It suddenly hit me that many people probably have no idea where we actually are. When you hear Belize, you might picture the mainland and Belize City with all its crime headlines. Or maybe you have never even heard of it. I hadn’t either until our friends, the Kings, told us they were living here. The minute I heard their stories, I knew I had to see San Pedro Belize, for myself.

Where to Stay in San Pedro Belize with Kids – Family Hotels on Ambergris Caye

If you are planning a family trip to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize, let me start with where to stay with kids, because that makes or breaks an island holiday. Family-friendly resorts in San Pedro range from around USD $180 to $450 per night in 2026 for a proper family room or two-bedroom condo in high season. South of town is generally quieter and better value. North of the bridge feels more resort-style and polished.

If you want full resort vibes, Grand Caribe Belize Resort and Condominiums is consistently rated as one of the best for families, with big condos and multiple pools.

For something more boutique and beachfront, Xanadu Island Resort is a dreamy option and perfect for a shorter stay. Long-term families often look south toward condo-style complexes where you get space, kitchen facilities, and breathing room. With kids like Mia and Caius, space is sanity.

Now, let me tell you how we ended up here in San Pedro, Belize.

San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize – Where Exactly Are We?

We are not on the mainland. We are in San Pedro, the only town on Ambergris Caye Belize, the largest island in the country. The population sits around 13,000, and honestly, it feels like everyone knows everyone. The island is about 40 km long and only 1.6 km wide. Tiny. Intimate. Completely island energy.

English is widely spoken, which surprises people. Belize was a former British colony, which explains it far more than the rice and beans situation. The island attracts strong US tourism and a big expat community, too. Divers flock here because Ambergris Caye sits along the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. That alone makes San Pedro Ambergris Caye a bucket list destination.

Money in San Pedro Belize – What Things Cost

The Belize dollar is pegged at 2 BZD to 1 USD and has been for decades. Most places in San Pedro Belize accept both currencies. Larger San Pedro Belize, hotels and tour companies accept credit cards, but you will often get a better price if you pay cash.

ATMs differ. Some limit withdrawals to USD $250 per transaction, so plan ahead if you are paying for larger Belize Barrier Reef tours or accommodation in cash.

Is San Pedro Belize, cheap? Not really. It runs similarly to Perth prices in many ways, especially for restaurants. Which brings me to food.

San Pedro Belize Restaurants – Food, Glorious Food

There is no McDonald’s. No Hungry Jacks. Just beach bars, local grills, bakeries, and Caribbean-Mexican fusion everywhere.

Rice and beans are a staple. Fresh seafood is abundant. Bananas and pineapples are cheap. Imported apples are not. Supermarket prices can shock you. Chips for $5. Ice cream for $20. UHT milk is common, so proper milkshakes feel like a luxury.

Eating out in San Pedro Belize usually costs us between $30 and $50 for the four of us. Mia and Caius were very happy sampling everything from fry jacks to fresh fish tacos. I miss loading up on big salads, but there is something about eating seafood with your toes in the sand that makes up for it.

I will absolutely be writing a proper “where to eat in San Pedro Ambergris Caye” guide because that deserves its own spotlight.

How to Get to Ambergris Caye

Getting to Ambergris Caye was a story! We actually took a speedboat from Chetumal, Mexico, across to Ambergris Caye, which was a whole adventure in itself. It was fast, scenic, and definitely not your standard travel day. We arrived straight into San Pedro, feeling like we had crossed into island life in the most dramatic way possible. While most travellers reach Ambergris Caye by flying into Belize City and connecting by plane or water taxi, our route from Chetumal, Mexico is a story I will share in full in a separate blog post because it deserves its own space.

The easiest way to get to Ambergris Caye in Belize is to fly into Belize City first. From there, you have two main options. You can take a short domestic flight directly to San Pedro, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes and lands right in the middle of town. This is the fastest and most convenient choice, especially if you are travelling with kids or luggage.

