This little island remains relatively undeveloped tourism-wise compared to other resorts in and around the Caribbean yet boasts some fantastic beaches and even better snorkeling and diving. Located off the coast of Belize, the island is part of the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Ambergris Caye is the largest of a whole chain of mostly smaller islands off Belize’s coast. With little high-rise tourist development and no overcrowding, the island is peaceful with reasonably priced accommodation, although prices can double in the high season around December and January. It is possible to hire boats at the many jetties dotted along the coast for relaxing trips on the water. Most of the island is surrounded by white coral sand, with mostly mangrove swamps in the interior.
Many of the tourists that arrive at Ambergris Caye do so to dive in and around the magnificent reef with its 500 species of colorful fish and huge variety of coral. A number of protected areas exist in close proximity to the island, which can also be visited by boat including Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Food-wise, July is one of the best times to visit during Lobsterfest at Caye Calker, a nearby beach. Grilled lobster with coconut rice is the order of the day here.
Highlights
San Pedro: the largest settlement on Ambergris Caye has a tiny population of just over 2,000 people, making it a relaxed and extremely friendly place to take a stroll.
Great Blue Hole: so perfect it looks like someone has used Photoshop on the landscape, this wonder of nature is almost a perfect circle of azure water surrounded by reef and limestone. Diving here is a must.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve: the best way to get close to the reef, the reserve is just four miles by boat from San Pedro and a great place for snorkeling and diving.