Why Go to Ambergris Caye
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
On Ambergris Caye, the golf cart is king and the pace is wonderfully slow. Belize's largest island sits in the clear turquoise waters of the western Caribbean, with one of the world's largest barrier reefs just a short boat ride offshore. The island motto is Go Slow, and within a day you'll be living it.
San Pedro Town is the lively heart of the island, full of colorful shops, beach bars and fresh seafood. Snorkel or dive at the famous Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where you can swim with nurse sharks, rays and sea turtles. Then hop in your golf cart and bump along to Secret Beach, a dreamy stretch of calm, shallow water perfect for a lazy afternoon.
To get there, fly into Belize City and take a quick puddle-jumper flight of about 15 minutes, with amazing views of the reef and the patchwork of blues below. Divers can also book a trip out to the legendary Great Blue Hole. I'll pick the right resort or beach villa, arrange your island flights and set up the reef trips worth taking.
BEST FOR
Snorkelers, divers, couples, anglers and laid-back beach travelers
BEST MONTHS
January to April
EXPLORE
- San Pedro Town: The island's lively center, with restaurants, bars and shops.
- South Ambergris: Resorts and restaurants close to the airport.
- North Ambergris: Quiet resorts and secluded beaches north of the bridge.
- Secret Beach: The island's popular west-side beach area.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Ambergris Caye
North America › Central America › Belize › Belize District
Golf carts, barefoot beach bars and the world's second-largest barrier reef.
Beach & Resort
Diving
Snorkeling
Tropical
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Rent a golf cart for at least one day to explore the north end and Secret Beach; book ahead in high season, when carts sell out.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Go early in the day for the clearest water, and bring cash for the marine reserve fee.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
A protected channel through the barrier reef, packed with coral, turtles, eagle rays and schools of tropical fish.
Follow your guide's instructions and never touch or feed the wildlife.
Shark Ray Alley
Usually combined with Hol Chan, this shallow spot lets you snorkel alongside gentle nurse sharks and southern stingrays.
Book a tour that stops here on the way to Bacalar Chico for a full day.
Mexico Rocks
A shallow patch reef off the north of the island with beautiful coral heads and calm water, ideal for beginners.
Go midweek for fewer crowds, and drive slowly; the dirt road can be bumpy.
Secret Beach
On the western side of the island, this once-hidden beach has calm, shallow turquoise water and beach bars where you can sit in the sea.
Stroll Front Street at sunset, then grab dinner by the water.
San Pedro Town
The island's colorful heart, with sandy streets, waterfront restaurants, souvenir shops and a lively evening scene.
An elegant beachfront resort with plantation-style rooms, palm-shaded grounds and a beautiful pool.
Victoria House Resort & Spa
South of San Pedro
Hotel Tags
Colorful, romantic casitas and villas on a quiet beach north of town, with a great restaurant and spa.
Matachica Resort & Spa
North Ambergris
Hotel Tags
A modern beachfront resort with spacious suites, a rooftop pool and bar, and an easy ride into town.
Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection
South of San Pedro
Hotel Tags
A resort village of cottages on the lagoon, with a beach club on the reef side.
Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club
South Ambergris
Hotel Tags
A classic, thatched-roof beachfront resort steps from town, with a pool, beach bar and dive center.
Ramon's Village Resort
San Pedro Town
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Ambergris Caye
High 84°F · Low 73°F · Rain 7.2 in
Cooler, drier weather begins, and Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19 is celebrated nationwide.
The best time to visit Ambergris Caye is January through April, during the dry season, when days are sunny and the water is clear. Summer is hot with some rain, and hurricane season runs June through November, peaking in September and October.
Best Times to Visit Ambergris Caye
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Ambergris Caye's food scene revolves around seafood, Caribbean flavors and Belizean favorites.
- Seafood: Order ceviche, grilled lobster in season and whole snapper.
- Local favorites: Try stew chicken with rice and beans, fry jacks for breakfast and tamales.
- Must-try: Conch fritters, lobster during Lobster Fest, Marie Sharp's hot sauce and a cold Belikin beer.
06
Walking
San Pedro Town is compact and walkable, with sandy streets and beachfront paths.
05
Bikes
Bikes are a cheap and easy way to explore San Pedro and the south end.
04
Taxis
Licensed taxis, often golf carts or vans, are available in town and at the airport.
03
Golf Carts
Golf carts are the island's main way to get around; rent one for a day or your whole stay.
02
Water Taxis
Water taxis connect Belize City and Caye Caulker with San Pedro in about 75 to 90 minutes.
01
Flying In
Fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International (BZE) in Belize City, then take a 15-minute domestic flight to San Pedro on Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.
Most travelers fly into Belize City and connect with a short flight or water taxi to San Pedro. On the island, golf carts, bikes and taxis are the best way to get around, and water taxis connect to resorts in the north.
Getting Around Ambergris Caye
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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