Diving Tours Great Blue Hole White Sand Beaches Caye Caulker Local Culture and Island Charm San Pedro
Things To Do In Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island and a premier Caribbean tourist destination. Known for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it offers incredible attractions and things to do, such as snorkeling and diving,due to the proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The coastal area offers offshore atolls, sand cays, mangrove forests, and lagoons, providing vital habitats for marine turtles, manatees, and American marine crocodiles. Daily tours are available everyday to explore this magical travel destination.
San Pedro is the main town at Ambergris Caye. With a laid back atmosphere, there are plenty of things to do in town, like admiring the local charm, visit the great restaurant options that offer fresh sea food and home cooking style meals and enjoy the night scene. Getting around on the island is mainly by golf cart, adding to the island's charm and making it a unique travel experience.
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Travel Guide for Ambergris Caye Attractions & Activities
Visit San Pedro
The town of San Pedro is the heart of Ambergris Caye with charming streets, art galleries, cafes and some of the most famous local restaurants in Belize. A popular attraction in town is the Belize Chocolate Company where you can sample local chocolates and sign up for a chocolate making class.
Snorkeling Tours
Calm and clear waters make Ambergris Caye the ideal snorkeling destination. There are many things to do around the Island starting with a tour to the most renowned spot, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where you'll be amazed by the coral formations, sea turtles, moray eels, barracuda and kaleidoscopic schools of tropical fish. Many tours combine Hol Chan with a visit to Shark Ray Alley, offering a unique experience to swim alongside gentle nurse sharks and southern stingrays. Other snorkeling attractions include Mexico Rocks, Tres Cocos, and Coral Gardens, each boasting its unique charm and diverse marine inhabitants.
Diving
Ambergris Caye is a premier diving destination that caters to all skill levels. Beyond the popular snorkeling sites, our travel guide dive trips extend to deeper sections of the barrier reef. You can expect to explore spectacular coral gardens, and encounter an even wider array of marine species, including Caribbean reef sharks.
Secret Beach
Just 7 miles away from San Pedro, Secret Beach is a place to swim and enjoy a tropical drink by the sea. Historically, it was a secluded spot, difficult to reach but today it has transformed into a vibrant hub of beach bars, restaurants, and many things to do near the ocean. With calm, shallow waters, it is the perfect travel destination for wading, floating, and for families with young children. Secret Beach offers some of the most spectacular sunset views on Ambergris Caye.
Bacalar Chico National Park
Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the northern tip of Ambergris Caye, approximately 1 hour away by boat from San Pedro. This protected area encompasses a total of over 28,000 acres of marine and terrestrial habitats. Its healthy reefs are a vital habitat for a diverse array of marine life. With 18 kilometers of nature trails it is also great to explore the beautiful coastal forests, swamps, and lagoons. This diverse terrestrial environment is home to dozens of animal species, including endangered pumas and jaguars.
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Best Ambergris Full Day Tours
The Great Blue Hole Diving Site
Just 60 miles from Ambergris Caye lies the renowned Great Blue Hole, a world-famous travel destination for scuba diving. This colossal marine sinkhole was once a dry limestone cave, formed thousands of years ago. As ocean levels rose, the cave flooded and its ceiling eventually collapsed, creating the geological marvel we see today. The Blue Hole gained international fame when it was explored and championed by the legendary Jacques Cousteau, who declared it one of his favorite dive sites. Plunging to a depth of approximately 122 meters (400 feet) and stretching an impressive 300 meters (984 feet) across, the sheer scale of the Belize Blue Hole is so immense that it is visible even from space.
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is a small island located 30 minutes away from San Pedro. It is famous for its relaxed vibe, fantastic snorkeling, and beautiful sunsets. Among the island's many marine attractions, you can visit the Split, a narrow channel separating the two halves of the island. Food lovers will appreciate the vibrant culinary scene, particularly the street barbecue spots serving up fresh lobster, fish, and chicken. For a fun way to explore, rent a bike to navigate the sandy streets and find local shops, hidden corners, and great coffee.
Inland and Outsea Extreme Adventure
Visit two of Belize's most iconic destinations: San Ignacio and Ambergris Caye. Experience two different worlds—one full of jungle adventure and the other of pristine beaches. Explore historic caves and the mysteries of the Belizean jungle, then travel to the unforgettable beauty of Ambergris Caye's endless coastlines.
Where is Ambergris Caye located? + Map
The fastest way to get from Belize City to Ambergris Caye is by flying, which takes about 20 minutes. You can also take a ferry from Belize City to San Pedro which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Ambergris, Belize
Caribbean Sea
Belize's largest island
Population: 20,000
FAQs About Visiting Ambergris
Is Ambergris Caye in Belize safe?
Yes, Ambergris Caye is considered safe for tourists, particularly the popular areas like San Pedro, with a low crime rate compared to other regions. However, as with any travel destination, travelers should follow basic safety measures to prevent petty theft, which can occur even in tourist spots.
How to get around Ambergris Caye, Belize?
Golf carts are the primary mode of transportation on the island and allow for independent exploration. Boats are the best way to get around to explore the island's untouched stretches and for excursions to other nearby islands.
What to pack to Ambergris Caye?
Sun protection, insect repellent, casual clothes, comfortable sandals and walking shoes and a small flashlight for night walks or tours.
Can you swim on the beach in Ambergris Caye?
Yes, you can swim on the beach in Ambergris Caye, though many of the best swim spots are on the island's west side, such as Secret Beach, a popular location with clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming.
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