Ambergris Caye Belize travel tips and advice feature unusual things to do in Ambergris Caye Belize. Ambergris Caye Belize travel tips and advice is a Ambergris Caye Belize travel guide with information about hotels, tours, and recommendations.

Ambergris Caye Travel tips for today: Booking tours from Ambergris Caye can be complicated some time. From time to time some of the tour companies refuse to book tours if it's not a group of 8 or more.

For example, if you have booked a family of 4 scheduled for the next few days, when that date arrives and the tour company has less than a group of 8 for that tour that you have booked, they usually cancel the reservations because they have than a group of 8 for that tour.

In most cases, this happens last minute. This leaves you in limbo and gives you limited time to find another tour company to accommodate you.

We operate on the mainland of Belize. We offer strictly private tours. We accommodate groups of all ages and size. Go through our website and check what we have to offer. If you don't find what you are looking for, create your own tour packages and inform us. We will try our best to accommodate you.

Below are some special offers for groups of 4 persons and more:

• Zipline: USD$90.00 per/ person
• Cave Tubing: USD$90.00 per/ person
• Cave Tubing and Zipline: USD$110.00 per/ person
• Cave tubing and xunantunich ruins: USD$120.00 per/ person
• Cave tubing zipline xunantunich ruins: USD$150.00 per/ person
• Altun ha and cave tubing: USD$120.00 per/ person
• ATM cave tour: USD$195.00 per/ person
• Altun Ha Mayan ruins: USD$75.00 per/ person
• Xunantunich Mayan ruins: USD$100.00 per/ person
• Cave tubing and Belize zoo: USD$130.00 per/ person
• Zipline and Belize zoo: USD$130.00 per/ person

Please note that you will need to board one of the water taxis/ flights to Belize City, depending on the tour you are booking. When you arrive in Belize City your private tour guide/ driver will meet you with a sign that reads your name.

Traveling to Belize is only the beginning of a great experience. Once you arrive, you have the opportunity to discover our beautiful beaches, lush jungles, multiple islands and more. Whether you’re exploring the Bladen Nature Reserve trails or exploring ancient Maya cities in the Cayo District, we have local airlines, helicopters, rental cars, buses, boats and even horses available to get you on your way and off the beaten path.

Belize is widely recognized for its conservation efforts, a national priority, with numerous wildlife reserves that protect both land and sea. Conservation organizations, government agencies, and local communities collaborate to manage protected areas that sustain biodiversity and support research. These efforts safeguard habitats while remaining accessible for you to explore. As a result, wildlife in Belize continues to thrive across multiple ecosystems, from forest corridors to coral reefs. It makes connecting with flora and fauna an enriching experience!

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

The Crooked Tree Lagoon is the country’s largest wetland, located in the Belize District. It is well-known for premier birding experiences, with a large population of waterbirds, including the Jabiru Stork.

Fun Fact: The Government of Belize designated the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary as the country’s first wildlife sanctuary in 1984.

Community Baboon Sanctuary

The Community Baboon Sanctuary spans 20 miles across the Belize River Valley villages. As a Community Conservation Area, locals from the villages pledge to protect the Yucatán Black Howler Monkey. There is a population of about 5,000 monkeys within the Belize River Valley, as villagers don’t hunt or domesticate them.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the world’s first jaguar preserve by hiking, camping, birding, or simply looking out for a jaguar! Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for wildcats, tapirs, neotropical birds, and other fascinating creatures. It plays a crucial role for humans and animals, as it was designated to protect the upper watersheds of river systems in the country.

Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary 

The Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary was established to protect the West Indian manatee population. It is a key resting and feeding area for these gentle, aquatic mammals. You can visit Swallow Caye to snorkel or spot the manatees!

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

As one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, you can snorkel or dive in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Swim along with schools of vibrant fish, friendly nurse sharks, and sting rays among flamboyant corals. It’s a sight to behold near the Belize Barrier Reef!

Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve

Though it may be secluded, this southernmost marine reserve is a renowned destination for world-class sportfishing! Sapodilla Caye Marine Reserve is dotted with untouched mangrove islands and crystal-clear shallow waters. Snorkel or dive with corals and fish, like angelfish and parrotfish.

Wildlife flourishes in Belize due to its many protected areas! It allows you to observe plants and animals without seeing them in manmade aquariums or cages. There are many other land and sea reserves to learn about within the country. However, it’s best to take a trip to nature’s classroom and bask in untouched natural beauty and wildlife in Belize!

Ambergris Caye, Belize is our largest island and is well-known for its beautiful Caribbean beaches and warm white sand. Located next to one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, this island is a prime spot for aquatic exploration.

The island is home to some of the best fishing spots in the Caribbean, and several tour companies offer fishing trips to the renowned fly-fishing paradise like the Turneffe Atoll.

It is also the perfect day trip, with water taxis available from Belize City to San Pedro. From the cobblestone streets of bustling San Pedro Town outward to the northern and southern ends of the island, Ambergris Caye offers many award-winning resorts, restaurants, beach bars and shops to explore.

