Why We Keep Going Back to Belize (and Why You Might, Too)

Our first trip to San Pedro, the lively town on Ambergris Caye, Belize, came after years of hearing my dad and stepmom rave about the tiny island they kept returning to. They spoke fondly of the warm locals they befriended, the incredible food, live music, and the laid-back vibe that made it so special. I was sold. Now, nearly ten years later, Ambergris Caye has become a repeat destination for me and my family. I've also had the joy of introducing several friends, and even my mom, to one of my all-time favorite travel spots.

Top Reasons We Keep Going Back

• Natural Beauty That Blows You Away

  The trip over to Ambergris Caye from Belize City is absolutely breathtaking. The flight is only about 15 minutes long, but I always leave with more photos than I know what to do with. Crystal-clear water, tiny islands, and endless shades of blue—it never gets old.

  
  

  

  The view on our short flight from Belize City to San Pedro

  Once you’re on the island, the beauty doesn’t stop. Secret Beach is one of our favorite places to spend a day or two soaking it all in. Yes, San Pedro is a developing town, and you’ll see both charm and challenge in everyday life—but there’s something truly beautiful about how the locals build community and create opportunities with heart, grit, and joy.

  
  

• Adventure for All Ages (ziplining, cave tubing, snorkeling)

  
  

  

  Snorkeling after an afternoon of diving at Hol Chan

  If you’re looking for adventure, Belize is exactly where you need to be. On Ambergris Caye, we spend our days scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming with sharks (yes, really!), touching stingrays, and exploring town in a golf cart from sun-up to sundown.

  
  

  If you prefer to stay inland (check out San Ignacio, Belize), the adventure doesn’t stop - cave tubing through ancient river systems, climbing Mayan ruins, ziplining through the jungle, and more. Whether you’re traveling with teens, friends, or solo, there’s no shortage of heart-pumping things to do.

  
  

• Delicious and Unique Food Scene

  Some of the best meals I’ve ever had have been in Belize. From hot, pillowy fry jacks at breakfast to fresh-caught lobster and snapper, there’s so much flavor packed into every bite. The fruit tastes completely different than what we get back home (in the best way), and the street food - tacos, tamales, grilled meats - is not to be missed.

  
  

  Want all the foodie details? Check out my post with our favorite eats and must-try spots in San Pedro - trust me, you’ll want to bookmark it.

  
  

• Welcoming People and Culture

  During a girls trip for my birthday, we ended up at the famous Chicken Drop (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like), and met a group of local kids hanging out nearby. One of them, a chatty 8-year-old boy, was easily one of the kindest, most outgoing kids I’ve ever met. That kind of experience is common in San Pedro. The people here are warm, open, and quick to make you feel like part of the family.

  
  

  Life runs on island time, so once your feet hit the ground, slow down and soak it in. The locals know how to live in the moment, and if you let yourself, you’ll feel the weight of the world start to slip away.

  
  

• Family-Friendly but Not Kid-Centric (great for teens)

  We’ve brought our teenage son to Belize several times now, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for families with kids of any age. San Pedro may not be packed with kid-centric resorts or attractions, but that’s part of what makes it great - it’s real, flexible, and full of adventure.

  
  

  

  
  

• Comfort That Fits Every Trip (and Every Traveler)

  There are plenty of places to stay, depending on your family’s vibe - from laid-back beach cabanas to resorts with pools and beachfront access. While it’s not known for all-inclusives, you’ll find incredible food, fun activities, and a true sense of place around every corner. Pro tip: If you're staying on the seaside of the island, know that sorghum can be heavy in spots, making it challenging to play on on the beach.

  
  

  And just in case: there are markets, pharmacies, and a medical clinic close by, which always gives this mom peace of mind when we travel.

  
  

  A Quick Note about Beaches: Belize has stunning water, but beach experiences can vary depending on where you're staying—so it’s worth doing a little homework. Some resorts on the seaside (east) of the island have seaweed build-up (sargassum), which can make the beach less ideal for swimming or playing in certain spots.

  
  

  Pro tip: Ask your resort what their beachfront is like before you book. Many offer docks or pools as great alternatives if the beach isn't swimmable.

