Discovering Adventures In Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye in Belize is a great place to visit for a variety of reasons. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, and diverse marine life.

1. Explore the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley: This is a popular attraction for tourists, offering some of the best snorkelling in Belize. You can swim with nurse sharks, manta rays, and even manatees.

2. Visit a Maya Site: While Ambergris Caye doesn't have the grand Maya Temples found inland, it does have a 2,000-year-old Maya site called Marco Gonzalez. This modest site gives you a taste of Maya history without having to travel far.

3. Go Diving: Although Ambergris Caye may not be the first choice for scuba diving enthusiasts, there are some interesting dive spots around the island. Palmeros Point, for example, offers a unique drift dive through small canyons with a modest drop of 110 feet.

4. Bacalar Chico: Located on the northern end of Ambergris Caye, Bacalar Chico is a little over an hour away. Along the way, you'll find excellent snorkelling spots and even a nature reserve, Cayo Iguanu.

5. Enjoy the Nightlife: Ambergris Caye is known for its vibrant nightlife. Bars and restaurants line the beach, offering entertainment every night of the week. Popular spots include Fidos, Wet Willies, Big Daddy's, and Jaguars discotheque.

6. Tour the San Pedro Lagoon: The San Pedro Lagoon has been transformed into a major hangout spot with a new boardwalk, water taxi terminal, small park, and kiosks offering food and souvenirs.

7. Indulge in Delicious Food: Ambergris Caye has amazing food to offer, from chocolate to rum to ceviche. A food tour is a great way to sample the local cuisine and learn about the culture.

8. Rent a Golf Cart: Exploring the island by golf cart is a fun way to get around. You can easily access the north end of the island, where you'll find Margaritaville and Tranquility Bay Resort.

9. Discover Secret Beach: The west side of Ambergris Caye boasts clear shallow waters, craggy rocks, white sand beaches, and tiny cayes. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

10. Day Trip to Caye Caulker: A short boat ride away, Caye Caulker offers more sun, snorkelling, and fun. You can even take a day trip to just chill and enjoy the crystal clear waters.

11. Attend Unique Events: Ambergris Caye has some unique events like the Hermit Crab Races at NautiCrab Bar and the Chicken Drop at Wahoo's Lounge. These events are definitely only in Belize experiences.

12. Appreciate Local Artwork: From beautiful paintings to handcrafted items, Ambergris Caye has a wealth of local art to discover.

With its stunning natural attractions, rich history, and vibrant culture, Ambergris Caye is sure to offer an unforgettable vacation experience.

Explore San Pedro Town

Stretching along the world-renowned Belize Barrier Reef, Ambergris Caye is home to San Pedro Town, the island's biggest settlement. The sandy streets, lined with colourful wooden houses, set the scene for laid-back island life. Golf carts are the main mode of transportation here, and seafood is abundant.

Food and Drink

San Pedro Town has plenty to offer when it comes to food and drink. Here are some places to check out:

• The Truck Stop: A fun gathering place with a courtyard full of restaurants fashioned out of brightly painted shipping containers. You can find everything from pizza to southeast Asian dishes and ice cream.
• Sea Salt Restaurant and Terrace Bar: A sophisticated yet laid-back space with international cuisine influenced by local flavours.
• Belize Chocolate Company: Sample treats made from organic Belizean cacao and support local farmers.
• Robin's Kitchen: With a large black smoker and plastic chairs in the sand, this restaurant will make you feel like you've walked into an adventure novel.
• Elvi's Kitchen: A staple of the island, serving up classic dishes like Mayan fish steamed in a banana leaf and street corn.

Activities

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in San Pedro Town:

• Secret Beach: Although no longer a secret, this spot is worth the bumpy ride out. Enjoy calm, crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming and lounging in a hammock.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve: A must-visit site for snorkelling, with the chance to see fish, rays, eels, and even manatees.
• Shark Ray Alley: Jump in and swim with nurse sharks in their natural habitat.
• Belize Food Tours: Take a walking tour to get a taste of local specialties and a lay of the land.
• Green Iguana Sanctuary: Visit this cool sanctuary right in the middle of town.
• Rent a golf cart: Explore the island at your own pace and head over to Secret Beach and the restaurants in San Pedro Town.

San Pedro Town offers a mix of relaxing beach vibes, delicious food, and exciting activities, all surrounded by stunning natural beauty.

