Ambergris Caye, Belize Journey Information

Peeking above aquamarine waves that cover the world’s second-largest barrier reef, Belize’s Ambergris Caye first emerged as a vacation spot for the daring. Drawing collectors of nice experiences, like diving the depths of the Nice Blue Gap or chasing after 100-pound tarpon on deep-sea fishing charters, it was initially a Caribbean island synonymous with journey.

Larger and buzzier inns and resorts, and even a Six Senses property set to debut later this yr, are popping up alongside its white sands as Ambergris Caye steps into a brand new highlight. “Guests are discovering there’s a lot to do in Ambergris Caye, past simply the fishing and diving that first introduced individuals right here,” says Scott McArdle, normal supervisor of Alaia Belize, Autograph Assortment. “Within the span of simply at some point, you possibly can take pleasure in conventional Belizean delicacies on the seashore, go to Maya ruins, and even sail out to pretty little Caye Caulker.”

Regardless of the island’s rising enchantment amongst luxurious vacationers, its adventurous facet nonetheless attracts an eclectic crew able to crack open a coconut and ease into island time. With huge swaths of tangled mangrove forests and untouched stretches of shoreline, Ambergris Caye greets each sorts of vacationers with one thing supremely particular.

Greatest Accommodations and Resorts

Alaia Belize, Autograph Assortment

Severely spacious suites, a full-service spa, and a unique restaurant and bar to strive each night make the brand new Alaia Belize the darling of Ambergris Caye. An elevated rooftop infinity pool, reserved for adults, is a favourite spot for sundown cocktails, providing 360-degree views throughout the island and sea. You will in all probability by no means need to depart, however in case you do, the concierge can coordinate all the things from deep-sea fishing charters to treks to long-lost Maya ruins deep within the jungle. You’ll be able to even get PADI licensed on the resort’s personal onsite dive and snorkel tour store.

Mahogany Bay Resort & Seaside Membership, Curio Assortment by Hilton

With over 200 rooms unfold throughout its assortment of cottages, suites, and villas, Mahogany Bay Resort & Seaside Membership is likely one of the bigger resorts in Belize. Regardless of its dimension, its unparalleled dedication to native heritage, craftsmanship, and second-to-none service makes it really feel like a boutique property by way of and thru. A favourite amenity is the resort’s personal seashore membership, accessible by water taxi and full with a full-service seashore bar and grill, in addition to cabanas and hammocks suspended over impossibly clear waters.

Matachica Resort & Spa

The “personal by nature” tagline of Matachica Resort & Spa, a part of the Small Luxurious Accommodations of the World, feels supremely becoming for this secluded sanctuary by the water. Thatched-roof casitas set instantly on the sand really feel like an prompt invitation to unwind. All that tranquility is met by daring Caribbean flavors at Mambo and dwell music-powered joyful hours at Danny’s Treebar, wrapped round one of many property’s old-growth timber.

Victoria Home Resort & Spa

One of many first main resorts to open within the nation over 4 a long time in the past, Victoria Home Resort & Spa has had years of expertise perfecting the artwork of the beachfront trip in Belize. Set throughout 10 sprawling acres of sand are simply 42 rooms, casitas, and villas that match trendy luxuries with informal Caribbean cool, although the unique Admiral Nelson’s palapa-style seashore bar remains to be the place to be.

Greatest Issues to Do

Snorkel or dive in Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

The protected waters of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve sit just some miles south of Ambergris Caye, residence to among the richest areas of the nation’s barrier reef, together with the world’s finest snorkeling and dream-worthy dive websites. Shark Ray Alley is a very fashionable space with guests who dare to snorkel alongside turtles, stingrays, and even nurse sharks that slide peacefully by way of crystalline waters.

Go fishing.

Earlier than lovely new resorts began placing Ambergris Caye on the map with vacationers, fishermen flocked to bare-bones fishing lodges to take pleasure in lengthy days spent in pursuit of the “Grand Slam” catch of bonefish, tarpon, and allow. World-class fishing alongside the island’s reefs, within the shallow flats, and amidst deep blue ocean make half-day and full-day charters the most effective methods to cross the time, whether or not you are a newbie or an skilled angler.

Go to Secret Seaside.

“Secret Seaside is Ambergris Caye’s worst-kept secret,” quips Beth Clifford, proprietor of Mahogany Bay Resort & Seaside Membership. She estimates that as much as 80 % of the company at her resort make the 45-minute drive north to see what all of the hype is about. The shallow, clear waters of the island’s west coast lap towards white sand at a beachfront lined with bars and eating places famed for putting umbrella-shaded tables instantly within the water to maintain patrons cool. Count on a vibrant environment, maybe too boisterous for some, at any time of day.

Take a day journey to the jungle.

“Belize is well-known for the ‘sand and stone’ expertise, the place guests spend a few days on the mainland in a jungle lodge looking for Maya ruins and studying learn how to make chocolate earlier than spending a pair extra out on the islands,” explains McArdle. However from Ambergris Caye, spending the day exploring Maya pyramids and archeological websites is a straightforward day journey. Tour suppliers and resort concierges can set up your entire expertise so that you make it again in time for joyful hour by the ocean.

