Sunny Caribbean Ambergris, Caye is the largest Island of the Central American country of Belize. Though only 25 miles (40 kilometers) long, it is jam packed with fun and relaxing things to do on your vacation. From beaches to scuba diving to rainforest to Maya Temples, Ambergris Cay is a diamond in the rough. Quaint San Pedro is the only town on the island and there are mainly golf carts (very few cars) making it quiet and environmentally friendly. Also, you get to drive a golf cart around the island, how fun!?!
Gross but fun fact: Ambergris Caye is named for large pieces of ambergris (a solid, waxy, flammable substance that is produced in the digestive system of sperm whales). It used to be an essential ingredient for many perfumes but it has since been replaced by a synthetic equivalent.
Below are nine of activities that MUST be on your to do list when you come:
Beaches – the miles of beautiful beaches are the main reason everyone is here. You can sit in your lounge chair or hammock under a palm tree taking in the sparkling blue ocean views while you read a book, chat with a friend, have a cocktail and/or go for a swim. The Royal Caribbean Resort’s private beach access is a cove shaped 300 foot paradise. It’s simply divine.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling – the Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world. Its 185 miles (298 km) of protected beautiful ocean life habitat. You can find sea turtles, sharks, dolphins and thousands of species of fish nestled into and around vibrant coral. Our on site Dive School, just steps away from the resort’s private cabanas, will set you up with gear, guides and take you to the best dive and snorkel locations including the unique and legendary Blue Hole.
Food – From traditional to modern cuisine, Ambergris Caye has it all! Over 100 restaurants dot the island offering street food and upscale dining for your gastric pleasure. You can dine on wild Belize shrimp, sample some fry jacks (traditional Belizean fried dough), tamales or dive into a whole roast pork. Island Time, the restaurant and beach bar at Royal Caribbean Resort boasts some of the best traditional Belizean food to accompany your cocktail and ocean view.
Jungle and zipline – After a short flight to the mainland you are in the wild jungle of Belize. Take a tour with one of our partners and see wild animals ranging from howler monkeys to panthers. While you’re on tour, take a walk on the wild side and zip line through the trees. It’s a great adrenaline rush and an unbeatable view of the natural habitat to many remarkable creatures.
Cave Tubing – While you are on the mainland you can also take a tour of the winding ancient Mayan caves floating on a tube. Relax while you take in the sights and sounds of ancient Belize.
Maya Temples – And don’t forget the temples while you are there. There is a small site on the island where there used to be a Mayan town and majestic temples on the mainland. Go to the well-groomed Altun Ha Ruins and spend the rest of the day at the Marubun Jungle Spa. Or take a trip to the jungle engulfed Lamanai Ruins, where you will not only find an impressive temple and Mayan reliefs but also the best bird watching in the country. Don’t forget to look up in the trees!
Parasailing – if you have a taste for a good adrenaline rush and love saltwater in your hair, there is no better way to tour the island and its surrounding waters than to Parasail. Our staff will be happy to connect you to a reliable supplier and in no time you can be flying over the waters. Dangle 350 ft over the sparkling blue waters and if you are lucky you might see a dolphin!
Fishing – with the amazing reef and sparkling blue water, there is no better place to go fishing. Spin fishing, fly-fishing and trolling are great all year long in Belize, especially on Ambergris Caye. The coral reef abounds with grouper, snapper, jacks and barracuda while the deeper waters are home to sailfish, marlin, bonito and pompano. Even if you have never went fishing before, this is the time and place to try!
Bird Watching – Birding all over the country is great, not the least on the island. There is a bird sanctuary on the littoral forest in the southern region of the island. In the center of the forest there is a multi level observation tower, just for bird watchers, and the view is great for anyone! The most frequent sightings include: the white-eyed vireo, Yucatan vireo, common tody flycatcher, great Kiskadee, black catbird, yellow-bellied elaenia, white-collared seedeater, golden-fronted woodpecker, black-headed salator and the hooded oriole. Makes for one colorful outing!
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