On the reefHol Chan & Shark Ray Alley
Snorkel Belize's flagship marine reserve, then float with nurse sharks and southern stingrays in warm shallow water.
San Pedro, Belize
Barrier-reef beach resorts · Flights from Canada
4.7 · 2,100+ Belize vacations booked by Canadians
Beach & Reef · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to San Pedro
7-night Ambergris Caye resort packages with flights from Canada — illustrative from prices
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about San Pedro
San Pedro sits on Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, a short reef away from the Belize Barrier Reef — the largest reef in the Northern Hemisphere and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Golf carts replace cars on the sandy streets, English is the official language, and the reef breaks the waves just offshore so the water stays flat and clear. Base yourself in the lively town or slip north to the quiet resort strip.
San Pedro, Ambergris CayeClimate
Climate
26–31°C · dry season Dec–Apr
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Warm and sunny in the Dec–Apr dry season; June–Nov is the green/hurricane season.
Currency
Belize Dollar
BZD pegged 2:1 to USD · USD widely accepted
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport only
Top Experiences in San Pedro
On the reef
In townSan Pedro Town by Golf Cart
Rent a cart and cruise Front Street's beach bars, taco stands, and the pier where the day boats tie up.
West sideSecret Beach Sunset
Cross to the caye's calm lagoon side for shallow turquoise flats, swim-up bars, and a west-facing sunset.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need for a tourist stay of up to 30 days in Belize — no visa required.
Onward travel: Most Canadians connect through Belize City (BZE); the domestic hop to San Pedro (SPR) with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air takes about 15 minutes.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Belize. Comprehensive travel medical insurance is essential.
Power & plugs: Belize uses 110V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — identical to Canada, so devices work without an adapter.
Time zone: San Pedro runs on Central Standard Time year-round (no daylight saving) — one hour behind Toronto in winter, two hours behind in summer.
Best time to visit San Pedro
Dec – AprPeak season
Dry, sunny, calm seas and the clearest reef visibility. Busiest and priciest for Canadians.
May – JunShoulder season
Hot with the first green-season showers — good value and quieter beaches.
Jul – AugShoulder season
Warm and humid with short storms; also spiny-lobster season on the island.
Sep – OctHurricane peak
Wettest months and the height of Atlantic hurricane season — cheapest, but watch forecasts.
Where to stay
San Pedro zones & neighbourhoods
Ambergris Caye stretches north to south with the reef running the whole length. Here's how to choose your base, from the buzz of town to the quiet resort strip up north.
San Pedro Town
Central
The sandy-street heart of the island — beach bars, restaurants, dive shops, and the pier where the reef boats depart.
Best for
- First-timers
- Nightlife
- Value
North Ambergris Caye
North of the river
A ribbon of boutique beach resorts and villas reached by the toll bridge or water taxi, with the reef just offshore.
Best for
- Couples
- Diving
- Seclusion
South Ambergris Caye
South of town
Condos and mid-range resorts a short cart ride from the airport and town, with easy beach and marina access.
Best for
- Families
- Longer stays
- Convenience
Secret Beach
West coast
The caye's shallow, protected lagoon side — swim-up bars, warm flats, and the island's best sunsets.
Best for
- Beach clubs
- Sunsets
- Day trippers
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from San Pedro
Ambergris Caye is the launch point for Belize's reef, cayes, and Maya mainland. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your resort desk.
UNESCO Barrier ReefHol Chan & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel
Half day · 4 hrsReef, off south point · 20 min by boat
Snorkel the coral canyons of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, then swim with nurse sharks and rays at Shark Ray Alley.
Insider tips
- Reef-safe sunscreen only
- Book the morning trip for calm water
Natural WonderGreat Blue Hole Scenic Flight
1 hr flightLighthouse Reef atoll · By light aircraft
Fly over the world-famous Great Blue Hole, a perfect 300-metre sinkhole ringed by turquoise reef.
Insider tips
- Window seats are guaranteed
- Best light is mid-morning
Island HopCaye Caulker Day Trip
Full day · 7 hrs~13 km south · 30 min by water taxi
Slow down on car-free Caye Caulker — the Split swimming channel, seafood shacks, and easy reef snorkelling.
Insider tips
- Grab lunch at the Split
- Bring small bills for stalls
CultureAltun Ha Maya Ruins & Mainland
Full day · 8 hrsMainland, near Belize City · By boat & coach
Boat to the mainland and tour the Altun Ha temple complex, home of the famous jade-head carving.
Insider tips
- Wear closed shoes for climbing
- Bring bug spray for the jungle
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
San Pedro travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Belize?
No. Canadian citizens can enter Belize visa-free for tourist stays of up to 30 days with a valid passport.
How do I get from Canada to San Pedro?
Fly to Belize City (BZE) — about 5 hours from Toronto with a US or regional connection — then take a 15-minute domestic flight on Tropic Air or Maya Island Air to San Pedro (SPR). Total travel is around 8 hours.
When is the best time to visit San Pedro?
The Dec–Apr dry season has the calmest seas and clearest reef visibility. June–November is the green/hurricane season — cheaper and quieter, but keep an eye on forecasts in September and October.
Is San Pedro safe for tourists?
Ambergris Caye is one of Belize's safest, most laid-back spots. Golf carts replace cars, and normal travel precautions are plenty.
What currency should I bring?
The Belize Dollar (BZD) is fixed at 2 to 1 US dollar. US cash is accepted almost everywhere, so USD is the easiest to carry.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, it's strongly recommended. Canadian provincial health plans don't cover care in Belize, and medical treatment must be paid for out of pocket.
Is San Pedro good for snorkelling and diving?
Outstanding — the Belize Barrier Reef sits just offshore, with Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and the Great Blue Hole all reachable by boat.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes. You can add trips like the Hol Chan snorkel, a Great Blue Hole scenic flight, or a Caye Caulker day trip to your package at checkout.