How to get to San Pedro

The picturesque San Pedro, located on Ambergris Caye, is the main tourist heart of Belize, inspiring travellers with its Caribbean landscapes and relaxed atmosphere. This resort town attracts divers and beach lovers from all over the world, offering an ideal combination of tropical exoticism and developed infrastructure.

You can reach San Pedro in various ways: most tourists choose a quick flight on a light aircraft or a scenic trip by water taxi, although there are also combined routes using ground transport.

The fastest and most exciting way to arrive on the island is to fly directly to San Pedro (SPR) airport, which is located within the town limits and receives regular flights from local airlines. The flight over the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea will be a brilliant start to your journey in Belize.

An alternative is to fly to neighbouring transport hubs, for example, to Belize City (BZE), located 52 km away, or to the island of Caye Caulker. San Pedro airport is excellently connected to the town, so the transfer to your hotel will take mere minutes.

There is no railway service in this region, so it is impossible to reach San Pedro by train. Tourists are advised to consider alternative modes of transport, such as domestic flights or water taxis.

The nearest major settlements through which traveller routes are usually planned include Caye Caulker and Belize City. The lack of trains is more than compensated for by a developed network of maritime and air transport.

A budget-friendly option for travel is a bus trip to the coast followed by a transfer to water transport. A popular route runs through Belize City: the distance is about 55 km, and the travel time takes approximately 2 hours.

Local buses, often called chicken buses, offer a colourful experience of immersing yourself in the country's culture. Upon arrival at the transport hub, you will need to transfer to a boat to cross the sea channel separating San Pedro from the mainland.

Travelling by car or taxi allows for flexible schedule planning, however, it is worth remembering the town's island location. A trip from Belize City covering about 58 km will take approximately 2.1 hours, including necessary logistical crossings.

For those driving from the north, the route from the city of Corozal (about 201 km) will require around 4.3 hours on the road. Data also suggests a short path from the side of Caye Caulker, taking less than an hour, which is relevant when combining transport methods.

When planning a visit to sunny San Pedro, it is worth preparing in advance for the relaxed pace of island life. To ensure your holiday is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is tropical and humid, so pack light clothing made from natural fabrics, modest swimwear, and comfortable shoes. Do not forget sunscreen with high protection and insect repellent for the evenings.
2. Transport. The main means of getting around the town is by golf cart. You can rent them everywhere; standard cars are a rarity here and are often inconvenient on narrow streets.
3. Finances. The local currency is the Belize Dollar, which is strictly pegged to the US Dollar. US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere, but change may be given in local currency. Cards work in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is always useful.
4. Health and Safety. The town is generally safe, but basic precautions should be observed, and belongings should be watched on the beach. Drink only bottled water to maintain good health and avoid digestion issues.
5. Communication. The official language in the country is English, making communication very easy. Many locals also speak Spanish and Creole.
6. Local Etiquette. The atmosphere here is "Go Slow". Be polite, greet passers-by, and do not rush the service staff—haste is not customary here.
7. What to Avoid. Do not buy tours and excursions from unlicensed street guides. Avoid walking alone in unlit, remote areas of the beach late at night.
8. Additional Tip. Be sure to plan snorkelling or diving in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve—the underwater world here is considered one of the richest on the planet.

Following these simple rules will help you fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of "La Isla Bonita" and take home only warm memories from San Pedro.