Top 10 Things to Do in San Pedro Belize You Can’t Miss

Owner Robin grilling jerk chicken at Robin’s Kitchen in Ambergris Caye, Belize

Robin’s Kitchen was one of the reasons my husband and I picked the south side of San Pedro, Belize.

Our hotel, what’s now the Alaia Belize Autograph Collection, was just a few minutes away. This meant we could wander over whenever we felt like it.

It sits right next to a little fruit stand, and from the outside, it doesn’t look like much. But the food? Easily some of the best we’ve had anywhere!

Owner John Harvey (better known as Robin) and his wife greet you with warmth the moment you arrive.

Every time we stopped by, Robin was at his pimento wood-fired barrel grill, calmly working over the smoke and turning out plates that made us wish we had more days on the island.

One afternoon after a morning on the water, we learned that if you bring Robin your catch of the day, he’ll cook it up for you right there.

Best jerk chicken cooked in pimento wood-fired grill

Robin grills the chicken in small batches, keeping pace with the flow of customers, so what lands on your plate is fresh and sizzling.

This is the opposite of fast food.

We went for the chicken, served with rice, red beans, and a simple coleslaw.

Sitting at a picnic table with the sea breeze drifting by, every bite was this perfect blend of Jamaican and Belizean flavors. Smoky, savory, and a little sweet.

Of course, we paired it with an ice-cold Belikin beer from the shop next door. One of those meals that lingers in your memory well beyond the trip.

Eating jerk chicken, rice, red beans, and cole slaw at Robin’s Kitchen

Be patient, and you’ll be rewarded with an exceptional, truly authentic meal from one of the kindest families we’ve ever met.

People who clearly take pride in every plate they serve.

It’s the kind of place I think Anthony Bourdain would have sought out and loved.

Snorkeling with nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley in Belize

My husband and I are avid snorkelers, and we plan a lot of our trips around finding the best underwater experiences.

Over the years, we’ve been lucky enough to snorkel in some incredible places, the Maldives, Bora Bora, St. John (USVI), Bonaire, Moorea, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and of course Belize!

During our time in San Pedro, we made sure to visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, home to seagrass beds, colorful coral reefs, and mangrove forests.

The real standout, though, was Shark Ray Alley. The name sounds intense, but trust me, it’s not nearly as scary as it sounds! And it ended up being one of our favorite snorkeling experiences in Belize.

We slipped into the water and were instantly surrounded by nurse sharks, often called the “puppy dogs” of the sea. They’re still wild animals and deserve respect, but they’re nothing like the big, toothy predators people often imagine.

We’ve done great white shark cage diving in South Africa, which had our adrenaline spiking. This was a completely different vibe. Calm, fascinating, and magical.

In addition to the sharks, we swam over vibrant coral, spotted plenty of tropical fish, and glided alongside stingrays. I’ve got the full story (and tips) in my Shark Ray Alley snorkeling tour review!

It was an easy 5/5 snorkels! If you follow my snorkeling guides, you know I don’t hand out that rating lightly.

By the way, don’t forget your snorkeling gear. We always bring our own, tested and trusted over countless trips. Here’s the exact snorkeling gear we always pack.

Curious stingray at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

No, this isn’t anything like the truck stop rest areas you pass on U.S. interstates.

Think Austin, Texas vibes meet the Caribbean. Food trucks and picnic tables, a laid-back crowd, live music, and gourmet, high-quality food.

Add in refreshing cocktails, cornhole tournaments, trivia nights, outdoor movies, and even a swimming pool. All with that easygoing island backdrop. 

Walking along the pier at The Truck Stop

On the north side of Ambergris Caye, there’s a spot we instantly fell for: The Truck Stop.

It’s the brainchild of expat comedian-filmmakers Ben and Joanna Popik, along with restaurateurs Adam and Jackie Feldman, and it’s basically a little food-and-fun oasis built from repurposed shipping containers.

Everything here is made with local ingredients, and the food lineup is seriously impressive. You can go for Malaysian and Southeast Asian flavors like chicken satay or a rich Malaysian curry, or stick with Latin American classics like mole chicken or parrilla steak with chimichurri.

And whatever you do, save room for dessert. The mango-coconut sorbet from the Ice Cream Shoppe is ridiculously good.

We ended up sharing a wood-fired pizza and sipping mango island cocktails as the sun went down, live music playing in the background.

It’s the kind of evening you wish you could bottle up!

Enjoying a topical cocktail poolside at The Truck Stop

Belizean sunset as seen from the pier at The Truck Stop

My dessert test is simple: is it worth the calories?

The freshly baked cinnamon buns at The Baker pass with flying colors. Worth every single one. My photo doesn’t do them justice.

Having daily access to this little bakery is yet another perk of staying in the southern part of Ambergris Caye, which is loaded with great local foodie spots.