The other option is the water taxi from Belize City, which takes around 1.5 hours and arrives at the San Pedro dock. It is more budget-friendly and can be a fun experience, but it is longer. Many travellers also choose to combine international flights into Belize City with a quick connection to San Pedro for a smooth start to their Ambergris Caye holiday.

Getting Around – San Pedro Belize Golf Cart Life

Everyone drives a golf cart. It is the primary mode of transport on Ambergris Caye. Cars are rare due to heavy import taxes. Taxis exist, but a San Pedro Belize golf cart rental is the way to go.

We were generously loaned an electric cart from another travelling family, and the novelty never wore off. Every afternoon, we would cruise near the bridge at sunset, sometimes driving right along the beach. Tell me that is not the best school run in the world.

The San Pedro airport sits right in the middle of town. It is tiny. You drive past it daily. Boats are another major form of transport, and bicycles can actually be faster than golf carts on busy days. We did two full days exploring by bike when we first arrived, and loved it.

The town itself has three main roads. Front Street along the beach, Middle Street, and Back Street. Minimal signage. Maximum charm.

 

Things to Do in San Pedro Belize – Reef, Ruins and Island Adventures

If you are searching for the best things to do in San Pedro Belize, water activities dominate.

We took a full-day adventure inland to Lamanai to explore Mayan ruins. Long, hot, fascinating, and absolutely worth it.

We also booked a Hol Chan Marine Reserve tour with snorkeling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and a shark and ray encounter at Shark Ray Alley. This is one of the most popular Ambergris Caye snorkeling experiences, and for good reason. Swimming alongside nurse sharks and stingrays in that clear Caribbean water is unforgettable. From there, many tours head to Caye Caulker for lunch and wandering.

 

Then there is the famous Blue Hole Belize. A giant marine sinkhole offshore. Divers rate it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Even if you do not dive, scenic flights over the Great Blue Hole are popular for that iconic aerial shot.

Secret Beach Ambergris Caye is another must for what to do in San Pedro Belize. Shallow, clear water. Beach bars. Floating platforms. Very family-friendly and perfect for a lazy day.

Is San Pedro Belize Safe?

This is one of the most searched questions. San Pedro Ambergris Caye feels very different from Belize City. It is small, community-driven, and heavily tourism-based. Like anywhere, use common sense, especially at night. We felt comfortable walking, riding bikes, and letting Mia and Caius play within sight on the beach.

Internet and Digital Nomad Reality

The Internet is available, but it can be expensive depending on speed. Basic plans are affordable. High-speed packages can get very pricey. For digital nomads considering San Pedro Belize, check current fibre options before committing long-term.

Cable TV is American. Streaming works fine with a decent plan. Workable, but not lightning fast.

Everybody seems to know everyone here. You meet one person who knows one person who knows the other person. We have attended a local church called Sagebrush.cc just across the bridge leading to the North of the island. They meet at Paradise Theatre, which apparently was a cinema, but the projector has broken, so it is currently closed. We have met so many people at this Church just in the shops and through our housing complex, that all ended up at this Albuquerque satellite church. Funny to be in a US Church in Belize singing Hillsong Australian music. Kids are loving playing with all the other kids, and it’s nice to get to know half the island, haha.

Our Accommodation Story – Long Term in San Pedro Ambergris Caye

There are so many San Pedro Belize, hotels and condos to choose from. For a short holiday, I would absolutely recommend Xanadu. It is one of those places you do not forget.

We stayed south of town in a condo-style complex overlooking both a lake and the ocean. Four balconies. A pool. And yes, crocodiles in the lake. All three water views, and I got swimmers’ ear in the first week, and barely used any of them. Classic Erin moment.

We negotiated $150 per night plus 9 percent hotel tax for two weeks. High season. Everything was booked. When winter hits the US, Americans head straight for Ambergris Caye Belize, for sunshine. Prices reflect that.

There are backpacker options on Ambergris Caye and nearby Caye Caulker. That is just not our style with kids. We need space. Kitchen. Comfort. This ticked our boxes.

