The Official San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Belize Travel Guide: What to Expect

During the time of the Maya, Ambergris Caye was an important trading post. The ruins that have since been excavated in the region reveal a rich hub of economic commerce. And while the area is still a commercial hub for the country, salable goods have been traded in for tourists in the intervening centuries. Ambergris Caye and the bustling town of San Pedro have become some of the most popular destinations in this Central American country due to its location alongside the north of Belize and its close proximity to the Barrier Reef. At points, the Island itself practically butts right against the reef.

That's made this island prime real estate. Ambergris Caye offers some of the most popular and luxuriant resorts throughout the entire country, and that brings a population surge to the town of San Pedro. This town boasts some of the most popular nightlife in Belize, and those looking to explore by day will find plenty of local culture to soak up. But that natural beauty that drew locals and visitors to the island in the first place has been incredibly well reserved as well. Ambergris Caye is still one of the best launching points for scuba diving, fishing, and snorkeling excursions, while its close proximity to the mainland means that you're never that far away from exploring the rest of Belize proper. It's also right around the corner from its neighbor to the north, as Mexico actually once laid claims to the island as part of their own territory.

Regardless of the popularity of Ambergris Caye, it's not crowded by the standards most Americans come to understand. The population of the entire island is somewhere in the range of two thousand, and the locals are known for their friendly and down-to-earth demeanors and their strong English fluency. Just keep in mind that Spanish is still the most popularly spoken language here.

Ambergris Caye may be separated by the Belizean mainland by water, but the popularity of it as a tourist destination and the generally pleasant weather throughout the country ensures that visitors always have a number of options for reaching their lodgings on the island either by boat or by plane. Whatever option you take to get here, Belize City is the primary way to access Ambergris Caye and the town of San Pedro.

If you're looking to take a connecting flight to Ambergris Caye, you have two options for your point of departure. Phillip Goldson International Airport and the municipal airstrip at Belize City are serviced by Tropic Air, and Maya Island Air, and there are hourly flights that offer direct access to San Pedro. The entire trip usually takes only 20 minutes, and flights typically run from 6:00 in the morning to 5:30 in the afternoon. You can expect a roundtrip ticket to cost you about $120 in American dollars.

While a flight may be the quickest way to get to San Pedro, the water taxis that service the area are both cheaper and a better way to indulge yourself in the natural scenery. These water taxis depart from the pier beside Bliss Auditorium and the historic Swing Bridge, both in Belize City proper. While there are quite a few options, the two prime taxis you'll want to consider are the Caye Caulker water taxi and the San Pedro water taxi. Round trip costs normally cost about $28. Just keep in mind that the water ferries cannot carry cars with them, but strategically choosing a resort or hotel will allow you to get to most of the action on the island without having to rent a vehicle.

If you are transferring from the BZE International airport, you will first need to take an airport taxi to the ferry terminal. The ride is about 20 minutes and costs $25 USD per group. As soon as you exit the arrivals terminal, you can find the taxi stand to the left of the door at the airport terminal.

Interested in Ambergris Caye but not sure where to start? We're ready to help you understand all the thrilling options available to you!

If you want to see everything the Belize Barrier Reef has to offer without having to get your feet wet, parasailing offers the ideal solution. 250 feet above the water is the perfect vantage point to experience the reef in all its glory and identify dolphins, sharks, and turtles swimming amongst the gentle waves.

This half-day fishing trip takes place primarily in the reefs and channels, a region that's absolutely teaming with aquatic life. The crew members and guides are well-versed in the local environment, and they can help you find the most thriving fishing spots in the region. They'll attend to your needs from the moment you step on board to the moment you disembark.

Shark Ray Alley didn't get its name from nowhere. Scuba divers and snorkelers can get up close and personal with gentle nurse sharks weighing in at up to ten feet in length, but they're just one chain in a rich ecosystem of fascinating and colorful sea life.