Greatest Eating places

Elvi’s Kitchen

When Doña Elvia began serving meals from a tiny takeout window at her home in San Pedro nearly 4 a long time in the past, she may have by no means guessed that at some point her delicacies can be thought-about among the finest in Ambergris Caye. Elvi’s Kitchen is now a favourite with locals and vacationers alike for dishes like recent fish ready in Maya adobo sauce and even distinctive vegan and vegetarian dishes like coconut ceviche and curry.

Caramba Restaurant

The meals at Caramba Restaurant is so recent “they will allow you to select the precise fish you need to eat for dinner,” says Richard Evanich, managing director at Mahogany Bay Resort & Seaside Membership. A seafood-heavy menu with all the things from octopus and snapper to lobster tails options Caribbean and Mexican-inspired dishes at what’s one among San Pedro’s hottest eating places.

El Fogón

Large pots full of soups, stews, and curries simmer over open flames at El Fogón, a neighborhood staple in downtown San Pedro identified for utilizing age-old cooking strategies to craft flavorful Belizean dishes like beef stew and fish soup paired with coconut rice. Open from Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, this tiny restaurant will get busy, so reservations are really helpful.

Blue Bayou

The primary overwater restaurant and bar at Secret Seaside, Blue Bayou impressed the now ubiquitous in-water eating at Ambergris Caye’s not-to-secret seashore spot. Chilly beers and frozen cocktails are a should, however a surprisingly different menu of dishes starting from ceviche and grilled fish to fried conch fritter awaits beachgoers as effectively.

Neri’s Tacos

Ask any native the place to seize a budget-friendly chew in San Pedro, and so they’re sure to suggest Neri’s Tacos, the place genuine Mexican avenue meals reminds you the border is only a stone’s throw away. Simply two blocks from the airport, it is a fashionable first cease for guests as quickly as they arrive on the island.

Areas to Go to

San Pedro

Simply three foremost streets run north to south by way of San Pedro, the one city on Ambergris Caye. Regardless of its tiny dimension, San Pedro is residence to a mixture of excursion-peddling tour firms, inexpensive lodging, and eating places and bars catering to everybody from salty fishermen and price range backpackers to vacationers headed for resorts. It sits just under a divide within the island crossed by a bridge, marking distinct north and south sides of the island.

The North Finish

Cross the bridge from San Pedro and really feel the tranquility set in as you head north by way of principally undeveloped stretches of mangrove forest that kiss lovely seashores alongside the coast. Most of the island’s bigger, extra upscale resorts are discovered on this a part of the island, however go too far, and you will hit bumpy roads that remind you it is typically simpler to journey by sea in Ambergris Caye.

The South Finish

The southern a part of Ambergris Caye is residence to San Pedro, however head additional south for a quieter space dotted with personal residences, villas, and a handful of resorts that take advantage of the island’s lovely beachfront. With nicer roads, it is simpler to entry this a part of the island.

Greatest Time to Go to

One of the best time to go to Ambergris Caye is between December and April when nice, sunny days remodel the island into the beachy haven that winter-weary guests crave. Might and June are typically a pleasant shoulder season when decrease costs and good climate converge, however understand that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November and brings an opportunity of tropical storms.

Fishermen flock to Ambergris Caye year-round, although native guides say it tends to be significantly straightforward to catch probably the most sought-after species between June and early September. Devoted snorkelers and divers will do higher to guide a visit for the drier months between December and April, when unbeatable underwater visibility offers Ambergris Caye a few of the clearest waters on the planet.

The convergence of Belize’s Independence Day and the festive St. George’s Caye Day within the first weeks of September carry native festivals, parades, carnivals, and loads of conventional Belizean bites to the island. “It is a good time to expertise a bit extra of the native tradition, and is conveniently probably the most inexpensive time to go to the island,” says McArdle.

The way to Get There

For many, the journey to Ambergris Caye begins by arriving at Belize Metropolis’s Philip S. W. Goldson Worldwide Airport (BZE). United Airways provides probably the most flights to Belize Metropolis of any provider, with nonstop service from Houston, Newark, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Denver. Nevertheless, a number of main carriers additionally supply flights into the town from throughout the U.S., some with seasonally dependent frequency.

From Belize Metropolis, a brief, 15-minute flight on small plane from native carriers Tropic Air or Maya Island Air join vacationers to San Pedro Airport (SPR). Flights depart from Belize Metropolis’s worldwide and municipal airports and boast breathtaking views over the electric-blue waters of the Caribbean that make the journey only one extra a part of the expertise. Alternatively, water taxis and ferries join the island to the town, making a number of each day journeys.

The way to Get Round

Downtown San Pedro is compact and walkable, so most guests staying near the town middle will not want to fret about transportation as soon as they’re settled in. These staying a bit farther from city, or just searching for a bit extra journey, will love that golf carts are the most well-liked mode of transportation on the island. They’re rentable from native retailers like Carts Belize or from among the island’s bigger inns and resorts.

“There is a sure enchantment to taking off in a golf cart and exploring the island, particularly its extra distant seashores, with freedom,” says McArdle, “however one of the best ways to get across the island is actually by boat.” Keep away from the uneven, unpaved roads on extra untouched stretches of the island by skirting across the shores, particularly to locations like Secret Seaside.