Ambergris Caye
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Belize
Did you know?
- Rice and beans share local menus with lobster and conch.
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a snorkeling and diving draw.
- Golf carts dominate transport around the island.
See also
Caye Caulker
Belize17.74°N 88.03°W
Chetumal
Mexico18.50°N 88.31°W · 2 m
_-_panoramio.jpg){kind=link}
Mahahual
Mexico18.71°N 87.71°W · 1 m
Overview
Ambergris Caye pairs white-sand shores with a barrier reef just offshore. Its relaxed island atmosphere suits travelers who want beach time around snorkeling and diving outings.
Languages: Belizean Creole, English, Spanish
Why go?
Ambergris Caye is the largest of Belize's cayes and a top destination for tourists worldwide. It offers a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere with no high-rise hotels, beautiful star-white beaches, and the world's second-largest barrier reef just offshore. English is widely spoken, and the island has a sizable expat community.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
John Greif II Airport (IATA: SPR) is a modest airfield next to San Pedro town, served by regional flights. The San Pedro Belize Express water taxi offers frequent service from Belize City. First-class boats provide a comfortable ride.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Golf carts are the dominant form of transport, renting for around US$15 for 4 hours or US$25 per day (as of August 2020). Bikes are also available, and walking is common within San Pedro. Water taxis can be arranged through dive shops or resorts. A BZ$5 toll applies when crossing the bridge north of San Pedro.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The island is enjoyable year-round, but the rainy season (typically June–November) can make roads rough. Early July brings the annual Lobsterfest on nearby Caye Caulker, a popular event. Midweek is best for large diving excursions to spots like the Great Blue Hole.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Food on Ambergris Caye is inexpensive, especially street food. Local specialties include lobster, conch, and Belizean dishes like rice and beans. Elvi's is a top sit-down choice; for cheap eats, try El Papusaria (BZ$2.50 papusas) or Waraguma for burritos. The local beer is Belikin, and bars like Palapa Bar and The Sand Bar offer affordable drinks with ocean views.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Snorkeling and diving are must-dos, with the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the UNESCO-listed Great Blue Hole. Bacalar Chico Reserve on the Mexican border is another option. On weekends, local football matches take place near the airport. Relax on the beach with a rum drink.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget to upscale. Conch Shell Hotel offers basic beachfront rooms from US$25/night. Caribbean Villas provides villas with kitchens, while SunBreeze Hotel and Victoria House are mid-range to high-end. Many resorts also arrange tours and dive trips. Calling ahead is recommended.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A backpacker can get by on around US$50-70 per day, including a dorm or budget room (US$25-50), street food meals (BZ$2.50-15 each), and a few drinks. Diving trips are extra but can be coordinated with shops. Expect to pay a BZ$5 toll for the bridge if going north.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include Caye Caulker (by water taxi), the Turneffe Atoll and Great Blue Hole for diving (need group of 8-10), and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Lobsterfest on Caye Caulker is a special event in early July. Onward travel to San Ignacio on the mainland is also common.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Ambergris Caye, water taxis and flights connect to Caye Caulker and Belize City. From there, you can reach San Ignacio, Tikal in Guatemala, or other Belizean destinations.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Captain Morgan's Retreat
You can choose between thatched cabanas that lie on the 1,100 feet (300 m) of white sandy beaches or enjoy the full amenities offered at the villas and condos. Captain Morgan’s Retreat has on site the only casino available in Ambergris Caye.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Caribbean Villas
On the southern edge of San Pedro with multi-bedroom villas, a pool, and inclusive breakfast; kitchens available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Conch Shell Hotel
Basic, clean beachfront hotel at a very low price; no AC but ocean breezes.
Recorded price: US$25 per night in low season, doubles in high season
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Grand Caribe Belize Resort and Condominiums
Every condo in this resort has breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Barrier Reef, which lies about 1/2 mile off shore.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Las Terrazas Resort
Las Terrazas Belize Resort is an oceanfront resort, a member of the Preferred Hotel Group and on 4.8 acres of private beachfront property.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Sapphire Beach Resort
Along the beach near the Blue Hole.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
SunBreeze Hotel
An oceanfront hotel at the South Side of the heart of San Pedro. It has a freshwater pool, art gallery, massage studio, dive shop, bar and a restaurant (Blue Water Grill). They offer a great variety of packages for scuba diving and other activities. A great place for a family holiday.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Sunset Beach
Peaceful 12-condo resort just south of San Pedro with 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom condos, the largest sleeping up to 8 guests. All condos have central air-con, fans, Wi-Fi (which extends throughout the resort) and cable TV. The resort has a pool, pier with palapa, outdoor dining/grill area, 200 feet (60 m) of white sandy beach and complimentary bikes & kayaks.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Food
Street food is cheap and delicious. Try papusas at El Papusaria (BZ$2.50) or the breakfast combo at Estelle's (BZ$15).
Language
English is widely spoken, making communication easy for most travelers.
Money
The Belize dollar (BZ$) is pegged to the USD at 2:1. US dollars are widely accepted. ATMs are available in San Pedro.
Tipping
Tipping is customary; 10-15% in restaurants is standard.
Transport
Golf carts are the main rental vehicle; bikes and walking are fine within San Pedro. A BZ$5 toll applies at the bridge north of town.
Water
Tap water in San Pedro is safe to drink; on the mainland and smaller islands, stick to bottled water.