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Ambergris Caye: Crown Jewel of Belize’s Caribbean Coast
Private travel options off the coast of Belize are vast. Over 200 small islands lie off Belize’s Caribbean coast. One of the most beautiful and conveniently-located is Ambergris Caye, a low island ringed by white sand, mangrove habitat, and calm waters. Geologically, Ambergris makes up the slender southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, though it was separated from the mainland centuries ago by Maya traders who dug a channel between the Caribbean and Chetumal Bay. Today this waterway, known as Bacalar Chico, is protected as a marine reserve and mangrove habitat. It’s one of the few places on the planet where reef touches land.
San Pedro: Hometown Feel
At 25 miles long and less than a mile wide, Ambergris Caye—pronounced “am-BURR-gris key”—is small enough for visitors feel at home quickly. The island’s only town, San Pedro, is just three blocks wide from the seaside to the lagoon. Its sandy boulevards, with names like Chicken Street and Coconut Drive, are best navigated by foot, bicycle or golf cart.
North and south of town, a fine collection of boutique hotels lines the eastern shore, many with fewer than 20 guestrooms. Local restaurant specialties include fresh lobster (from July to February) and conch (from October to June). Coconut and key-lime ice creams are available year-round.
What to do in Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye’s greatest attractions are aquatic; the Belize Barrier Reef lies less than a quarter mile off the eastern shore. Some of our favorites are:
- Snorkeling to Mexico Rocks, Hol Chan, and Shark Ray Alley
- Scuba diving in the Belize Barrier Reef
- Reef and deep-sea fishing tours
- Manatee Spotting
- Tarpon feeding
- Paddleboarding
- Windsurfing
- Sailing & Parasailing
- Sunset and dinner cruises
Full-day dive trips are also available to the Turneffe Islands Atoll and Lighthouse Reef Atoll—the site of the Great Blue Hole.
Food lovers can also join tasting tours through San Pedro village. Heli flights over the Great Blue Hole offer a striking aerial perspective of this natural wonder.
Day trips to the mainland include cave-tubing; visits to coastal manatee habitats; and tours of the Maya sites of Altun Ha, Lamanai, and even Tikal.
What is the Weather Like?
Ambergris Caye welcomes visitors year-round. The dry season runs from mid-December through May, with sunny skies and average daytime highs between 80°F and 90°F. March can bring stronger easterly winds. The rainy season, from June through November, tends to be warmer and more humid, with frequent afternoon showers and the possibility of tropical storms.
These averages are changing—please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.
Getting There
Ambergris Caye lies 36 miles northeast of Belize City. Small local flights from Belize City’s municipal or international airports reach the island in just 15 minutes. Boat and air transfers can also be arranged from Caye Caulker or Corozal, the northernmost town on Belize’s mainland. LANDED arranges private transfers, flights, boat charters, and lodging throughout Belize and its Cayes.
Start your journey today
LANDED delivers the finest in custom, private travel to Central America, South America, and Antarctica. These regions are our passion; we know them first-hand and by heart. Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you in Ambergris Caye.
How to combine Ambergris Caye
Have some extra time? Here are some options for you to combine with.
