, stewed chicken and fry jacks are also served in most restaurants. Here’s my list of the best places to eat in San Pedro;
1. Banana Cabana
When it comes to unforgettable Belize breakfast experiences nothing comes close to Banana Cabana. It was exactly the kind of breakfast experience I wanted: relaxed, breezy and with just enough island charm to make me forget I had anywhere else to be. The cafe is tucked within Bananas on the Beach boutique hotel.
Besides the tasty food, I loved that the restaurant overlooks the pool and beach, so I could enjoy my meal with a side of Caribbean scenery. Their menu features a fresh breakfast platter and locally brewed coffee. They also serve three-egg omelettes, traditional Belizean dishes, banana-leaf-wrapped tamales and Mexican favourites.
The house-made hot sauces deserve a special mention. They add just the right amount of fire to any meal. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Monday from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM and remains closed on Tuesdays.
2. The Swing Bar
My adventures at Secret Beach had me discover a dining experience that set the standard for my future trips. It was the kind of dining experience that made me question why restaurants bother with four walls. I swung over crystal-clear shallow water, lounged in a hammock partially submerged in the sea, and sat at a picnic or sunken table.
The atmosphere was wonderfully social, with plenty of island energy. The menu kept things deliciously casual with Caribbean-American favourites such as shrimp tacos and seasonal grilled lobster.
I washed mine down with a local rum punch and, naturally, had to sample a swing shot or two. Open generally from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, The Swing Bar gave me exactly what I wanted from a Secret Beach outing: good food, cold drinks, warm Caribbean sunshine.
3. Sea Salt Restaurant
Tucked within the Alaia Belize resort on Coconut Drive, Sea Salt Restaurant is one of those dining experiences you never forget. On my first visit, I arrived hungry and left wondering if my taste buds had just been on vacation too. This upscale, Mediterranean-inspired spot blends refined Mediterranean flavours with fresh Belizean seafood.
Meals are served in an intimate indoor dining room or on a laid-back outdoor verandah overlooking the pool and ocean. I was especially tempted by the shrimp risotto and house-made pasta. On my second visit, I tried their tempting steaks was equally amazed. Sea Salt is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
4. Elvi’s Kitchen
I stumbled into Elvi’s Kitchen while exploring San Pedro, initially planning nothing more ambitious than a little snack. However, I somehow ended up discovering one of Ambergris Caye’s most celebrated culinary institutions. Founded in 1974 as a tiny burger stand by the late Elvia Staines, the restaurant has grown over five decades into a beloved Belizean landmark.
It’s now run by her daughter, Chef Jennie Staines. It sits right in the centre of San Pedro, so I wasn’t exactly dining with my toes in the sand or gazing at the Caribbean, but honestly, I barely noticed. The colourful paintings covering the walls immediately caught my attention. If a tree indoors doesn’t convince you to order dessert, the food certainly will.
The menu celebrates fresh Caribbean seafood and Maya-Yucatec flavours, with tempting dishes such as Elvi’s Mayan. It features red snapper or chicken steamed in a banana leaf with achiote, spices, onions and peppers. Other delicacies include; Snapper Sere, a creamy coconut fish chowder served with green plantains and coconut rice.
For seafood lovers, the famous crab claws (a house specialty since 1995) should be top of the agenda. It’s prepared with local stone crab and Maya-inspired seasonings. You'll also love the coconut curry shrimp and the Mayan Feast, both of which showcase the island’s wonderfully bold flavours.
5. Mambo Restaurant
I saw Mambo Restaurant while cruising around Ambergris Caye in a golf cart, and thankfully, my curiosity made me stop. The restaurant is part of the upscale Matachica Beach Resort. Of all the restaurants I visited on the island, this was easily the most expensive. The prices are listed in US dollars rather than Belize dollars—never a promising sign for my wallet!
Still, the oceanfront lounge made a convincing case for staying awhile, with a relaxed ambience that was perfect for sipping cocktails and watching the Caribbean do its thing. I settled for a luscious virgin strawberry daiquiri and a tasty plate of fajitas.
The menu blends polished international culinary techniques with Belizean seafood and fresh produce grown in the resort's own gardens. The highlights include; the "Deep Blue" seafood platter piled with calamari, snapper, seared scallops, shrimp and Caye Caulker crab claw.
They also serve Tuna Tartare and filet mignon served with grilled lobster tail. If there is somehow still room after all that indulgence, the signature Key Lime Pie and decadent chocolate soufflé are a dessert worth trying.
Nightlife in San Pedro
San Pedro’s nightlife is one of its strongest selling points. It’s where flip-flops, tropical cocktails, and a serious lack of bedtime come together beautifully. From lively beach bars and rooftop spots to local hangouts filled with music and Belizean character, San Pedro offers a party scene that feels less like a polished nightclub experience.
