Ambergris Caye, the dreamy Caribbean island just off the Belize mainland, is also the country’s most popular destination. Over 50% of travelers make a point to stop over while visiting Belize, and for good reason. The list of things to do in Ambergris Caye is extensive, from snorkeling the world’s second largest coral reef, to scuba diving a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to simply soaking up the island’s idyllic white sand beaches.
This guide spotlights the best things to do in Ambergris Caye, from perennial favorites to lesser-known adventures.
Jump to:
- Snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef
- Dive (or Snorkel) the Hol Chan Marine Preserve
- Experience the Great Blue Hole
- Swim with the Manatees
- Explore the Length of the Island via Bicycle
- Visit an Iguana Sanctuary
- Explore the Mangroves Lining the Island’s Interior
- Sample Local Cacao at a Chocolate Making Class
- Embark on a “Catch and Cook” Fishing Tour with Local Guides
- Take a Belizean Cooking Class or Food Tour
- Day Trip to Caye Caulker
- Tour Ancient Mayan Ruins
Snorkel the Belize Barrier Reef
This dazzling UNESCO World Heritage Site is the second largest in the world, after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Running nearly 200 miles north to south, it sits just a few hundred yards offshore from Ambergris Caye.
Many hotels offer complimentary kayaks or paddle boards, to help you get out to the reef. From there, you can drop anchor and drop into the incredible technicolor world that makes up this vibrant living reef.
If you’d rather explore with a guide, you can also book dedicated snorkel tours out of San Pedro.
Dive (or Snorkel) the Hol Chan Marine Preserve
The scuba diving off Belize is often cited among the best in the world. Serious divers may want a more extensive trip (more on that below), but even the casual diver will find plenty of memorable excursions close to Ambergis Caye.
Particularly, the Hol Chan Marine Preserve is a nationally-protected reserve that is a quick 30-minute boat ride from San Pedro. Dives here are mostly shallow (under 50 feet), but still offer full immersion into a dynamic underwater ecosystem.
You’ll most likely see everything from sea turtles and reef sharks, to stingrays, eels, and more. It’s no wonder that Hol Chan consistently ranks among the most popular things to do in Ambergris Caye.
For a two-dive morning outing, we used Amigos del Mar. They’re one of San Pedro’s highest-rated outfitters, and we had a first-rate experience. They also host snorkel excursions to Hol Chan Preserve, for those who aren’t scuba certified.
Experience the Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is, without exaggeration, one of the most famous scuba dives in the world. Even Jacques Cousteau said this UNESCO World Heritage Site was among his top five favorite dives.
And while the Hole is not overly accessible from anywhere on land, Ambergris Caye is a popular departure point. The 50-mile boat ride requires a full-day trip, with a break-of-dawn departure coupled with a late return. But for serious scuba divers, it’s hard to not check off this bucket list trip.
You can discover both scuba and snorkel trips to the Great Blue Hole from Ambergris Caye on Viator.
Swim with the Manatees
Manatees live year-round in the waters surrounding the island, and spotting these graceful “sea cows” is one of the more unique things to do in Ambergris Caye.
Manatees tend to congregate among the sea grasses on the north side of Ambergris, including both the protected Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary and the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve.
To heighten your chances of encountering these aquatic mammals and to ensure you’re doing so responsibly, we strongly advise booking a reputable tour. Not only are local guides adept at spotting manatees, but they prioritize the wellbeing of both the animals and the surrounding ecosystems.
Salt Life Eco Tours is one of the more reputable outfitters, but you can also book tours via Ambergris Divers or Ridge and Reef, among others.
Explore the Length of the Island via Bicycle
Ambergris Caye is 25 miles long, north to south, and there’s much to see beyond just San Pedro.
A single-lane road runs the length of the island, which at times is just a mile wide, and bicycles are a great way to explore it. The road is flat, and framed by the Caribbean on one side and placid mangroves on the other.
The further you get from San Pedro, the more sparsely-populated it becomes. You’ll get a more authentic look at “island life,” and can easily make a half-day outing of it.
Stop for fresh seafood at one of the many beachside stands dotting the road, before cooling off along a stretch of sand all to yourself.
Many hotels on the island offer complimentary bikes for their guests, but you’ll also find multiple rental companies near San Pedro, including Breeze Bike Rentals.
