Imagine a long coral sand island where turquoise water laps a palm-lined shore and golf carts are the main mode of transport. That’s Ambergris Caye, and the lively town of San Pedro is its pulsing heart. Travelers fall for its laid-back Caribbean rhythm, world-class snorkeling and diving on the Belize Barrier Reef, and a friendly mix of Garifuna, Mestizo and expatriate influences. Since your trip — The Cana Kickback — is in May, you’ll arrive just as the island moves from dry into the greener, quieter shoulder season: warm seas, blossoming mangroves, and a relaxed local tempo that makes it easy to slow down and explore.

May in Ambergris Caye feels tropical and humid with daily highs typically in the high 80s–low 90s °F (about 31–33°C) and evenings cooling only a little. Rain showers are more frequent than in peak winter months but often short and refreshing; the sea remains warm and clear for snorkeling and diving. Mosquitoes are more active in wetter months, so pack repellent and light long sleeves for dusk.

Below are the signature places you won’t want to miss — a mix of reef experiences, island walks and cultural corners that capture San Pedro’s vibe.

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley — world-famous snorkeling with nurse sharks, rays, and thriving coral gardens; half-day or day boats leave from San Pedro town.
• Great Blue Hole (Lighthouse Reef) — an iconic, deep circular sinkhole best reached by a liveaboard or scenic flight; a bucket-list dive and unforgettable from above.
• Secret Beach / Boca del Rio — a more secluded west-side reef area known for shallow snorkeling, chilled beach bars and a calmer, bohemian energy.
• Hol Chan Cut reef walls — dramatic drop-offs and abundant marine life for experienced divers and snorkelers.
• San Pedro Town “Main Street” (Barrier Reef Drive) — the waterfront lifeline: handicraft stalls, dive shops, restaurants and the social center for sunset walks.
• Mayan sites on the mainland — for a culture day, combine a mainland excursion to places like Altun Ha or Lamanai (requires a boat/drive) with a guide to see Belize’s ancient past.

I’ve picked a range of active and slow-paced options so you can balance adventure with downtime during your May stay.

• Start at sea: book a half- or full-day boat trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley for easy snorkeling with abundant life; morning trips usually have better visibility.
• Diving beyond the reef: if you dive, plan at least one trip to the Great Blue Hole (often combined with dives at Half Moon Caye). If you’re not diving, consider a scenic flight — seeing the blue hole from the air is moving in a different way.
• Kayak, stand-up paddle, or kiteboard on the calmer western side for quiet exploration; rentals are widely available.
• Rent a golf cart for a day and explore the island at your own pace: swing by Secret Beach, pop into local villages, and time an afternoon at a beachfront bar.
• Fishing trips: book a sunrise flats or deep-sea charter — May is a good month for bonefish on the flats and offshore gamefish.
• Cultural half-day: schedule a trip to the mainland to see a Maya site or visit Belize City’s museum if you want more history; plan a full day for comfortable travel.
• Birding & mangrove tours: take a guided eco-boat into the mangrove lagoons to spot herons, frigatebirds, and migratory species arriving in May.

San Pedro balances beach bars and high-quality island cooking. Below are a mix of crowd-pleasers, local favorites and a few lively spots for evenings out.

• For casual local flavor: try fresh ceviche, conch fritters and fried fish at family-run spots near the water. Street-side stands and small eateries around downtown serve the most authentic bites.
• Seafood-forward restaurants: opt for the catch-of-the-day dishes and Belizean staples like rice & beans with stewed chicken.
• Upscale & romantic: reserve a seaside table at one of the island’s finer restaurants for grilled lobster or fusion plates — perfect for a special night during The Cana Kickback.
• Beach bars & cocktails: spend an afternoon at a west-side beach bar sipping rum punch or a Belizean Belizean brew, switching from day to sunset mode as the light softens.
• Nighttime bites: many bars serve late tacos, loaded nachos, and simple plates to soak up the evening.

