Diving in the Great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is one of the best things to do on Caye Ambergris in Belize

14 Best Things To Do On Ambergris Caye Belize [2023]

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The largest island in the country and a getaway to the famous Great Blue Hole in Belize, Ambergris Caye is a must-stop on your itinerary. Besides enjoying stunning wildlife and laid-back Caribbean vibes, there are plenty things to do on Ambergris Caye Belize.

If you are looking where to stay in Belize, look no further than this island which offers great home base for tourists who want to spend a few days in a tropical paradise.

In this article, we are going to look at some of the best things to do on Ambergris Caye, Belize so you could have a fantastic getaway.

➡️ Check my complete Belize itinerary for 5,7 and 10 days.

Diving is one of the best things to do in Ambergris Caye, Belize

Best things to do on Ambergris Caye Belize

Ambergris Caye sits near the Great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Some of the best things to do on Ambergris Caye revolve around spending time in the nature, but this island also offers plenty of other activities. From exploring hidden corners of this island to enjoying food and mingling with locals, Ambergris Caye Belize is an adventurer’s paradise.

1. Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

A visit to Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a must stop for any traveler who comes here.

Hol Chan is small area around Belize Barrier Reef that is protected by the Belizean government which means only snorkeling and diving is allowed here.

Check my Belize travel trips to have the best experience and avoid mistakes

Hol Chan means “Little Channel” in the Mayan language which refers to the 28-feet deep cut in the barrier reef. Snorkeling and diving in Hol Chan is a must during your stay on Ambergris Caye, as this area is less than 10 minutes by boat from the island.

Best snorkeling tours in San Pedro, Belize

➡️ Use only reef-safe sunscreen when snorkeling in Belize to preserve its fragile marine eco system.

At Hol Chan, you can see coral formations, and watch incredible wildlife such as stingrays, turtles, and all kinds of fish. Visiting Hol Chan Marine Reserve is possible only with a guided tour, and there are many companies in San Pedro who offer them.

BOOK A POPULAR SNORKELING TOUR ON AMBERGRIS CAYE

GOOD TO KNOW: Another popular area for diving and snorkeling near Ambergris Caye is Mexico Rocks. This is a bigger diving site than Hol Chan and it’s less crowded. It’s also relatively flat which makes it a great place for newbie divers.

2. Swim with nurse sharks at Shark Ray Alley

One of the major highlights of Hol Chan Marine Reserve is Shark Ray Alley within Hol Chan where you can snorkel alongside nurse sharks, the mellow and friendly creatures who are used to being fed by tour boats. Most tour operators include a stop of Hol Chan on their itinerary.

SNORKEL WITH SHARKS IN BELIZE

PRO TIP: Bring a GoPro to capture your adventures, because this place is truly incredible.

3. Dive in the Great Blue Hole

The crown jewel is Belize, the Great Blue Hole is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Lighthouse Reef, one of atolls in Belize.

Is Honduras safe?

A popular site among experienced divers, the Great Blue Hole was created thousands of years ago when the rising sea level flooded a vast network of caves that have stalactites and stalagmites. It is over 400 feet deep and is the largest sea hole of its kind in the world.

GET A WATERPROOF BAG FOR YOUR ADVENTURES ON THE WATER

FUN FACT: The Great Blue Hole was formed centuries ago after the huge cave above the sea level collapsed. The area gradually filled with water, and today it’s a popular spot for divers thanks to stalactite and stalagmite formations. The Great Blue Hole was discovered in the 1970’s by marine biologist Jacques Cousteau who declared this area one of the top diving spots in the world.

Things to know about diving in the Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is located about 43 miles off the coast of Belize.

The majority of tours to Belize Blue Hole leave from San Pedro, Caye Caulker, or sometimes, Belize City, and take about 2 hours one way. It’s also possible to snorkel in Blue Hole, but you will not see much here because most cool things such as stalagmites and stalactites are located much deeper than the surface.

  • The Great Blue Hole is an advanced diving site. If you are a newbie diver, get comfortable diving in more shallow areas before booking a diving tour of the Great Blue Hole.
  • The Great Blue Hole is one of the most popular diving places in the world. It’s a good idea to book tours ahead of time, especially if you travel during the high season.
  • The Great Blue Hole is deep and diving here will feel colder than at Hol Chan. Consider wearing a wet suit to stay warm.
  • If you don’t want to dive, you can also snorkel in the Blue Hole and around the surrounding reefs.

