Belize Is Fun Blog

Unwind in Paradise at Ambergris Caye

Posted by ECBR on Oct 18, 2012 11:00:23 AM

Of all the jewel-like cayes in Belize, Ambergris Caye is the most precious gem. This narrow strip of paradise is a treasure trove of enchanting forest groves, blue lagoons, tropical savannahs and white sandy beaches. With so much beauty, it comes as no surprise that Ambergris Caye is one of Belize’s most popular tourist destinations. Historically, the fishing industry was the island’s main income, but the 1970s saw an increase in tourists because of the island’s innate beauty and unique hospitality of its inhabitants.

The Belize Barrier Reef lies to the east and continues for 190 miles along the coastline. On the northern tip, the reef touches land at a place called Mexico Rocks. The San Pedro Lagoon lies on the west and is connected to the Caribbean Sea by a small saltwater river. At every turn, the island offers seaside views and plenty of opportunities for fun water sports. Along with snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, water-skiing and boating, diving on Ambergris Caye is popular with both locals and tourists.

Scuba Diving

The three most popular areas for scuba diving are the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley and Mexico Rocks. Rated as one of the best places in the world for scuba diving by Skin Diver magazine, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a diver’s underwater paradise. Corals slope to 50 feet along a sea surface of gorgonians and sea fans. The colorful coral reef is dotted with large barrel sponges, yellow and azure sponges and a wide array of marine life. Barracuda, angelfish, groupers, stingrays, nurse sharks and schooling jacks are frequently seen.

Shark Ray Alley is ideal for divers who like close-up encounters with nurse sharks and southern stingrays. The nurse sharks and southern stingrays are accustomed to being fed by dive masters and will circle hungrily for something to eat. With its crystal clear waters, Shark Ray Alley is great for taking underwater pictures. There are also other colorful fish, including green morays, yellowtails and groupers. Diving on Ambergris Caye is an unforgettable lifetime experience.

Accommodations on the Island of Ambergris Caye

There are a variety of tropical beach resorts on Ambergris Caye, and the Exotic Caye Beach Resort is a favorite among tourists. From any of the oceanfront condos, guests can watch the waves break with panoramic views from the balconies. Both deluxe and standard rooms are offered with a fully-equipped kitchen, living room, cable TV and air conditioning. Guests enjoy the large swimming pools, kiddie pools, tennis courts and are given free access to the San Pedro Fitness and Gym Club. At the club, guests can bask in the sun on the spacious sundecks or take a class in yoga.

The resort also offers a wide variety of both mainland and water tours. Mainland tours include canoe trips on the Mopan River, overnight horseback riding trips and a visit to Butterfly Farm with gardens of tropical wildflowers. To learn more about the island’s Mayan history, guests at the resort can book tours to the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, Caracol and Cahal Pech. There are also boat excursions to the island’s best areas for snorkeling and scuba diving. For those who wish to stay closer to the resort, all of the equipment needed for kayaking, windsurfing, canoeing and sailing is provided by the resort.

Whether you want to relax in a beach-side hammock or take off for an island adventure, the Exotic Caye Beach Resort is the best of both worlds. With unsurpassed customer service and fine amenities, the Exotic Caye Beach Resort will help you grab a slice of your own personal paradise.

ECBR

Written by ECBR