Sabbatical in San Pedro, Belize | Diving Island Paradise Guide

🏝️ San Pedro, Belize – Diving, Lobster, and Golf Carts on Island Time

Introduction

I decided to embark on a trip to San Pedro after reading that it’s one of the best diving spots in the world, thanks to the Belize Barrier Reef which runs parallel to the coast. Throw in a chance to explore the legendary Great Blue Hole, and this was a place I couldn’t skip.

I arrived by boat from Bacalar, Mexico (check out my Bacalar article if you’re curious), and the moment I stepped onto San Pedro’s pier, I had a feeling this trip would stick with me.

🪄Travel Tip: You can fly to San Pedro 🛩, but flights from Belize City are limited book your trip. Ferries are more frequent and offer scenic views—it is an island, after all.

Arrival and First Impressions

San Pedro greeted me in a haze of sunshine and the faint whir of golf carts—the unofficial vehicle of the island. I stayed at the Royal Caribbean Hotel, which I’d heard had a social vibe, though I quickly discovered the entire island has a friendly, chilled-out atmosphere. There’s definitely an American influence here—lots of dive bars, English menus, and conversations about country music.

One of the first things I did was head for the shoreline. The reef is visible from land—a shimmering turquoise ribbon about a kilometre out. As I strolled one of the many wooden piers, I saw a stingray gliding beneath me in the shallows. That moment kind of set the tone for the trip. This was going to be all about the sea.

Everyone moves slower here. The locals are on island time, and by day two, so was I. The area had a really calming, relaxed ambience. I’m not going to beat around the bush – the average age is slightly older than the other places like Bacalar. A burger and chips is the price you would expect from a lobster. There’s a charm to it all though—American country singers apparently love touring the island, and I can see why.

Getting Around – Island Style

If you do one thing upon arrival, it is essential to rent a golf cart 🛺 It was my first purchase and worth every Belizean dollar. I became slightly obsessed with it. I never felt unsafe — loads of speed bumps and max speeds that wouldn’t impress anyone.

There are taxis too 🚕 if you fancy a few rum punches and don’t want to self-drive back into town. But truthfully, the golf cart was half the fun.

Culinary Delights – Lobster, Snapper, and Stingray Shadows

San Pedro is a dream if you’re into seafood. To start, I had lobster that had been caught that very morning—fresh doesn’t get fresher. From there, I’d hop into my trusty golf cart and cruise from place to place like some island foodie vigilante, sampling the best flavours along the way.

My highlights included:

The Maya Dinner Experience – A dinner meets performance that starts at 6pm sharp, offering a unique mix of culture and cuisine.
Caramba Restaurant & Bar – Colourful, chaotic and absolutely delicious.
ZZ’s Beach Bar and Grill – Beachfront, relaxed, and fun, perfect for unwinding with ocean views.

💡 Pro tip: above all, try the coconut rice with grilled snapper. It’s not optional.

Exploring the Belize Barrier Reef: Diving in San Pedro

Diving in San Pedro was the real reason I came to San Pedro. The Belize Barrier Reef is a short boat ride from town, and its home to an incredible mix of sea life—even as a novice diver, you feel like you’ve entered a new world.

I was warmly welcomed at the reception of Ramon’s Village Dive Centre, a highly regarded dive centre located on the beach. It’s a proper setup: PADI-certified, eco-conscious, and staffed by people who truly know these waters.

If you’re unfamiliar with PADI-certified diving, you can find out more on the PADI official website. It details what is included in the course and how your diving certificate allows you to dive internationally – from San Pedro to Thailand.

🐠 I have summarise the available courses:

Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) – a half-day intro & specific location (incl. the Great Blue Hole).
Open Water Certification – 3-4 day full course.
Advanced & Specialty Courses – night diving, Nitrox, and many more.
Fishing – Catch a Turneffe or Tarbon in the day and eat it for dinner.

💡 Pro tip: There will be some people trying to sell you dives but it is not something I would recommend – at your own risk.

My Diving Experience: From Stingrays to Nurse Sharks

My guide Dave was incredibly reassuring, despite being on classic island time (a little late). Dolphins escorted us on the boat ride out from Ramon’s Village Dive Centre to the Belize Barrier Reef, which was a surreal start. Once in the water, I was all nerves until I found my buoyancy groove. I saw another stingray—maybe the same one from the pier? The coral was the most vibrant I’d seen in the Caribbean.

