Getting to Ambergris Caye

San Pedro Town is located on the island of Ambergris Caye. You can reach San Pedro one of two ways. By taking a local flight from the Belize International Airport or any of the local airline destination towns, or by taking a public water taxi from Belize City.

Local Connector Flights

Local flights are the quickest, easiest and most convenient way to get to San Pedro. 

Tropic Air and Maya Island Air; flight from the Belize International Airport takes about fifteen minutes with flight times varying from other local destinations.

Public Water Taxi

Taking a public water taxi is a more affordable and economic way to reach San Pedro Town. Visitors arriving to Belize through the Belize International Airport will need to take a private taxi cab to Belize City. Cab fares are approximately US$30 (not per person). Taxi cabs can be found just outside the arrival terminal at the airport. Request that the driver take you to San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi terminal in Belize City where you will be able to purchase a ticket to travel to San Pedro Town.

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Language

The official language of Belize is English and is spoken widely in San Pedro. Most locals also speak Spanish. Even though English is Belize’s official language, most people speak Creole instead. Creole is a dialect and is sometimes described as lazy English. For example, a phrase like ‘What is going on?’ is said “Weh di goan?” 

​Time

Belize operates on Central Standard Time all year. No Daylight Savings Time is observed.

Weather

The temperature on Ambergris Caye is fairly constant throughout the year, with Highs during the day around 85 F and lows at night
around 75 F. There are 2 seasons in Belize. Can be described either as the Wet or Dry season. February through June is known as the dry season, while July through January is the wet season during which up to 10 in. of rainfall occurs per month. Humidity is high throughout the year, typically around 80%.

​What forms or payments are accepted in Belize?

In Belize, various forms of payments are accepted. Major credit cards are Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover and US Dollar. Anywhere you go, you can use U.S. dollars instead of Belizean currency.(Bills only) The U.S. dollar has always been on a fixed rate of 2:1 with the Belize Dollar. EXAMPLE US $10 is BZ $20. 

Banking Hours
Banks are open for business transactions from 8:00 a.m.to 3:30 p.m. from Monday through Thursday. On Friday banks close at 4:30 p.m. Some banks are opened on Saturday morning. ATMs are available in the town.

Business Hours
Most businesses open at 8:00 a.m. close for lunch at 12:00 noon, reopen at 1:00 p.m. and close at 5:00 p.m.

Fees and Taxes​
Sales Tax: 12.5% 

Departure Tax:

-US $35.00 when departing the International Airport (US cash only)

DELTA INCLUDES

-US $18.75 or BZ $37.50 when departing by land

(to Mexico or Guatemala)

-US $3.75 or BZ $7.50 when departing by Sea to an International

destination

Driving

A valid drivers license is required to rent a vehicle (golf carts are considered vehicles). Traffic laws are similar to those another countries around the world. Driving is done on the right hand side of the road.

What should I bring?

For clothing pack shorts, t-shirts, sandals, bathing suits and sarongs. Ladies, bring something frilly and beachy for a night on the
town (but forget the high-heels as they do not do well on sand!). Fancy dress for men means a shirt with buttons. Ambergris Caye is a very casual place – shoes are not required anywhere. Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray and hats! 

How do we get around on the island?

Once on the Island most people choose to walk (barefoot). Everything is close with the town less than one-half mile, a lovely ten-minute
stroll up the beach. You can also rent a golf cart daily or weekly. Water taxis are available to take you to some restaurants and resorts north of town.

What about the nightlife?

Various bars and discos around the island provide an opportunity to enjoy local music and to mingle (and dance) with a wide variety of people. Several times each year there are town festivals that offer unique entertainment. There are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music you can enjoy too.

Festivals

The San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival

The San Pedro Town Board puts on an international cultural and

music show when other parts of Belize are in the summer doldrums.
The Costa Maya Festival is a week-long celebration that brings musical

groups, artists and beauty queens from the neighboring countries of Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Costa Rica. According to the organizing committee’s website, ” It is a four day event which starts on the first Thursday of August with the selection of Miss Costa Maya International followed with the grand opening on Friday, which is attended by government officials, ambassadors, and other dignitaries. Saturday is known as Noche Internacional and it is the biggest evening of the festival when the international star takes center stage. On Sunday the final day of the festival more cultural shows, comedians and music close the event.” The festival includes lobster cookouts, beach volleyball, mechanical rides, football marathons, a big all night fair, the International Costa Maya Beauty Pageant, and capped off by a dance with world-class music groups.

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San Pedro Lobster Festival

Annual event in San Pedro Belize that celebrates the opening of Lobster Season. There are events nightly where local restaurants feature

Lobster Dishes and have live music. The events range from beach BBQ's to fine dining venues. Week long event culminates with a block party on front street. The block includes an art show, live music, fire dancers,  local dance company performances and fantastic food for the local restaurants.

​Is the island safe?

Absolutely! You will find the Belizean culture one of the friendliest in the Caribbean and Central ​America. 

People are always willing to lend a hand or engage in a conversation or story. You will never forget the locals smiling faces.

Tipping 

Gratuities are not usually included in prices. Average of 15% is considered appropriate.

