Diving in Ambergris Caye

There are dozens of sites to visit off the coast of Ambergris Caye, suitable for both diving and snorkelling.  This popular diving destination will keep you occupied for weeks so get your camera ready to capture some amazing macro life shots, friendly fish and interesting topography.

With many centres to choose from depending where you're staying, the most popular diving is of course the Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef, but for a great day out of easy, calm water diving then your won't be disappointed with your options around the caye.

The landscape is full of canyons, tunnels, caverns, walls and swim throughs.  The north is particularly great for macro photography with creatures such as shrimps, nudibranchs and crabs hiding in the coral.  Beginners can enjoy sandy bottom dives or advanced divers the deep walls on offer.  Giant groupers, eels, turtles, rays, sharks and large schools of fish are common on the diving here.

Shark and Ray Alley is one of the most popular sites, it's very shallow but hundreds of sharks and rays hang out here, a guarantee that you will be face to face with these amazing animals.  The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is teaming with reef fish and macro life.  Tres Cocos is great for exploring all the canyons for crabs, lobsters and turtle tend to hang out here.

Deep divers can get their fix at many sites such as Cypress Canyons with beautiful elkhorn corals, Tackle Box Canyons to explore the many caverns, canyons and tunnels or Rocky Point Canyons to hunt for big tarpon and groupers.  

The super clear, warm waters of the Caribbean are just waiting for you, so why not head to Ambergris Caye for your next diving adventure and be sure to tell us all about it.

(By Kelly Luckman)

Travel to Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is known as the gateway to Belize.  It´s the largest of the 200 islands in this Caribbean region, and for a mass of just 25 miles long and a little more than a mile wide in places, there is has a wealth of things to do and see.  It is a little slice of heaven which used to rely on fishing and coconuts for income but is now an ecotourism destination. 

Belize is a couple of hours flight from several American cities and is where you can catch a small connecting plane  to Ambergris Caye.  If you´re feeling more leisurely you can also catch a water taxi which takes you to the only town on the island,  San Pedro.

For getting around you can hire a bicycle from your hotel or rental centres, or for a bit of fun you can also rent a golf buggy at both hourly and daily rates.  The accommodation varies from boutique style hotel resorts to economical guest houses. Don´t pack too much in the way of formal clothing, the island is very relaxed.

San Pedro town is the main populated area, picture postcard beautiful with the swaying palm trees, small sandy streets and traditional wooden painted houses.  It comes alive at night, lots of live music and dancing to be found at the many bars around town.  The local drum-based ´Punta´music will get your feet tapping.

Ambergris Caye  is a fisherman´s dream – with an abundance of game fish, but it´s also a bird watcher´s paradise, with more than 500 species to spot.  You can get out of the main town. It´s worth taking the time out to visit nearby San Pablo,  south west, even if just for the sunsets. 

For food there is the local Belizean cuisine, with favourites of rice, beans,  stewed chicken and potato salad... but you can find International cuisine at the various bars and restaurants.

When you´re ready to leave this warm, relaxed and friendly island you´ll take away some good memories : as the local saying goes you won´t be a stranger for long and may just wish to return.

(By Pamela Atkinson)