One thing to note is that San Pedro winds down rather quickly at night. Don't expect to party until sunrise because many places begin closing or quieting down around 2–3 AM. I have done some pretty long partying streaks in NYC and Los Angeles, some ending with the first sight of the sun. That wasn't the case with San Pedro. That said, I never felt like I was missing out.
We rode around in a golf cart, visited restaurants, went bar-hopping, met people, had drinks and danced. The trick is simply to start the night earlier rather than waiting until 1 AM to head out. Here’s my list of the best nightlife spots in San Pedro;
1. Maxie’s
Maxie’s Restaurant & Lounge/Nightclub in downtown San Pedro is one of the most revered nightlife spots on the island. I went there twice and in both cases was left completely sold on what a beautiful night should feel like. I especially loved their tropical flavours of its American, Caribbean and Latin fusion menu. I had Coconut Crusted Lobster and my friend ordered Tamarind-Guava Glazed Baby Back Ribs.
I also had a taste of their fresh island ceviche and loved it too. The cocktails were equally enjoyable. I particularly loved the lychee martini, spicy cucumber margarita and Cocopine Margarita. From 10 PM on Friday and Saturday, the upstairs lounge shed its dinner-party personality and transformed into a full-blown nightclub. It’s complete with DJs, bottle service and VIP sections.
2. Allure Lounge & Nightclub
Tucked inside Wings Plaza on Coconut Drive, this high-energy spot has clawed its way up the nightlife venue list. They have everything you need for a memorable night: VIP booths, bottle service, hookahs, and exceptional music taste. I arrived after the 9:00 PM opening time, although I quickly learned that the real magic starts after 11:00 PM, when the crowd and dance floor finally wake up.
The rotating DJs keep the energy flowing with hip-hop, R&B, reggae, and soca. The club also has themed nights to give every visit its own personality. These include; Temptation Thursdays and Feminine Fridays with Ladies Night perks to the packed Stellar Saturdays and Seductive Sundays. Open from Thursday to Sunday until 2:00 AM, Allure Lounge gave me exactly the kind of island nightlife experience I needed.
3. Sunset Lounge
Perched on Coconut Drive in San Pedro, this trendy rooftop bar was perfect for those nights where I wanted a much-relaxed night with drink in hand. It has breezy outdoor seating and gorgeous sunset views. Sunset Lounge transforms into a lively mini-club with dancing and late-night music later in the night.
I sampled the strong signature cocktails—along with the impressive selection of beer, wine, and hard liquor. You can balance the liquid enthusiasm with some tasty bar appetizers. By the end of the night, I had enjoyed the views, the vibrant atmosphere, and perhaps slightly more of those cocktails than my original plan had allowed. But hey, a good night was had!
Day-trip to Caye Caulker: Belize’s Little Slice of Heaven
Having visited more than 20 countries, I can confidently say this tiny Belizean island is one of my favourite places on the planet. Located about 13 miles from San Pedro, Caye Caulker (pronounced Key Corker) is a limestone island stretching just five miles long. It’s split into two sections by a narrow waterway.
Its colourful wooden buildings, palm-fringed shores, friendly locals and unmistakable Caribbean charm create an atmosphere that is wonderfully unhurried. Life here revolves around the simple pleasures of swimming in clear turquoise water, relaxing in the sunshine and feasting on freshly grilled lobster. If you aren't in any sort of rush, make sure to add this day-trip to your San Pedro itinerary.
How to Get to Caye Caulker from San Pedro
Getting from San Pedro to Caye Caulker is incredibly easy, and considering the two islands are only about 21–22 kilometres (13 miles) apart. Jordi chartered a water taxi taking a group out and the journey there was just one big adventure. Several water taxis run daily, generally every hour between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
The journey usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the weather and the speed of the boat. I particularly love the boat option because the Caribbean scenery is part of the experience. You'll enjoy turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, nearby islands, coral reefs. If luck is on your side, you'll perhaps spot dolphins, turtles or rays along the way.
The important thing is to PLAN THIS AHEAD OF TIME. If you don’t already have a group or somebody coordinating it, you could end up needing to rent your own boat, which obviously gets expensive. That’s another reason I recommend reaching out to Jordi (Read on below for his contact) because he can help coordinate everything and see if there’s a group going out.
Top Things to Do in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a compact island measuring just five miles long. So, you can see all the major attractions in only a couple of hours. For most of my time here, I walked between attractions and it roused my adventurous spirit. There’s plenty to see and between walks, I discovered a lot of activities and landmarks that weren’t on most blogs.
1. Check Out the Split
The Split is one of Caye Caulker’s most popular landmarks. The narrow water channel separates the island’s northern and southern sections. It began taking shape in 1961 when Hurricane Hattie swept through the area, and local residents later helped widen and deepen the channel by continually dredging it.
Today, The Split is a lively spot for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying Caye Caulker’s laid-back island atmosphere. It features wooden chairs, docks, a diving platform and a sandy stretch that comes closest to a traditional beach on the island. The clear waters are also ideal for activities such as snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking.
