A week in San Pedro, Belize.

Plan one week in San Pedro, Belize

This one-week San Pedro itinerary guides you through four days of scuba diving (or 2-day Open Water/Advanced plus 2 fun dives), a day of reef fishing and BBQ, a mainland jungle tour, and a final day to rest and buy souvenirs. You’ll dive vibrant coral walls and swim with rays—beware of strong currents and sun exposure, follow dive-boat safety and stay hydrated. This plan maximizes adventure, flavor and relaxation so you get the most from your Belize week.

Key Takeaways:

• Maximize underwater time: dedicate 4 days to guided scuba around Ambergris Caye—Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley—with an optional Blue Hole excursion, or opt for a 2-day Open Water course plus 2 fun dives to get certified and explore top dive sites.

• Combine sport and flavor: spend one day reef fishing followed by a seaside BBQ and sunset drinks for a perfect mix of adventure and island chill.

• Blend island and inland highlights: reserve one day for mainland Maya ruins and jungle adventures (cave tubing or Lamanai options), then use the final day to rest, snorkel, and shop for souvenirs in San Pedro’s lively markets.

Types of Activities

You’ll split seven days between high-adrenaline and relaxed options: 4 days of scuba diving (or a 2‑day Open Water/Advanced course plus 2 fun dives), a dedicated reef fishing & BBQ day, a full mainland tour, and a low-key final day for rest and souvenirs. Expect clear visibility, abundant marine life, and options from drift dives at Hol Chan to deep descents at the Blue Hole. The.

• Scuba diving

• Open Water / Advanced

• Fun dives

• Reef fishing & BBQ

• Mainland tours

Scuba Diving	Four days available: drift dives, wall dives, and site highlights like Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley.
Open Water / Advanced	Two‑day certification options let you dive independently; Advanced includes deeper dives to 30m and navigation skills.
Fun Dives	Two extra days to revisit favorite sites or explore Turneffe Atoll with abundant reef fish and turtles.
Reef Fishing & BBQ	Half‑day or full‑day trips targeting snapper and grouper, followed by a beach or boat BBQ preparation of your catch.
Mainland Tours	Full‑day excursions to Mayan ruins, cave tubing, or wildlife rivers—expect long travel times but high cultural payoff.

Scuba Diving Options

You can complete a 2‑day Open Water or Advanced course then use two days for guided fun dives, or dive four straight days to hit prime sites. Expect 30–80 ft. depth ranges, typical visibility of 50–90 ft, and signature spots: Blue Hole, Hol Chan reserve for reef life, and Turneffe for walls and pelagics.

Mainland Tours

Day trips from San Pedro usually combine a water taxi to Belize City with bus transfers to highlights like Xunantunich, Lamanai, or cave tubing at Caves Branch; tours run 8–10 hours and include guided hikes, river boats, and archaeological context.

Expect early departures, roughly 1.5–2 hours by water taxi to Belize City plus 1.5–3 hours of driving depending on the site; Lamanai adds a 2–3 hour river boat where you’ll likely see howler monkeys and crocodiles, while the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave is strenuous and archaeologically rich—book a certified guide and pack water, snacks, and sturdy shoes.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

Plan your week to match training and leisure: opt for four days of scuba diving or a two-day Open Water or Advanced course plus two fun dives, add a reef fishing & BBQ day, a mainland tour, and a rest/souvenir day. Book morning dives for calmer seas and best visibility, pre-book transfers and dive packages to lock prices, and confirm gear rental costs before arrival. Knowing how to pace dives and surface intervals helps you avoid extra fees and health risks.

• Pre-book dive packages and transfers to San Pedro

• Fly into Belize City, then water taxi or short flight to the island

• Carry cash for tips, local markets, and BBQs

• Check travel insurance that covers scuba diving and emergency evacuation

Best Time to Visit

Peak conditions arrive between December–April with calm seas, 20–30+ meter visibility, and ideal temps for four intense diving days; May–June offers fewer crowds and good visibility. Expect heavier rain and possible tropical disturbances during June–November, which can affect mainland tours and reef fishing; monitor forecasts and have flexible bookings to avoid cancellations.

