
- 3 nights in Placencia
- 3 nights in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)
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Of all the dozens of cayes that float in the Caribbean waters off the coast of Belize, the best known and popular is the Ambergris Caye. Spanning about 30 miles north to south alongside the Belizean Barrier reef, it is the northern most caye and closest neighbor to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. While the Ambergris Caye serves as Belize’s prime tourist destination, a unique quality about this island is that it does not exhibit a ‘touristy’ feel. There are no high-rise hotels, chain stores, or huge gaudy nightclubs. Big buses don’t congest the roads. Instead, barefooted people and golf carts share the sand-paved streets. Ambergris Caye is a small tropical paradise ideal for the sun, sand, exploration, and relaxation, as stretches of white sanded beach run parallel to the reef on the eastside and wildlife flourishes all along the western shore. Small bungalow style resorts offer private and personal atmospheres. Eclectic restaurant menus satisfy every craving and curiosity in flavorful ambiance. Evening strolls set to the music of local mariachi bands lead many to dancing at local bars, enjoying good music, and occasionally being called up for their turn at Karaoke.
About half a mile off shore, draped along the beach on the eastside of the island is the longest and most spectacular coral necklace in the Western Hemisphere, the Belize Barrier Reef. Known to have more sea life per square foot than any other place in the world, it reigns as the most popular spots to dive into. Because the sea between the reef and shore is generally no more than 15 feet deep, the shallow waters are the perfect temperature for hours of exploration. Filled with magnificant coral, exotic fish, and colorful plants, the reef is ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Plenty of dive boats wade in the waters just beyond the reef as divers explore life under the hulls. The findings are incredible as the bottom suddenly slopes in a series of steps and canyons that house an abundance of multicolored coral, unusual sea urchins, and exotic aquatic life. Local dive shops are equipped with licensed, professional dive guides and full gear rentals, offer all levels of certification, and provide daily trips to the reef and all local dive sites.
For those who do not dive, but still want to explore the magnificence of the reef, snorkeling is ideal, not to mention the most popular sport among visitors. Shark-Ray Alley is one of the most popular spots for divers and snorkelers wishing to get up close and personal with sharks and rays. It is described as one of the best animal dive sites in the Caribbean. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is another popular dive site located four miles southeast of San Pedro Town. Inside the reef, both snorkelers and divers can swim with a variety of fish including sharks, stingrays, and moray eels in the clear shallow blue. Night diving is popular to see an array of nocturnal sea creatures that are completely unlike those observed during the day.
Ambergris Caye isn’t as big on hanging out at the beach all day as it is on filling up the morning and afternoon with activities before returning at the day’s end for a tranquil evening. A variety of activities to enjoy are offered both offshore and inland. For more information, please click below.
Evidence has led to the belief that the Mayans first inhabited the island, clearing the narrow channel that divides the Caye from the southern tip of the Yucatan. After their disappearance, whalers discovered the Caye, followed by the arrival of buccanears, explorers, and coconut plantations.
The island was purchased for $635 by James Hume Blake in the 1800’s from the British government. After a failed industry of coconut farming, fishing took over the island’s main economy.
Beginning in the 1970’s, tourism gradually started to replace fishing as Ambergris’s main source of wealth as a steady rise in visitors wishing to indulge in the island’s crystal waters, sun-laced beaches, and gracious community became apparent. However, fishing still remains closely tied to the roots of this island.
Most tourists who visit Belize fly directly to San Pedro, the island’s sole town. Situated near the southern tip, it is about 8 blocks by 4 blocks in square area, a place small enough to feel right at home in about an hour’s walk.
Super relaxed and lazy, San Pedro possesses a friendly, outgoing, and safe vibe. Boutiques, cafes, Tiki bars, guesthouses, shops, and restaurants fill the village. Golf carts and bicycles easy to rent kick up sand as they buz through the streets. The locales, or San Pedroans, are very hospitable and generally have time to help out with any questions when approached.
Founded in the mid 1800’s, Ambergris is now a colorful and picturesque center mixed with the Caribbean, a bit of Mexico, palm trees, soft sand, clear torquoise water, great stories, and plenty of reasons to revisit time and time again.
