Travel Tips for Visiting San Pedro, Belize!
See Facts About Traveling, Packing, Culture, Currency, Activities & More Below!
Getting To San Pedro
- Fly Into Belize City (BZE): Most International Flights Land At Philip Goldson International Airport.
- Hop Over To The Island: From Belize City
You Can Either:
- Take A 15-Minute Flight On Tropic Air Or Maya Island Air To San Pedro.
OR
- Take A 1.5-hour Water Taxi From Belize City To San Pedro
- Via Ocean Ferry OR San Pedro Belize Express
Getting Around
- Golf Carts Are The Main Form Of Transportation:
- Rent Daily Or Weekly—Book Early During High Season (November-July)
- Bikes & Walking Are Great For Shorter Distances Around Town
- Taxis Are Available, But They Are On The More Expensive Side
Currency
- Our Currency Is The Belize Dollar (BZD)
- USD is widely accepted Across The Island
- Exchange Rate: $1 USD = $2 BZD
- There Is No Need In Exchanging Your USD For BZD, Just Bring Smaller Bills.
- $1's, $5's, $10's, $20's, $50's
- ATMs Are Available In San Pedro Town
- Bringing Cash With You Will Avoid ATM Fees
- Cash Is Good To Have For Smaller Vendors, Tours, & Tips.
Passport & Entry
- Valid Passport Required
- There Is No Visa Needed For Stays Up To 30 Days For Most Countries (BZE, US, UK, Canada, EU, etc.).
- You May Need To Show A Return Ticket & Proof Of Accommodation.
- If You Have A Child 17 Or Younger & You Are Travelling As A single Guardian, You Must Have A Notarized Letter Signed By Both Parents Consenting To Travel With A Single Guardian, Detailed Itinerary, Flight Information, Stay Details, Any Trips Planned During Your Time Out Of The Country. See More Details Here:
Internet & Phone Service
- Wi-Fi Is Available In Most Hotels, Restaurants & Cafes.
- Local SIM Cards Are Available For Purchase (Digi or Smart) At The Airport Or In Town For Data & Calls.
- WhatsApp Is The Most Common Form Of Communication! Most Locals & Tour Guides Communicate Through WhatsApp.
What to Pack
- Light Clothing Is Ideal When Visiting San Pedro Belize! It’s warm year-round, Lows In The Mid 70's & Highs In The Mid 80's! (Celsius)
- Swimwear, Long-Sleeve SPF Shirts Are Recommended (Especially For Children), Rash Guard, Swim Shoes, & Beach Towels To Ensure The Ultimate Beach Day!
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen Is Available On The Island For Purchase! This Product Helps Protect Your Skin & Is Ecologically Safe For The Coral Reef!
- Bug Spray Is Also Available On The Island! Mosquitos & Sandflies Can Be Around, Especially After Rain.
- Snorkel Gear (Optional) Is Ideal For A Personal Snorkeling Experience Right Off The Beach! Most Tour Companies Provide Snorkel Equipment!
Activities & Tours
- Snorkeling Is A Must-Do! We Have Multiple Tours Including Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Mexico Rocks, ETC!
- Island Hopping Is A Great Way To Experience Belizean Culture! Take A Day Trip To Caye Caulker, Roam Around San Pedro, Or Do Both!
- Explore Secret Beach & The Lively Local Bars/Restaurants It Has To Offer! You Can Enjoy The Beautiful Calm Waters, Indulge The Beach Bars, Lounge On The Beach Working On Your Tan, Or Taste Belizean Culture From A Variety Of Restaurants!
- Book Early! Especially During High Season (Dec–April).
Food & Water
- Try Local Cuisine! Rice & Bans, Stewed Chicken, Fry Jacks, Ceviche
- Tap Water Is Not Recommended To Drink—stick to bottled or filtered! You Can Purchase A Jug Of Water In San Pedro To Last Your Vacation.
- Plenty of Restaurants! From Street Food To Fine Dining, you Will Not Miss Out On A Great Meal!
- Purchase Beer By The Cart! If You Enjoy A Good Local Beer, Many Of The Stores Will Sell Beer By The Cart! If You Bring The Cart Back With The Empty Beer Bottles, They Will Give You Money Back!
Safety Tips
- San Pedro Is Generally Safe, Especially In Tourist Areas.
- Be Cautious Late at Night! Especially In Poorly Lit Areas.
- Use Licensed Tour Operators For All Excursions & Golf Cart Rentals
Local Customs & Culture
- English Is The Official Language
- People Are Friendly & Laid Back
- Respect the Reef! Don’t Touch Coral Or Marine Life While Snorkeling.
- Tipping Is Appreciated
- If Someone Approaches Asking For Money, You Are NOT Obligated To Give Them Money!
Time Zone
- Belize is in Central Standard Time (CST) & Does Not Observe Daylight Savings.