If your idea of a tropical vacation is to embrace a remarkable Caribbean lifestyle, to snorkel with friendly rays and nurse sharks, to consume fresh shrimp ceviche, to enjoy the clarity of turquoise water, and to stroll in fine white sand, you must experience Ambergris Caye.
The largest of 200 cayes that dot the coastline of Belize and the most popular, Ambergris Caye is home to some of the most diverse ecosystems and terrestrial biodiversity on the planet.
Here is some useful information before you go to the Equity Residences Ambergris Caye home in Belize.
Location
Ambergris Caye is 25 miles long and a little over a mile wide in some places, and it is located in the clear shallow waters of the Caribbean Sea just off the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The coastline is protected by the 190 miles long Barrier Reef, the second largest living coral reef in the world.
Ambergris Caye is located 35 miles east of Belize City and 14 miles north of Caye Caulker. It is also about 0.75 miles west of Belize’s Barrier Reef, the largest reef system in the Northern Hemisphere. Its main town – San Pedro – is located in the southern part of the island and it contains large concentrations of shops, restaurants, hotels, and, of course, the airport.
Traveling to Ambergris Caye
You will need a passport to enter Belize.
When you arrive in Belize City, you will go through customs. From there, you will get your luggage, go through security, and then through some double doors to Tropic Air/Maya Air. That is where you will check in for your flight to the island. (Note: If your commercial flight is delayed, do not worry. Tropic Air and Maya Air have flights every 30 minutes to an hour and are very accommodating.)
You will go through one more small security check and onto your gate! It is a short 15-minute flight to the San Pedro Airport on Ambergris Caye.
When you and your party arrive, there will be a driver waiting for you that will take you to get any groceries you need in town, or if you prefer, straight to the private Coastal Xpress boat that we arrange to take you to the house.
Your Arrival to Our Beachfront Residence
Once you arrive at the house, the house manager will be there to greet you and help you get your luggage from the dock to the house. He will get you settled.
Outdoor Activities in Ambergris Caye, Belize
When you arrive to Ambergris Caye, there are many options to explore and enjoy this tropical destination regardless of whether you prefer history, nature, water sport adventures, or all three.
Water Activities
Aside from lounging on the beach and enjoying breathtaking views, the Caribbean Sea and its warm and crystal-clear water is also a perfect destination for a great variety of adventurous and pleasurable water activities, such as fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, jet skiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, parasailing, canoeing, catamarans, boating and many others.
The Belize Barrier Reef is less than a mile offshore, so there are countless water sport sites nearby available to accommodate your water activity preferences. In fact, four out of top five best diving sites in Belize are nearby San Pedro town.
The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are some of the top snorkeling spots where you can see a wide variety of fish, including sharks, stingrays, and moray eels up close. Half Moon Caye Wall, Long Caye Aquarium, and the Great Blue Hole are top-diving sites if you prefer scuba diving.
Explore Historic Ruins
Take a walk back into time with one of Belize’s most historic and educational, yet stimulating and fun inland adventures. Bring along your camera for some memorable shots should you visit the impressive Maya Centers, like Altun Ha and Xunantunich – archaeological sites that feature impressive structures of sacred Maya temples, courtyards, ceremonial halls, and ball courts. Enjoy cave tubing adventure through the ancient Maya underworld while also discovering extensive limestone sites and fascinating and unexplored cave systems of archaeological significance.
Wildlife
Imagine walking through a lush jungle that is swarming with bright Belizean butterflies and exotic flowers. The Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is Belize’s number one showcase for the natural wonders of Belize. It has about 30 stunning native butterfly species in a large flight area and a pristine rainforest which is home to about 300 species of birds.
Yes – Belize is also a bird-watcher’s paradise. With more than 500 species of birds, wildlife watching is a fast-growing attraction on this Caye. Crocodiles, raccoons, and a vast range of birds can be seen along the lagoon or along small mangrove cayes dotted in the north of the island.
Restaurants We Recommend
• Rojo Lounge: A short 5-minute walk north of the house. Reservations are not required. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from noon until after dinner hours. Great bar and food.
• Mambo Restaurant at Matachica Resort & Spa: Just a short 5-to-7-minute walk north of the house. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are not required for breakfast or lunch but are required for dinner. They are open seven days a week.
• Portofino Restaurant: You can access by foot, bike, or boat. It’s about a 25–30-minute walk, 15–20-minute bike ride, or a 5-minute boat ride to the resort. Also, if you call in advance, the restaurant will pick you up at the house. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Reservations are not required, however, if you call them for dinner reservations in advance, they will arrange to send one of their boats to pick you and take you home. They are open seven days a week.
Grocery Stores
• The Greenhouse Market: Located on Middle Street in town. They carry fresh fruits and vegetables, along with many other standard grocery store items.
• Super Buy: This is a larger grocery store and is located on Back Street. They have a larger selection of most everything. We have found that this grocery store offers the best prices.
Shipping in Town
• Belizean Art Gallery: Located in Fido’s Restaurant & Bar. You will find original local artwork, jewelry and pottery.
• Papo’s Art Gallery: Located on Middle Street toward the Airport. If you are interested in local artists, Papo is one of the local favorites. This gallery carries some of his original work along with ther local artists. You can commission a custom original piece from Papo and it takes approximately 3 days for him to paint.
• Jewelry Store: Located in Fido’s Restaurant & Bar. You will find original locally crafted jewelry in this store.
• Graniel’s Dreamland: Located on Middle Street close to the airport. You will find original Belizean wood items created by this shop. You will find bowls, furniture, small items. It is definitely worth checking out.
To Wrap Up: You Will Have a Great Time!
In addition to incredible views of the Caribbean Sea, Ambergris Caye in Belize is known for its island charm, abundant water activities, and unforgettable day trips. For more information, local tips, and help making reservations, get in touch with our Guest Relations team.
