13 Fun & Exciting Things You Must Try in San Pedro, Belize

by Larry Waight

Are you planning a trip to Belize, especially to the great town of San Pedro? This is one of the best places to visit because it is never short of fun and exciting activities — it buzzes with numerous adventures and actions. The main reasons why San Pedro has become a favorite destination for many travelers include Secret Beach, the Great Blue Hole, sandy beach bars and restaurants, and snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, among others. If you can visit San Pedro anytime between November and April, be sure to enjoy the pleasant and tepid weather. Now, we have suggested some of the best things you can do in San Pedro, Belize, and with these, you will definitely have one of the most memorable times of your life!

Visit the Great Blue Hole

great blue hole belize

Stalactites of the Great Blue Hole. Photo by Antonio Busiello/WWF

Do you love diving? If you do, then this should be your first stop. It is a unique attraction off the coast of San Pedro Town, and it has been rated as one of the best diving sites in the world. The blue hole is over 130 meters in-depth and more than 304 meters in width. From the top, you will clearly see the calm blue waters which will compel you to dive in.

Have fun at Secret Beach

I do not believe that this beautiful beach is still secret, considering the number of visitors heading there every season. However, you cannot help it either as it has the softest sand, turquoise waters, and is totally free from seaweed — the most serene vibe you want on any beach. Visit early in the morning and enjoy activities such as swimming, kayaking, and paddling in the clear waters.

Snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

This is one of the most loved destinations for snorkeling and diving in Belize, and it’s only four miles away from San Pedro Town. The reserve is also one of UNESCO’s heritage sites in the world. You can get here using a boat and be assured that the Belize government has already heightened the safety of the entire reef system. You will enjoy watching the southern rays, sea turtles, several sharks, and different types of fish species.

Sailing experience at Caye Caulker

sailing belize vacation

Photo Courtesy: ROEming Belize Travel Agency

To reach Caye Caulker from San Pedro calls for a ferry ride with San Pedro Belize Express or a catamaran boat ride with XSite if you are a travel group. Take some delicious bites from the seaside restaurants, have fun on the beach, visit some boutique stores, and finally learn more about the major Split from Hurricane Hattie in 1961. You can never go wrong with a Caye Caulker cruising — it also comes with a chance to try different water activities, including swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling.

Visit the Shark Ray Alley

Shark ray alley roeming belize travel agency

How would you feel swimming with sharks early in the morning? It must be fun, and this is the exact experience you get from Shark Ray Alley. The stingrays and nurse sharks will swim towards you once they hear the sound of an approaching boat. The good thing is that they are fairly harmless to human beings — however, it is always advised that you keep a safe distance from these incredible creatures and avoid harassing them.

Enjoy a tour at Belize Chocolate Company

It has been said that Belize has some of the best chocolates in the world. If you want to find the truth about this statement, take that tour to Belize Chocolate Company, which is located in San Pedro. It is a fun adventure because you get to have a taste of the delicious chocolates and get to learn how they are made using cocoa beans. 

Have a fun-ride using a golf cart

Golf carts are famous in San Pedro Town, and you might feel a bit juddered to see everyone hopping on one along the narrow streets. However, it makes it easy for you to explore the town or move from one place to another in an open-air vehicle. You can actually rent one if you have a valid driving license, but remember, the driving rules are the same.

Enjoy a meal at The Truck Shop

Christmas belize snowbirds

The Truck Stop in San Pedro, Belize.

Every day is a fun day, as demonstrated by the famous truck shop owners in San Pedro, and you don’t want to miss a chance in this entertainment hub. The first thing you experience is their delicacies topped with different types of outdoor activities and themed events. This entertainment park is a perfect place for movie nights, games and tournaments, live music, and swimming. What would be a better way to finish your day than getting entertained while taking your dinner? 

Visit the Marco Gonzalez Archeological Reserve

This reserve is found in Ambergris Caye, and it is rich in red and black mangroves and a dense jungle. As you walk through the trail, you will find some chards of ancient pottery, conch shells, and other amazing ancient artifacts. If you are fascinated with archeology, then this Maya ruin is a place to consider. However, be sure to carry some bug repellant since the site has numerous mosquitoes.

Visit the Bacalar Chico National Park

The Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve.

This is another national reserve on the northern side of Ambergris, and it is also a part of Belize’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has incredible nature trails, and you may even be lucky to see creatures such as ocelots and jaguars. If you may consider snorkeling, enjoy watching the fish, manatees, turtles, and the colorful corals in the waters. There is also a small museum in the park — in the ruins of Chac Balam, and you can see different Maya Artifacts. 

Visit the Boca del Rio Park with your kids

If you are traveling with your kids, this is the place to take them to have some fun with you. Its playground comes with swigs, a jungle gym, water-slides, basketball court, BBQ grills, volleyball court, and picnic tables — fun activities for everyone in the family. You can bring your snacks or buy some from food vendors around.

Try a food tour

Elvi’s Kitchen. Photo by David Zanzinger

I love tasting different types of foods every time I visit a new place, and if you are like me, do not leave San Pedro without taking a food tour. It is one of the best ways to learn more about the people in the country, and Belize being a home of different eclectic cultures, it will be fun to do this. This should be among the first activity to do so as to know the best food spots to be visiting while you are still there. We recommend Belize Food Tours.

Play for money at the chicken drop

Photo by GloboTreks

This is a unique game in San Pedro Town, and it gives you a chance to have fun playing and, at the same time, win money if you are lucky. It happens every Thursday at Wahoo’s lounge — simply come to the beach at 6 pm and buy yourself tickets for the game. You need to play bingo with the chicken, and if the chicken drops poop on your number, you can win $100 or $1000 depending on the round you are playing. However, you only get the prize if you clean up the chicken poop — it is quite exciting and a nice way to finish a day.

Were you stranded wondering what you should do when you visit San Pedro, Belize? Worry no more, because, with these 13 tips, you can be assured of a trip full of fun and learning new things.

Header photo by San Pedro Scoop at Lily’s Treasure Chest.

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