Whether you’re in the mood to rest in a hammock on the beach, feel the thrill of swimming with sharks in the coral reef, or indulge in tasty meals on a food tour, Ambergris Caye offers top-tier experiences for travellers to have an unforgettable time!

Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest and most popular island Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest and most popular island, famous for its stunning white-sand beaches, proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef for world-class diving and snorkeling, and the vibrant, laid-back town of San Pedro, offering a mix of resorts, restaurants, and water activities like fishing, sailing, and kayaking, all with a low-key, Caribbean vibe.It's easily accessible from mainland Belize by short flights or boat rides and boasts tropical savannah, mangroves, and rich marine life, making it a prime spot for both relaxation and adventure.Key Features:Location:Northeast of Belize City, bordering the Belize Barrier Reef.Main Town:San Pedro Town, known for its sandy streets, colorful buildings, and lively atmosphere.Activities:Scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing (especially fly-fishing), kayaking, windsurfing, and exploring nature reserves like Bacalar Chico National Park.Accessibility:Reached by short flights or boat from Belize City;golf carts are the primary mode of transport on the island.Environment:A mix of developed areas in the south (San Pedro) and undeveloped tropical landscapes, with a commitment to preserving its natural beauty.Why Visit?Reef Access:Offers some of the easiest access to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world.Diverse Experiences:From relaxing on beaches to swimming with sharks at Shark Ray Alley or visiting the Great Blue Hole (a longer trip), there's something for everyone.Culture:A blend of local Belizean culture with a significant expat community, providing a unique social scene.Vibe:Balances exciting amenities with a relaxed, uncrowded feel, attracting repeat visitors.

San Pedro Belize is a town on the southern part of the island of Ambergris Caye in the Belize District of the nation of Belize, in Central America. According to the 2024 mid-year estimates, the town has a population of about 20,000. It is the second-largest town in the Belize District and largest in the Belize Rural South constituency. The once sleepy fishing village was granted the status of a town in 1984.

San Pedro's inhabitants are known as San Pedranos and most of them originally came from Mexico. Most speak both Spanish and English fluently. Due to the influence of English-based Kriol, most San Pedranos can speak English, as well as an intermediate form between English and Spanish that is known as "Kitchen Spanish". It is said that one is not a true San Pedrano if one does not know how to fish.

The town is said to be the inspiration for the song "La Isla Bonita" (which begins with the line "last night I dreamt of San Pedro"), written by Madonna, Patrick Leonard and Bruce Gaitsch. Manuel Heredia, minister of tourism in Belize commented that Madonna's song has helped to attract tourists to the town.

Belize is home to many Mayan archaeological sites, with several located in the San Ignacio area. But the main highlight here is undoubtedly the Xunantunich Mayan ruins.

Close to the Guatemalan border, getting to Xunantunich Mayan ruins is straightforward. The site is about 1,5 km from the main highway connecting Belize to Guatemala. To reach the ruins, you’ll need to cross the Mopan River on a small ferry and then follow a short road up to the parking lot — you can walk this stretch, but it’s a bit of a hike uphill.

Xunantunich features six plazas and over twenty five temples and palaces, making it one of the most impressive Mayan sites in Belize.

The tallest pyramid, known as El Castillo (the Castle), stands forty meters high, with intricate carved friezes on its east and west sides. The east side frieze depicts the Sun god, framed by the Moon and Venus, which has been preserved under a fiberglass replica. I highly recommend climbing the steps to the top of El Castillo—it’s worth the effort!

We toured Xunantunich without a guide, and in hindsight, I realized that was a mistake (so here’s a tip for you!). Having a guide would have enriched our experience immensely, providing insights into the Mayan civilization that once thrived here and shedding light on the many intricate details of the site. It was only once we were there that I recognized how valuable a professional guide would have been. Fortunately, we didn’t make the same mistake later when visiting other historical sites like Angkor Wat or Brazil's Serra da Capivara. Lesson learned!

Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins

Cahal Pech Cahal Pech is one of the oldest archaeological sites in Belize, with its earliest settlements dating back to approximately 1200 BC. The site consists of around 30 structureses arranged across 8 interconnected plazas, featuring various buildings with administrative, civic, ritual, and elite residential functions.

When we visited, we had the entire complex to ourselves—imagine exploring a Mayan ruin with no one else around! Later, a few other tourists showed up, but it remained a wonderfully quiet experience.

Mayan Ruins of El Caracol

Caracol was the largest and most powerful Mayan settlement in Belize. At its peak around 650 AD, it had an estimated population of over 100,000, rivaling Tikal in Guatemala in significance.

The tallest structure at El Caracol, called Caana or the “Sky Palace,” is a pyramid standing about 43 meters high, still the tallest man-made structure in Belize today. The site includes numerous plazas, temples, stelae, and causeways that link different residential and ceremonial areas.

Cave tubing

One activity that was an absolute must during our visit to Belize — and one I highly recommend — is cave tubing, a type of gentle rafting through cave systems.

