7 Days in San Pedro, Belize: The Ultimate First-Timer's Itinerary
The Truck Stop
Caribbean Villas Hotel
Secret Beach, San Pedro, Belize
San Pedro Sign
If you're planning a trip to Belize and wondering how to spend a week in San Pedro, I flew from Washington D.C. (Dulles International Airport) and spent a full week experiencing some of the best things to do in San Pedro, Belize. This 7-day itinerary covers exactly how I spent each day exploring the island—from beach bars and snorkeling adventures to chocolate making and golf cart rides around town.
Before your trip, make sure you complete both the Belize Travel Authorization Form which contains Belize Immigration Arrival Form. This should help you avoid delays when entering Belize City.
After arriving in Belize City, I took a domestic flight with Maya Island Air to San Pedro. If you're debating whether to fly or take the ferry, I highly recommend flying at least one way. The aerial views of the Caribbean Sea, Belize Barrier Reef, and the colorful island below are absolutely stunning and ended up being one of my favorite experiences from the entire trip. It felt like a tour experiences, and I absolutely wouldn’t skip.
Pro tip: Arrive early for your domestic flight. Maya Island Air will sometimes move passengers onto earlier departures if seats are available, which can help you maximize your time on the island.
Fruit Stand, San Pedro, Belize
Happy Island Beach Bar and Grill
Day 1: Arrive in San Pedro and Settle In
After landing in San Pedro, I checked into Coral Bay Villas, which quickly became one of my favorite places to stay on the island. The property was peaceful, comfortable, and centrally located enough to explore everything San Pedro has to offer. I would absolutely stay here again.
After getting settled, I picked up a golf cart from MK Golf Cart Rental. Renting a golf cart is the easiest way to get around San Pedro and gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
For dinner, we headed to Caribbean Villas Hotel for a beachfront meal. Since it's located right next to my recommended villa, and HomeTan Supermarket, it's also a convenient area to stock up on snacks, drinks, and essentials for your stay.
Day 2: Secret Beach Day
No trip to San Pedro is complete without spending a day at Secret Beach.
Start your morning with a relaxing beach massage before browsing local vendors and souvenir stands. One of my favorite stops was Palojitos Souvenir Shop, where you can find locally made gifts and keepsakes.
For lunch, grab a table at Happy Island Beach Bar and Grill and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere with your feet practically in the water.
After a full beach day, head back into town and enjoy dinner at Gonzalo & The Princess. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, especially because I was celebrating my birthday. The complimentary bread was tasty, and my choice of entrée was a 10/10. I had the whole fish fried, and it did not disappoint.
Day 3: Coffee, Chocolate, and Poolside Relaxation
Start your morning with coffee from Coffee de Los Mayas before returning to Coral Bay Villas to enjoy some downtime by the private pool.
For lunch, head to Gill-E's Pour House Auberge Caye. San Pedro is a walkable city, so I walked along the beach from our villa. That was one of my favorite morning activities here before getting the day started.
One of the most memorable experiences from my trip was taking a chocolate-making class at Belize Chocolate Company. Belize is known for its cacao production, and this hands-on experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the country's chocolate heritage. Another wonderful immersive and cultural activity is the Belizean Cooking Experience.
End the evening with drinks and dinner at The Deck Restaurant & Beach Bar while enjoying waterfront views. The fried calamari was one of the best ones I’ve ever had so I highly recommend.
Belize Chocolate Company
The Deck Restaurant & Beach
Secret Beach, San Pedro, Belize
Day 4: Day Trip to Caye Caulker
One of the best excursions from San Pedro is a day trip to Caye Caulker.
Arrive at the San Pedro Marine Terminal around 6:30–7:00 a.m. to catch an early ferry and maximize your day.
Once you arrive, grab coffee at Namaste Café before heading out on the Caye Caulker 7-Stop Snorkeling Tour through the Belize Barrier Reef. This was easily one of the highlights of my Belize trip. The tour included multiple snorkeling stops, marine wildlife encounters, and lunch.
After your tour, enjoy dinner at Esters Crusted Crab before stopping by Lazy Lizard for a drink.
Don't cut it close when returning to San Pedro. Arrive at the ferry terminal a few minutes early to ensure you don't miss the last ferry back to the island.
Once back in San Pedro, finish the night with rooftop drinks at Rain Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace. I had no idea San Pedro channeled those rooftop vibes I love so much, and Rain was absolutely decadent.
Day 5: Secret Beach Round Two
By now, you should notice a coffee theme. I love coffee, and if you love coffee as much as I do, start your morning with coffee from MK Coffee Stop.
For lunch, head to The Truck Stop, one of San Pedro's most popular food and entertainment venues featuring multiple food vendors and waterfront seating. Sol fresca served some fresh and delicious fish tacos.
Spend another afternoon relaxing at Secret Beach before enjoying dinner at SandBar.
Day 6: Explore Downtown San Pedro
After several days of excursions, dedicate a day to exploring downtown San Pedro. As an adventure and thrill-seeker, it’s always nice to slow down. Day 6 was much needed!
Grab a coffee from Farmhouse Café and spend time wandering the colorful streets, local shops, murals, and iconic San Pedro signs. I did this by foot, because it was close to the villa.
For lunch, stop by Estel's Dine by the Sea, one of the island's most beloved breakfast and lunch spots located directly on the beach. You can’t miss it!
Day 7: Departure Day
Unfortunately, all good trips must come to an end.
Return your golf cart before heading to the airport. One thing I appreciated about renting through MK Golf Cart Rental was that they dropped us off directly at the airport, making departure day stress-free.
Arrive early for your Maya Island Air flight. If there is space available on an earlier departure, the airline may move you up, giving you extra flexibility for your journey home.
Caribbean Sea, Belize Barrier Reef
Secret Beach, San Pedro, Belize
MK Golf Cart Rental
Boozy Eel Beach Bar, Caye Caulker, Belize
5 Mistakes to Avoid in San Pedro, Belize
As a first-time visitor on the island, you may be unsure on what to expect so here are some tips after spending 7 days in San Pedro
1.Showing Up Late for Domestic Flights
Arriving early gives you the opportunity to be moved onto an earlier flight if seats are available.
2. Renting a Golf Cart at the Airport Without Comparing Prices
We were initially quoted around $350 for a golf cart rental but ultimately paid closer to $200 by shopping around locally.
3. Thinking The Truck Stop Is Just a Food Hall
Most visitors order food and leave without realizing there's an entire entertainment area behind it. Walk all the way to the back and explore. Between the games, events, waterfront seating, and social atmosphere, you're missing half the experience if you only stay near the food vendors.
4. Skipping the Flight Between Belize City and San Pedro
The views from the small plane are unforgettable. Seeing the Belize Barrier Reef from above is worth the flight alone.
5. Spending All Your Time in San Pedro
Take at least one day to visit Caye Caulker. The snorkeling, relaxed atmosphere, and island vibes make it one of the best day trips in Belize.
Is San Pedro, Belize Worth Visiting?
Yes, yes, yes.
Between the crystal-clear water, golf-cart lifestyle, beachfront restaurants, incredible snorkeling opportunities, and easy access to nearby islands like Caye Caulker, San Pedro offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
After spending 7 days on the island, it's a destination I would happily return to again!
Have you been to Belize? If so, how did you like it?