What She Found in San Pedro, Belize: A Soft Life Travel Guide
- Alyce Holt
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 2
Traveled September 2025
San Pedro, Belize wasn’t a “do everything” destination for me—and I didn’t want it to be.
This was a slow trip. Golf cart, no real plan, stopping when something looked good and leaving when it didn’t.
I spent a few days on Ambergris Caye moving between beach clubs, local spots, and soft life moments that didn’t need to be scheduled—and that’s exactly why it worked.
If you’re looking for a San Pedro Belize travel guide that feels a little more effortless and a lot less structured, this is how I spent my time.
How to Get to San Pedro, Belize
Getting to San Pedro is one of those “it’s a little extra, but worth it” situations.
Most people fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, then choose between taking a small plane or the ferry over to Ambergris Caye.
Option 1: Ferry (what I did arriving)
I took the ferry with Belize Express Water Taxi, and it was honestly a pretty easy process.
~30 minutes from the airport to the ferry terminal
~90-minute boat ride
~$60 round trip
It’s not luxury, but it’s straightforward and a good option if you don’t mind a slightly longer ride.
Option 2: Flight with Tropic Air (what I did leaving)
If you want something quicker (and a little more scenic), you can fly between Belize City and San Pedro.
The flight itself is only about 15–20 minutes, and the aerial views are actually really nice.
Just one thing to pay attention to when booking:Belize City has more than one airport, and depending on your route, your travel time can end up longer than expected.
Ask me how I know 🙂
✨ Which One Should You Choose?
Take the ferry if you want the more budget-friendly option and don’t mind the time
Take the flight if you want something faster and easier, especially on the way back.
Either way, once you get to San Pedro, everything slows down, in the best way.
Where to Stay in San Pedro, Belize
Alaia Belize (My Stay)
If you want something that feels elevated but not overly done, Alaia is a really solid choice.
It’s one of those places where you check in and immediately feel like… okay, I could stay here all day and be completely fine with that.
What I liked:
On-site pool + restaurants + bars (so you’re not forced to go anywhere)
Close enough to town, but not in the chaos
Easy pickup from the ferry
I didn’t feel pressure to constantly be out doing things and that mattered more than I expected.
If you’re deciding where to stay, I pulled together a few Belize hotels I’d actually book depending on the kind of trip you want.
Getting Around San Pedro
You’re going to need a golf cart. There’s really no way around it.
And once you get one, you realize… this is half the fun.
Easy to rent
You can get pretty much anywhere
Driving around becomes part of the experience
It’s not just transportation—it’s the vibe.
My San Pedro Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival + Ease Into It
I got in around 3 PM, made it to the hotel by 4, grabbed a golf cart, and that was pretty much the extent of my ambition for the day.
And that was intentional.
Late lunch
Riding around a bit
Dinner + drinks at Alaia’s pool restaurant
No itinerary. No pressure. Just settling in.
*** First day rule: you don’t need to “start strong”, you just need to arrive. ***
Day 2: Spa + “I Guess I’ll Do One Thing Today”
Started the day at the spa at Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club.
And this is where I stopped pretending I had a packed itinerary.
Like… I could’ve planned more. I just didn’t want to.
After:
Lunch at Maxie’s
Chocolate-making class at Belize Chocolate Company
I’ll be honest, the chocolate class one just wasn’t my favorite!
The class itself is quick and interactive, so I can see why people enjoy it. But for me, the experience felt a little underwhelming, especially after waiting past our scheduled time with not much communication.
It ended up feeling more like a quick activity than something I’d go out of my way to do again.
If you’re looking for something light and easy to fill part of your day, you might still enjoy it.
But personally? I’d probably skip it and opt for something that feels a little more worth your time.
Afternoon:
Pool
Sitting
Existing
Evening:
Dinner at The Hidden Treasure
Drinks at Mahogany Bay Pool Club
**** This day set the tone: soft plans > strict schedules. ***
Day 3: Secret Beach
Secret Beach is one of those places where you say you’re going for a few hours…and suddenly it’s late afternoon and you’ve ordered multiple drinks and stopped checking the time.
It’s about a 40-minute golf cart ride, and honestly—that’s part of it.
You’re just driving, music on, nothing urgent waiting for you. No structure, no schedule… just figuring it out as you go.
I spent the day at Blue Bayou:
Drinks
Food
Water
Repeat
This wasn’t something I planned down to the detail—it was one of those “go and see what happens” kind of days.
Day 4: Local Moments + Birthday Dinner
This day felt different.
Less “what should I do” and more “what do I feel like doing.”
Breakfast at Estel’s Dine by the Sea
Watched the Independence Day parade
Afternoon:
Pool
Rest
Dinner:
Gonzalo and the Princess
Nothing about this day was planned for content, and somehow that made it better.
If You Want to Do a Little More
If you’re someone who likes a little structure mixed in with the slow days, these are a couple of experiences I’d actually consider adding:
Snorkeling in Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley
If you do one real activity in San Pedro—this should be it.
Clear water, nurse sharks, stingrays… and somehow it’s both exciting and calming at the same time.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
This is the version of “doing something” that still feels like doing nothing.
Open bar, music, golden hour—no pressure, no schedule, just floating.
Where to Eat in San Pedro
Maxie’s (easy, casual lunch)
The Hidden Treasure (dinner, a little more intimate)
Estel’s Dine by the Sea (breakfast with a view)
Gonzalo and the Princess (perfect for something a little special)
My advice? Don’t over-research food here.
Some of the best meals are the ones you didn’t plan.
What San Pedro Is Really Like
San Pedro isn’t a “do everything” destination.
It’s:
Golf carts instead of cars
Beach bars instead of packed clubs
Slow mornings instead of alarms
You’re not trying to maximize your time.
You’re just… in it.
San Pedro Travel Tips
Rent your golf cart early
Plan 1–2 things max per day
Carry cash
Don’t over-schedule
Let the day unfold
And most importantly: Sunset > schedules
Final Thoughts
If your version of travel looks like slowing down, eating well, and not feeling pressured to fill every hour, San Pedro just works.
This isn’t the place for over-planning or trying to do the most.It’s the kind of trip where you let things unfold, follow what feels good, and somehow end up enjoying it more because of that.
And honestly? That was the best part.
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