San Pedro, the vibrant heart of Ambergris Caye, Belize, is just a quick 15-minute flight from Belize City—and it’s packed with amazing things to do! Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning like me (a self-proclaimed Belize enthusiast), this island town has plenty to offer. From laid-back beach days to adventurous activities, here are my top favourite things to do in San Pedro to make the most of your trip.

1. Food Tour with Belize Food Tours 

One of the best ways to kick off your trip is by taking a food tour, and my experience with Belize Food Tours was absolutely fantastic! I always recommend doing this at the start of your visit because not only does it help you get your bearings, but you also get to sample a variety of local restaurants you’ll definitely want to return to later. Belize Food Tours offers both a lunch tour (5 stops) and a dinner tour (7 stops), and I can confidently say that my lunch tour went beyond my expectations.

I’m always on the lookout for hidden gems—the spots where locals eat rather than the touristy places—and this tour delivered exactly that and more. Our amazing guide, Melva, whisked us off to the first stop: Pupuseria Salvadoreño, where we indulged in pork pupusas with tomato sauce and pickled cabbage, chicken tostadas, and a refreshing rum with watermelon juice. Melva even gave us a little lesson on how to eat pupusas properly, a first for me but certainly not the last!

Next up was Brianna’s Place, a total hole-in-the-wall that I would have never noticed if I had just walked by. Here, we tried Belize’s national dish—rice and beans with stewed chicken. The place was buzzing with locals picking up their lunch orders, and for good reason—this was hands down the best rice and beans I’ve ever had! Melva explained that they make it with fresh coconut milk, not the canned kind, which really sets it apart.

From there, we visited Saul’s Coffee and Cigar, where we sampled their rum creams in three delicious flavours—coconut, coffee, and chocolate. It’s also Belize’s only cigar shop, making it a perfect spot to pick up unique souvenirs.

Our next stop was El Fogon, a popular spot known for its traditional wood-fired stove. We sipped rum punch and enjoyed conch fritters and salbutes (deep-fried corn tortillas with toppings). This place has become so popular they’ve had to expand, and after tasting their food, I can see why!

Finally, we grabbed some sweet treats from a local stand near our starting point. We took home a selection that included banana bread, coconut sugar bark, and tamarind balls.

Overall, it was such a fun and informative experience. Melva not only introduced us to these amazing food spots but also shared some great restaurant recommendations along the way—insider tips you just can’t find online. I’m already looking forward to trying their dinner tour next time!

2. Parasailing over the lagoon 

When I found out there was an opportunity to parasail on Ambergris Caye, I was instantly sold! The island is absolutely stunning, surrounded by crystal-clear blue waters, and the views from above are so surreal that many of you probably wouldn’t believe it’s Belize unless I told you! If you’ve never tried parasailing before, I can’t recommend it enough—especially if you’re afraid of heights. I’ve brought along friends who were terrified, and they came back feeling totally exhilarated. The experience is surprisingly peaceful. The lift-off is smooth and gentle, nothing like the intensity of a rollercoaster. It’s a calm, gradual ascent, and once you’re at the top, the views are simply breathtaking.

We even spotted rays gliding through the water from above, and our captain mentioned they often see dolphins too! You can arrange to be picked up from your hotel, but since we had a golf cart, we met the crew at the dock of Aji’s restaurant, just north of town. After signing a quick waiver and getting a safety briefing, we boarded the boat and set off. The lagoon was gorgeous, and the crew was so friendly and knowledgeable. They had the music going, and the vibes were perfect!

Once out on the open water, we were given life jackets and helped into our harnesses. As the parachute was launched, we were guided to our spot, and that was it—we just held onto the straps and enjoyed the ride! They asked if we wanted a little dip in the water on the way down, and we said yes—it only goes waist-high, so we thought it’d be a fun way to cool off. I handed my phone to one of the crew members to snap a few pics before we were lifted gently into the sky.

For about 15 minutes, we glided above the shoreline, soaking in the beautiful, peaceful views. It was so quiet up there that I didn’t want to come back down! It was also fun to spot some familiar landmarks and hotels from this new perspective. When it was time to descend, we got that little dunk in the water and were smoothly brought back to the boat, landing on our feet.

The whole experience was flawless, from start to finish. After our harnesses were removed, we headed back to the dock with our hearts full after an unforgettable afternoon!

