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Ambergris Caye

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and laid-back atmosphere. Located just off the coast of mainland Belize, this charming island is the gateway to the world-renowned Belize Barrier Reef. Ambergris Caye seamlessly blends natural beauty with cultural richness, offering travelers a perfect escape filled with adventure, relaxation, and a taste of Caribbean life.

Beaches

Ambergris Caye boasts beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the serene island vibes.

  • Secret Beach: A hidden gem known for its calm, clear waters and picturesque surroundings.
  • Boca del Rio: Located close to San Pedro, this beach offers a lively atmosphere with nearby bars and restaurants.
  • Tres Cocos Beach: Ideal for snorkeling and enjoying the island’s natural beauty.

Cultural Heritage

Ambergris Caye’s culture is a vibrant mix of influences from its Mayan roots, Spanish colonial history, and Caribbean traditions.

  • San Pedro Town: Explore the island’s main town, known for its colorful buildings, friendly locals, and lively events.
  • Local Festivals: Experience the island’s cultural events such as the Costa Maya Festival and Lobster Fest.
  • Art and Crafts: Visit local markets and galleries to discover unique handmade crafts and art pieces reflecting the island’s heritage.

Adventure and Activities

Ambergris Caye offers a wide range of activities for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax.

  • Diving and Snorkeling: Explore the Belize Barrier Reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the Great Blue Hole.
  • Fishing: Enjoy world-class fly fishing, deep-sea fishing, and reef fishing.
  • Water Sports: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular ways to enjoy the island’s waters.

Culinary Delights

Ambergris Caye’s culinary scene is a delightful fusion of Belizean flavors with Caribbean and international influences.

  • Seafood: Savor fresh catches like lobster, snapper, and conch in various delicious preparations.
  • Local Dishes: Try traditional Belizean dishes like rice and beans, stew chicken, and fry jacks.
  • Dining Spots: From beachside shacks to upscale restaurants, there’s a dining experience for every taste. Don’t miss a meal at Elvi’s Kitchen or Blue Water Grill.

Accommodation

Ambergris Caye offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts to cozy beachfront hotels.

  • Luxury Resorts: Enjoy top-tier amenities and stunning views at properties like Victoria House and Las Terrazas.
  • Boutique Hotels: Experience personalized service and unique charm at places like Matachica Resort and Ramon’s Village.
  • Vacation Rentals: For a more home-like stay, consider renting a private villa or beachfront condo.

Practical Information

  • Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is between November and April, when the weather is dry and pleasant.
  • Getting Around: Golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation on the island, but bicycles and taxis are also available.
  • Language and Currency: English is the official language, and the Belize Dollar (BZD) is the local currency, though US dollars are widely accepted.

WHY AMERGRIS CAYE?

Ambergris Caye stands out as a top Caribbean destination due to its stunning natural beauty, vibrant marine life, and welcoming atmosphere. The island’s proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef makes it a haven for divers and snorkelers eager to explore the underwater wonders. San Pedro Town offers a charming blend of local culture, colorful architecture, and lively festivals, providing a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the fresh seafood and local dishes, while adventure seekers can indulge in a variety of water sports and eco-tours. With a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s needs, Ambergris Caye promises a memorable and enriching experience. Discover why Ambergris Caye is the perfect destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion in a tropical paradise.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN BELIZE

The Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole, Belize: A giant marine sinkhole renowned for its striking deep blue color, offering an extraordinary diving experience with unique underwater formations and marine life.

Eagle Ray

Hol Chan Marine Reserve: A vibrant marine sanctuary off the coast of Belize, celebrated for its diverse coral reefs, abundant marine life, and the popular snorkeling spot, Shark Ray Alley.

Secret Beach Drone photo

Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye: A hidden gem in Belize known for its calm, turquoise waters, laid-back atmosphere, and picturesque sunsets, perfect for a tranquil beach day.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN BELIZE

FRIENDLY TIPS FOR TRAVEL TO AMBERGRIS CAYE

Airport VIP Service

There is no airport VIP Service in the Belize airport, but it’s so small that you really don’t need any. If you are heading off to San Pedro or Caye Caulker, you’ll probably be flying Tropic Air. They make it easy and will work with your arrival time to ensure you don’t wait too long to reach your destination.

Car Rentals

Don’t worry about renting a car for San Pedro; grab a golf cart! There’s only one road in San Pedro, so it’s very easy to drive your cart around to where you need to be.

Currency

The official currency for Belize is the Belizian dollar. It’s about a 2-1 conversion, so it’s easy to calculate! If it’s $4 BZE, it’s $2 American Dollars. We found most places there accepted US Dollars, so we didn’t need to exchange any money.

Drinking Water

Technically you can drink the water in Belize, but most hotels and restaurants will provide bottled water. The Mahogany Bay provided us with a large bottle with a spout. We used this to refill our bottles, and it worked perfectly.

Electricity

Belize uses the same plug and voltage as those in the United States and Canada; therefore, North Americans will not need to bring a converter on their trip.

It's Illegal To...

Wear Camo in Belize unless you are a member of their Army, so make sure to leave the Camo print at home. Oh, and the drone too. Unfortunately, only those with permission from the government can fly a drone.

Language

English is the official language of Belize, making it an accessible travel destination! Belizians are usually multi-lingual, too, so you should make communication easy.

National Dish

The Belizian national dish usually consists of stewed chicken, rice, beans, and a potato salad or coleslaw. Ya’ll; I could have eaten this every single day. It was so good!

Time Zone

Belize is located in Central Standard Time (CST). They do not observe Daylight Savings Time, so you don’t have to worry about switching your clocks.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Belize is January through May, although we visited in early November, and it was perfect weather.

Ambergris Caye Map

More Belize Resources:

ARE YOU PLANNING A TRIP TO AMBERGRIS CAYE?

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Sunset over the ocean