We did our cave tubing tour with Branch Cellars. After being outfitted with life jackets and helmets, we began with a 30-minute hike along a forest trail, which led us to the banks of the Caves Branch River. That’s where the adventure truly started: each of us had our own inner tube, all tied together to form a kind of “floating centipede” as we drifted downriver. We floated through caves and forests, surrounded by impressive scenery. Along the way, we spotted various birds and were thrilled by a family of capuchin monkeys playing in a tree near the river. We even heard the distinct calls of howler monkeys echoing in the distance. The kids absolutely loved it!

ATM Cave – Actun Tunichil Muknal

When planning our trip to Belize, one place at the top of my list was the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, commonly known as ATM.

This full-day adventure involves a forty-five minute hike that includes crossing three rivers (no bridges!), followed by swimming into the cave’s entrance. Once inside, you continue on foot through the dry sections of the cave, eventually reaching an area once used by the Mayans, where you can see ritual artifacts and skeletal remains, some of which are nearly complete skeletons.

Swimming skills are essential for this tour, and since our daughters were still very young at the time, we decided to save Actun Tunichil Muknal cave for our next trip to Belize.

Snorkeling and diving in Caye Ambergris and Caye Caulker

With the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere — and the second largest in the world—Belize is a paradise for marine life enthusiasts. The Belize Barrier Reef is so significant that UNESCO has designated it a World Heritage site.

One of the most popular tours in the area is snorkeling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and swimming with sharks at Shark Ray Alley — yes, you read that right: swimming with sharks! On our first day in Ambergris Caye, we visited a local agency in town and booked our tour for the following day.

The boat picked us up right from the pier in front of our hotel, and after about a fifteen-minute ride, we arrived at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Hol Chan is one of the best spots for snorkeling in Belize — and since Belize is one of the top snorkeling and diving destinations worldwide, you can imagine how incredible this experience was. The variety and sheer number of fish and marine life were unbelievable.

From there, the boat continued on to Shark Ray Alley. Suddenly, a swarm of nurse sharks and southern stingrays appeared around the boat. It turns out the guides throw bits of fish into the water to attract them. They explained that this spot was once a fishing area before it became a reserve. Fishermen used to clean their catch there, tossing the remains into the sea, which attracted sharks over time as it became a reliable food source.

Then, it was time to jump in. Though the guides reassured us it was safe, I felt a bit nervous, with the "Jaws" theme song playing in my head! But then I thought, “When will I ever get the chance to swim with sharks again?” So, I took the plunge and soon found myself swimming alongside these incredible creatures—a memory for a lifetime!

The complete tour lasts around 3.5 hours and can also be done from Caye Caulker.

There is also a full day tour option that, in addition to these two stops, includes several snorkeling stops along the way and a visit to Caye Caulker.

Great Blue Hole

One of my must-do activities in Belize was visiting the famous Great Blue Hole, one of the largest of its kind in the world.

This remarkable natural wonder formed from a collapsed cave when sea levels were much lower. Now, it’s a near-perfect circular coral reef, three hundred meters wide and one hundred twenty four meters deep, situated about seventy kilometers off the coast of Belize.

While snorkeling is an option, the real thrill lies in diving into the Blue Hole’s depths.

Tours to the Great Blue Hole are full-day adventures, with a boat ride of about two to three hours each way and several hours spent at the site. But beware — the Blue Hole is located in open sea, so the boat ride can be quite rough, and seasickness is common. We were forewarned about this by our tour agency, and, in the end, we didn’t take the tour.

Another fantastic way to experience the Blue Hole is from the air, via a helicopter tour. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make this happen either.

Secret Beach

Despite the name, it’s no secret that Secret Beach is the best beach on Ambergris Caye. Think Caribbean paradise: powdery white sand, turquoise waters, no waves, and warm, inviting water. This is Secret Beach.

When we were there, it was the only beach on the island free from the troublesome sargassum seaweed. Since it’s on the west side of the island, facing the mainland, ocean currents carrying the algae don’t reach Secret Beach.

The best way to get to Secret Beach is by renting a golf cart! In fact, golf carts are the easiest way to get around the island. We rented one for two days from a small rental place on the road between our hotel and the town center, which cost about half of what the hotel would’ve charged us — and it was absolutely worth it.

If you’re staying on Caye Caulker, I’d recommend making the trip to Ambergris Caye to spend some time at Secret Beach. At the pier on both islands, you’ll find boats going back and forth; just show up and negotiate your fare.

Mayan Ruins of Altun Ha

Altun Ha a fascinating Mayan ruin site, is located on the Belize mainland. Even if you’re staying on the islands of Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye, it’s possible to visit Altun Ha on a day trip.

Since we had already explored several Mayan ruins in both Belize and Guatemala, we decided to save Altun Ha for another visit. However, if you’re not planning to head to the San Ignacio region, a trip to Altun Ha could be a great option to experience Belize’s rich Mayan history.