Explore Ambergris Caye
Belize is the perfect combination of nature, ruins and beaches. After tasting the first two, spend one to four days on the beautiful Ambergris Caye to experience the third. Belize has up to 200 cays (another word for island; pronounced key), the largest of which is Ambergris Caye. It is the perfect place to relax, enjoy fresh seafood and take in the beauty of the beach.
Ambergris Caye is 25 miles or 40 kilometers long, and while you’ll see several cars and trucks delivering goods around the island, the most common way to get around is by golf cart or bicycle. This complements the island’s relaxed atmosphere, because who wouldn’t incorporate a golf cart adventure into their idea of paradise?
The island’s main town, San Pedro, is a mix of colorful restaurants, roadside shacks and local homes, as well as quirky upscale hotels. The narrow cobblestone streets are a delight to stroll through and they add a sense of history to the town now centered around tourism.
Although Ambergris Caye is an island, the beach is thin, so you’re always just steps away from the sparkling waters. secret Beach, no longer an unknown, has become the island’s best spot for sunbathing.
Sea turtles in Houqiang National Park. eskystudio/Shutterstock
Visit the Houqiang Marine Reserve
Aside from soaking up the island’s atmosphere, the main reason visitors head to Ambergris Caye is to visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located just off the coast of the island and arguably the best of the seven marine reserves along the incredible Belize Barrier Reef.
The transparent waters of Hol Chan Marine Reserve even allow you to look down on the reef from the comfort of your boat. But, of course, the true beauty of the reef cannot be appreciated without snorkeling gear.
The reserve is divided into four sections, Seagrass Beds, Mangroves, Coral Reefs and Shark Valley. The last two areas are the most popular because they are home to vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life that thrive thanks to the reserve’s protection.
The Post Strong Marine Reserve is located just 6 kilometers (4 miles) south of Ambergris Caye. Not surprisingly, this is the most popular day trip from San Pedro, whether you’re keen on snorkeling or scuba diving.
Go Diving in the Blue Hole
Truly, there is no more iconic experience than diving the Blue Hole of Belize. Talk about an adventure like no other!
When viewed from above, you’ll have no doubt how the Blue Hole got its name. This navy blue circle looks like a portal to another world, surrounded by turquoise waters and bright green corals. Diving there is on the wish list of many divers, but snorkeling in the eerie waters is an equally enjoyable experience.
The Blue Hole is located within the Belize Barrier Reef, the second longest coral reef in the world. It is officially a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous dive sites you will ever encounter; it can even be seen from space!
It is thought to have been formed over 10,000 years ago when the roof of the limestone cave collapsed, opening up a world of tunnels, stalactites and adventure.
Now, frankly, the Blue Hole is just that – a hole. Because of this, you won’t see much when you’re below the surface of the water. Corals can’t grow in these dark waters, and fish tend to avoid them. And you can’t dive to the bottom of the Blue Hole, because it’s 400 feet (120 meters) deep!
But what you will encounter is a dive that truly meets the unique definition of a dive site. You’ll encounter the remains of limestone caves: stalactites and stalagmites, and then hundreds of sharks. As a diver, this is truly one of the coolest experiences.
One last note about diving the Blue Hole: this is definitely not a dive for beginners. You will need to obtain a PADI Advanced Open Water qualification, as you will be taken to a depth of 40 meters (130 feet) and your surroundings will be dark and dangerous. The Blue Hole has one of the highest death counts of any dive site, with up to 200 bodies believed to be at the bottom.
In other words, if you are nervous or unsure about diving, I recommend you snorkel instead.
Snorkeling is definitely worth a try! Snorkelers can swim along the edge of the cave and examine the coral and calcium deposits, as well as the more diverse marine life. You won’t see stalactites and stalagmites, but you will see tons of fish!
Discovering ancient Mayan ruins
I’ll throw my hands up here and admit that I wasn’t the biggest fan of the archaeological site when I was traveling. But that’s exactly why you should listen.
Because the ruins of Belize are absolutely breathtaking! Let’s face it: if someone like me who claims to avoid vandalism urges you to add these structures to your travel itinerary, you’ll know they’re going to be special.
You’ll find Mayan ruins scattered throughout the country, but the most impressive remains are located in the Cayo district in the western part of the country. Immerse yourself in lovely San Ignacio while exploring these ancient structures, and you’ll find yourself in a lovely town with great food, cheap accommodations, welcoming residents, and – surprisingly – so many butterflies.
The most impressive site in this part of the country is Xunantunich (pronounced shoo-nan-too-nitch). If you only have time to see one set of ruins during your time in Belize, then you should check this one out.
At Xunantunich, you’ll find an incredible Mayan ruin that stands atop a dense rainforest and mossy rocky ridges. The name translates to Maid of the Rock, a famous ceremonial center. All in all, there are more than two dozen palaces and temples to explore, and further excavations are still in progress.
As you wander the grounds, you’re likely to hear dinosaurs roaring in the treetops.
A what?
Explore Ambergris Caye
Belize is the perfect combination of nature, ruins and beaches. After sampling the first two, spend one to four days on the beautiful Ambergris Caye to experience the third. Belize has up to 200 cays (another word for island; pronounced key), the largest of which is Ambergris Caye. It is the perfect place to relax, enjoy fresh seafood and take in the beauty of the beach.
Ambergris Caye is 25 miles or 40 kilometers long, and while you’ll see several cars and trucks delivering goods around the island, the most common way to get around is by golf cart or bicycle. This complements the island’s relaxed atmosphere, because who wouldn’t incorporate a golf cart adventure into their idea of paradise?
The island’s main town, San Pedro, is a mix of colorful restaurants, roadside shacks and local homes, as well as quirky upscale hotels. The narrow cobblestone streets are a delight to stroll through and they add a sense of history to the town now centered around tourism.
Although Ambergris Caye is an island, the beach is thin, so you’re always just steps away from the sparkling waters. secret Beach, no longer an unknown, has become the island’s best spot for sunbathing.
Visiting the Hou Kiang Marine Reserve
Aside from soaking up the island’s atmosphere, the main reason for visitors to Ambergris Caye is to visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located just off the coast of the island and arguably the best of the seven marine reserves along the incredible Belize Barrier Reef.
。
The transparent waters of Hol Chan Marine Reserve even allow you to look down on the reef from the comfort of your boat. But, of course, the true beauty of the reef cannot be appreciated without snorkeling gear.
The reserve is divided into four sections, Seagrass Beds, Mangroves, Coral Reefs and Shark Valley. The last two areas are the most popular because they are home to vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life that thrive thanks to the protection of the reserve.
The Post Strong Marine Reserve is located just 6 kilometers (4 miles) south of Ambergris Caye. Not surprisingly, this is the most popular day trip from San Pedro, whether you’re keen on snorkeling or scuba diving.