Packing Essentials

Bring a personally fitted mask, snorkel, and boots if you prefer comfort; a reliable dive computer, logbook, and entry-level first aid items are musts for multiple dive days. Include reef-safe sunscreen, a lightweight 3mm shorty or rashguard for cooler dives, insect repellent for mainland tours, and a waterproof bag for electronics to protect against spray and BBQ splashes.

Opting to bring your own mask and dive computer saves rental fees and reduces fit issues—many divers report better equalization and fewer leaks with a personal mask. Choose SPF 30+ reef-safe sunscreen, pack spare mask straps, a compact rebreather-safe signal device if available, and verify airline baggage limits for dive gear to avoid last-minute charges.

Step-by-Step Itinerary

Day	Plan
Day 1	Arrival and setup — water taxi or domestic flight, check into your hotel, register with dive shop, rent gear and grab cash.
Day 2	Diving and fun dives — Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley, two-tank morning trips, nitrox available with many operators.
Day 3	Fishing and BBQ — half-day reef fishing with licensed captain, beach-side catch-and-cook BBQ in the afternoon.
Day 4	Mainland exploration — full-day tours to Lamanai or cave tubing/zipline; expect long travel (8–10 hours total).
Day 5	Relaxation and shopping — beach time, spa or souvenir hunt along Barrier Reef Drive; buy hammocks, chocolate, local art.
Day 6	Extra dives or chill — extra fun dives, night dive, or more beach time depending on certification plans.
Day 7	Departure — final stroll, pack, water taxi or flight home.

Day 1: Arrival and Setup

You'll arrive by water taxi (1.5–2 hours) or domestic flight, drop bags at your accommodation and head straight to your dive shop to sign waivers, confirm bookings and test gear. Book the first two boat slots and ask about nitrox availability if you dive on repeat days. Carry small bills, show your passport for any mainland transfers, and stash reef-safe sunscreen and motion-sickness meds.

Day 2: Diving and Fun Dives

Start with two morning dives at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley where visibility typically runs 20–30m and depths are 12–30m; most operators run 2–3 dives and include a safety stop at 5m. If you're doing a 2-day Open Water or Advanced course, split confined skills and shore dives with two open-water boat dives.

For certification days expect classroom/briefing time plus at least four in-water skills or dives depending on the course; fun-dive days usually include two morning tanks and an optional afternoon third tank or shore dive. Check operator ratios (commonly 6:1), confirm gear insurance, and log surface intervals so your repetitive dives fit within safe no-decompression limits.

Day 3: Fishing and BBQ

Head out early with a licensed captain for a 4–6 hour reef fishing trip targeting snapper, grouper and permit; most charters supply tackle and ice. Return to a beach spot for a catch-and-cook BBQ where the crew grills your catch, and you enjoy local sides and cold Belikin beer. Bring sun protection and a waterproof phone case for photos.

Expect the crew to advise sustainable choices and handling—many tours offer catch-and-release for larger specimens. Typical charter sizes are 4–8 passengers, and you should budget for a 10–15% tip; fish fillets run about 1–3 lbs per person depending on season, and grills often start around 3 PM so plan hydration and shade during the midday heat.

Day 4: Mainland Exploration

Book a full-day mainland tour to see Lamanai or enjoy cave tubing and zipline in the Cayo district; travel involves a water taxi to Belize City plus a road or river transfer, totaling about 8–10 hours for the round trip. Dress for humidity, bring insect repellent, and pack a small daypack with snacks and photocopies of your passport.

Guided Lamanai tours include a riverboat leg with wildlife viewing (howler monkeys, crocodiles) and a walk among pyramids—expect uneven stone steps up to 30m high. Cave tubing/zipline excursions combine a 1–2 hour river drive with safety briefings and lifevests; choose operators with clear emergency plans and ask about group size before booking.

