BZ
Ambergris Caye
Belize’s largest island, with a barrier reef just offshore and golf carts instead of cars
Belize’s largest island, with a barrier reef just offshore and golf carts instead of cars
A short boat ride south of San Pedro, this protected channel through the reef is rich in fish, turtles and coral. Snorkelling is done with licensed guides.
A park fee of roughly US$10–15 applies; check whether your tour includes it.
Photo: Nikdahl, CC BY-SA 3.0
Part of the Hol Chan reserve, this shallow sandy area draws nurse sharks and southern stingrays. Visitors should float calmly and never touch the animals.
Photo: Bernard Dupont, CC BY-SA 2.0
On the island’s west side, this stretch of calm, shallow water has beach bars and loungers. It is reached by golf cart along a rough road.
Photo: Asdfjrjjj, CC BY-SA 4.0
The town’s Front, Middle and Back Streets are lined with shops, restaurants and dive centres. Golf carts are the main way to get around.
Photo: Subhashish Panigrahi, CC BY-SA 4.0
At the island’s northern tip, Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve protects mangroves, reef and Maya sites, reached by boat.
Photo: Roberto González, CC BY 2.0
Try fresh lobster (in season, usually mid-June to mid-February), ceviche, fry jacks for breakfast and rice and beans with stew chicken.
Street stalls in San Pedro sell cheap tacos and burritos.
Short domestic flights link Belize City with San Pedro in about 15–20 minutes. Water taxis from Belize City take around 1.5 hours, often stopping at Caye Caulker.
Rent a golf cart or bike, or use taxis on the island.
Belize uses the Belize dollar, fixed at BZ$2 to US$1. US dollars are widely accepted.
Prices are approximate; Belize also adds hotel tax and service charges.
Reef and island.
Snorkel Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley.
Explore San Pedro, then drive to Secret Beach for sunset.
Dive the reef, visit Caye Caulker, or take a long boat trip to the Great Blue Hole.
Seaweed can wash up on some beaches in warmer months.
Hurricane season runs from June to November.
Drive carefully; roads north of town are rough.
Lobster is out of season from about mid-February to mid-June.
Quick answers for planning time in Ambergris Caye.
By a short flight or about 1.5 hours by water taxi from Belize City.
Yes, snorkelling is done with licensed tour operators.
The Belize dollar (BZ$2 = US$1); US dollars are widely accepted.
Yes, along San Pedro and at Secret Beach, though the reef means little surf.
December to May, the dry season.
Boat operators, guesthouses and guides often take bookings by message.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Belize travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.