Is San Pedro expensive to visit?
In San Pedro, budget travelers spend $72 (BZ$144) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $164 (BZ$329) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $319 (BZ$640) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to San Pedro.
San Pedro is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
While San Pedro can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Central America, San Pedro is a very expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Central America for its travel costs. There are only a few cities as expensive as San Pedro in the region, such as Tamarindo or Puerto Viejo.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is San Pedro Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to San Pedro?
The average San Pedro trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these San Pedro travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to San Pedro cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to San Pedro, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $72 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Thankfully, San Pedro offers plenty of hostels such as Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant and Drift Inn. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. It's a common desire for visitors to San Pedro to experience the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $164 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $319 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the destination with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Semi-private Exclusive All-in-1 Full Day Guided Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in San Pedro
The price of hotels in San Pedro can be quite surprising. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury and amenities, but with much higher price tags, especially during peak season. Off-season averages are around $, while peak season averages can reach $. Prices range from $ to $, but hostels are usually cheaper. Traveling during the low season and booking early are good ways to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in San Pedro for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $132 (BZ$266). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $66 (BZ$133) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in San Pedro? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By avoiding the peak season and traveling in the low or shoulder seasons, you will be rewarded with lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in San Pedro
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $34 (BZ$68) per person, per day, on local transportation in San Pedro. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in San Pedro is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$34
BZ$68
San Pedro has an airport which is the quickest way to arrive.
Or, take the ferry from Belize City to San Pedro to the small port located right in the center of town. The ferry runs to and from Belize City 5 times a day and takes about 90 minutes.
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Cave Tubing and Zipline Adventure (Boat Transfer) for $210 details
How much does it cost to go to San Pedro? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in San Pedro will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in San Pedro
Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in San Pedro can vary significantly, the average cost of food in San Pedro is $69 (BZ$139) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$69
BZ$139
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in San Pedro is around $69 (BZ$139) per person, with previous travelers spending from $30 to $131. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in San Pedro are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $21
- Lunch: $10 to $28
- Dinner: $21 to $48
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $10
A plethora of seafood restaurants and bars can be found in town. Just wander around and you'll run into one along the beach or in the main part of town.
Check out Caroline's Cookin', Estel's Restaurant, Red Ginger, and Wild Mangos for some great meals.
The cuisine in the area is mixed. You'll find plenty of "American" style food along with some Central American and latin flare as well. Indian, Chinese, and other options are also available.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Using a water bottle can save you money on drinks while being eco-friendly.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in San Pedro. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Maya Sunset Dinner Feast for $49 details
- The Maya Dinner Experience: Season 2 for $111 details
- The Garifuna Dinner Experience: Season I for $111 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in San Pedro
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in San Pedro typically cost an average of $33 (BZ$67) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$33
BZ$67
The obvious sights and attractions here are the beach, the clear water for snorkeling and scuba diving, and general relaxation at the local bars and seafood restaurants.
Not too far from town on the southern end of the town lies Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve, a tranquil setting where visitors can learn about the ancient Mayan inhabitants of the island.
Also, plenty of chocolate is grown and produced in the area. Check out the various chocolate shops and "factories" on the island where you can buy delicious sweet treats.
Diving and snorkeling are two of the most common activities here. The nearby Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected area full of marine life and coral reefs. Of course, the entire stretch of coastline contains coral reefs (except where it's been destroyed). Another popular spot is the Blue Hole, which is much further out to sea and requires boat transportation. You can also fly over it for a great view.
A nice way to explore destinations in San Pedro is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Half Day Snorkeling Tour Caye Caulker for $80 details
- Triple Activity Limo Tour - Xunantunich Ruins, Cave Tubing & Zip Lining for $235 details
Oh wow the beach here is so relaxing. We loved the chill vibe of this town. The water was gorgeous and without any waves, so you can just relax here. We also found some really cool restaurants that were cheap but with great food and drinks.