Our family is craving warmer weather and fun in the sun, so we are planning a weekend to Ambergris Caye near Belize City.
Here is our guide to discover this tropical paradise that's a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure and family friendly activities. In this guide I have included:
- A 3 day itinerary
- Family friendly activities
- Hotel recommendations
- Tips to make the most of the trip
I will update this guide with more info and recommendations after our trip. Be sure to save this guide to get notified about the updates.
Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize. You can find stunning beaches, lively local culture, crystal-clear waters perfect for diving and snorkelling, and colourful marine life. The caye has a relaxed vibe, perfect for a tropical island getaway.
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Day 1: Arrival and Beach Exploration
ARRIVAL
Fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. There are 3 ways to get to Ambergris Caye from the international airport:
1. Book a flight direct to San Pedro through Maya Air or Tropic Air
2. Take a taxi to the Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA). Flights from here are mainly to Belize's cafes, providing faster transport than the boat or water taxi. Book a flight to San Pedro on a Cessna through Tropic Air or Maya Air; the flight duration is 20mins.
3. Take a taxi to the Belize City Ferry Terminal. You can book tickets to San Pedro in advance or at the ticket counter. The trip to San Pedro is about 1.5 hours
A vibrant coastal city that is a blend of Caribbean charm and colonial architecture, there is plenty to see in Belize City. Check out the colourful houses, bustling markets, or travel out to the Cafes, Belize Barrier Reef, the Belize Great Blue Hole, Mayan ruins and more.
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Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Ambergris Caye. Large hotels and resorts are situated on the beach front with easy access to the waves. Alternatively visit the popular local beach:
The Great Blue Hole is a massive marine sinkhole located about 100km off the coast of Belize. It's a nearly circular underwater cave with a diameter of about 984 feet (300 meters) and a depth of approximately 407 feet (124 meters). In 1996, the Great Blue Hole was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System.
The Great Blue Hole is home to a huge variety of marine life including Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, turtles, stingrays and tropic fish.
It is a popular diving destination for experienced divers because of its depth and challenging locations. However you can snorkel in the waters or spot sharks and other marine life from the surface. Another option is to book a flight tour for an aerial perspective (and fantastic photos) of the Great Blue Hole.
An archeological site with Mayan ruins located in the Orange Walk District of northern Belize.
The ruins have a number of significant structures including a towering temple, a smaller temple with the carved mask of the Maya rain god Chaak, a jaguar temple adorned with jaguar motifs and a high priest's house.
A impressive Mayan archeological site in the Cayo District of Belize.
The name 'Xunantunich' means 'stone woman', probably referring to the legend of the female warrior who guarded the site. Xunantunich is situated on top of a hill looking over the Mopan River, with stunning views of the surrounding rainforest.
The site has several significant structures including:
- El Castillo. A 40m tall temple believed to be dedicated to the Maya sun god.
- Temple II: Another impressive temple with a carved mask of the Maya rain god Chaak.
- The Caracol: A ball court where ancient Maya played a ritual game.
- A burial chamber. One of the largest Maya burial chambers found in the last 100 years.
With two outdoor pools and being right on the beachfront, this resort is a great family friendly hotel for anyone wanting to make the most of the water. The restaurant offers a mix of international and Caribbean cuisine.
A relaxing stay with an in-house restaurant, a pool, beach access and across the road from the airport. The hotel is clean and the staff are helpful. They help to book tours such as diving or excursions to the Mayan ruins.
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Tips
- Pack light comfortable clothing, sunscreen and a hat. If you are going to be spending time zip lining or exploring Maya ruins, you will need sturdy shoes, but otherwise summer clothes are enough.
- Peak tourist season is November to mid May, as this is the dry period with warm temperatures and clear skies.
- The current exchange is rate 1 USD = 2 BZD. You can use USD in Belize or withdraw the local currency from ATMs in popular areas. If you are using USD, try to carry smaller notes like $10 or $20, but you will most likely receive BZD back in change.
- Credit and debit cards are widely used in Belize, even in smaller hotels and restaurants. Some establishments add a surcharge to pay with card.
A vibrant coastal city that is a blend of Caribbean charm and colonial architecture, there is plenty to see in Belize City. Check out the colourful houses, bustling markets, or travel out to the Cafes, Belize Barrier Reef, the Belize Great Blue Hole, Mayan ruins and more.
Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize. You can find stunning beaches, lively local culture, crystal-clear waters perfect for diving and snorkelling, and colourful marine life. The caye has a relaxed vibe, perfect for a tropical island getaway.
Hello, I'm Annie, a self-professed global citizen looking for cultural experiences, beautiful cities, great food and amazing memories. After country-hopping for the last 15 years, I'm now based in the UK, so the holidays are spent driving around Europe with young kids and an old dog.
My Thatch guides include:
🛣️ family inspired road trip routes for our European destinations
🐾 child and pet friendly itineraries
🥘 tried and tested food guides
🗽 recommended city sights
🏛️ interesting history and cultural info.
Most of the cities that I visit are 'discoveries' - offering a taste of the city's history, culture and atmosphere through a family friendly lens. If you have more days in each location, start here, then wander and see what else you find!
Join me on our explorations and be inspired to discover your next family adventure!