Day 5: Relaxation and Souvenir Shopping

Slow your pace: lounge on Secret Beach or Playa Blanca, book a massage, then stroll Barrier Reef Drive for handcrafted hammocks, Belizean chocolate and coconut jewelry. Many shops accept US dollars; carry small notes and reef-safe sunscreen for any last beach time. Plan for an evening seafood dinner to cap the week.

Pick souvenirs like woven hammocks (cotton or nylon), locally made rum cake, and Belizean hot sauce; typical prices range from $10–$60 depending on size. Haggle mildly at artisan stalls, check item quality, and keep receipts if you need to claim duty‑free allowances at departure.

Factors to Consider

Plan around weather windows, certification needs and daily logistics to get the most from your week in San Pedro, Belize. Visibility on the reef averages 80–120 ft in the dry season (Nov–Apr); water temps run 78–84°F. Balance your itinerary—4 days of scuba diving or a 2‑day course plus fun dives, one day of reef fishing and BBQ, a mainland tour, then a rest/souvenir day. Key items to vet:

• Certification level for advanced sites

• Season (dry vs. wet)

• Costs for dives and transfers

• Local transport (water taxi vs. flight)

After you lock dive days, transfers and one shore excursion, confirm gear drop‑off and emergency plans with your operator.

Budgeting for Your Trip

Expect a full week budget ranging widely: flights to Belize City from the U.S. $300–600, a 15‑minute domestic flight to Ambergris Caye $75–120 or water taxi ~1.5 hours $15–40 each way. A 4‑day dive package typically costs $450–800; an Open Water course runs about $350–450 and fun dives $80–120 per double‑tank. Factor in park fees (~$10–25), tips, meals and a buffer for gear rental or last‑minute charters to stay on budget for San Pedro.

Accommodations and Transportation

You’ll choose between beachfront resorts ($150–$350+/night), midrange hotels ($80–$150) or guesthouses/hostels ($25–$60); many operators bundle accommodations with dives. Island transport centers on water taxis and short hops by Tropic Air/Maya Island Air; once on Ambergris Caye you’ll rely on golf carts ($25–40/day) or bicycles for daily moves.

Prioritize location: staying within a 10–15 minute golf‑cart ride of the town dock or your dive operator cuts morning transfer time and increases time on the water. Choose places with a secure rinse tank, gear storage and morning coffee for early departures; book Tropic Air or water taxi seats 2–4 weeks ahead in high season to avoid sold‑out runs, and watch for rough seas warnings during stormier months.

Pros and Cons of Visiting San Pedro

Pros	Cons
World-class diving: 4 days of scuba with Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley, and day trips to the Belize Barrier Reef.	Diving and courses can be expensive; equipment rental and specialty dives add up.
Unique marine life encounters: nurse sharks, stingrays, turtles and colorful coral systems.	Some dive sites have strong currents and variable visibility—not ideal for beginners without guidance.
Easy island vibe: walkable Ambergris Caye, beach bars, and local cuisine for downtime after dives.	Peak season (Dec–Apr) brings crowds and higher prices for lodging and tours.
Varied week: reef fishing & BBQ day and a mainland tour give cultural and culinary variety.	Weather risk during hurricane season (June–Nov) can disrupt boat trips and flights.
Flexible transfers: short flights (~15 min) or water taxi options to Belize City.	Dependence on boats means schedules change; cancellations are possible with rough seas.
Good for certification plans: you can do 2-day Open Water or Advanced plus two fun dives.	Limited ATM access and island prices mean you may need to carry cash for tips and markets.

Advantages of Your Stay

You get a tightly packed, adventure-rich week: 4 days of diving or a 2-day certification plus fun dives, a reef fishing and BBQ day, and a mainland excursion—ideal for mixing adrenaline with culture. Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley place you within minutes of top sites, and the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral system, guarantees world-class sightings and unforgettable photo ops.