Visit an Iguana Sanctuary
The Iguana Eco Sanctuary sits in the heart of urban San Pedro, although its thickly-forested interior feels like a small jungle oasis.
You’ll get face to face with plenty of these relaxed, free-roaming reptiles as you wind through wooded foot paths. Sanctuary volunteers will also be happy to let you feed the animals, as they explain more about local conservation efforts.
Entry is free, although donations are appreciated, to help fund further preservation. There’s no website, but you can find the sanctuary on Google Maps.
Explore the Mangroves Lining the Island’s Interior
Most travelers visit Ambergris Caye for its famous Caribbean beaches along the eastern shore. But just as fascinating and intricate of an ecosystem are the lush mangroves that frame the west side of the island.
Here, crocodiles, ocelots, iguanas, birds, and numerous other species coexist among thick swamps and lagoons. It all feels a world apart from the tropical beaches just a mile or two away.
One of the best places to see this lesser-known side of Ambergris Caye is up at Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the island’s northern edge near the Mexico border.
Tours to Bacalar Chico are challenging to find online, so it’s often easiest to ask your hotel to arrange one for you. However, a few operators include Seaduced by Belize and Tranquility Bay Resort, the only hotel within the reserve.
Sample Local Cacao at a Chocolate Making Class
Cacao is native to South and Central America, and was revered among the ancient Mayan populations. You can glean a greater appreciation for this “food of the gods” during a chocolate-making class at the Belize Chocolate Company.
They source all of their Belizean cacao beans from small family farmers, many of whom are of Mayan descent and have had their farms passed down through generations.
Even if you don’t have time for a class, any chocolate-lover will appreciate perusing their retail shop, which sells an array of the highest-quality chocolates and chocolate-infused foodstuffs. We personally love their organic cacao tea, which is rich in antioxidants.
Embark on a “Catch and Cook” Fishing Tour with Local Guides
“Catch and cook” excursions are one of the more uniquely memorable things to do in Ambergris Caye. Local guides will take you out on a private fishing charter, before preparing your fresh-caught catch in the traditional Belizean style during a beachside BBQ.
And with everything from snapper to lobster found in the waters off Ambergris Caye, you’re guaranteed a savory meal that is delectable in its simplicity.
You can find fishing excursions throughout Ambergris Caye, but some of the bigger “catch and cook” operators include Belize Guide Co., Wicked Adventures, and Undersea Adventures.
Take a Belizean Cooking Class or Food Tour
Belizean cuisine reflects the nation’s rich multicultural history, with a unique blend of Mayan, Caribbean, Garifuna, Mestizo, and other influences.
In Ambergris Caye, you’ll find comfort food staples like rice and beans, tropical flavors in coconut-stewed chicken and fried plantains, grilled seafood straight off the shore, steamed tamales that reflect the island’s proximity to Mexico, and more.
San Pedro features a few different culinary experiences to help you better appreciate the range of eats at your fingertips, including a historical food tour or cooking class at a local family restaurant. Each program runs 2-3 hours, and provides an in-depth look into the “foodie” side of Belize’s diverse culture. You certainly won’t leave hungry!
Day Trip to Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is Ambergris’ neighboring island, and a quick 30-minute boat ride away. Ferries run constantly between the two islands, and make Caye Caulker a delightful day trip from Ambergris Caye.
Traditionally, Caye Caulker was the more chill, backpacking cousin to Ambergris’ more polished resorts. In recent years, that divide has lessened, but you’ll still catch plenty of relaxed island vibes.
One of the most popular (and unique) spots on Caye Caulker is the Split, a narrow channel that intersects the island. It’s a great spot for recreation, with a long dock providing easy water access – and some of the area’s best snorkeling just offshore.
You’ll also find plenty of dining options here, including the famous Lazy Lizard Bar. Enjoy live reggae music from your half-submerged bar chair – tropical drink in hand not required, but encouraged.
Tour Ancient Mayan Ruins
Quietly tucked into the southern end of Ambergris Caye is Marco Gonzalez Archeological Reserve, the Mayan ruins remaining from a city that was occupied from approximately 100 BC to 1500 AD.
It may not be as extensive as the more famous ruins in other parts of Belize, but it still provides a fascinating glimpse into Mayan history, as well as the civilization on Ambergris Caye 2,000 years ago.
Beyond the 49 structures and walls, you can also find ancient pottery, human bones, and other artifacts.