Isla Bonita-A Guide to the Tranquil Island of Belize's Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye, located off the coast of Belize, is a popular destination for travelers seeking a tropical getaway. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and range of activities, Ambergris Caye has something for everyone. From scuba diving and snorkeling to exploring ancient Mayan ruins, there is no shortage of things to do on this beautiful island.
In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Ambergris Caye. We'll provide information on transportation options, recommended hotels and villas, top restaurants and excursions, and much more. Let's get started!
Getting to Ambergris Caye
The main gateway to Ambergris Caye is the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), located in Belize City. From there, you can take a short flight to San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye. Several airlines offer flights to San Pedro, including Maya Island Air - https://www.mayaislandair.com/ and Tropic Air - https://www.tropicair.com/
Alternatively, you can take a water taxi from Belize City to San Pedro. There are several water taxi companies that offer this service, including San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize. The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours, and tickets can be purchased online or at the ferry terminals.
San Pedro Belize Express - https://belizeexpress.com/ Ocean Ferry Belize - https://www.oceanferrybelize.com/
Getting around Ambergris Caye
The main mode of transportation on Ambergris Caye is golf cart rentals. There are several rental companies on the island, and prices typically range from $50-80 USD per day. Keep in mind that driving on the island can be a bit chaotic, so it's important to drive carefully and be aware of pedestrians and other vehicles.
Another option is to rent a bicycle, which is a more affordable and eco-friendly way to get around. You can rent bikes from several rental companies on the island, including Caye Caulker Water Taxi & Tours and Ambergris Bike Golf Cart Rentals.
Caye Caulker Water Taxi & Tours - https://www.cayecaulkerwatertaxi.com/ Ambergris Bike Golf Cart Rentals - https://www.ambergrisbikegolfcartrentals.com/
Finally, you can also hire a taxi or use public transportation, which consists of minivans and buses that run along the main road on the island.
Where to Stay
Ambergris Caye has a range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels. Here are some of our top picks:
Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club - This luxury resort is located on the south end of the island and offers a range of amenities, including multiple restaurants and bars, a spa, and a beach club. Rooms start at $200 USD per night.
Victoria House Resort & Spa - This upscale resort is located on the beach in San Pedro and offers a range of amenities, including a spa, two pools, and a restaurant. Rooms start at $400 USD per night.
Xanadu Island Resort - This eco-friendly resort is located on the beach in San Pedro and offers a range of amenities, including a pool, restaurant, and spa services. Rooms start at $200 USD per night.
SunBreeze Suites - This beachfront hotel is located in San Pedro and offers spacious suites with kitchenettes, a rooftop deck, and a restaurant. Rooms start at $200 USD per night.
Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant - This budget-friendly hostel is located on the beach in San Pedro and offers both dormitory-style and private rooms. They also have a restaurant and bar on-site. Prices start at around $20 USD per night for a dorm bed.
Casa del Rai - This stunning private villa is located in the exclusive Boca del Rio area and features four bedrooms, a private pool, and a fully equipped kitchen. Prices start at $500 USD per night.
Las Terrazas Resort & Residences - This luxury resort is located on the beach in San Pedro and offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, spa, and pool. The resort also offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling and diving. Rooms start at $350 USD per night.
Excursions
Ambergris Caye is home to a range of activities and excursions that cater to all types of travelers. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling - Ambergris Caye is known for its world-class scuba diving and snorkeling. Some of the most popular dive sites include Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Blue Hole, a sinkhole located in the middle of the ocean. Several tour operators offer scuba diving and snorkeling trips, including Amigos del Mar and Seaduced by Belize.
Amigos del Mar - https://www.amigosdivebelize.com/ Seaduced by Belize - https://www.seaducedbybelize.com/
Charter Fishing - Ambergris Caye is also known for its excellent fishing opportunities. You can charter a boat and head out for a day of fishing for species such as bonefish, tarpon, and permit. Some of the top charter fishing companies on the island include GoFish Belize and Tres Pescados Fly Shop.
GoFish Belize - https://www.gofishbelize.com/ Tres Pescados Fly Shop - https://www.trespescadosbelize.com/
Mayan Ruins - Belize is home to several ancient Mayan ruins, and day trips from Ambergris Caye can be arranged to visit sites such as Altun Ha and Lamanai. Several tour operators offer these excursions, including MayaWalk Tours and Tanisha Tours.