There’s also a small local ferry for those eager to cross to the quieter, less-developed north side. If you plan to swim, keep your valuables secure by having a friend watch them or carrying them in a waterproof pouch while you are in the water. It is much safer that way because it can sometimes feel crowded here, especially on the weekends.
2. Visit an Swim-up Bar
Before leaving the Split, make sure to check out an swim-up bar. Caye Caulker is famous for its laid-back swim-up bars, where enjoying a drink can mean sitting right in the warm, turquoise Caribbean Sea. Many of these spots feature submerged bar stools, picnic tables, swings, hammocks, and even inner tubes anchored in the shallow water.
I found Sip N' Dip Beach Bar to be the perfect place to spend my afternoon in Caye Caulker. The idyllic bar is located on the island’s northeast side, just south of the famous Split. Its laid-back overwater tiki bar turns drinking into something of an aquatic sport. I particularly loved the submerged benches, water swings, overwater hammocks, and floating tables.
In terms of their menu, I loved their shrimp ceviche, coconut shrimp, fish curry, and nachos. Their tropical cocktails are shouldn’t also be missed. Take advantage of the 2-for-1 happy hour from Monday to Friday between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The drink buckets and cocktails are also often easier on the wallet than those at the bustling Lazy Lizard nearby.
Head to Tarpon Cove
Tarpon Cove in Caye Caulker is where fishing takes a hilarious turn. Instead of catching the fish, you simply hold a sardine over the water and let a giant tarpon do the rest. For around BZ$5 (about US$2.50), you can feed these enormous saltwater gamefish from the pier.
Here, the tarpons launch themselves out of the water with surprising speed to grab their snack. Despite their intimidating size, tarpons have no teeth. So, there is little to fear beyond getting startled by a flying fish and an unexpected head-bump. It’s one of those quick things that doesn’t take up your whole day but it’s such a fun experience and makes great content too.
The pier and decking have also been upgraded by the Belize Tourism Board and local council, making the experience safer and more accessible. Also, keep an eye on the nearby mangroves, where wild iguanas often lounge around like they are patiently waiting for their share of the buffet.
Attend Sunday Funday at Bella’s Backpackers
If your idea of a relaxing involves beer pong, giant Jenga and jumping into the Caribbean before sunset, then Bella’s Backpackers is the place to be. It’s basically a boat-party type of day. Music, drinks, people having a good time, being out on the water. It was one of those experiences where I actually got that fun Belize vacation vibe.
Sunday Funday kicks off around 2 PM in the hostel’s backyard beach area. As the afternoon rolls on, the party leaves the backyard behind and heads onto shuttle boats bound for a houseboat or catamarans. Then comes the main event: a floating swim party at sunset, with music pumping, and inflatable lily pads bobbing around.
There are also plenty of opportunities to cool off while watching the Caribbean sky put on its evening show. Once darkness falls, everyone heads back to Bella’s dock and keeps the party going in the backyard.
Practical tips for visiting Belize
Belize isn’t the cheapest destination, but there are plenty of ways to keep costs under control without turning your trip into a budget survival challenge. I skipped renting a car and avoided pricey private shuttles whenever I could, opting for local buses instead.
I also recommend choosing your splurges carefully rather than booking every attraction and tour available. Jordi booked me a couple of tours to help me cover ground. But for the most part, I kept the rest of my itinerary relatively simple.
And here’s my slightly cheeky money-saving tip: learn some Spanish. English is widely understood across the country. However, speaking Spanish comes in handy when negotiating at markets, discussing taxi fares or buying souvenirs.
If you’re considering visiting in August, don’t automatically write off the trip because it falls during the wetter, low season and hurricane season. I was there in August, and in my experience, the rain was far from constant. There was only one occasion when it genuinely affected our plans, and even then, the shower lasted around 10–15 minutes before clearing up.
Being a girl, travelling to a distant country can often feel scary. But in this case, I personally felt safe on the island, although I still recommend taking the usual precautions you would anywhere else.
Finally, if you want a seamless adventure like the one I had, you can reach out to Jordi on WhatsApp at +501 602-5141. He helped coordinate virtually all the tours and activities we were interested in and packaged everything together.
This saved us the hassle of contacting different operators individually. He can arrange a wide range of experiences. Simply tell him what you want to do, how many people are travelling with you and he'll see what to put together.
Final Thoughts
After spending 5 days in San Pedro and a couple of hours in Caye Caulker, I left Belize with one important lesson: apparently, “go slow” is not just a slogan—it is a lifestyle. San Pedro brought more energy, beaches, nightlife and plenty of reasons to stay out just a little longer. On the other hand, Caye Caulker won me over with its barefoot, laid-back charm.
Together, the two islands offer different flavours of the same Caribbean dream, whether you want to hammock your worries away or trade them for a day on the water. The exceptional sunsets, wonderful snorkelling adventures, and tasty cuisine made this trip one of my best experiences in Central America. The hardest part? Convincing yourself that it is actually time to leave.
Comments