If sharks aren't exactly your speed, the more leisurely Goff's Caye may be more your speed. The surrounding waters are a popular destination for snorkelers because of the nearby population of manatees, but the beach is just as inviting a location to sit back and relax with a drink and a plate of Belizean rice and beans.

Ambergris Caye isn't the only island off the coast of Belize, but visitors who want to get the most bang for their buck can get a full tour of the most important islands in an afternoon. This tour takes you to major landmarks like Caye Caulker and Coral Garden for a buffet of snorkeling opportunities and a chance to catch sight of the native West Indian Manatee.

The Caribbean Sea surrounding Belize is notorious for its beauty, but it's never looked better than it does just as the sun goes down. Board a 40 foot boat in the style of the traditional fishing vessels, and take a tour of the surrounding waters as dusk rolls in.

Got a thrill for adventure? Then experience the jungle the way the local birds do by strapping yourself into a harness and racing down the canopy line with nothing but a zip line standing between you and the harsh impact of earth. It's a great way to experience the jungle but an even better way to earn bragging rights among your friends. Zip Lining can be easily booked for the day if you’d like to return to San Pedro after your tour.

Ambergris Caye is great, but it offers just a tiny fraction of what there is to explore in Belize. Water taxis offer easy access to Belize City, making them a gateway to a world of adventure. There are cave rivers waiting to be tubed, deep jungles waiting to be traversed, and ancient temples ready to be uncovered by those who set their sights on San Pedro.

The sheer volume of respectable and high-end resorts available is perhaps the biggest impediment when you're looking for a place to stay on Ambergris Caye. While the Phoenix Resort, Ramons, Victoria House, and Portofino are some of the most popular options around, they're just scratching the surface of options available, and they represent the upper end of lodgings in a hospitality ecosystem that covers everything from budget lodgings to opulent resorts that are practically functional communities unto themselves. Other recommended accomodation options include Still Waters Belize, Blue Tang Inn, Grand Caribe Belize, Casa Nova, Villa Incommunicada, Escape Away Belize, Drift Inn, Mangata Villas, La Perla del Caribe, Sapphire Beach Resort, Mahogany Bay Resort, Matachica Resort, White Sands Cove, and Miramar Villas.

This is an environment that strongly benefits tourists who are willing to do their research. Sites like Expedia.com, Tripadvisor.com, and Booking.com are the most usual suspects for thrifty travelers who are looking to get the most bang for their buck, but you may also want to consider checking out sites like Airbnb as well. Renting a condo or residence through a local can provide you with more private and comfortable lodgings at a fraction of the price you'll pay elsewhere, and such options often allow you to mingle more effectively with the locals. If you truly want to immerse yourself in the culture, the most high-end resorts can sometimes feel a bit sequestered.

But whatever route you take in searching out a place to stay, it's highly recommended that you stay close to San Pedro. While the island of Ambergris Caye isn't that large, hailing taxis with regularity or renting a golf cart can quickly become expensive, and the town of San Pedro is the hub of most activity in the area. Whether you're looking to embark on an adventure in the unpopulated north, paint the town red, or charter a boat to the mainland, chances are that you'll have to venture into San Pedro to do so.

Whether you're interested in exploring the bustling culture of San Pedro, exploring the lush surrounding environments, or strapping on scuba gear and plunging into those bright blue waters, you don't have to plan your vacation alone. Belizing.com is one of the most reputable sites around for travelers interested in Belize. While we're the largest marketplace for transfers, tours, excursions, and more in Belize, we didn't get where we are today by listing any fly-by-night company in our catalog. We're diligent in our search for the best companies around, and the result is a resource that you can trust through every stage of your vacation planning process.

That means that vacationers looking to plan out a daily itinerary months in advance and travelers who prefer to fly by the seat of their pants can get the information they need to make an informed decision. Check out Belizing.com today to learn more about the opportunities that San Pedro and Ambergris Caye has to offer and discover the adventures waiting for you. Then dig deeper to learn more about the history and guiding principles of Belizing.