MayaWalk Tours - https://mayawalk.com/ Tanisha Tours - https://tanishatours.com/
Cave Tubing - If you're interested in exploring Belize's caves, you can take a day trip to Orange Walk to go cave tubing. This activity involves floating down a river on an inner tube while exploring underground caves. Several tour operators offer this excursion, including Caves Branch Jungle Lodge - https://www.cavesbranch.com/ Belize Jungle Adventures - https://www.belizejungleadventures.com/
Blue Hole - Another popular excursion from Ambergris Caye is a trip to the Blue Hole, a sinkhole located in the middle of the ocean. This site is a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Several tour operators offer this excursion, including Amigos del Mar - https://www.amigosdivebelize.com/ Seaduced by Belize - https://www.seaducedbybelize.com/
Restaurants
Ambergris Caye has a range of dining options, from traditional Belizean cuisine to international fare. Here are some of our top picks:
Elvi's Kitchen - This restaurant is a local institution and serves up a range of Belizean dishes, including rice and beans, stewed chicken, and fry jacks.
Blue Water Grill - Located on the beach in San Pedro, this restaurant offers a range of seafood dishes, as well as international cuisine. The restaurant also has a sushi bar.
Wild Mango's - This restaurant offers a fusion of Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood.
Rojo Beach Bar and Lounge - This beachfront restaurant is known for its delicious cocktails and seafood dishes.
Palapa Bar and Grill - This laid-back beach bar is a great spot for a casual meal and drinks. They also have live music on some nights.
Pupuseria Salvadoreno - This restaurant serves up authentic Salvadoran cuisine, including pupusas and tamales.
Waruguma - This restaurant offers a range of Belizean and international dishes, including seafood, pasta, and burgers.
Transportation
Getting to Ambergris Caye usually involves taking a domestic flight from Belize City to San Pedro. Here are some airlines that offer flights to San Pedro:
Tropic Air - https://www.tropicair.com/
Maya Island Air - https://www.mayaislandair.com/
Belize Transfers and Shuttles - https://www.belizetransfersandshuttles.com/
Once on the island, the primary modes of transportation are golf carts and bicycles. Several rental companies offer golf carts for rent, including Island Adventures - https://islandadventuresbelize.com/ C&S Golf Cart Rentals - https://www.csgolfcartsbelize.com/
Guides
If you're looking to explore the island with a local guide, here are some companies to consider:
Searious Adventures - This company offers a range of tours and activities, including snorkeling, fishing, and cave tubing. They also offer private boat charters.
Tuff E Nuff Tours - This company offers a range of tours, including snorkeling, fishing, and Mayan ruin excursions.
SeaStar Belize - This company offers private boat charters and tours, including snorkeling and fishing.
Charter Fishing and Diving
Ambergris Caye is known for its world-class fishing and diving opportunities. Here are some companies to consider for charter fishing and diving trips:
GoFish Belize - This company offers half-day and full-day fishing charters, as well as snorkeling and diving trips.
Seaduced by Belize - This company offers a range of fishing and diving trips, as well as private charters.
Belize Diving Adventures - This company offers scuba diving trips to popular dive sites such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Blue Hole.
Hotels and Villas
There are a range of hotels and villas to choose from on Ambergris Caye, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Here are some to consider:
X'tan Ha Resort - This resort is located on the beach in the northern part of the island and offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, pool, and spa. Prices start at $150 USD per night.
Matachica Resort & Spa - This luxury resort is located on the beach in the northern part of the island and offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, pool, and spa. Prices start at $350 USD per night.
Coco Beach Resort - This resort is located on the beach in the northern part of the island and offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, pool, and spa. Prices start at $200 USD per night.
Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club - This luxury resort is located in San Pedro and offers a range of amenities, including several restaurants, pools, and a spa. Prices start at $250 USD per night.
Sandbar Hostel - This hostel is located on the beach in San Pedro and offers budget-friendly accommodation options for travelers. Prices start at $20 USD per night for a dorm bed.
Tuto Belize - This eco-friendly resort is located in the southern part of the island and offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, pool, and private beach. Prices start at $200 USD per night.
Flights to Orange Walk for Cave Tubing and Blue Hole for Snorkeling and Diving
If you're interested in exploring more of Belize, there are several other destinations worth visiting. Here are some options for flights to nearby destinations:
Orange Walk - This city is located in northern Belize and is known for its Mayan ruins and cave tubing adventures. Maya Island Air offers flights from San Pedro to Orange Walk.
Blue Hole - This underwater sinkhole is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Tropic Air offers flights from San Pedro to the nearby town of Belize City, where you can then take a boat tour to the Blue Hole.
Final Thoughts
Ambergris Caye is a beautiful and unique destination that offers a wide range of activities and experiences for travelers. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there's something for everyone on this island. From world-class diving and fishing to delicious cuisine and luxurious resorts, Ambergris Caye has it all. Plan your trip today and discover the magic of Belize.
