FAQs
Where in the world is San Pedro, Belize?
How do we get to you? Airport? Water taxi?
There are two ways to get from the International airport on the mainland to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye: fly or take a water taxi. Depending on what time your flight arrives, sometimes it’s best to fly. You’ll need to allow at least an hour to clear customs and immigration. Flights leave from the international airport to San Pedro every hour and take about 20 minutes. You can make reservations on line or we will be happy to do it for you. Tropic Air and Maya Island Air are the two airlines flying here. The water taxis have irregular schedules; and usually they take an hour and a half to get here. Right now, there are two competing water taxi services. The last one leaves Belize City at 5:30 pm. The schedules change. In addition to the time clearing customs and immigration, you’ll need to allow 45 minutes to get to the pier from the airport. If your plane lands after 3PM, you probably are better off flying. Once here on Ambergris Caye, take a land taxi to us (5-10 minutes)
Where is the closest airport?
Are the water taxis always available?
No. The two water taxis operate only during the day. Both are stationed in the downtown area of Belize City – about 45 minutes from the international Airport. There are always taxis waiting. The last one leaves around 5:30PM.
How big is San Pedro?
Can we drive to San Pedro?
Do you have a shuttle service?
Yes and No. If you let us know your arrival time on the island, we will arrange for a land taxi to pick you up. If not, there are always taxis available at either the airstrip or the water taxi pier. Expect to pay $20-30 BZD or $10-20 USD. All taxis in town cost the same as set by the Taxi Association. Uber/Lyft do not operate in Belize.
Are you located north or south of town? What? No street address? Near the bridge?
We are located north of the center of San Pedro; but, south of the bridge. We don’t really have a street address like most places on the island. This is our address: Hibisico Belize, Boca Del Rio Drive. The taxi drivers know where we are on the beach. We are in a quiet, yet popular, part of town. There are a bunch of over-the-water bars and restaurants nearby; and, it takes only minutes to walk along the beach to the center of San Pedro Town where most of the restaurants, shops, tour operators, art galleries, and street vendors are located.
You speak English on the island, right?
What about money?
Do we need passports?
Do we need a credit card?
Yes. You will need a credit card when you register at Hibisco Belize.
What's included in the price?
Included in the fee is complementary WiFi, AC, smart television, cable, in room safes, microwaves, coffee makers, distilled drinking water, eco-friendly linens and bathroom essentials, dedicated concierge services, and access to the plunge-style pool.
Do you allow children?
We allow older children; but, they must be 16+ and supervised at all times by parents or guardians.
Do you allow pets?
What are your hours?
Are you LGBT friendly?
Yes
Do you have a restaurant?
Better than that. We have dozens to choose from – all within a short stroll along the beach. We are so conveniently located that walking barefoot in the sand, if I don’t stop to talk or admire the view, suddenly I’m in front of Wayo’s, Hurricane’s, Nauti Crab, Vibez, Sandy Toes, Coo Beans, Palapa, Estel’s, El Fogon, Elvi’s Kitchen or Blue Water Grill. They all will deliver. It’s a tough life.
Are there any vegan restaurants?
Yes! Many restaurants offer vegetarian and gluten free meals.
Do you have a bar?
It takes about the same amount of time to walk from our front steps to the ocean as it takes to walk to one of my favorite beach bars on the island – Wayo’s. After you stop there, if you can continue or want to, just down the beach are more bars and restaurants. If you prefer to drink at home at Hibisco Belize, a local liquor store will deliver.
Do you have a fitness center? Do you have a spa?
Around the corner from Hibisco Belize is a fantastic fitness center called The Train Station. It’s two floors. South of Hibisco Belize on the beach is Just Relax Massage – a small thatch covered palapa. Shirlene, the masseuse, offers the latest techniques and even couples massages. They’re heavenly.
How about trips and tours? Should I book ahead of time or wait until I'm there?
How about scuba diving? Can you help me with that?
Yes, of course, we’d be happy to help. A half dozen dive operators are located within a few blocks. All of them will come to our dock to pick you up. If you aren’t certified, they offer courses or you can even take a resort course to see if you like scuba. Belize offers some of the best diving in the world. There are literally hundreds of dive sites along the Belize Barrier Reef which is less than a half mile from Hibisco Belize. Ship wrecks. Canyons. Gorgeous coral. Yesterday, on the way home, some of our guests were entertained by a school of dolphins. Also, don’t forget, Belize is home to the Blue Hole (made famous by Jacques Cousteau) which is sort of a diver’s holy grail. Trips go there regularly and we’ll be happy to arrange one for you (please book these in advance as they require 10+ people to go).
How's the fishing?
The fly fishing on Ambergris Caye is world famous. Deep sea fishing is also popular as is just regular trawling, reef, or “drop” fishing. Some of the best fly-fishing guides on the island are a half block away. Many are booked years in advance – depending on the season. Our neighbors know the spots. We’ll hook you up.
Do you arrange tours to the mainland?
