As the largest island of Belize surrounded by the world’s second largest barrier reef, Ambergris Caye is a tropical paradise with year-round warm temperatures, long stretches of white sandy beaches and a playground of outdoor fun. At Ambergris Caye, there is always something fun to do and a destination waiting to be discovered. Visitors can book a wide range of adventure tours or venture out on their own. Visiting the ancient Mayan ruins of Altun Ha and tubing the spectacular cave networks in the Lamani Jungle should be top at the list. There are also plenty of wildlife opportunities like visiting the Belize Zoo or taking a river trip to spy the manatees.
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are the most popular areas for diving and snorkeling on Ambergris Caye. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a 30-foot-deep channel dotted with gorgeous coral grottoes and mysterious caves with colorful schools of fish. Picturesque with the wonders of the undersea, the reserve is like a decorated underwater aquarium. For the adventurous, there is a channel leading to deeper waters with nurse sharks, barracudas and giant groupers. It’s a great way to get some great underwater pictures.
Shark Ray Alley is just as exciting as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. There are plenty of opportunities to get up close with stingrays and eels. According to the Skin Diver magazine, the alley is one of the seven best animal dive sites in the Caribbean. Being only 8 feet deep, the alley is excellent for taking photos of the underwater marine life. There are other areas for snorkeling on Ambergris Caye, but these two are the best.
San Pedro is the largest town on the island and has a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. Many of the locals trek barefoot or ride bikes to get around. The old-time fishing village is quaint with narrow streets lined with picturesque boutiques, trendy cafes and restaurants serving up tasty local fare. Visitors will also find a wide array of native vendors selling handicraft items like beaded necklaces, woven baskets and leather goods.
Accommodations at Ambergris Caye
The Exotic Caye Beach Resort is one of the most popular resorts on the island. This upscale resort offers a wide range of suites, including standard, deluxe and honeymoon. All suites include fully-equipped kitchens, cable TV, Internet access, air conditioning, a dining area and a living room. With its thatched roofs, the resort captures the quintessential essence of island living. Every suite offers panoramic seaside vistas, and guests can enjoy watching the waves break and beautiful sunsets. At the resort, guests can enjoy the amenities of the resort-style swimming pool, air-conditioned gym and two lighted tennis courts. The resort is set on 300 feet of private beach with quick access to swimming, diving, snorkeling and other watersport activities.
Guests can also enjoy a seaside beverage at the Crazy Canuk’s Bar while mingling with the locals of San Pedro. There are plenty of fun activities at the bar, including beach horseshoe tournaments, beach grill-outs, dice games and lots of live music. The resorts also offer adventure tours for sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, jet skiing and canoeing.
The resort offers an authentic island experience, and the staff is well-known for their welcoming hospitality. Whether you want to soak up the island sun, relax in an ocean-side hammock or venture out for some island fun, the Exotic Caye Beach Resort is one of the island’s hidden gems.