  
  

• Close Enough for a Quick Trip but Feels Far Away

  One of the best things about Belize, especially Ambergris Caye, is how easy it is to get to, but how completely transported you feel once you're there. From many U.S. cities, you can be on the beach with a cocktail in hand by the afternoon. A direct flight to Belize City takes just a few hours, and from there, it’s a short hop by puddle jumper or water taxi to San Pedro.

  
  

  But once you arrive? Total mindset shift. The pace slows down, the air smells like salt and sunshine, and suddenly your to-do list feels very far away. Whether you’re squeezing in a long weekend or staying for a full week, Belize gives you that “we really got away” feeling, without the long-haul flight or jet lag.

  
  

Tips for First-Timers

When to Go

The best time to visit is December through May, when the weather is sunny, breezy, and warm. Rainy season runs June through November, and while quick showers are common, it usually doesn’t ruin a beach day. August through October tends to be quieter (and more affordable), but keep an eye on hurricane season updates.

A quick heads-up on beaches: Right now, sargassum (seaweed) is heavier than usual along parts of the eastern shore. It’s not always like this, but when it’s bad, it can pile up and smell—not ideal for lounging. Some resorts clean it up well, but it’s worth checking with your resort or condo before booking if a beachside stay is important to you.

Want a guaranteed great beach day? Head to Secret Beach on the west side of the island. It’s calm, clear, and generally free of sargassum, making it a favorite for locals and travelers alike.

Lounging the day away at Maruba Beach Klub at Secret Beach

Getting There (And Around)

We live in the Midwest and usually take a 6:00 a.m. flight. Believe it or not, we’re on the island by 1:20 p.m. most trips—one of the reasons we love this spot so much!

Here’s the quick version:

• Fly into Belize City (BZE)

• Take a 15-minute flight to San Pedro with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air

• Or opt for the water taxi (cheaper, but longer)

Want more detail? Here’s more detailed information on traveling to and around Ambergris Caye, Belize.

Pro Tip: On your flight to Belize City, they’ll hand you a customs form. Everyone fills out the front, but only one person per family needs to fill out the back (declaration). Bring your own pens!

Once you land, follow signs through customs and check in for your puddle jumper to San Pedro. The transfer process usually takes about 45 minutes.

Getting Around San Pedro

The main mode of transportation on the island? Golf carts. We always rent one for the week. Your rental company can usually meet you at the airport, or you can book through your hotel.

A few tips:

• Roads are bumpy—go slow and enjoy the ride

• Lock your cart when you park

• Don’t leave valuables inside

• Always trust your gut, but we’ve felt very safe here

  
  

What to Pack

You can pack light—we do carry-ons only (even with school supplies for our favorite local preschool, Brighter Tomorrow!).

Here’s our must-pack list:

• Bug spray + cream for bites

• Dramamine for the ferry or bumpy flights

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Lightweight, breathable clothes (think athletic wear + swimsuits + a few coverups)

• A nicer outfit or two for dinners out

• Leave the fancy shoes at home

• Stanley-style cup for drinks on the go (water or rum punch—your call!)

  
  

Staying Connected

We use Verizon TravelPass, which kicks in automatically and works well for calls and texts.If you're on Wi-Fi, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger are widely used (especially by locals and tour companies). Many businesses also accept Venmo or Zelle.

Safety and Health

We’ve always felt safe on Ambergris Caye—day and night. Just stay aware, lock up your cart, and trust your instincts.Pharmacies are accessible and helpful—we’ve popped in on girls’ trips without issue. There are also medical clinics and hospitals across the island if you ever need care.

Why Belize Might Be Your Next Favorite Place

If you’re craving a place where adventure meets ease, where warm people welcome you like family, and where the pace of life invites you to slow down and soak it in—Belize just might be your new go-to.

San Pedro has become one of those rare places that checks all the boxes for our family: it’s easy to get to, packed with unforgettable experiences, and still somehow manages to feel like a hidden gem. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover—and always a reason to come back.

I’ve seen friends fall in love with it, just like we did. Maybe you will too.

Ready to Plan Your Trip?

If you’ve got questions or need help planning your first Belize adventure, drop them in the comments—I’m always happy to share what we’ve learned.

Want more? Subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming posts:

• Our Belize Packing List

• Sample Itinerary: 5–7 Days on Ambergris Caye

• The Foodie Guide to San Pedro (street food, seafood, and more)

And if you found this helpful, I’d love if you’d share it with a friend or on social—especially someone who could use a little sunshine and adventure in their life.

Belize is waiting!