Ambergris Caye/San Pedro

Ambergris Caye and San Pedro

Ambergris Cay is billed as the "Belize vacation destination that offers everything except the crowds." Centuries ago Mayans who lived here created the island by digging a channel across the Yucatan Peninsula to protect this area. In doing so they left a paradise for visitors today.

Activities & Attractions

A little over a mile wide and 25 miles long, Ambergris is the largest of the Belize cayes (pronounced keys) and one of our top best beach vacations. Fringed by the Belize Barrier Reef, it is the perfect Belize vacation destination for those looking for scuba diving tours and certification lessons. The reef is so close (1/4 mile) that at low tide, Staghorn and Elkhorn coral break the surface. Over 35 of Belize’s most spectacular dive sites are within close proximity. Sport fishing is also quite popular in the waters off Ambergris Caye.

While there are many things to do on Ambergris, you'll probably want to explore mainland Belize as well. You can do so by booking an activity tour that will take you by boat from San Pedro to the mainland for popular Belize activities such as jungle river expeditions,  Mayan Ruin tours, or cave tours.

Most who choose Ambergris Caye as their beach vacation destination do so for the world-class scuba diving or the sport fishing, but eco tours are also popular here where things to do in Belize's favorite caye include exploring lagoons, mangroves, and isolated leeward islands, which are teeming with tropical marine and wildlife.
 
Wildlife on Ambergris Caye is similar to that found in southern Mexico. Over 200 species of birds can be found and what really surprises many is that the caye is also home to raccoons and white-tailed deer. Jaguar sightings have also been reported. So, if you enjoy wildlife, be sure to book an eco adventure for Ambergris Caye.

San Pedro Town

After a day of amazing diving or ecotours on Ambergris, step out into the cool evening for a night of fiesta. Here, tourists and islanders enjoy tropical drinks and listen to reggae, salsa and Spanish music at the bars and restaurants while sharing their activities of the day. At discos, the islanders are always happy to teach tourists how to punta.

Travel Tips

In the daytime, you will meet many friendly people going about their daily business, usually bare foot and dressed in T-shirts and shorts because the climate here is warm and laid back and the sand is soft. While the official language of Belize is English, Ambergris Caye locals speak a dialect that is a blend of English, Spanish, Creole, and Maya. If Belize travel plans are in your future, be sure to include an Ambergris Cay beach vacation, and remember to book early for popular tours and accommodations.