A traveler's guide to Ambergris Caye
San Pedro is the base. The reef is the appointment. A golf cart is transportation, not a personality.
Ambergris Caye is Belize's beach town: San Pedro's sandy streets, golf carts instead of cars, and the barrier reef close enough for a before-lunch trip. The swimming is good. The snorkel and the dive are why people stay the week.
When to go
December to April is dry and the season. Summer is hotter and cheaper, with more chance of a storm day. The water stays warm.
The beach
The town beach is swimmable and not the main event. North of the split, and the lagoon side they call Secret Beach, is where people go to lie still. Shade is a rental. The sand is soft and the water is pale.
In the water
Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley are the famous half-day and they are popular for a reason and a caution. Go with someone who limits the group. A snorkel off the pier is the easy version.
If you only remember this
- Flights from Belize City are short. The water taxi is the slower, ordinary way.
- U.S. dollars are everywhere. Belize dollars are too.
- Golf carts are rented by the day. Walk the town center.
- The reef is close. That is not a reason to touch it.