San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Belize

December-April is the most reliable window for calmer seas and clear water, especially for long Lighthouse Reef or Turneffe runs. May-August stays warm with generally good visibility and lighter crowds, though afternoons can be breezier. September-October is peak tropical weather risk, so plan flexible days and focus on local reef sites that are minutes from shore if offshore trips cancel.

From BZE, take a 15 km-equivalent flight with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air to SPR, which lands right in town. Alternatively, taxi 20 km to the Belize City water-taxi terminal and ferry 75 km-90 km to San Pedro. Flights are faster with more frequency; ferries are budget-friendly and scenic.

As of August 2024 the Hol Chan Marine Reserve entrance is USD $15 per person per day across reserve zones. Many tours include this in the price but some collect cash at check-in. Mexico Rocks is part of HCMR and follows the same fee on days you visit those zones. Always confirm inclusion when booking.

Shark Ray Alley is snorkel-only under HCMR regulations. Licensed guides may chum from boats to aggregate nurse sharks and stingrays, but scuba is prohibited in the designated recreation area. Expect shallow depths around 3 m-6 m and strong emphasis on no-touch behavior.

Yes, plan on AOW certification, recent logged dives, and comfortable buoyancy at depth. The Blue Hole dive features a quick descent to around 40 m to glimpse stalactites, followed by a short bottom time and a slow ascent. Operators will brief a conservative plan and often assess skills on local dives first if needed.

Hol Chan (Zone A) and Mexico Rocks are ideal. Hol Chan offers guided routes over sand and coral between 2 m and 8 m, with turtles and schooling fish. Mexico Rocks has calm patch reefs with sandy channels and less surge. Choose early departures for lighter wind and smaller crowds.

Bring a SMB, whistle, reef-safe sunscreen, rashguard or 3 mm suit, sunglasses with retainer, and a dry bag. If you use DIN regulators, carry a DIN-yoke adapter. Motion-sickness tablets make long atoll rides more comfortable. Cash helps for park fees and tips if they are not included in your booking.

Belize uses the Belize Dollar (BZD) pegged at BZ$2 = USD $1. USD is widely accepted island-wide and you'll often receive change in BZD. ATMs sit in town near banks and supermarkets. Carry small bills for tips, water-taxi tickets, and park fees.

Yes. San Pedro hosts hyperbaric facilities with 24/7 emergency lines and DAN affiliation. Operators coordinate directly in the unlikely event of a dive incident. Save local emergency numbers and carry DAN or equivalent insurance that covers evacuation and treatment.

Golf carts are the standard and most rentals include the toll sticker for the north bridge. Taxis and bicycles also work for short hops. There is no rideshare. At night, drive slowly and watch for speed humps and pedestrians. Many dive shops offer dock pickups, reducing transport need on dive days.