3. Snorkelling Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve 

If you’re visiting Ambergris Caye, snorkelling at Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve is an absolute must! One of the things that makes Belize so special—aside from its incredible variety of activities like jungle adventures, stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and rich culture—is that it boasts the second-largest barrier reef in the world, right after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is just a short 45-minute boat ride from San Pedro, and there are plenty of tours that will take you there. Once you’re in the water, you’ll encounter an incredible array of marine life before heading over to Shark Ray Alley—a bucket list experience for many! Don’t worry; the sharks you’ll meet here are nurse sharks, and they’re completely harmless. How often can you say you’ve swum with sharks?

You’ll also have the chance to see rays and a vibrant mix of tropical fish, making for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Most tour guides offer hotel pickup and drop-off, and most excursions are half or full-day trips, with snorkelling gear included. 

4. Take a day trip to Caye Caulker 

If you’re looking for a change of pace, a day trip to Caye Caulker is a must. Just a short ferry ride from San Pedro, this “sleepy sister” island lives by the motto “go slow,” and you’ll feel that relaxed vibe the moment you arrive. With no cars—just bicycles and golf carts—the island moves at a slower pace than Ambergris Caye, which is exactly what gives it its unique charm.

Multiple ferries run between the islands throughout the day, and you can buy your ticket at the ferry terminal on the day of your trip. Just be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid any queues. Round-trip tickets are reasonably priced (check for current rates), and the journey itself is a scenic 30-minute ride.

Once you arrive in Caye Caulker, you can either hop in a golf cart taxi or take a leisurely walk down the charming main street lined with BBQ street food stalls and artisan vendors. Head to “The Split,” the island’s iconic hangout spot, where you can grab a drink at the Lazy Lizard and take in the laid-back atmosphere. For a bit of fun, adrenaline seekers can jump off the big platform into the water, and there are even tables set up in the shallow water if you want to cool off while sipping your drink.

Caye Caulker’s relaxed vibes, local food, and stunning views make it a perfect day trip destination. If you’re interested in learning more about what to do on the island, be sure to check out my full post: “The Ultimate Guide to Caye Caulker.”

5. Spend the day at Secret Beach 

While it may not be the best-kept secret anymore, Secret Beach is still a fantastic place to check out during your stay on Ambergris Caye. If you’re planning to rent a golf cart (which I definitely recommend!), consider going with One Love Golf Cart Rentals—they were amazing to work with, met me at the airport, and were super responsive before my trip. It’s about a 45-minute ride from the town center, which might sound like a trek, but you’ll mostly be cruising at around 25-30 mph. The road has improved significantly over the years, with some parts now nicely paved as the island has developed.

When you arrive, you’ll find several bars and restaurants dotting the beach. They all offer pretty similar food and drinks, so it’s really about choosing the spot that fits your vibe—some even have in-water tables and floating loungers! My personal favorite is the restaurant at the end, “Secret Beach Water Park and Restaurant.” This was the first establishment to set up shop here and offers a jet ski and watersports shack right next door. Plus, there’s an overwater massage table and an inflatable water park that will remind you of the show Wipeout!

Prices here are a bit higher than at some places in Ambergris Caye, but you’re paying for that stunning beachfront view. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the local arts and crafts and souvenir shops. You’ll also find locals selling various handmade items and delicious snacks. So kick back, relax, and enjoy your time at Secret Beach!

6. Enjoy live music at Truck Stop 

Don’t miss out on Belize’s first and only container park and beer garden—it’s the island’s go-to entertainment venue! Here, you’ll find a variety of food trucks serving up a diverse range of cuisines, from authentic Mexican dishes to delicious ice cream, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s palate.

But the fun doesn’t stop at food! The venue hosts weekly trivia nights and movie nights, making it a great spot for some friendly competition or a laid-back evening. Plus, there’s a swimming pool with a swim-up bar and live music most nights, creating an inviting atmosphere you won’t want to leave.

At night, the place sparkles with fairy lights, giving it a magical ambiance. If you prefer a cozy night in, they even offer delivery service, so you can enjoy the delicious food right from your accommodation. Whether you’re looking for a fun night out or a tasty meal, this spot is definitely worth a visit!

You can find out more about my recent stay to San Pedro on my “Belize 5” Highlights on Instagram @chase.the.rainbows.

Looking for a place to stay during your visit to San Pedro? Read my review of Lina Point Overwater Resort here.

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