While the cinnamon buns are the star, you’ll also find flaky croissants, fresh breads, and savory bites like sausage-and-cheese biscuits or chicken pesto sandwiches.

It’s run by the warmest Irish couple, Ken and Emily, and makes for a perfect breakfast or lunch stop.

Honestly, skip your hotel breakfast one morning and come here instead. You’ll thank me later.

Secret Beach might not be so secret anymore, but it’s still absolutely worth a day trip. Located on the northwestern side of Ambergris Caye, getting there means a bumpy (and fun) golf cart ride.

Once you arrive, the plan is simple: eat, drink, swim, relax, and repeat.

The only real decision you’ll need to make is which beach bar to claim as your spot. There are plenty to choose from, each with its own vibe, from South Beach-style energy to laid-back reggae chill.

Here are 5 things to know to make the most of your day.

Blue Bayou Bar at Secret Beach Belize

Palapa Bar and Grill is an Ambergris Caye classic and a must when you’re in San Pedro.

This open-air bar sits right over the water in downtown, run by Scott (a retired firefighter) and Jodie (an emergency trauma nurse). Two of the friendliest owners you’ll meet.

Palapa Bar and Grill in Ambergris Caye, Belize

You can grab a seat under the palapa or float in an inner tube while the staff sends down a bucket of ice-cold Belikins via zipline.

Drinks are tropical and fun. Their Panty Ripper (pineapple juice + coconut rum) is a Belize favorite, but hubby and I went for Scotty’s Palapa Punch, a mix of three rums, Triple Sec, mango, pineapple, and fresh lime.

Perfect vacation fuel.

They serve classic bar food too. Think wings, burgers, tacos, though we stuck to drinks and soaked up the view.

Scotty’s Palapa Punch at Palapa Bar and Grill

Walking around Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is the laid-back little sister to Ambergris Caye, a former fishing village with a barefoot, hippie vibe that practically forces you to slow down. We hopped over on a water taxi for a day trip, and within minutes it felt like time moved differently here.

This tiny island packs in plenty of fun: snorkel in crystal-clear water, sail along the reef, sip a bright-green Lazy Lizard Juice, or sink your teeth into a stuffed fry jack (trust me on this one).

Bikes rule the roads, shoes are optional, and the motto “Go Slow” isn’t just a slogan. It’s a way of life.

Check out my list of the top 7 things to do so you can make the most of this easygoing gem.

Our trusty golf cart in Ambergris Caye, Belize

Driving around in a golf cart with the sea breeze in your hair is easily one of the most fun ways to experience San Pedro, Belize.

Ambergris Caye is only about 25 miles long, so a golf cart is hands-down the most fun (and practical) way to get around.

We used ours to bounce between Secret Beach, The Truck Stop, and random little roadside spots we would’ve totally missed otherwise.

We booked through our hotel for convenience, but if you want to hunt for a better deal, MK Golf Cart Rental is a solid local option. Last I checked, it was about $70 USD a day.

Worth every penny for the freedom it brings.

Delicious ceviche at El Fogon in Ambergris Caye, Belize

El Fogon is a beloved family-run spot that’s been part of San Pedro for decades. Its name literally means “fire hearth.”

They stick to tradition here, cooking all their meats, stews, and soups over an open flame, which gives everything that amazing, smoky depth you just can’t fake.

We had killer margaritas and some of the freshest, most flavorful ceviche of our trip.

Locals will tell you the must-order dish is the chicken salbutes, which are crispy little tortillas loaded with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and pepper.

We didn’t get to try them this time, but they’re on my list for next visit. This is one place I’d absolutely recommend adding to your San Pedro foodie itinerary.

Made to order pupusas at La Divina Providencia Store & Restaurant in Belize

No, you’re not in El Salvador, but it’ll sure taste like you are.

One night, my husband and I headed just outside San Pedro to La Divina Providencia Store & Restaurant for dinner, and it ended up being one of our favorite casual meals on the island.

Their specialty is pupusas, thick, stuffed corn cakes, made fresh to order by hand right on the griddle in front of you.

We tried a mix of fillings, from loroco (an edible flower native to Central America) to pork, beans, and cheese, and every single one was hot, fresh, and insanely good.

Simple food, made well. My favorite kind of find.

Lady making fresh made to order pupusas at La Divina Providencia Store & Restaurant in Belize

Ambergris Caye isn’t for everyone.

If you’re after perfectly groomed beaches, endless turquoise water, fine dining, and all-inclusive pampering, you might be better off elsewhere.

But if you’re into adventure, DIY travel, world-class snorkeling, and hunting down authentic local eats, San Pedro will be right up your alley. I loved every minute here, and I’m already planning my next trip back.

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Questions about my favorite things to do in San Pedro, Belize?

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