Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize. It is about 25 miles long and 1 mile wide. The island is located in Northeast of the country in the Caribbean sea. Like Caye Caulker, there are many fun things to do in Ambergris Caye and it is a popular destination for tourists.
San Pedro is the main and only town in Ambergris Caye and it’s located at the Southern tip of the island. From once a sleepy fishing village, San Pedro has become a popular destination in Belize. It is said to be the island inspiration behind Madonna’s hit single “La Isla Bonita”. And aside from being a dream island destination because of its natural beauty, there are also lots of fun things to do in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, BelizeFun Things To Do In Ambergris Caye
1. Scuba dive in Belize Barrier Reef
Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest coral reef in the world next to Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It is a series of coral reefs straddling the coast of Belize which is a 190-mile long section of the 560-mile Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. The entire reef is basically bigger than the country itself. This makes diving in Belize an ultimate goal for a lot of scuba divers around the world.
If you want to scuba dive in the barrier reef, there are several companies that offer diving trips and diving equipment that you can rent. Just ask around and you should be able to find a diving company that suits your needs.
2. Laze around by the beach
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Your Caribbean adventure is not complete without lazing around on a white beach. The aquamarine water of the Caribbean sea is enough to help you relax and enjoy your trip to Belize.
Tip: If you want to find an uncrowded beach area, go to Ramon’s Village Resort. They also have a nice bar that serves awesome drinks to complete your day.
3. Explore the islands by a jet ski
Renting your own jet ski to explore the islands is fun. If you don’t want to join group tours and want to explore the islands on your own, this is a must. Not only that you can lay out your own itinerary but you can also take your own time. It’s a bit expensive for an average of $125/ hour but it is sure well worth it.
4. Fly over Great Blue Hole
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Great Blue Hole is a natural wonder hailed by scuba diving enthusiasts across the world. But do you know that Great Blue Hole is amazing as viewed from the top as well? The aerial view of Great Blue Hole is something not to be missed, so if you have a budget, try to rent a helicopter to fly you on top of it.
5. Try a new water sport
There are several water sports to try in Ambergris Caye. When it comes to water adventures, this Caribbean island won’t run out of things to do. There are several tour companies that offer parasailing, wakeboarding, kite surfing, paddle boarding, and waterskiing.
6. Play bowling by the beach
A fan of bowling? Now you can play bowling while enjoying the sand and the beach of Ambergris Caye. The Cozy Coconut Bar and Grill does not only offer good food and drinks but also something fun to do by the beach. Check out their bowling alley set up near the water and go for a strike.
7. Bet on a crab race
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Ever heard of crab races? If you are looking for something unique and yet fun, head to Crazy Canuck Beach Bar for a crab race. Every Tuesday, they hold a race for hermit crabs. For BZ$10 (US$5), you can bet on your favorite crab. The proceeds for the said race go to charity.
8. Party the Belizean way
With my 6 months living in Belize, I learned how much Belizean people love partying. Ambergris Caye is a notorious island for partying until sunrise. The beach is lined up with several bars; Fidos, Big Daddies and Wet Willies are good places to start. So don your flip-flops and beach attire and dance in the soca music – a good way to end the day on the island.
9. Learn the history of the Mayans in Marco Gonzalez
Marco Gonzalez is the only Mayan site in Ambergris Caye. It is not as grand as the Mayan temples and ruins in mainland Belize but the place is full of history. The site is founded around 100BC and was first excavated in 1984. The ruin is about 8 km south of San Pedro.
10. Take underwater photography in Hol Chan Marine Reserve
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Hol Chan reserve covers around 7 square miles at the south end of Ambergris Caye. This reserve is also a popular snorkeling spots in Belize. With its abundant marine life such as nurse sharks, manta rays, manatees and magnificent corals, it is also a good spot to take underwater photography.
Important information when travelling to Ambergris Caye
Currency Conversion
Belize has a very simple currency conversion policy. 1 US dollar is equivalent to 2 Belizean dollars. This is the standard rate everywhere. You can also use USD almost everywhere.
Visa Policy
For visa requirements in Belize, click here. Please note that if you are coming from a Western country, you might be able to enter Belize visa-free. And you can extend it every month up to 6 months. Or if you have US Visa, you can use it as a substitute visa to enter Belize and other parts of Central America.
How to get to San Pedro from Belize City
There are 2 ways to get to San Pedro from Belize City.
Water Taxi
You can take a water taxi or ferry from the Marine Terminal in Belize City. The ride is around 45 minutes one way. Round trip costs US$38 and one way is only US$28 for an adult passenger. To check the schedule, click here.
By Plane
Maya Air offers flights daily between Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. To book and check their schedule and rates, please check here.
Where to stay in Ambergris Caye
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Ambergris Caye has lots of hotels for all types of budget. Here are some of our recommended accommodations in Ambergris Caye.
Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant – is a good hostel in San Pedro. As the name suggests, it is a beachfront hostel although the beachfront properties in San Pedro do not necessarily mean good for swimming. The area is more like a docking site for boats so it’s really hard to find a good area to swim. But the hostel has their own swimming pool. They also have private rooms with ensuite bathroom, nice restaurants, AC dorm rooms, and wifi. The hostel is also centrally located and close to almost anything you need. For availability and rates, click here.
Lina Point Overwater Resort – if you want a quiet resort and bit tucked away from the crowd, then this resort is a good option. This resort is over the water and boasts a good view of the Caribbean. They also have their own pool and restaurant. For availability and rates, click here.
Ramon Village Resort – if you want a proper beachfront with space to swim, Ramon Village resort is a good place. It’s only a few minutes walk from the main areas but quiet enough to enjoy a good holiday. They have an awesome restaurant called Pineapple and is quite popular in the island as top diving tours provider. For availability and rates, click here.
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Belize Resort on Ambergris Caye serving fly fishing anglers, scuba divers, vacation travelers since 1974. Beach front main lodge plus eight private villas.