PRO TIP: You can also book a flight over Blue Hole from San Pedro with Tropic Air or Maya Island Air to see the Blue Hole and the Belize Barrier Reef from above.

Diving Blue Hole is one of the best things to do on Ambergris Caye among thrill-seekers and adventure lovers. This is a day-long adventure, so make sure to allocate at least an extra day if you want to dive in Blue Hole.

Visiting Iguana Eco Center is one of the best free things to do on Ambergris Caye, Belize

4. Visit Iguana Eco Center in San Pedro

Now let’s get back on the island and explore some of its hidden gems.

One of them is the Iguana Eco-Center, a sanctuary tucked behind one of San Pedro’s residential streets where you can see tons of beautiful green iguanas 🦎 roaming around freely and even feed them a tasty banana 🍌 

Feeding iguanas is one of the best things to do on Ambergris Caye, Belize
San Pedro is the capital of Ambergris Caye, Belize and is the second largest city in the country.

Besides being a fun experience, this place also does a stellar job at providing safe heaven for these endangered reptiles that are unfortunately still hunted in Belize sometimes. The entrance is free, however, you are encouraged to leave a donation that will help to support this place.

Trying Belizean chocolate is one of the best things to do on Caye Ambergris, Belize

5. Try Belizean chocolate

If you have a sweet tooth, stop at Belize Chocolate Company, a small store where you can sample delicious Belizean chocolate.

Belize has cocoa plantations on its mainland where the climate is different from the islands. You can buy Belizean chocolate at many stores around Ambergris Caye.

Trying Belizean chocolate and trying delicious cocoa drinks is one of the best things to do on Ambergris Caye, because it will directly support local business.

Belize Chocolate Company is located along Barrier Reef Drive in downtown San Pedro.

How to get around Ambergris Caye?

If you are staying in downtown San Pedro, you can easily get around on foot. But if you are spending your vacation in some of best resorts on the island like Mahogany Bay, you should rent a golf cart, as you will be a distance away from everything.

➡️ Check my complete guide to the best resorts on Ambergris Caye

Golf cart is the most popular way to get around Ambergris Caye, and you can rent them in many places around the island. To make things easier, book your golf cart online.

RENT A GOLF CART ON AMBERGRIS CAYE

Secret Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Ambergris Caye, Belize that has many cafes and restaurants.

6. Relax on Secret Beach

Not so secret anymore, Secret Beach is the local’s favorite hangout spot.

Located north of downtown San Pedro, it is a quiet area that is great to visit, especially after a day full of activities. Just over 30 minutes north of San Pedro by golf cart, it has patches of sand with clear blue waters and overwater bars and restaurants.

The road to Secret Beach is bumpy and has swampy mangroves on both sides.

Sometimes, you can see crocodiles! 🐊

Although Secret Beach is a fairly well-known spot these days, it’s definitely one of the best things to do on Ambergris Caye, if you want to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Truck Stop is one of the best places to eat on Ambergris Caye, Belize.

7. Grab some food at Truck Stop

One of the most popular spots for eating out and socializing in San Pedro, Truck Stop is a food court made up of shipping containers converted into cute restaurants. Here you can try a variety of food such as Asian, Latin American, and Western food.

A shop that sells Belizean ice cream 🍨 is particularly worth a stop.

Truck Stop is located about 20 minutes north of downtown San Pedro and can be reached by golf cart or a quick car ride.

Sun Breeze Hotel is one of the best resorts in San Pedro, Belize that has an on-site diving shop.

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8. Explore Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve

Hidden on the southern end of the island in the middle of the jungle, Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve is one of the most underrated places on Ambergris Caye.

While it is not the most impressive ruin site, it has some remaining foundations and it provides a great escape from the touristy San Pedro and shows signs of prehistoric development in the area.

If you decide to make your way here, don’t forget to bring plenty of water and bug spray, to avoid getting bad bites from mosquitos that are common at the Mayan ruins in Belize. 

San Pedro Artisan Market is one of the best places to visit on Ambergris Caye

9. Shop at San Pedro Artisan Market

The small artisan market of San Pedro is one of the best places to visit. Here you will find local artisans selling a variety of goods including souvenirs, jewelry, arts, and crafts. The vendors here are very friendly and will happily talk to you about their goods.

San Pedro Artisan Market is located at 2101 Almond Street.

PRO TIP: If you plan to visit San Pedro Artisan Market, don’t forget to bring some cash with you. Credit cards are widely accepted around San Pedro, but street vendors use only cash.