Is the tap water safe for drinking?
Tap water is purified. However, we advise you to drink bottled drinking water.

What is the voltage in Belize?
Outlets are 110 volts and 60 Hertz, which is the same as the US. 

Drugs

Belize has strict laws on the use of illegal drugs; violators are charged large fines and even sentenced to prison terms. 

Firearms

It is illegal to take firearms or ammunition in or out of Belize.   

Emergency Numbers

The police - 911 226-2022.

Fire Department - 226-2372.

Medical (Lions Clinic) - 2073 or VHF Radio 147.550. Across the street from the Maya Island Air terminal at the airport.

Medical San Carlos Medical Clinic (226 2918; Pescador Dr) Just south of Caribeña St, it treats ailments and does blood tests. There’s also a pharmacy and pathology lab on site.

Medical (San Pedro Health Center) - 226-3668

Hyperbaric Chamber - 226-2851.

U.S.A Embassy

Address: Floral Park Road

Belmopan, Cayo, Belize
Phone: 011 (501) 822-4011

Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Closed on U.S. and Belize holidays. 

Website: belize.usembassy.gov 

Canada Embassy 

Address:  80 Princess Margaret Drive PO Box 610 Belize City 
Phone: (+501) 231060
Fax: (+501) 230060
Email: cdncon.bze@btl.net

Facts on Immigration Procedures

If you are planning to travel to Belize and you are not a Commonwealth, Mexican, North American (U.S.A.), Costarican, Austrian or national of a member state of the European Community you require a visa. Any Belizean Consulate or Embassy can issue one at the cost of $25.00 U.S. currency. This visa is valid for thirty(30) days only. If there is not a Belizean Consulate in your country you can obtain a visa through the nearest British Embassy or you can still travel to Belize and the Immigration Officer at the Phillip Goldson International Airport may issue one for the same cost and duration. After being thirty (30) days in Belize and you still require more time to finish your business, you need to contact the nearest Immigration Office to get an extension, paying BZ $25.00 for every thirty days extended period.

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Travelling with Your Pets

When you purchase your ticket and make sure the airlines know you are traveling with your pet. Many airlines do not allow dogs to be checked with luggage. You can check in cat to the cabin. The three airlines to Belize that accept pets to be checked are Delta, American Airlines and Continental. It is very important you meet all requirements below or they will deny you from boarding your flight.

- Must have a clear bag of pet food tapped to the top of the kennel with instructions should there be an emergency or delay.
- Must have a water bottle (the gerbil type) that fits on the outside of the kennel door whether your pet knows how to use them or not.
- Must have airport approved kennel large enough for pet to stand up and turn around. The airline will also cable tie the dog in the kennel. Please make sure your pet has comfort and you provide some type of pillow or comfy blanket.
- Must label kennel ‘LIVE ANIMAL’ on each side of kennel with name of pet.
- If temperatures are predicted less than 45 degrees at any place of travel you MUST have a vets letter stating dog can travel in temperatures as low as 20 degrees F. No exceptions on airlines without this letter! 

Heat Restriction Cold Restriction

Heat/Cold restrictions are not determined on a day to day basis, rather they are a set temperature found on each airline’s website.
Pets cannot be accepted when the current or foretasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary. Pets can not be accepted when the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary.

After purchasing your airfare
Submit your import permit application via fax or email to BAHA Belize. This import permit is required by Belize and usually issued upon arrival when you pay. It is not a requirement to leave the US, however it is a good idea to request a copy to be faxed or emailed to you before you leave. 

Tel: 501-822-0818
501-822-0818
501-822-1378
501-822-1378
Alternate number for pet import 822-3084
Fax: 501-822-0271
Email: if emailing for permit, send to both baha@btl.net and animalhealthbz@gmail.com Ms.Nadine Hegar

Required information
Your name
Pet name
Breed
Age
Sex
Weight
Color
Address in US (or where you are coming from)
Intended address upon arrival in Belize
Estimated date arriving, Port of entry(Phillip Goldson Int. Airport).

Days and Hours- Every day of the week 8-5pm (in past was only M-F)

Required information upon entry
All records of current vaccinations and valid rabies shot. They now also ask for proof or a statement that the pet is free of ehrlichiosis (disease from ticks)

Fees
Now $75BZ ($50 BZ to enter and $25 BZ inspection and which is them looking at your dog for 30 seconds.)

BAHA Belize is very helpful when applying and upon arrival. The process is easy.

Pet Food On The Island

You can find the most common pet food brands on the grocery stores. But, if your pet is in a special diet, you need to bring the necessary amount with you. 

Pet Hospitals in San Pedro

San Pedro Animal Hospital

Telephone: (501) 610.DOGS (3647)

Email: laurie@sanpedroanimalhospital.com

SPAH is located in front of Pedro's Inn on Sea Grape Drive in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

Clinic Hours

Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

After hours emergency visits and house calls available. Call (501) 610.DOGS (3647) for emergency care.

Saga Humane Society Veterinary Clinic  

Telephone: (501) 226-3266

Clinic Hours

Tuesday- Friday 9am-12pm, 1pm-5pm
Saturday 9am-12pm
Sunday-Monday Closed

Email: saga@btl.net