7 Amazing Experiences In Ambergris Caye, Belize

Just off Belize’s coast is The Great Blue Hole, a large underwater sinkhole at the center of Lighthouse Reef.

Day trips to the Blue Hole from San Pedro are common, with options like scuba diving, snorkeling and air travel offered by many tour companies.

Unless you’re a big scuba diver, my recommendation would be to visit the Blue Hole from the air. From above, it’s easy to get a sense of the sinkhole’s depth. The Blue Hole appears as a perfect, dark blue circle surrounded on all sides by the shallow, turquoise Caribbean reef and water.

This was the one activity I didn’t have time for on my first trip, but it’s definitely at the top of my bucket list upon my return.

No tropical vacation would be complete without dining on the beach at least once, and Ambergris Caye is no exception.

Just a short trek north of San Pedro proper, is my favorite beach dinner spot: Portofino Beach Resort Hotel. This secluded location boasts five star service and romantic ambiance.

Request beach dining in advance for this intimate dinner setup near or on the hotel’s dock and away from other guests.

If you’re visiting Ambergris Caye, chances are you’ve heard a few whispers about Secret Beach. Despite its name, Secret Beach is a popular swimming spot just north of San Pedro town.

Here, you’ll find beautifully clear and shallow turquoise water perfect for taking an enviable vacation photo and simply relaxing. However, because this spot is so sought-after, you’ll need to arrive early for crowd-free photos and lounge chairs.

To get there, simply take a golf cart up the main road leading north from San Pedro. After about 4.5 miles, you’ll see “The Junction”, which has a grouping of business signs and a dirt road all leading you left. Take the left turn, and after about 15 minutes you’ll have reached Secret Beach.

Because of the hot Caribbean sun and the long drive, make sure to pack loads of sunscreen before departing your hotel. The Beach has a few restaurants and bars, but not many spots to purchase or borrow necessities like sunscreen!

If you’re looking for a water activity that’s a little less adrenaline pumping than flying over a sinkhole or swimming with sharks, try kayaking around the island!

Chances are your hotel will have kayaking and other water sports equipment for guest use. But if not, there are plenty of water sports shops in San Pedro that offer rental equipment.

Caye Caulker is located just one island over from Ambergris Caye. Slightly less commercialized than San Pedro town, the smaller island has a lot more character – with colorful wooden buildings and palapa huts around every corner.

The main attraction on the island though has to be The Split, a section of clear turquoise water separating both ends of the island. Originally caused by Hurricane Hattie, The Split is now a prime tourist spot with multiple bars, a sandy beach, a dock for sun bathing and a large diving area.