Suggested style of dining you’ll enjoy in May: lighter seafood plates and tropical fruit-forward desserts; expect menus to feature abundant ceviche, conch salad, and Caribbean spices.

If you like small, meaningful purchases, San Pedro has plenty of options where you can find handcrafted, island-made treasures.

• Look for local jewelry made from shells and coral-safe materials, woven bags and hats created by local artisans.
• Browse gift stalls on Barrier Reef Drive for hand-painted signs, T-shirts, and small wood carvings.
• For food-related souvenirs, choose Belizean hot sauces, Belizean rum, and packaged cacao or chocolate — a taste of the country to take home.
• If you enjoy boutique shopping, seek out small galleries and island artists for one-off paintings and prints that capture Ambergris Caye’s seascapes.

Here are the practical ways most travelers arrive and move around the island to make your days efficient.

• Arriving: most visitors fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City, then take a short domestic flight or water taxi to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. Domestic flights are quick and scenic; water taxis are economical and provide a pleasant approach.
• Around the island: golf carts are the island’s ubiquitous transport — rent one for a day or the duration of your stay for easy, flexible exploration. Taxis and bicycle rentals are other simple options.
• On water: charter boats and daily dive/snorkel operators depart from San Pedro town — reserve in advance for popular trips like Hol Chan or Blue Hole dives.

May brings a relaxed, friendly nightlife that leans toward waterfront bars, live music, and casual dance spots rather than clubbing. Here are the vibes and where to find them.

• Waterfront bars along Barrier Reef Drive: expect sunset crowds, rum cocktails, and live bands playing reggae, soca and beach-friendly covers.
• Beachfront bonfires and pop-up DJ nights happen occasionally at west-side bars near Secret Beach — check local listings or ask your host for current events.
• Late-night eats: many bars keep the kitchen open late with snacks and taco-style plates to close out the evening.
• For something cultural: look for live Garifuna drumming nights or community events — they’re intimate, rhythmic and memorable when scheduled.

A few seasoned notes to make your Ambergris Caye time effortless and more enjoyable.

• Cash & cards: small vendors and street stalls prefer cash (Belize dollar or USD); most restaurants and hotels accept cards but always carry some cash.
• Dress & footwear: light, breathable clothes for daytime and a light layer for breezy evenings; reef shoes or water shoes are handy for rocky snorkel spots.
• Insect protection: May can see more mosquitoes — bring DEET or picaridin repellent, and consider permethrin-treated clothing for evenings outdoors.
• Booking: reserve popular boat trips (Hol Chan, Blue Hole, and liveaboards) in advance — even in May, spaces can fill with dive groups.
• Respect the reef: use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral; this reef is fragile and depends on responsible tourism.
• Local language & courtesy: English is Belize’s official language and widely spoken on Ambergris Caye; a friendly “good morning” and a smile go a long way.

These are the scenes that make for postcards — I’ve added quick timing tips so you can capture them at their best.

• Sunrise on the eastern shore — quiet pastel skies and empty beaches before the day boats start.
• Sunset along Barrier Reef Drive — the waterfront glows as boats silhouette against the horizon.
• Aerial view of the Great Blue Hole — if you take the scenic flight, request a window seat on the reef side for the best photos.
• Colorful street scenes in San Pedro town — hand-painted signs, fishing boats, and pastel houses make great candid shots.

A compact reference for the essentials during your May visit to Ambergris Caye (San Pedro):

• Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD) and widely-accepted US Dollar (USD).
• Time zone: Central Standard Time (UTC−6), no daylight saving time.
• Official language: English (Kriol, Spanish and Garifuna are also commonly spoken).
• Plug type / voltage: Type A/B plugs; voltage 110–120 V (same as the U.S.).
• Visa: Many nationalities can enter Belize visa-free for short stays; check your passport’s visa requirements before travel.

Have a fabulous time on Ambergris Caye this May — gentle days on the reef, warm evenings on Barrier Reef Drive, and the easy rhythm of San Pedro are waiting to be discovered during The Cana Kickback.