10 Best Things To Do On Ambergris Caye, Belize

September 3, 2025

Discover Ambergris Caye: Ten Unmissable Experiences

Nestled off Belize’s northeastern coast, Ambergris Caye is a dreamy slice of Caribbean life where sparkling aquamarine waters meet lush landscapes, and where every day begs for adventure or sweet relaxation. Here are ten unforgettable experiences to inspire your next escape:

1. Dive or Snorkel a Marine Wonderland

Explore vibrant reefs teeming with life, from colorful corals to curious fish and the graceful glide of rays and nurse sharks. A floating gateway into an underwater world, it’s a chance to feel like you're swimming through a living aquarium. Just offshore lies the world’s second-largest barrier reef, and for the ultimate diving adventure, nothing compares to the Great Blue Hole. Plan your water excursions well in advance with Visit Belize Tours.

2. Explore on a Kayak or Paddleboard

Trade crowded walkways for crystal-clear shallow waters: paddle through serene bays or glide along coral edges. Quiet and immersive, it's your personal tour of the reef up close and unforgettable.

3. Tour the Island by Golf Cart

Golf carts rule here. Zip along sandy lanes past hidden beaches, quirky town spots, and scenic coastal trails, the island’s laid-back pace amplified by the breeze in your hair.

4. Watch a Sunrise and Sunset

For an early-morning treat, head to a quiet dock before dawn. As the sky shifts through pastel hues, splash-filled rays or leaping dolphins might make a guest appearance, turning your morning into a postcard moment. Arrive at a spot on the west side of the island to see the most incredible and colorful sunsets. Sunsets are around the same time here every day, ranging between 5:45-6:30 pm

5. Chill Out at Beachside Bars

Countless beach bars perch right at the water’s edge, think toes in the sand, your favorite drink in hand, and live music or hammock naps painting the backdrop. Let the rhythm of island vibes carry you away. Some of our favorites are Estelles, Nauti Crab, Wayos, Hurricanes, Rum Dogs, and so many more!

6. Indulge in Local Flavors

Sea-to-table freshness is key. Whether enjoyed aboard a tour boat or at a waterfront café, ceviche made with the day’s catch and perhaps prepared in front of you is always an event in itself. Lobster dishes are a must during Lobster season, which runs from June through February. You may even want to plan your trip during Lobster Fest, typically held the first week of July.

7. Savor Local Chocolate Creations

Stop by The Belize Chocolate Company, where Belizean cacao comes to life in decadent desserts, chocolate milkshakes, salted caramel bites, and heartfelt sweet treats that melt slowly on your tongue. Sign up for their chocolate-making class, it's educational and delicious!

8. Set Sail for “Not-So-Secret” Beaches at Secret Beach

Escape to the island’s northern stretch, an area once off the radar, now lined with bars, in-water tables, and sunbathers. The water is crystal clear, inviting, and ideal for lazy afternoons.
You can drive approx. 40 mins by golf cart from San Pedro downtown, or there is now a Secret Beach Boat shuttle.

9. Join a Local Food Tour

Step beyond traditional menus and wander with a guide who introduces you to spicy tamales, fry jacks, chimole, salbutes, and all kinds of delightful street eats. Every bite tells a story. Book in advance with https://www.belizefoodtours.com/

10. Visit a Mayan History Spot

For a historical twist, explore the island’s past archaeological sites, quietly tucked beneath mangroves, which reveal a time when Maya fisherfolk thrived here. It’s a glimpse into the ancient rhythms of life. Check out the Eco Museum, it is rich in history and culture.

Why Ambergris Caye Captivates Every Visitor

What makes Ambergris Caye truly magnetic?

Diverse Experiences: From the thrill of snorkeling in vibrant reefs to drifting in a kayak or discovering culinary gems, there’s something for every kind of traveler.
Laid-Back Island Living: Golf carts are the wheels of freedom here, letting you explore at island speed. The roads are bumpy, but hey, it's an adventure!
Fresh Flavors & Warm Culture: Every meal, bar, and market is infused with local flavor; Belizean, Caribbean, and Maya influences blend seamlessly.
A Touch of History: Ancient ruins and storytelling traditions pepper the modern scene, connecting past to present in an organic way.

Travel Tips for Your Itinerary

Pack Wisely: Light layers, hats, and swimwear, plus reef-friendly sunscreen to protect both you and the marine life. Bug repellent is a must; we like brands containing picaridin.
Plan Wisely: Popular snorkeling sites such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve and “Mexico Rocks”, a quieter patch reef complex added to a marine reserve in 2015, tend to draw crowds. Consider early or combination trips with www.visitbelizetours.com
Balance Adventure and Chill: Want culture and calm? Split your time between a few mornings on the reef, afternoons lounging at a beach bar, and evenings wandering San Pedro’s food scene.
Include Cultural Highlights: Time your visit to discover unique local traditions, one especially vibrant and colorful event is a three-day carnival leading into Lent, complete with street painting, dancing, and the ceremonial burning of an effigy. Check information and upcoming dates for San Pedro Carnival.

Final Thoughts

Ambergris Caye is more than an island; it’s an immersive adventure through shimmering seas, local flavors, and ancient echoes. Whether snorkeling with rays, swapping stories at a beachside bar, or learning about Mayan history, every moment here feels boundless and alive. Let your senses guide you; this is island magic at its most vibrant.

We really enjoyed this YouTube video and feel the creator captured a great deal about the wonderful things on Ambergris Caye, 10 Best Things To Do in Ambergris Caye, Belize

~ Hope to see you soon on Ambergis Caye!

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