Experience a dream stay on one of the Caribbean's most enchanting cayes. A paradise corner of Belize awaits—set sail for Ambergris Caye and its stunning beaches of pristine sand!

Part of Belize's coral reef system, Ambergris Caye is the country's largest low-lying island. At the heart of the island stands San Pedro, the fifth most important city in Belize. Ambergris Caye is traversed by The River, located in the northern section of San Pedro.

Fringed with coconut palms, this Belizean island radiates a powerful tropical atmosphere. The perfect destination for scuba diving enthusiasts and water sports lovers, the island's reef promises unforgettable experiences: shark diving, manatee spotting, and more. You'll be left speechless by the striking Blue Hole, nestled half a mile off the Belizean coast.

The History of Ambergris Caye

The name Ambergris derives from ambergris, which was spotted abundantly on the island's beaches or floating in nearby waters during the 18th century. The Maya were the first to inhabit the territory, living off fishing and coconut harvesting. In 1867, during the Caste War, many Mexican refugees chose to settle on Ambergris Caye. Besides English, many island residents also speak Spanish.

San Pedro

Gateway to Ambergris Caye, San Pedro was once a small fishing village before becoming the island's main town in 1984. The shores of San Pedro are where boats dock as they pass through the island. A vibrant city, San Pedro delights nightlife enthusiasts. It's considered the diving and water sports capital of all Central America. Madonna's hit song "La Isla Bonita" was reportedly inspired by the city of San Pedro.

Ambergris Caye Today

Ambergris has become a highly sought-after ecological destination in Belize since 1970. It was named "the world's most beautiful island" by Traveler's Choice Island in 2014. Much of the island still preserves its pristine state.

Hotels, restaurants, and small shops abound on Ambergris Caye—you won't lack for anything, especially in San Pedro where tourist activities flourish.

What to Do on Ambergris Caye?

A Swimming Adventure Along the Island's Coasts

Around San Pedro, you'll find long beaches with fine sand. Hotels and restaurants are located right nearby. In the southeastern part of the island stretch superb white-sand beaches. The waters here are calm and warm. An incomparable spot for relaxation, you can spend a wonderful day under the shade of palm trees, swaying in a hammock.

Secret Beach

An inviting beach destination, Secret Beach boasts a highly attractive setting. White sand, palm trees, azure Caribbean waters—this magnificent beach beckons you to a day of pure relaxation. The best vantage point to take in a stunning sunset, Secret Beach promises a romantic getaway. Don't miss the delicious seafood offered by the numerous restaurants and food stands on site! You can even dine with your feet in the water.

The Marine Beauty of Ambergris Caye

Explore the Famous Belize Coral Reef

The world's second-largest coral reef after Australia's, Belize's Coral Reef has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996. Beyond Ambergris Caye, these Caribbean reefs are also formed by other extraordinary locations such as the Blue Hole, the Hol Chan Reserve…

Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve

Located north of the island, near the Mexican border, Bacalar Chico shelters rich biodiversity including white-lipped peccaries and jaguars. On its beaches roam sea turtles that come to lay their eggs. It also contains a mangrove forest, home to manatees and crocodiles.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Hol Chan canyons are renowned as a scuba diving and snorkeling destination. An underwater paradise! This reserve, rich in fauna and flora, allows you to discover a wide variety of marine species: manatees, corals, sea turtles… Don't miss the opportunity to swim with sharks at the popular Shark Ray Alley diving spot. Don't worry! The sharks seen in this area are harmless.

The Great Blue Hole

A limestone sinkhole 122 meters deep and 300 meters in diameter, the Blue Hole is truly a marvel of nature. You'll find impressive aquatic life there: elkhorn coral, angelfish… To admire it, a helicopter or plane tour is your best option, though you can also observe this impressive crater from a boat. An unparalleled experience!

Water Sports on Ambergris Caye

With an ideal setting for water activities, Belize's largest island will undoubtedly take your breath away. Kitesurfing, sailing, fishing, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling—everything is possible on Ambergris Caye.

Here are some diving sites where you can spend your day:

• Shark Ray Alley
• Esmeralda
• Mexico Rocks
• Tres Cocos
• Cypress Garden
• The Swollen Canyons

When to Visit Ambergris Caye?

Sunshine, fresh air, clear skies, warm waters—this is what everyone hopes for during a stay in Belize. With a subtropical climate, the best time to visit Ambergris Caye is between February and April.

The island receives rain for much of the year, though March is relatively spared from showers. October brings the heaviest rains.

Heat is intense in August, while December records the year's lowest temperatures.

By Water Taxi

From Belize City

Two companies offer service between Belize City and San Pedro: Caye Caulker Water Taxi Association and Belize Express Water Taxi Service. These ferries stop at Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. More affordable, fairly quick, and very pleasant, this option remains the most popular choice for tourists heading to the Caribbean Cayes.

From Chetumal (Mexico)

Offered by Belize Express Water Taxi and San Pedro Water Taxi, boats connect Chetumal to San Pedro.

From Corozal

From Corozal, you'll travel for about two hours with Thunderbolt to reach Ambergris.

From Caye Caulker

The two islands are neighbors. If you're passing through Caye Caulker, don't miss visiting Ambergris Caye. You'll take a water taxi to travel between them.

By Air

Fast and comfortable, a flight between Belize City and Ambergris Caye works well if you're pressed for time. You can also fly to San Pedro from San Ignacio, Corozal, Belmopan, or Orange Walk.

To navigate the island's sandy roads, golf carts are very common on Ambergris Caye. Most are available for rental to tourists.

While golf carts are highly popular, it's also pleasant to explore the island on foot, by bike, or on horseback. To observe the reef, you can opt for a boat taxi or fly over the area by helicopter.