Ambergris Caye
What comes to mind when you think of Belize? If you’re like most, it’s “diving”. Some older folk may think British Honduras, but we think cute, small beaches. You can’t get away from the diving culture here. Some of the top dive spots are here. So plan at least a snorkel trip.
This paradise is just sitting here waiting for you. There is good reason why dive companies keep coming back here over and over. Belize has super-clear water, and tons of friendly fish. And if you have dived Belize, we’d like to know about it. Write us.
We’re in Ambergris Caye, and as you can see, the turquoise waters here are the clearest in the Caribbean. You can easily see the bottom at several points around us. And this part of the coast off Belize is alive with fish and all manner of marine life. Because locals are trying hard to keep this place green, the work is paying off and tourist keep coming back. Is is sustainable?
Parrot fish, bull sharks, Spanish mackerel, yellow tail snapper, barracuda, all make their home here.Sport fishing is as good here as it is off Los Cabos.
And the beaches are much better according to some. Belize is the best of both worlds: friendly and full of marine life. Now a prime destination for those eager to swap gray skies and chilly weather in the north for blue water and fresh seafood. If you’ve been to several Caribbean islands, but want something different, Belize might be your place.
And, hey, they speak English here! People seem truly grateful for every tourist, and you just can’t overlook the brilliant, varied marine life that snorkelers and divers love.Belize mainland is 180 miles long and around 68 miles at the widest point. But if you’ve heard of Belize, it’s probably because of its famous “cayes” or islands. More than 200 of them dot the coastline inside the world’s second-largest coral reef.
You’ve probably already booked your trip here, but if not, shop around to see what you can get on air and land packages. There are awesome diving packages as well. Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in San Pedro
Belize is about a 2-hour flight from Miami and Houston. Direct flights are available in several U.S. gateway cities, and from Cancun and Chetumal, Mexico. In-country airlines are Tropic Air and Island Air, serving Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Placencia and Punta Gorda.
Food is good and the atmosphere is totally Caribbean, which means leave the stress back in the office back in your country. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and come find what God put here for you. Everyone is laid back here and hurry is not a word they know. And for good reason! Now, let’s hop over to some of the beaches. We’ll start out with the ones around here, Ambergris Caye, home to the town of San Pedro.
Yes, there are beaches in Belize, but not many. Ambergris Caye has a few worthy beaches, but remember, what makes a pristine diving location is the fact there isn’t much sand around. And so it is with Belize. This place is easy to get to and not far from the USA, so it’s worth a visit if you want to have a little beach time, but really want to see the creatures under the sea. Make sure you get some online reviews of dive operations before you head here. There are some good salespeople on these shores. Also, get your expectations addressed in advance so you won’t be disappointed.
First, there are a few excellent beaches that line the resorts and have full facilities and are open to the public. You can generally tell when the beach is man made and closed to visitors. But these are rare in Belize. So your choice is in an around the resorts.
Okay, I know what you’re going to say. Ambergris Caye is a diving destination, not a beach resort destination of sorts. Snorkeling – yes, scuba diving– for sure, fishing – you bet! All are superb.
But before you reserve your ticket to San Pedro, know that there really isn’t any beach to speak of on Ambergris Caye. There is a thin strip of sand that runs the length of the island. And when we asked, locals say that even at low tide, you just won’t find a whole lot of room.
Tip: Walk north or south from town along the ocean to find a secluded spot where you can sit and gaze on the vast sea. You’ll be alone. Most everyone else is out at the big blue hole, diving.
Now some of the beach front hotels have created their own beaches by building retaining walls and filling them in with sand. These are at the resorts on the north half of Ambergris Caye, and at Victoria House.
Swimming isn’t very good, either. For about the length of a football field, the bottom is covered withsea grass. And while it doesn’t look good, we agree with the local government that protects this environment which supports a prime part of the food chain. Beneath the sea grass is a layer of spongy roots, organic matter, and white sand. When we walked on it, it was a little unnerving (think stingray or sea urchin). It’s pretty easy to trip as you make your way out.
Tip: Swimming is best off the piers and your hotel will probably have one. These normally have steps down to the water and a nice, roped off swimming area.
Danger: Don’t try to snorkel out from the shore to the reef. More than one swimmer over the years has been run over by speeding boats. The traffic in the channel is fast and furious.
Finally, take a listen to some local opposition to a new development called South Beach Belize. It may disturb the fragile ecosystem of the reef and mangrove rookeries.
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