Snorkel with nurse sharks

Snorkelling with nurse sharks is a popular activity in Ambergris Caye, Belize. Here is some information about it:

Where to Go

Shark Ray Alley is a popular spot for snorkelling with nurse sharks. It is a shallow cut in the reef, located south of Hol Chan Marine Reserve, about 6.4km (4 miles) southeast of San Pedro. This spot is known for providing exciting encounters with nurse sharks, rays, large schools of fish, and beautiful coral formations.

Tour Options

There are various tour options available for snorkelling at Shark Ray Alley, ranging from half-day to full-day trips. Some tours also include additional stops at nearby attractions, such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Caye Caulker, and Coral Gardens.

What to Expect

When snorkelling at Shark Ray Alley, you can expect to see nurse sharks, stingrays, and a variety of fish species. The site offers a thrilling experience as you swim alongside these creatures in their natural habitat.

Tour Operators

Several tour operators in San Pedro offer snorkelling trips to Shark Ray Alley. It is recommended to book with reputable companies that prioritise safety and provide high-quality equipment.

What to Bring

When participating in a snorkelling tour, remember to bring a bathing suit, light cover-up clothing, a towel, and sunscreen. Don't forget your snorkelling gear, including a mask, snorkel, and fins.

Additional Information

• Shark Ray Alley is a popular site, so consider booking an early morning tour to avoid the crowds.
• It is important to follow safety guidelines and be aware of boat traffic when snorkelling.
• If you're uncomfortable with close encounters with nurse sharks, consider visiting alternative snorkelling sites like Mexico Rocks, Coral Gardens, Tres Cocos, or Mata Rocks.

Snorkelling with nurse sharks in Ambergris Caye, Belize, offers a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat. It is an exciting and memorable experience that should not be missed!

Visit Secret Beach

Secret Beach is located on the west side of Ambergris Caye, which is the largest island in Belize. It is known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and stunning craggy limestone shores and sandy bottoms. The water is shallow, and you have to walk quite a distance for it to reach your waist.

To get to Secret Beach, you will need a golf cart. It is about a 40-minute ride from San Pedro Town. You will need to take a big left turn at the Secret Beach Junction, about 4.5 miles north of San Pedro Town, and follow the unpaved road for 15-20 minutes until you see the water and the bars.

There are now about 10 bars and restaurants at Secret Beach, all serving food and drinks. When you arrive, you will see a big "SECRET BEACH" letter sign. You can turn right for some of the larger beach bars and the water park, or you can turn left for some more off-the-beaten-path spots.

Some of the popular bars and restaurants at Secret Beach include:

• Pirate's Not-So Secret Beach Bar & Grill: This spot is usually crowded and has lots of chairs, tubes, and Instagram-worthy tables in the water.
• Happy Island Beach Bar (formerly Secret Paradise Beach Bar): This bar has a good-sized property with tables in the water, a volleyball net, games, and an attractive bar. They also have many beach loungers along the shoreline.
• Bamboo Fence Swing Bar: This locally-owned bar has hammocks over the water and a bonfire each evening.
• Blue Bayou: Blue Bayou has one of the most diverse menus in the area and offers tables in the water.
• Sunset Palace Beach Club: This bar has a large property with lots of waterfront and space. They have an above-ground pool, a large clay pizza oven, pool tables, and a massive wrap-around bar. There is also a long dock and great spots to enter the water.

There is also a Secret Beach Waterpark with a water playground, life guards, and safety/life vests. Prices are $10 per hour. They also rent floating day beds, water pedal bikes, and other rafts by the hour.

Besides the bars and restaurants, there are also local food kiosks near the water park that sell local food at local prices.

A few tips for visiting Secret Beach:

• Go early if you want to secure a specific table or lounge chair.
• Bring sunscreen and bug spray.
• Be friendly but firm with hawkers—you can politely decline their offers if you feel overwhelmed.
• Take your time to explore the different spots and find the right one for you.
• Stay for sunset—it's worth it!

Try local food and drinks

Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, is a foodie's paradise. The island's restaurants offer a wide range of cuisines, from inexpensive local spots to pizza joints and some of the finest dining in the world. Here are some suggestions for trying the local food and drinks:

Seafood

Seafood is a must-try when visiting Ambergris Caye, with its fresh catches from the sea. Head to ZZ's Beach (Bar and Grill) for seafood dishes like octopus ceviche, conch, and whole snapper, paired with live music and outdoor seating. Aji Tapa Bar & Restaurant is another great option, offering fresh seafood and steak options like shrimp bruschetta and paella. If you're craving something more casual, try the Beachside restaurant, which serves up beachfront dining with a focus on jerk and curry chicken, alongside traditional sides like plantains and coleslaw.

