The country of Belize is a diverse landscape, both above and below the turquoise waters. There are not many places in this world where you will find world class diving steps from your hotel door and topside activities that take you back in time – all in one place. Last time we explored one of the largest visitors found beneath the surface, the whale shark. We are going to shift our focus now above the surface and explore Ambergris Caye, one of the most enchanted and inviting islands in Belize. Ambergris Caye was just voted as the #1 Top Island in the World by Traveler’s Choice 2013 and Trip Advisor and we want to explore why!
While the country of Belize is divided into six districts, you’ll find it easier to plan your visit by looking at the nine tourism destinations: Northern Belize, Belize District, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Cayo, Stann Creek, Placencia, and Southern Belize. Northern Belize is a mixture of natural wealth and archaeological wonder with spectacular ancient cities such as the temples at Lamanai, evidence of the ancient Maya’s affinity for the area. Belize District is dominated by Belize City and offers a host of attractions including several sanctuaries, the world class Belize Zoo, a new museum, historic government buildings, churches and the incredible Maya site at Altun Ha. Just south of Ambergris is the relaxed and slow-paced Caye Caulker where you can indulge your island fantasies on a quiet beach and get to know the Mestizo and Creole culture, customs and traditions. Located in the western interior of Belize, Cayo is a 1500 square mile district that encompasses a good portion of the Maya Mountains and has more than its fair share of ancient Maya sites to visit and explore. Stann Creek, with breathtaking vistas of the rainforests and the Maya Mountains, takes you all the way into culture rich Dangriga, historic home of the Garifuna people. White sand beaches, brilliant blue waters and a hundred ways to enjoy the coastal treasures of Belize await you at Placencia. Southern Belize is nearly 1700 square miles of prime opportunity for the adventure minded and the adrenaline addicted featuring ancient Mayan cities, intricate cave systems and pristine rainforests. So what makes Ambergris Caye different from the rest of the country? Let’s find out!
Ambergris Caye is the largest of all the cayes and is renowned for pristine beaches and proximity to the coral reef. Ambergris measures at 25 miles long and about a mile wide. The coastline is protected by the barrier reef which lies a quarter mile offshore. The Great Blue Hole, Turneffe Islands, Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and Lighthouse Reef, all world famous dive sites, are just a short boat ride away. Combine the ease of getting to these dive sites with excellent weather conditions, clear warm water, and vast marine life, and it becomes easy to see why Ambergris Caye is a top destination. A feature attraction of diving in Belize is the Great Blue Hole. Part of the Lighthouse Reef System, the Blue Hole is a perfectly circular limestone sinkhole more than 300 feet across and reaches a depth of 412 feet. With the exception of 2 narrow channels, the reef surrounds the hole. From the surface, the walls are virtually sheer until you reach about 110 feet. There you will begin to see stalactite formations which create large overhangs. You will not find an abundance of life here. At deeper depths you may see a black tip tiger or hammerhead shark. More times than not, it will just be you and your dive buddy.
After your morning dive and your wetsuit is hanging to dry, you will have time to explore all Ambergris Caye has to offer topside. The island’s major settlement is San Pedro, which has a population of about 4,000 year round residents. The island began as a fishing village, but has grown to become one of Belize’s top tourist destinations. Visitors to San Pedro are immediately struck by the picturesque quality of this perfect beach community. Brightly colored houses pop against the backdrop of turquoise Caribbean waters. Golf carts and bicycles make up the main source of transportation, but you will see an occasional taxi or private vehicle. Dining on Ambergris Caye is abundant, with a wide selection of restaurants, bars, and lounges. While there is a strong emphasis on seafood, you will find other delicacies featuring chicken and pork. Another highlight is the shopping, and visitors delight in strolling around San Pedro. The main shopping street is Front Street and here you will find a wide range of items, from local Belizean, Mexican, and Guatemalan products. Weekend evenings are the perfect time for a stroll down Reef Barrier Drive, as all vehicle traffic is closed and you will most certainly stumble upon a village fiesta. One of San Pedro’s newest attractions is the Butterfly Jungle. Butterflies are raised here, and you are able to see every stage of transformation – from miniscule egg through caterpillar to beautiful butterflies!
So when the urge to travel somewhere unique and special are on your mind, contact us to help tailor your perfect getaway! There are many lodging choices on Ambergris Caye, from small hotels to all inclusive resorts. We will find the perfect place for you!