10. Get lost in Bacalar Chico National Park

If you want to get off the beaten track, take a boat ride to Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Preserve, one of the most remote areas on Ambergris Caye. Located on the northern side of the island, Bacalar Chico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches for more than 60 miles across from the Bay of Chetumal in Mexico.

This stunning natural area is home to many cool animals such as jaguars and ocelots and it sees very few tourists.

Snorkeling is also possible and since waters are so calm here you will have a good chance to spot manatees, turtles and many types of fish. The day tour typically takes all day and includes stops at secluded beaches, as well as time for lunch and exploring.

Taking a boat tour of Bacalar Chico is one of the best things to do in San Pedro, Belize although many travelers still don’t know about it.

Several local tour companies in San Pedro offer trips to Bacalar Chico including Searious Adventures and Seaduced by Belize.

Belize is home to some of the best diving in the Caribbean.

11. Take a day trip to Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island that is perfect for a day trip from Ambergris Caye. You can get here by catching a water taxi from San Pedro.

Many travelers end up spending a few days on Caye Caulker after visiting Ambergris Caye before heading to mainland Belize.

Best Caye Caulker tours

Boats to Caye Caulker depart from the main boat terminal in San Pedro several times per day. To find good inexpensive hotels on Caye Caulker, check out Agoda, a great website with many deals on accommodations in many countries.

PRO TIP: Ambergris Caye tends to be a bit more expensive than Caye Caulker that has a bit more of a backpacker vibe to it and offers more accommodations catering to budget travelers.

Browse the best hostels in Caye Caulker on HostelWord!

Iguana Juan's is one of the best restaurants in San Pedro, Belize where you can try typical Belizean food.

12. Check out best restaurants in San Pedro, Belize

Despite being a small island, San Pedro has many restaurants for every taste and price point.

I loved Iguana Juan’s for burritos and tamales, and Juice Dive for delicious acai bowls, smoothies and breakfast wraps.

Many restaurants in San Pedro, Belize offer vegan and vegetarian options, in addition to popular staples such as seafood. For example, Elvi’s Kitchen is one of the most popular restaurants on the island and Sandbar offers delicious vegan pizza. 

Other popular restaurants in San Pedro Belize are El Fogon, Wild Mango’s and Blue Water Grill.

13. Enjoy one of the best day trips from Ambergris Caye

Don’t forget to visit mainland Belize. Since the country is very small, you can visit some of the best places in Belize on a quick day drip from San Pedro.

Here’s a quick overview of the best day drips from San Pedro, Belize

  • Belize Zoo – a sanctuary where you can find injured and orphaned animals native to Belize including jaguars, macaws and tapirs.
  • Lamanai – one of the best Mayan ruins in Central America, Lamanai sits along the shores of New River Lagoon in Northern Belize. It’s most famous for cool crocodile art, and impressive Mayan temples (High Temple, Mayan Temple) that house many Mayan artifacts.

Book a guided tour from San Pedro, Belize

Best tours from San Pedro

  • Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave – When in Belize, make sure not to skip the famous ATM cave profiled by the National Geographic. A visit here will allow you to wander and swim in the cave and get a glimpse into the Mayan culture.

Book a tour from San Pedro

14. … And don’t forget to explore other cayes in Belize

Ambergris Caye is the most popular island in Belize. While it has the most developed infrastructure and amenities of other cases in Belize, it’s far from being the only island that is worth your attention.

Belize has over 450 islands around its coastline, and every one of them has its guardian. Sounds like a dream job, right?

Book a tour of one of the best Belize cayes

If you have extra time and are up for a little adventure, visit one of Belize’s lesser-known cayes such as Half Moon Caye, Laughing Bird Caye, and Sapadilla Cayes Marine Reserve, a collection of dreamy islands located about 36 miles east of Punta Gorda in southern Belize.

Where to stay on Ambergis Caye

Caye Ambergris is a place where you can either stay at a modest hostel or splurge on a swanky resort, the options are endless! The island has a great variety of accommodations, so whether you are a budget traveler or have a little bit of money to spend, there are many places to choose from.

Budget hotels

Althrough Ambergris Caye is slightly more expensive than its smaller neighbor Caye Caulker, it has plenty of affordable accommodations, so you don’t have to break your bank. 

Drift Inn is a beautiful hotel that also has a dorm room, if you are a budget traveler. Drift Inn also has a kitchen, free water and towels and also can help you to book diving and snorkeling tours to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. And the staff is super friendly too 🙂

Medium price hotels

If you are willing to spend a bit more money, the island has many gorgeous hotels that come with small kitchens and many amenities.

