Five Reasons Why San Pedro Is Listed Among the Top 10 Beach Destinations in Central America:
TripAdvisor recently put together its list of finalists for its prestigious 2012 Travelers’ Choice awards and, quite unsurprisingly, three destinations in Belize made the list of top 10 beach destinations in Central America: Placencia, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro. These selections were based on traveler reviews from all around the world, and Grand Caribe is proud to lay its claim to San Pedro’s recognition as one of the best beach destinations in the region. As part of the town and island, we’ve put together our list of why San Pedro is rightfully considered among the best that Central America has to offer:
1) Stunning beaches
Should you wish to see picturesque, white, sandy beaches, then look no further than San Pedro, Ambergris Caye for the quintessential beach vacation. Laze in a hammock or beach chair while reading a book and watching the dolphins play in the distance, or simply enjoy a snooze in the shade of gently-swaying coconut palms. Take a barefoot stroll along the shore, losing yourself in the mesmerizing beckoning of the Caribbean Sea, while staying within inches of the heartbeat of the town and civilization – the best of both worlds. It is the perfect destination to have a dream beach wedding or wedding renewal ceremony.
2) Proximity to the Barrier Reef
San Pedro, Belize, literally has the largest Barrier Reef in the Western hemisphere in its backyard. While standing on the Eastern shore of Ambergris Caye, you can see the waves breaking on the reef on the horizon. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a 3 square mile area that encompasses a part of the reef, teems with mangroves and underwater flora and fauna. The reserve is located just 4 miles Southeast of San Pedro town, and is also home to the renowned Shark Ray Alley – a shallow area just inside the reef that bustles with practically every species of fish found in Belize.
3) Language
Unlike other finalists on TripAdvisor’s list of best beach destinations in Central America, Belize’s primary language is English, eliminating the barriers that many English-speaking travelers encounter when going abroad. With the unique heritage of San Pedro, Spanish is also very widely spoken – making it a great option for Spanish-speaking travelers as well, and for those from English-speaking countries who want an authentic Central American experience.
4) Activities
Considered a part of the Belize District, the best that Belize has to offer is accessible right from the island town. Whether it be activities on the mainland such as Mayan Ruins or jungle tours like cave tubing, horseback riding, and a visit to the Belize Zoo, or island activities and marine tours– fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving – all of it is only a boat ride, short plane flight, and/or drive away from the town. Contact us today at Grand Caribe for more information on available tours and rates, and how best to plan these exciting adventures while you are here.
5) Cultural Blends
The area now known as San Pedro Town has been occupied by many different groups of people over the course of its fascinating history, which spans several hundred years. A Mayan community lived on the island in Pre-Columbian times and left behind distinctive, polished red ceramics. It was also occupied by the Spaniards, and it later became a popular hideout for British Buccaneers, who used it as a base to defend the entire colony during the famous Battle of St. George’s Caye in 1798. It also became a haven and a home for refugees fleeing the Caste War in Mexico. Therefore, San Pedranos are a people of mixed ancestry, a fact which is well-reflected in the intriguing modern culture of the town and island. Want to experience the best of the Caribbean and Central America? Want to see Mexican and Spanish-colonial architecture, while dancing to Caribbean steel pan music and Garifuna drums? Want to enjoy genuine, traditional Mexican and Central American dishes alongside sumptuous Caribbean seafood? Contact us at Grand Caribe Resort for more information on making San Pedro the destination for your very next beach vacation.
