Of all the dozens of cayes that float in the Caribbean waters off the coast of Belize, the best known and popular is the Ambergris Caye. Spanning about 30 miles north to south alongside the Belizean Barrier reef, it is the northern most caye and closest neighbor to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. While the Ambergris Caye serves as Belize’s prime tourist destination, a unique quality about this island is that it does not exhibit a ‘touristy’ feel. There are no high-rise hotels, chain stores, or huge gaudy nightclubs. Big buses don’t congest the roads. Instead, barefooted people and golf carts share the sand-paved streets. Ambergris Caye is a small tropical paradise ideal for the sun, sand, exploration, and relaxation, as stretches of white sanded beach run parallel to the reef on the eastside and wildlife flourishes all along the western shore. Small bungalow style resorts offer private and personal atmospheres. Eclectic restaurant menus satisfy every craving and curiosity in flavorful ambiance. Evening strolls set to the music of local mariachi bands lead many to dancing at local bars, enjoying good music, and occasionally being called up for their turn at Karaoke.
Evidence has led to the belief that the Mayans first inhabited the island, clearing the narrow channel that divides the Caye from the southern tip of the Yucatan. After their disappearance, whalers discovered the Caye, followed by the arrival of buccanears, explorers, and coconut plantations.
The island was purchased for $635 by James Hume Blake in the 1800’s from the British government. After a failed industry of coconut farming, fishing took over the island’s main economy.
Beginning in the 1970’s, tourism gradually started to replace fishing as Ambergris’s main source of wealth as a steady rise in visitors wishing to indulge in the island’s crystal waters, sun-laced beaches, and gracious community became apparent. However, fishing still remains closely tied to the roots of this island.
SAN PEDRO
Most tourists who visit Belize fly directly to San Pedro, the island’s sole town. Situated near the southern tip, it is about 8 blocks by 4 blocks in square area, a place small enough to feel right at home in about an hour’s walk.
Super relaxed and lazy, San Pedro possesses a friendly, outgoing, and safe vibe. Boutiques, cafes, Tiki bars, guesthouses, shops, and restaurants fill the village. Golf carts and bicycles easy to rent kick up sand as they buz through the streets. The locales, or San Pedroans, are very hospitable and generally have time to help out with any questions when approached.
Founded in the mid 1800’s, Ambergris is now a colorful and picturesque center mixed with the Caribbean, a bit of Mexico, palm trees, soft sand, clear torquoise water, great stories, and plenty of reasons to revisit time and time again.
Many small settlements also lie to the north and south of San Pedro. As more people acquire land on Ambergris Caye, their pieces of paradise are often christianed with original names and unique features that both visitors and locals have come to love and enjoy. Such communities include: San Juan, Boca Del Rio, San Pablo, San Miguel, San Telmo, Sunset Coves, San Pedrito located along the San Pedro Lagoon, Tres Cocos , Las Palmas, and Basil Jones.
ACTIVITIES
Ambergris Caye isn’t as big on hanging out at the beach all day as it is on filling up the morning and afternoon with activities before returning at the day’s end for a tranquil evening. A variety of activities to enjoy are offered both offshore and inland. For more information, please click below.
Ambergris Caye Activities | Belize vacationAbout half a mile off shore, draped along the beach on the eastside of the island is the longest and most spectacular coral necklace in the Western Hemisphere, ... >>
OUTER CAYES & ATOLLS
While staying on Ambergris Caye, do not miss out on visiting the many outer cayes and atolls in front of Belize's coast. The reefs make for excellent scuba and snorkeling conditions and the boat trip there is just lovely. For more information, please click below.
Outer Cayes and Atolls | Belize vacationThe atolls and outer cayes are only accessible by boat, except the Lighthouse Reef atoll which has an airstrip. And to many, their distance from the mainland ha... >>
SELECT ACCOMMODATIONS
We have carefully chosen the most exquisite accommodations that have met our highest standards for comfort and style to assure your stay on Ambergris Caye is an unforgettable one.
Banana Beach Hotel: From $101/night San Pedro, BelizeThe friendliest resort sitting on the powdery sand of Mar de Tumbo Beach just south of San Pedro Town on the Ambergris Caye of Belize, Banana Beach Resort has been a haven of fun, adventure,... >>
SunBreeze Hotel: From $140/night San Pedro, Ambergris CayeThe charming ocean front SunBreeze Beach Hotel is a great base to coordinate your diving, snorkeling, fishing trips, or an archaeological adventure on the mainland of Belize. Here you'll fin... >>
Hotel Victoria House: From $185/night Ambergris Caye, BelizeVictoria House is a complete and total retreat, free from the boundaries and pressures of day-to-day life and renowned as one of the best bare-foot resorts in the region. Nestled among tall ... >>
Hotel Portofino: From $228/night Ambergris Caye, BelizePortofino is located on Ambergris Caye, the largest Island (Caye) along the Belize Barrier Reef (second largest in the world). Needless to remark that this is the most spectacular dive parad... >>
Coco Beach Resort: From $325/night Ambergris Caye, BelizeCoco Beach Resort is nestled on a stretch of pristine white sandy beach, a haven of romance, barefoot luxury, relaxation and adventure. Coco Beach Resort is located just 3½ miles north of th... >>
Azul Villas: From $600/night Ambergris Caye, BelizeThe villas of Azul are designed to marry the best of natural elements and materials with modern comforts and sophisticated conveniences. The beauty of the villas lay in their simplicity. Har... >>
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Ambergris Caye, Belize: Scuba diving, snorkeling, beaches, excellent dining... .
Please note: Information on this sheet is believed to be correct but not guaranteed
