My Solo Morning in San Pedro: Three Hours, One Golf Cart, and Zero Plans

My husband and son were headed out for a quick dive at Hol Chan with Chino from Oceanic Expeditions Belize at Castaway — and for the first time all trip, I had a morning all to myself.

Three hours. Just me, a golf cart, and this sunny little island.

I dropped the guys off at Castaway and decided to stay put for breakfast. I ordered the Belizean breakfast (because it comes with fry jacks, obviously) and treated myself to a mimosa. There’s something indulgent about starting your day with bubbles when everyone else is squeezing into headed to the dock.

After breakfast, I hopped in the golf cart and headed toward a place I’ve seen online but never stopped at — the Iguana Sanctuary. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and honestly, that’s part of what made it fun. The sanctuary is low-key, quiet, and tucked away, but it’s home to some giant iguanas. I wandered through slowly and got surprisingly close to a few of them. The owner lives on site with his family and was incredibly kind. There’s no admission fee, but donations help support the space — and it felt good to give a little something to such a humble, unique spot.

Next stop: Belize Chocolate Company. I just missed one of their chocolate-making classes, but still got my hands on some amazing chocolate (and maybe sampled a piece or two before even leaving the store).

Fun fact: Belize grows some of the world’s most prized cacao, and this company works directly with local farmers to produce small-batch, bean-to-bar chocolate right on the island.

From there, I wandered aimlessly — which, in San Pedro, is kind of the best way to go. I popped in and out of shops along Front Street and Middle Street, window shopping and chatting with a few friendly locals. One thing I love about San Pedro is how art lives everywhere — in murals on buildings, painted golf carts, signs, and even the sidewalks. It’s colorful, expressive, and totally reflective of the island’s laid-back, creative spirit. Every corner feels like its own photo opp.

I was on a mission to find a hammock (a real Belizean one) and after a few stops, I finally found the one in a little shop just across from the Belize Bank on Front Street.

Before wrapping up, I hit a fruit stand and bought a small bag of green plums that looked like oversized grapes. The texture was more like an apple, and the flavor was sweet with just a little tang. Trying new fruit in Belize has become one of our favorite rituals — you never quite know what you’re going to get, but it’s almost always delicious.

I made one last stop at Lavish Habit Café and ordered a berry smoothie — the perfect end to a slow, solo morning. Just as I sat down, I got a text from the guys: "All done!" So, I took my smoothie to go and cruised back in the golf cart, feeling like I had just uncovered a quieter, more local side of San Pedro.

Other Ways to Spend Solo Time in San Pedro

If you find yourself with a little time to explore the island on your own, here are a few other favorites I'd recommend:

• A massage at Victoria House – Peaceful, relaxing, and the perfect treat-yourself moment.

  
  

  

• Pool time with a good book – Sometimes it’s as simple as lounging in the sun and turning a few pages.

• Coffee and quiet at Marbucks – Grab a seat, sip something iced, and enjoy a bit of calm tucked just off the main road.

• Happy hour people-watching – Pull up a stool at Palapa Bar, Sandy Toes, Nauti Crab, or Truck Stop. Great drinks, easy conversation, and a mix of locals and travelers that keeps things interesting.

Final Thought: There’s something special about wandering San Pedro solo — the slower pace, the chance to follow your curiosity, and the joy of discovering new corners of a place you already love. It might only be a few hours, but it’s more than enough to reset and reconnect with the island vibe.