Belize is one location known for its long sunny days in March and April, especially as Spring Break swarms its popular cayes (islands, pronounced like keys) in those months. After all, the 25-mile-long Ambergris Caye is the top destination during Spring Break for a reason: close proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, budget-friendly with the right amount of planning, fun times with rum+sun in San Pedro, and breathtaking beauty. If you’re a college-aged student hoping to save a few extra dollars during your midterm getaway to San Pedro for Spring Break, this list is for you.
Stay Flexible When Flying
“The best deals and the best offers should be on Tuesdays and Wednesdays would be my expectation,” says Matt Klein, Spirit Airlines’ chief commercial officer. With nine commercial airlines offering direct flights from North America and only a 1.5-hour non-stop flight from Miami, deals can be found–if you’re willing to look. Use tools like Google Flights to determine the cheapest carrier, inputting BZE as you fly into the Philip Goldson International Airport.
Related: Flying To Belize
Catch a water cab to the islands of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Image via Hey Ciara
Ambergris Caye – the largest island in Belize – is a short 75-minute ride from Belize City via water taxi, which will cost you no more than US$57 roundtrip. Considering your return ticket is valid for three months, buying roundtrips is cheaper than two one-way passes. Just don’t lose your ticket stub!
Indulge In Street Food, Splurge On Dinners
The secret here is to eat like a local. A late-night hotdog after a night of drinking, grilled alongside caramelized onions and bacon, for <$3 USD. Coconutty Belizean Rice and Beans with stewed chicken, potato salad, and a sweetly burnt slice of plantain for $7 USD. A warm pocket of US$2 chicken breakfast tacos wrapped up, or 3 piping hot meat pies for $0.75 USD each. The best part? You can find all of the above at a street vendor, and that’s without even listing the endless combinations made from masa; think loaded street tacos, crispy garnaches, salbutes, panades, pupusas, tostadas, and more.
Image via BTB.
Acquainting yourself with a destination like San Pedro Town is absolutely delicious, especially on a walking food tour. Ask around for recommendations, and make sure to stay within walking distance in the heart of town with a hotel, like SunBreeze Hotel. You can tally a per diem, sans alcohol, of $15 USD or less for breakfast and lunch—money saved can be spent on splurging for dinner, like at 2022’s Restaurant of the Year, Elvi’s Kitchen.
Book Direct With A Hotel In Walking Distance Of Everything
Photo by Duarte Dellarole
Albeit a small island, La Isla Bonita got its nickname after the 1987 Madonna song, considering Ambergris Caye is renowned for its water sports, snorkeling, scuba diving, and beachside living. You’re on island time now, which means things move at a slower pace: you can save money by staying within San Pedro Town at a hotel within walking distance of everything, no golfcart rental needed. Most hotels also come with complimentary bicycle access, which helps for farther distances up north.
With over three decades of hospitality experience, SunBreeze springs to mind. Although both sister properties are beachfront, SunBreeze Suites is offering 30% off direct bookings when reserving 5 nights (or more) here with a travel window up to April 2023.
Sunbreeze Suites on the south edge of the picturesque San Pedro offers 21 suites to enjoy the best of the town. Eight Oceanfront suites and thirteen Oceanview suites directly face the Caribbean Sea and the famous Belize Barrier Reef, found just a half mile offshore. From here, enjoy (free) hotspots like Chicken Drop night at Wahoo’s Lounge, or even in-water drinks way up north at Secret Beach.
Header image via Sunbreeze Belize.