Another popular property in San Pedro, Belize is The Palapa House. This medium-budget hotel offers gorgeous views of the Caribbean, private parking and a nice terrace.

Hotel Del Rio is a beachfront hotel located less than 0.6 miles from downtown Belize. It’s a great mid-budget hotel that boasts a lush garden, free private parking and a terrace. There’s also a tour desk and luggage storage space. Free WiFi throughout the property.

Luxury hotels

Luxury travelers love San Pedro, because it offers a ton of luxury accommodations such as beautiful resorts and private houses where you can relax and enjoy the serene scenery between diving, snorkeling and exploring the area. 

PUR Boutique Cabanas is one of most beautiful hotels on the island with six cabins. PUR boasts build-your-own taco bar, a big pool and is only 7 minutes away from downtown San Pedro by golf cart. Another popular place is Mahogany Bay, one of the the most popular Ambergris Caye Belize resorts.

How to get from Belize City to Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is a 25-mile island in the middle of the Caribbean located about 35 miles northeast from Belize City. You can get here from Belize City by water taxi or by a 15-minute flight from Belize City Airport. Tropic Air, a Belizean airline operates multiple flights per day from Belize City to Ambergris Caye.

Getting from Belize City to Ambergris Caye by boat

Another option is to get from Belize City to San Pedro by boat. The two companies that serve this route are Ocean Ferry Belize or the Belize Water Taxi. The trip takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes and a one-way ticket is $25 USD.

AMBERGRIS CAYE BELIZE: FAQ’S

Taking a picture with the San Pedro sign is one of the best free things to do in San Pedro, Belize

What language is spoken in Belize?

English is the official language is Belize. Spanish, Creole and Mayan languages are also spoken in different parts of the country.

What is the currency in Belize?

The main currency in Belize is Belize Dollar which is worth about 0.50 U.S. dollars. If you are traveling to Belize from the United States, it’s good know that U.S. dollars is widely accepted in Belize, especially in popular destinations like San Pedro and Placencia.

What is Ambergris Caye known for?

Ambergris Caye is known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear Caribbean waters, world-class diving and laid-back atmosphere. Most tourists know Ambergris Caye as the home to San Pedro, a former fishing village and major tourism destination in Belize.

Learn about the best places to visit in Belize

Is Ambergris Caye worth visiting?

Ambergris Caye boasts wonderful scenery, unparalleled diving and snorkeling and great nightlife. A gateway to the famous Blue Hole, one of the top diving sites in the world, Ambergris Caye is an unmissable stop on your Belize itinerary!

How to pronounce Ambergris Caye?

The correct way to pronounce Ambergris Caye is “am-BER-gres key.”

Is Ambergris Caye safe?

Ambergris Caye is one of the most popular destination in Belize thanks to world-class scuba diving, snorkeling and relaxed Caribbean vibes. It’s is also one of the safest places to visit in Belize.

While it’s perfectly safe to walk around the island, always keep an eye on your belongings as most of the crime here tend be pickpocketing and petty theft.

Getting travel insurance for your trip to Ambergris Caye Belize

If safety is a concern, consider getting World Nomads insurance that will protect you in case of lost or stolen luggage, accidents, hospital visits, and many other unforeseen events. Another option is Safety Wing, which is perfect for long-term travelers who plan to stay in Belize for a couple of weeks

What’s the best time to visit Ambergris Caye?

Just like many Caribbean destinations, the winter season is the busiest on Ambergris Caye.

June through November is the hurricane season in Belize when the weather the country is often hit by storms and hurricanes. Mid-November through January is the best time to visit Belize when the hurricane is over and the vacationing crowds haven’t yet arrived.

Belize also sits out of the way from the main track for hurricanes, unlike many other popular destinations in the Caribbean. Still, the island gets inundated with rains and mosquitoes during that time, so keep it in mind.

Bringing your drone to Belize

Belize has very strict rules when it comes to bringing a drone here.

To be allowed to bring a drone here and to operate it, you are required to have a special permission. So don’t make my mistake, and have your drone confiscated at the airport in Belize City when you try to clear the customs. If you want to fly your drone in Belize, get proper paperwork ahead of your trip.

Final word

Ambergris Caye might be one of the most touristy places and more expensive than many other areas in the country, however, being a tropical paradise, it is worth a stop on your Belize itinerary. I recommend you spend at least a few days in San Pedro before heading to other destinations in Belize.