Layne and Ben Wedding Info

So why San Pedro?
A message from Dad…..We understand that not everyone can make this trip as it does require a Passport and the February date is during the active school year, or maybe you just aren’t comfortable with travel to a foreign country, multiple plane transfers and possible other inconveniences and costs. We…John and Trish Degraaf, Ben and Layne, Dan and Michelle Kerwin, extended this invitation to witness their vows because we wanted you to know you would never be left off our list of friends and family! Whether you are in attendance in person or in Spirit they appreciate your thoughts and prayers for a long, happy and exciting continued life together though whatever life throws at them. Not everyone has the opportunity to share this precious day with their children. It brings them great joy to have their 4 beautiful children, (our beautiful Grandchildren), Weston, Molly, Charlie and Walker, by their side as active participants in the special day. As you all know, Layne and Ben have already had 7 years together under the same roof and I guess they technically will be celebrating those years together on February 15, 2025 becoming a married couple. It was always their dream to have a small beach wedding. Maui was always on the top of their list, but cost was concerning. San Pedro Belize was suggested, a place I thought was even more beautiful. I had been on a 7 day Live aboard Scuba trip there 25 years ago on the Belize Aggressor. Though it’s not much of a “Hidden Gem” anymore, San Pedro, which is the Main Town on The Ambergris Caye, is a very small Caye (Pronounced “Key”), kind of an island and still “A Gem”. It is 25 miles long and only 1 mile wide, with a local population of only 14,000 people living there. It’s a short 15 minute plane ride from Belize City Airport, or a 90 minute Ferry boat ride from Belize port to San Pedro. (More on that below). Beautiful White fine sand beaches, Crystal clear turquoise water, a snorkeler and Scuba diver paradise. Rated in my Top 2 places in the world to dive or snorkel.

How do we get there?


Most Major airlines fly into Belize City (BZE). Including: American, Southwest, Delta, Jet Blue, United, Alaska, COPA, and maybe even others. There are no Non-stop flights out of Phoenix (PHX), at least at the time of this writing. You would need to go through Miami (MIA), Dallas Fort worth (DFW), or Los Angeles (LAX).
Coming from somewhere else? There are other Non-Stop flights that also include; Denver (DEN), Newark (EWR), Atlanta (ATL), plus the Cities listed above.
**Remember….. Any NON-STOP or FINAL LEG of a flight into or out of Belize City, is an International Flight. You will need a Passport (yes even for infants). This Passport MUST be Valid for at least 6 months AFTER YOUR ARRIVAL in Belize! For example, if your Passport says it expires July 15, 2025 or before that, you will need to renew your passport or face the possibility of not being able to board your flight!
Obviously prices fluctuate throughout the year so keep your eyes open for the best deals, or check your points with your favorite airline!
Once you arrive in Belize you have two choices to get to San Pedro, Air or Water. Both have Pro’s and Con’s. Easiest is by Air. A 15 minute flight from the BZE to San Pedro on either Tropic Air or Maya Air (about $175 R/T per person). Each plane holds about 16 passengers. These flights leave every 30 minutes or so and don’t have to be booked far in advance as the price does not fluctuate and if you miss a plane, there is another in 30 minutes. Contact the company of choice to ask about reservations and policies. This is a cool flight as you barely get above 1500 feet! You can actually see fish in the water from the air!
There is a “Water Taxi” aka Ferry service that requires you to Uber or Taxi to the Port (a 40 minute drive), then it’s about a 90 minute boat ride to San Pedro from there. Though it’s beautiful, it does add hours to your journey. Cost wise the R/T is cheaper but you still have the cost of the R/T Uber or Taxi ride! I’m thinking it’s NOT worth the small cost savings.


We landed… now what?


It’s a small airport and the Caye does not rent Cars, only some locals have cars and trucks. Most folks rent Golf Carts! They will come pick you up (With your Cart) at the airport and you can drive right to your hotel, Villa or short term rental (Airbnb?) You can rent a 4 person or 6 person cart (recommend a 4 person for parking reasons). Average is $50 per day rental however I am working with a company for a discount if we rent many Carts from them…. Stay tuned. You don’t NEED to rent a cart! Most places are all walking distance, Hotels and some Villas will pick you up from the airport. There are Taxi’s that can shuttle you around too!


Where do we stay? Where will this beautiful wedding be held?


I have rented a “short term rental” on the beach called “Adagio Villa Belize” there is no address but just “Google Map” it and it will show you exactly where it is. BE SURE TO INCLUDE BELIZE at the end as you are searching or you may end up at the wrong place in the wrong country! This is a HUGE property and is where we will not only be staying with our entire family, but the Wedding and reception will also be held there! It has a “Rooftop” bar that holds over 40 people and a long pier out into the water should you wish to arrive in Style on a Boat or water Taxi J We don’t have any special room pricing as of now and not sure we will as many people may want to do their own searching. If you wish, our “Host” can also help you find something. A few places to check out are as follows (All are within a 4 minute walk to our Villa…..


• Ramon’s Village (will be most popular)


• Twisted Palms Villas


• The Cloisters


• Tres Coco resort


• LOTS more Airbnbs too within walking distance


What to do?


• Lots and lots of eating places (all locally owned Mom and Pop places). Walking distance


• Lots of Beachfront bars and grills. Some of the top ones are Walking distance


• Walking distance to Boat excursions for Sunset Cruises, Snorkel and dive trips


• ½ day and full day fishing trips


• Day trips to Caye Caulker (we will be doing this)


• head to Secret Beach (not much of a secret anymore but a good time)


• Drive the island and explore on your Golf Cart!


• Massage on the beach


• Shop until you drop


Is It Expensive?

• February is a busier season however I think you’ll find the prices for stay are more than reasonable. Prices for rooms can range from $75 a night (budget) to $285 a night for some of the nicer places. Yes you can find Airbnbs that can help keep costs down even more if you stay with your family or friends.


• Food costs are cheap if you stick with local flair (Seafood for obvious reasons). Anything they must fly in from the Mainland will cost more! Or there are plenty of local small Village markets if you want to fill a fridge.


• Booze and Beer. Again if you buy the local beer aka Belikin (my favorite) you could spend as little as $1 to $2 a beer at the local beach bar. Expect $6 plus if you want a Bud or Corona though. Hard liquor is not cheap, Rum is the cheapest $2 to $6 but if you want Jack or some other Mainland Whiskey, Vodka, Gin, Scotch expect $12 to $18 per drink!


• PRO TIP from a Buddy of mine that goes to San Pedro regularly… When you Land in BZE (Belize airport) there is are two Duty free shops located in the Airport (I’m told the second one is cheaper than the first one). Belize is one of the few Countries that have “Duty Free” shops for INCOMING passengers. I checked and the cost of a Bottle of Booze and/or Wine is at least HALF the cost if you waited to buy it in San Pedro. I believe there is a limit of 6 bottles per person. The smaller airlines are used to this and will assist in packing and loading your stash onto their aircraft… I’m thinking a tip is appreciated. This is where we will be buying the Booze for the reception.


• Option #2 is again Tammy (our BnB host) is going to speak to one of the local Village markets for a good deal on booze, and they will allow any unopened bottles to be return for refund! I’ll keep you posted.


• Excursions are very reasonable with 4 to 5 hour boat and snorkel trips at about $40 each which includes all the equipment. Boat Trips to Caye Caulker are about $40 R/T per person too!