Ambergris Caye
The largest island in the country of Belize, this Caribbean beauty may be small but it is one of the most picturesque islands with both natural and commercial success to its name. Named for a large ambergris deposit washed ashore, Ambergris Caye is a natural beauty of white sand beaches surrounding an interior mangrove swamp, the largest in Belize. Though the island was commercially developed in the late 20th century, Ambergris Caye is not so overdeveloped that it loses its sense of identity. Instead, the island has only grown in popularity for its integrity of culture, its sublime scenery, and the relaxing sites surrounding this gorgeous Central American destination.
Because of the island’s small size and attention to ecological maintenance, the main mode of transportation is by golf cart and walking. The island is an extensive 25 miles long and one mile wide, small enough to explore by foot within a day’s touring. On Ambergris Caye you can choose to be as active or relaxed as you wish. On this postcard-perfect island, the most popular vacation activity is to relax on the beach and visit the underwater sites viewable just off the island’s shore. Beneath the aquamarine sea and calm ocean waves, you can see a number of marine creatures including sharks, rays, sea turtles, tropical fish, dolphins, and much more in the second largest barrier reef in the world. Visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve or Shark Ray Alley for incredible diving experiences and guided tours of the underwater sites. You can also scuba dive the Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef or view the natural wonder from above via seaplane.
The island was once home to a Mayan community in Pre-Columbian times. Evidence of their stay remains in sites like the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site and is also recorded in the Ambergris Museum and Cultural Center, a perfect stop for visitors interested in history. For an exciting time away from the beach, visit the Toucan Jumper Bungee Trampoline where professionals will strap you into a bungee cord harness and let you free-jump as high as you please. The island’s only town of San Pedro Town is an excellent destination to gain insight into Belizean cuisine, entertainment, and shopping. Tour the city’s shops and visit places like Moho Chocolate and sample their delicious delicacies.