Absolutely. There are a number of wonderful tours which leave from here for day long excursions to Mayan ruins, cave tubing ,ziplining, visiting the zoo, birding or horseback riding! We call and you’ll be picked up at our pier or via golf cart. Most mainland tours include breakfast, lunch and a few beverages. We recommend that you wait until you arrive to book or if you’re here for a short time, let us help you arrange it. It’s easy to do.
Do you offer water sports on site?
That depends on the sport. We can have boats pick you up at nearby docks to take you snorkeling, fishing, jet-skiing, or exploring. Friends rent paddle boards and kayaks if you want some exercise.
The local beaches have sea grass. Swimming is great in the sandy areas. The sea grass is the nursery for fish and lobster and other good creatures, so we try to keep it as undisturbed as possible.
You can snorkel there; however, it is not anywhere near as exciting as a 15 minute boat trip to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve on the Belize Barrier Reef where the snorkeling is fantastic. We’d be happy to arrange a trip there for you. It’s fantastic to be able to swim beside the turtles and giant groupers and schools of jacks while trying to remember all the different kinds of corals.
Can we swim, snorkel out to the Belize Barrier Reef from Hibisco Belize?
No and Yes, but I wouldn’t do it – primarily because ½ mile looks closer than it is; and, also because of all the boat traffic. We kindly ask you not to swim beyond the longest dock. It’s easy to hire a boat to get you to the reef.
Can we rent a boat for ourselves?
Where can I sunbathe?
You can sunbathe on a chaise in front of Hibisco Belize or on our exclusive rooftop. Don’t forget sunscreen. Sometimes – most times – the ocean breeze makes you feel like the sun isn’t strong. It is. Combine the breeze with the reflection of the sun off the water… It’s heavenly. Particularly in February, March, April, May, June, July, August, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec, January……
What about sightseeing?
Our island, Ambergris Caye, is nearly 28 miles long. San Pedro sits about 7 miles from the southern end. Traveling south, there is a paved road (cobble stones mostly) part of the way to the south; and a good sandy road for the rest of the trip, over the bridge (north), the road is newly paved. Golf carts and bikes are a great way to explore. Since the beach and the docks belong to the Queen (we’re part of the Commonwealth – like Canada), anyone has access during the day to both (all docks are public from 6am to 6pm). It’s fun to bike along the beach where you can see the fronts of the mega resorts and swim when the spirit moves you. Don’t forget to take water because many of the resorts won’t allow local non-guests. It’s also fun to discover “secret beach” which is best reached by golf cart. Located on the lagoon side of the island, it’s not a secret anymore. Tourists who stay north are isolated from the real San Pedro.
Do you arrange weddings?
Yes, we will be happy to help arrange a destination wedding; however, because we are a small hotel, the weddings we’ve hosted have been intimate family groups. Email us.
Can I rent a car? Do you rent golf carts? What about bikes?
You can rent a golf cart or a bike! Golf carts rent for about $50 USD/day and bikes for about $12.50 USD/day. There are cars and trucks on the island but no one is sure why. They can’t ever get out of first gear and they rust in the salt air! Bikes are fun, particularly, if you like to look at beachfront private homes or the huge isolated resorts (which could be anywhere in the world) because, unlike golf carts or cars, bikes can be ridden on the beach.
Where can we get groceries?
Just south of Hibisco Belize is a fruit and vegetable stand along with a bakery. A few blocks north is a grocery store. There are also some fine grocery stores and specialty wine and cheese shops in town. Wine de Vine (an excellent wine and cheese store) is just south of the airstrip. I usually drive my golf cart to those places because it’s difficult to carry three bottles of wine, some cheese, a papaya and a few mangos. You could put your groceries in a taxi to Hibisco Belize and we’d put things in your room for you so you could continue exploring.
Is there a barbecue we can use?
Yes! We have a barbecue grill available to guests on the rooftop lounge. Also, most local restaurants will cook and clean your catch for free if you buy some sides and drinks.
Where can I do laundry?
Our housekeepers will be happy to do your laundry after the resort laundry is finished or early in the morning before we start turning over rooms. We offer free laundry service (subject to availability and limited to one load per stay for 2+ night stays). Please request a laundry bag at the office. The price is $15USD/load for additional laundry services.
What kind of electricity do you have?
Should I bring my own hair dryer?
Do you have any particular advice for tourists?
Yes. We are a country founded by pirates. Their descendants still live here. Hustlers are in every country in the world. Unfortunately, we are no different. Here, they appear as friendly, charming people selling tours or carvings. Other than being annoying, most are fine. HOWEVER
If you are talked into a tour, make sure the guide has a tour guide license. It’s our way of keeping you safe.
Adorable children offer bracelets etc for sale all year round. They should be in school. The clever ones have learned to tell you the money will go for books or shoes. Think child trafficking.
A good rule: if you wouldn’t buy it, do it, or consider it at home, don’t do it here.
Should I bring my own swim fins or diving gear?
Should I bring my own linens?
What can I do to help the community?
Thank you. Belizean children need books. Amazon doesn’t deliver here; but, if you could bring a few books for the elementary school age children, that would be wonderful. We will deposit them into our local “little free library.”
Also, many people volunteer at our local humane society – walking dogs primarily. That is something we can arrange – just let us know.
THANK YOU