Local Specialties

For a true taste of Belize, join a Belize Food Tour. This walking tour takes you around San Pedro, where you can sample popular local dishes like fresh ceviche, conch fritters, and stone crab. You'll get a great overview of the town and its culinary delights. Don't miss Elvi's Kitchen, a staple on the island, serving up Mayan fish steamed in a banana leaf, street corn, and butter poached grouper.

International Flavours

If you're looking for a change of pace, Ambergris Caye also offers a variety of international flavours. Try Mambo Restaurant for vegetarian and gluten-free options, or Portofino Restaurant for Euro-Caribbean cuisine and a full vegetarian menu. For something truly unique, visit Jyoto Japanese Cuisine, which sources fresh fish daily from local fishermen for its sushi offerings.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, local Belikin beer is a popular choice, and you can find it at spots like The Truck Stop. For something stronger, head to the Piano Bar at Alaia Belize, where you can enjoy craft cocktails or take part in a molecular mixology experience. If you're a coffee lover, Marbucks Coffee House is the place to go, offering specialty coffee drinks and fresh fruit smoothies.

Sweet Treats

No meal is complete without dessert, and Ambergris Caye has plenty of options. Indulge in the French-inspired pastries at French Croissant, or try the frozen sweet treats at DandE's Frozen Custard & Sorbet, a local favourite. For something truly unique, visit the Belize Chocolate Company, which has been making chocolate from organic Belizean cacao since 2007.

With its diverse dining scene, Ambergris Caye offers something for every taste and budget. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, local specialties, or international flavours, you're sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds.

Go scuba diving

Ambergris Caye is a great place for divers of all levels of experience. The Belize Barrier Reef is perfect for beginners, with little to no current passing over the bright coral reefs, ensuring stress-free diving. The reef runs for 25 miles (40 km) almost parallel to the shore at an average distance of about half a mile (1 km) out to sea. The reef itself is in good health, but there are few hard coral species as their delicate structure is unable to withstand the occasional hurricane that blows through.

The diving at Ambergris Caye is simple and has enough interesting sites and marine life encounters to keep beginners enthralled. More experienced divers who want to sample the best that Belize has to offer should consider visiting Lighthouse Reef or Turneffe Atoll.

The best time to visit Ambergris Caye for diving is during the dry season, from November to July, which brings slightly cooler temperatures and little to no rain. From November to July, you can expect excellent visibility.

The busiest time for tourism and diving in Belize is from December to July, so visiting outside of these months will mean fewer crowds and better deals.

There are plenty of dive sites to explore around Ambergris Caye. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Hol Chan (The Cut), Hol Chan Marine Reserve: This was the first area in Belize to be designated as a marine reserve, and the once-depleted fish stocks have returned in spectacular fashion. It's a very shallow dive site, but not to be missed. An entry fee of BZ$5 helps cover maintenance and enforcement costs, and mooring buoys have been installed.
• Mexico Rocks: This site is great for photographers as it has good visibility and lots of marine life. It's also a good spot for snorkelers. Mexico Tunnel, a 130ft (40m) long 'tunnel' between two reef spurs, can be found close by.
• Punta Arenas (Small Cut): This site features a narrow, snaking 82ft (25m) tunnel. It starts wide enough for two divers but gradually narrows so that only single file is possible.
• Shark Ray Alley: This is one of the Caribbean's best animal dives and is a great site for encounters with sharks and rays, as well as many other species.
• Tres Cocos: One of the deepest sites at Ambergris, with the shallower reef section at 50ft (15m) and spurs plowing down to 1155ft (35m). It's home to Atlantic spadefish, spotted eagle rays, horse-eye jacks, and groupers.
• The Blue Hole: This iconic dive site should only be attempted by advanced divers due to its depth.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that there are year-round diving opportunities in Ambergris Caye, and the water temperature remains fairly constant, ranging from a high of 84°F (29°C) in September to a low of 79°F (26°C) in February.

So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, Ambergris Caye has something to offer. With its convenient location, stress-free diving conditions, and an abundance of marine life, it's a great place to explore the underwater world of Belize.

Frequently asked questions