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Are you planning your next trip to San Pedro, Belize? Let me share our experience at the Grand Caribe and how we explored Ambergris Caye by golf cart. Although I didn’t plan this trip, because Lynn took the lead for her 60th birthday, you can benefit from what we learned. Here is what you need to know about costs and logistics as you start organizing your adventure.
How did I choose my airline? Lynn found a flight starting around $450. When I checked the website, the airfare had increased slightly. When I travel, I need a window seat. For this trip, I also needed to check my luggage because I was bringing the Prosecco. I saw the fare rise to over $600 after selecting four seats and paying for checked bags.
Of course, I also checked Southwest. As an A-List preferred member, I could select window seats and check my luggage for free. The round-trip fare was $699. Yes, I am also a Rapid Rewards Member and cardholder. After applying two Southwest gift cards earned from L&E Research (a great way to offset travel costs via opinion studies), my total came down to $425. I met the crew at the Belize airport, and the adventure began.
How did we get to the resort? Once you arrive at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City, you have two main options to reach the island of Ambergris Caye. You’ll take a taxi or prearranged sprinter from the airport to the terminal, then board a ferry (San Pedro Belize Express or Caribbean Sprinter) for roughly $30–$40 roundtrip. Choose the “Puddle Jumper” for speed and incredible aerial views of the reef. You can take a 15-minute flight via Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. These small planes depart right from the international airport and cost approximately $175–$225 roundtrip. Now you know my crew chose the Water Taxi (Ferry), a budget-friendly and scenic 75-90 minute ride. If you need to use the restroom in Belize City while waiting for the ferry, you have to pay.
For those looking to book, a 4-night stay at Grand Caribe typically ranges from $1,400 to $4,500+, depending on the season and the size of the unit (1-bedroom suites to massive oceanfront condos). We paid $650 each for our 4-night stay and $125 for transportation and golf cart rental. We were greeted with rum punch, and George gave us a brief introduction before handing us six beach towels and our keys. Although the property is beautiful, I had to check the accommodations at Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club, a Curio Collection by Hilton property, because I am a loyal Hilton guest.
When you travel in a large group, be flexible. There were originally eight of us staying in a 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom oceanfront condo. The unit included a bedroom on the first floor and three upstairs. I ended up with a second-floor room to myself when my roommate did not make the trip. I asked housekeeping to rearrange the beds into a king bed. My room even featured a balcony with a sunset view. There was plenty of room for us to gather as a group, including a formal dining room table. The main balcony overlooked the swimming pool. We spent a few nights there, simply enjoying the view and sipping cocktails.
Please note you will not be able to use your rideshare app or standard taxis. On Ambergris Caye, golf carts are the primary mode of transportation. The island roads are narrow, and the vibe is laid-back. We rented two carts to give our group flexibility. Lynn even decorated her cart with balloons and a banner for her birthday. Expect to pay between $35 and $75 per day for a rental. I overheard someone say they paid $100 per day to rent their golf cart. Do your research.
With transportation sorted, you might wonder what activities to enjoy in San Pedro, Belize. If you have read a post or two, you already know we enjoy a good meal. We dined at Rain, Green Espresso, Truck Stop, Elvi’s Kitchen, and Maxi’s. Lynn celebrated her 60th birthday at Elvi’s. Here is what we tried:
Although we enjoyed golf carting around the island, Lynn wanted to take the ferry to Caye Caulker to try barbecue from Chef Kareem, the jerk chicken man. When you exit the ferry, do not let the natives talk you into paying $5 per person for a ride. It is a 10-minute walk. When you reach the jerk chicken man, be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes for your order. Maybe it was an off day, but the chicken was just okay. If I go back, I would definitely try other vendors. We also stopped by the Belize Chocolate Company. I ate all of my dark chocolate before I left the island.
We went to Elvi’s Kitchen for the birthday celebration. The staff placed a birthday sign on our table. Our meal started with tasty banana bread. I ordered the coconut shrimp in the coconut. We also ordered fried coconut shrimp and jalapeño poppers. I didn’t order the snapper because I enjoyed it so much while we were in Cartagena. The pork chop was calling my name. Everything was delicious. When they presented Lynn with dessert, they sang Happy Birthday. Elvi’s is compact, and the restrooms are in an adjoining building. Reservations are highly recommended. If you are in San Pedro, this is a must-stop. Our meal cost $380, including gratuity for six people.
Stop by local shops. Of course, I purchased my stickers, Christmas ornament, and souvenir patch. Oh, don’t forget your one-hour massage for $50-$60 at Magda’s. Considering all the extra scents you encounter and oils used, this massage was a steal. If you are with a group, they have enough tables for five people. We only spent one morning at the pool. I watched the sunrise and sunset. Finally, ask if the menu prices are in American or Belizean dollars before you order. By the way, check the volume on your alcoholic beverages. There is a limit.
My crew has one thing to say, “You better Belize it!”