Best Time to Visit San Pedro Belize

The best time to visit San Pedro Belize is typically December to April for dry, sunny weather. It is also high season, so expect higher prices. Shoulder season, May to early June, can offer better value before the wetter months settle in.

Caye Caulker vs Ambergris Caye – Which Is Better?

This is one of the most searched questions when planning a trip to Belize.

Ambergris Caye Belize

• Largest island in Belize.
• Home to San Pedro.
• More restaurants and nightlife.
• More luxury resorts and condo options.
• Better infrastructure.
• Ideal for families and longer stays.

Caye Caulker

• Smaller.
• No cars, only bikes and walking.
• Backpacker vibe.
• Cheaper accommodation.
• Famous for The Split swimming area.
• Very laid back. Think hammocks and reggae.

If you are travelling with kids like I was, or want comfort and variety, San Pedro Ambergris Caye wins. If you want ultra chilled and budget-friendly, Caye Caulker might suit you.

Best San Pedro Belize Beaches

Important note. Ambergris Caye is not known for wide, soft white sand beaches like some Caribbean islands. The reef protects the coastline, so swimming areas are often from docks.

That said, here are the best spots.

Secret Beach Ambergris Caye

Calm, shallow, crystal clear water. Perfect for families.

Boca del Rio Park

Local hangout north of town. Good sunset views.

Front Street Beach Areas

Swim from docks at beachfront resorts and restaurants.

North of the Bridge

Quieter stretches with fewer crowds.

Resort Beaches

Many San Pedro Belize hotels create beautiful beach areas with loungers and piers, even if the natural shoreline is narrow.

3 Day San Pedro Belize Itinerary

If you are wondering how to plan the perfect San Pedro Ambergris Caye itinerary, here is exactly how I would do it with kids like Mia and Caius, mixing reef adventures with chill island time.

Day 1 – Explore Town + Secret Beach Ambergris Caye

Morning

• Arrive via puddle jumper flight into San Pedro.
• Pick up your San Pedro Belize golf cart rental.
• Check into your hotel or condo.
• Walk Front Street and get your bearings.

Lunch

• Beachfront restaurant along Front Street.
• Fresh fish tacos or fry jacks. Always fry jacks.

Afternoon

• Head to Secret Beach Ambergris Caye.
• Shallow turquoise water.
• Beach bars with swings and floating docks.
• Very family friendly and ideal for your first swim.

Evening

• Sunset golf cart cruise near the bridge.
• Casual dinner in town.

Day 2 – Hol Chan Marine Reserve + Shark Ray Alley

This is the must-do reef day.

Book a tour to:

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve
• Shark Ray Alley

You will snorkel coral gardens along the Belize Barrier Reef, then jump into clear water with nurse sharks and stingrays. It sounds terrifying. It is not. It is incredible.

Most tours continue to Caye Caulker for lunch. Wander colourful streets. Grab a smoothie. Let the kids run.

Optional upgrade. Add a sunset sailing cruise.

Day 3 – Inland Adventure or Relaxation

You have two great options.

Option 1 – Lamanai Mayan Ruins

Full-day tour combining boat ride and jungle exploration to ancient ruins. Cultural. Educational. Sweaty. Worth it.

Option 2 – Pure Island Mode

• Beach morning at your resort.
• Paddleboard or kayak.
• Explore north of the bridge.
• Long lunch.
• Ice cream hunt, which is harder than you think.

If you dive, this is also the day to book the Great Blue Hole flight or dive trip.

Final Thoughts – Why Visit San Pedro Ambergris Caye?

After writing all this, I realise how much I have learned about San Pedro Belize, just by living there.

The lifestyle is relaxed. The water is that ridiculous shade of blue you think is filtered, but it is not. The Belize Barrier Reef tours are world-class. The golf cart culture is hilarious and fun. Mia and Caius have thrived in the freedom of island life.

Could I live here forever? Food variety might challenge me. But for a holiday. For reef adventures. For family travel to San Pedro Belize. It is magic.

If you ever get the chance to visit Ambergris Caye Belize, take it. You will not regret it.