After the dive, we did a bonus snorkel session. Dave started tossing bait overboard and encouraged us to jump in. Below me? Three nurse sharks. I paused. He insisted they were harmless. Eventually, I got back in and was treated to the jaw-dropping sight of 20–30 nurse sharks feeding right beneath us.

🪄 My Gear Tip: If you want to get crystal-clear footage and no leaks footage of your dive, I bought the GoPro Hero13 with waterproof housing. Ensure you place a jumper as it can be cold on the boat after the dive.

Beyond Diving: Excursions to Explore in San Pedro

While diving in Belize Barrier Reef is a must, there’s plenty more to experience if you are looking for a change of pace. Particularly if you were roped into a diving experience with the other half and find the water cold, the sea scary, these activities below offer the perfect exciting alternative.

First, why not unwind on a sunset sunset catamaran cruise? ⛵ Expect mellow vibes, strong rum, and – if you are lucky – turtle gliding past your boat.
Next, thrill seekers will love watersports like parasailing and jet skiing. 🤽Speed across the crystal-clear waters and take in the breathtaking views from above.
For a unique adventure, cave Kayaking or tubing & ziplines will take you deep into San Pedro/Belize’s natural wonders 🗿. These experiences combine adrenaline and scenery – I highly recommend doing one of these fun adventures.
Finally, if you prefer a more relaxed day on the water, opt for private fishing private fishing 🎣 . Spend a full day in the Belize Cayes, where you might reel in a Turneffe or Tarpon before enjoying it for dinner.

No matter what you choose, San Pedro has something for every traveller. Click through to explore more and make the most of your time here! 🌊🚀

Where to Stay in San Pedro?

Thanks to my trusty golf cart and a healthy dose of curiosity, I managed to explore most of San Pedro and scoped a variety of hotels. If only i had of know about these gems before my trip! Here are my top picks to suit different travel styles:

🛏️ Ramon’s Village Resort – perfect for divers, this resort offers unbeatable convenience with its beachfront location. There’s no need to venture far when you’ve got everything at your doorstep.
🏖️ Mahogany Bay Resort – A chic, full-service beach resort that combines elegance with relaxation. This is where luxury meets laid-back island vibes.
🌿 The Palapa House – A boutique and budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on charm. Ideal for travellers looking to balance comfort and cost.

Local Vibe & Nightlife

San Pedro offers plenty of ways to unwind after a day of diving. Curious about where to go and what t do besides diving, I asked my guide Dave for recommendations. He simply grinned and said, “Anywhere on the beach!”. He wasn’t wrong, the beachside spots truly are the heartbeat of San Pedro’s nightlife.

No single hotspot dominates the scene – everywhere brings with its own unique energy. Whether you’re into laid-back vibes or lively music, San Pedro has it all. In fact, music seems to be the nightly tradition here, ranging from mellow acoustic sets to sull on karaoke showdowns that pull everyone together.

🎶My Favourite top spots:

Wayos Beach Bar – Known for its happy hour specials, classic bar food and lively atmosphere, this is the perfect spot to kick off your evening.
Coco Loco’s Beach Bar – A more relaxed choice with great cocktails and a chilled-out beachfront vibe – ideal for soaking in the ocean breeze.
Island Wonder Beach Club – A fun and energetic place for beach-front drinks and good times with friends.

And speaking of karaoke, I managed to drag myself on stage one night one night – and it didn’t disappoint! The local, tourist were all really into each song, which certainly helped. If the night couldn’t get any better, for the first time in my life, I heard someone belt Chop Suey by System of a Down… if you know, you know… It was magical, unforgettable, and so distinctly San Pedro.

Final Thoughts

San Pedro is one of those places that slows you down and soaks into your bones. Every moment feels like it’s carved from something special, whether you’re diving alongside nurse sharks and graceful stingrays, singing your heart out at karaoke, or simply watching the sun melt into the Caribbean.

It’s an island full of vivid contrast and unforgettable characters, where Caribbean charm meets lively energy in a way that feels uniquely own. I left with sand between my toes, sun on my skin, rum in my veins and a heart completely captivated.