San PedroOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Mayan Trading Post to Fishing Village

Ambergris Caye, where San Pedro is located, was a trading post for the Maya people in the pre-Columbian era. They dug the Bacalar Chico canal, which separates the caye from mainland Mexico, to shorten trade routes around 1,500 years ago.

The modern history of San Pedro began in 1848 when Mestizo families, fleeing the Caste War in the Yucatán peninsula, settled on the uninhabited island. They established a village and named it after Saint Peter, the patron saint of fishermen. Initially, the economy revolved around subsistence farming of crops like corn, beans, and peppers, alongside fishing. The island was sold to the Blake family in 1869, which shifted the economic lifestyle as residents began to lease the land they lived on.

The Rise of Coconuts, Fall of Fishing, and Dawn of Tourism

In the early 20th century, coconut plantations became the primary source of income for San Pedro. A hurricane in 1942 destroyed most of these plantations, forcing the community to return to traditional fishing. A turning point occurred in 1963 with the creation of the "Caribena" Cooperative, which allowed local fishermen to independently export seafood, particularly lobsters, to the USA. This brought financial independence and capital for future development.

The decline of the fishing industry in the 1980s led to tourism becoming the island's main economic driver. San Pedro gained town status on November 27, 1984. The inscription of the Belize Barrier Reef as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996 further boosted the influx of divers and tourists. By the 2000s, San Pedro had transformed into Belize's main resort town, with developed infrastructure and an international airport.

• —Central Park — This park is in the heart of San Pedro, where daily island life can be observed. It includes playgrounds for children.
• —San Pedro Lighthouse — This lighthouse is near the coast and offers views of the Caribbean Sea. It is a landmark within the town.
• —Barrier Reef Drive — This is one of the main streets in downtown San Pedro, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars.
• —Fishermen's Dock — Near the Mayan Princess Hotel, this dock is where local fishermen bring in their daily catches, showing the island's fishing culture.
• —San Pedro Town Council Building — The exterior of this building displays local architecture and is a civic point of interest in the town center.
• —Palapa Bar & Grill Pier — This pier extends over the water, offering a spot for dining or drinks with ocean views.
• —Mural on Barrier Reef Drive (near The Phoenix Resort) — This mural depicts scenes from Ambergris Caye's history, from the Maya to the present.
• —Playa Blanca (Public Beach Access) — This public beach provides a spot to access the waters and sandy shores of Ambergris Caye.
• —Hol Chan Marine Reserve — Just off the coast, this marine reserve is for snorkeling and diving, offering views of fish, sea turtles, and coral formations.
• —Shark Ray Alley — Part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, this spot allows visitors to swim with nurse sharks and rays.

San Pedro has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 22°C to 31°C.

The dry season, from late November to May, is generally the best time to visit. During these months, there is sunshine, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall, creating conditions for outdoor activities and marine excursions. February and March are dry and clear, with underwater visibility for diving and snorkeling. This is also peak tourist season, with higher prices and larger crowds.

The wet season runs from June to November. There are more frequent afternoon showers and increased humidity, but rain often comes in short bursts. September and October are the wettest months and coincide with the peak of hurricane season; avoid this period if possible. The low season offers fewer crowds and discounted rates.

To reach San Pedro, fly into Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. From there, take a domestic flight or a water taxi. Domestic flights from BZE to San Pedro's John Greif II Airport (SPR) take 15-20 minutes. Water taxis from Belize City to San Pedro take approximately 90 minutes. Flights are faster but more expensive. If your international flight arrives in the evening, you might need to stay overnight in Belize City as the last water taxis depart in the mid-afternoon and flights stop around dusk.

Once on Ambergris Caye, golf carts are the primary mode of transportation. They are an easy way to get around the island's sandy roads. San Pedro is a walkable town, especially the downtown area with its shops and restaurants. There are no ride-sharing services like Uber in Belize.