Many small settlements also lie to the north and south of San Pedro. As more people acquire land on Ambergris Caye, their pieces of paradise are often christianed with original names and unique features that both visitors and locals have come to love and enjoy. Such communities include: San Juan, Boca Del Rio, San Pablo, San Miguel, San Telmo, Sunset Coves, San Pedrito located along the San Pedro Lagoon, Tres Cocos , Las Palmas, and Basil Jones.
Belize is a rewarding, authentic destination for finding unique, intimate. Serenely situated in one of the last unspoiled places on earth, you can easily tour Belize’s rain forests or explore mystical Maya temples – all during the same adventure. Belize is renowned for both its preserved ancient treasures as well as its welcoming residents – often referred to as the country’s greatest natural resource. An enduring commitment to preservation of Belizean lands and waters inspires a genuine and intimate connection with Belize. All our half or full day tours and activities are private and specially designed to cater to the groups specific needs and wants, enabling you to enjoy Belize's beauty. Unless listed otherwise, each excursion departs daily. These are also only a sample of our most popular day tours, please contact us should you be interested in something specific.
*Recommended gear for all these tours: comfortable walking or hiking shoes, light clothing, bathing suite, sunscreen, sunglasses, drinking water.
Only Xunantunich Maya Ruins Tour: *Please inquire for details and pricing Tour includes: Private transportation, entrance fees, English speaking tour guide & lunch (only on full day tour)
Only Barton Creek Water Cave: *Please inquire for details and pricing Tour includes: Private transportation, entrance fees & English speaking tour guide.
*Please inquire for details and pricing Tour includes: Private transportation, entrance fees & English speaking tour guide
*Please inquire for details and pricing Tour includes: Private transportation, entrance fees, English speaking tour guide & lunch
Cave Tubing at Jaguar Paw & Belize Zoo Tour Please inquire for details and pricing Cave Tubing at Jaguar Paw & Canopy Tour (Zip Lining) Please inquire for details and pricing Tour includes: Private transportation, entrance fees, English speaking tour guide & lunch (only if full day tour)
*Please inquire for details and pricing Tour includes: Private transportation, entrance fees, English speaking tour guide & lunch (only if full day tour)
*Please inquire for details and pricing Tour includes: Private transportation, entrance fees, English speaking tour guide & lunch (only if full day tour)
Chechem Ha Cave & Xunantunich Maya Ruins Tour *Please inquire for details and pricing Tour includes: Private transportation, entrance fees, English speaking tour guide & lunch
The friendliest resort sitting on the powdery sand of Mar de Tumbo Beach just south of San Pedro Town on the Ambergris Caye of Belize.
Ramon's Village is a sanctuary nestled in a tropical garden of Royal Palms, bougainvillea, lilies, hibiscus and tropical flora.
With a private beach, first-class accommodations, unforgettable tours and activities, and all the amenities you could ask for, Captain Morgans Retreat is the ideal resort for your next Caribbean vacation.
The charming ocean front SunBreeze Beach Hotel is a great base to coordinate your diving, snorkeling, fishing trips, or an archaeological adventure on the mainland of Belize.
The SunBreeze Suites Hotel is situated on the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, a fast growing vacation destination allowing for the perfect balance between modern amenities mixed with the charm of a small island.
Victoria House is a complete and total retreat, free from the boundaries and pressures of day-to-day life and renowned as one of the best bare-foot resorts in the region.
Nestled between the lush Maya Mountains and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Hamanasi is a special place from which you can explore the best of Belize on and offshore.
Escape to paradise with a short water-taxi ride from the village of San Pedro and awaken your spirit to an alluring realm of white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and lush tropical greenery while staying at the Matachica Resort and Spa.
Portofino is located on Ambergris Caye, the largest Island (Caye) along the Belize Barrier Reef (second largest in the world).
Located just 3.5 miles north of San Pedro, Las Terrazas Resort invites you to experience exceptional, spacious townhome-style accommodations and gracious hospitality.
Coco Beach Resort is nestled on a stretch of pristine white sandy beach, a haven of romance, barefoot luxury, relaxation and adventure.
The villas of Azul are designed to marry the best of natural elements and materials with modern comforts and sophisticated conveniences.
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