Challenges to Anticipate

Costs for multiple dives and specialty courses add up, high season (Dec–Apr) draws crowds, and island logistics mean boat or short flight reliance—expect occasional schedule changes. Hurricane season (June–Nov) increases cancellation risk and mosquitos can be bothersome after sunset.

Plan for contingencies: book dive packages and the reef fishing BBQ early if traveling in peak months, carry enough cash for tips and market purchases, and factor in flexible days in case of boat cancellations. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, strong mosquito repellent, and travel insurance that covers weather-related trip changes. If you aim for certifications, block the required 2–4 days (Open Water or Advanced plus fun dives) so your last day remains free to relax and shop for souvenirs.

Conclusion

From above, your one-week San Pedro, Belize itinerary balances epic scuba diving on Ambergris Caye with a reef-fishing BBQ, immersive mainland tours, and a final day to rest and buy souvenirs, giving you adventure and relaxation. Whether you choose four days of dives or an Open Water/Advanced course plus fun dives, this plan maximizes marine highlights, cultural excursions, and downtime so you leave refreshed, inspired, and with unforgettable memories and photos.

FAQ

Q: What is the best one week itinerary for San Pedro, Belize to maximize diving, fishing, and mainland adventure?

A: One week in San Pedro, Belize can be unforgettable when paced for both adventure and relaxation: Days 1–4: Dedicated scuba time — either four days of guided dives visiting Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley and nearby patch reefs (or a Blue Hole day trip if you book a specialized liveaboard/excursion). Alternate plan: Days 1–2 complete a PADI/SSI Open Water or Advanced course, then Days 3–4 enjoy two fun dives each day to explore the Barrier Reef. Day 5: Full-day reef fishing with a local guide followed by a beachfront BBQ featuring your catch. Day 6: Mainland tours — pick from Mayan ruins (Altun Ha or Lamanai), cave tubing + zipline, or wildlife/river trips (transfer via water taxi and shuttle). Day 7: Rest, stroll Ambergris Caye, shop for souvenirs, sample Belizean cuisine, and prepare for departure. Book dives and tours in advance, plan morning departures for best conditions, and balance activity with downtime to soak up the island vibe.

Q: How do I decide between 4 days of guided scuba diving versus doing Open Water/Advanced courses during my week in San Pedro, Belize?

A: Choose based on experience goals and certification status. If you are already certified, four days of guided diving lets you hit top sites (Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley, reef walls and dive sites around Ambergris Caye) and may include a Blue Hole option. If you’re new or want deeper skills, a 2-day Open Water or Advanced course (PADI/SSI widely available) plus two days of fun dives gives training plus exploration — Open Water certs dive to ~18 m, Advanced extends limits and skills (navigation, deep dives). Consider seasonal visibility, group size, and operator reputation. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, logbook, lightweight dive gear if you own it, and ask shops about small group ratios, nitrox availability, and emergency oxygen protocols to ensure a safe, thrilling scuba experience.

Q: What should I expect on the reef fishing & BBQ day, the mainland tours day, and the final shopping/rest day in San Pedro, Belize?

A: Reef fishing & BBQ: Most trips are half- or full-day charters targeting snapper, grouper and bonefish; guides fillet your catch for a shore-side or beach BBQ with local sides and cold drinks — bring hat, polarized sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and seasickness meds if needed. Mainland tours: Options include Altun Ha or Lamanai Mayan ruins, cave tubing and zipline combos, or wildlife river excursions; expect a water taxi to the mainland plus further transfers, roughly full-day commitment, local guides, and easy-to-moderate walking. Final rest & shopping day: Ambergris Caye offers artisan stalls and boutiques for Belizean rum, handmade jewelry, amber pieces, hammocks, coconut oil products, and local art — carry small cash (BZD or USD accepted), pack spare luggage space and plan a relaxed last swim or sunset at the beach before departure.