Belize’s largest island, Ambergris Caye is a tropical paradise offering multiple outdoor activities. Whether it’s a sunset sail along the coast, a dive into the depths of the Great Blue Hole, or a bike ride around the island, adventures on Ambergris Caye are abundant. Here are the best of many that await.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Belize’s most impressive underwater environments are just a short boat ride away from Ambergris Caye. Take a day trip to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where an incredible variety of marine creatures can be seen swimming around colorful coral formations. Among the highlights of the reserve is Shark Ray Alley, where nurse sharks and southern stingrays are known to swarm boats and divers. Bountiful marine life, including sea turtles, can also be seen at Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve and at the Great Blue Hole ocean sinkhole—both part of the UNESCO-listed Belize Barrier Reef System.
Sailing and Water Sports
The sun-warmed waters around Ambergris Caye make a memorable setting for a sailing trip. Take a sunset boat tour along the white-sand coast, watching for dolphins and sea turtles in the waters below, or cruise along San Pedro Lagoon, where you might spot manatees. For more action-packed adventure tours, hop aboard a Jet Ski or test your balance with a kitesurfing or paddleboarding session.
Cycling and Golf Cart
With little motor traffic to contend with and a pleasing sea breeze blowing, cycling on Ambergris Caye is a real treat. Spend the day peddling your way around the island, stopping at must-see sights such as Secret Beach. If you’re wary of overexertion, go with a golf cart rental instead, so you can travel between one end of the island and the other without so much as breaking a sweat.
Explore Maya Ruins
Remnants of Central America’s Maya civilization, which stretched from southern Mexico to Nicaragua in the first millennium AD, are scattered all around Belize. On Ambergris Caye, you can explore the remains of the old Marco Gonzalez Maya site. Though mainland Belizean sites, such as Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, are larger, Marco Gonzalez is still fascinating, with shards of pottery and other artifacts offering insight into Maya life on the island.