Picture it: you have Ambergris Caye on your radar, curious about what to do while in this Belizean piece of paradise. From diving tours to the most exotic locales, experiencing the island through its people and culture is endless. Some of these activities can be adventurous, some cultural, and some are simply aesthetically pleasing. The fact remains, that there is always a reason travelers want to visit Ambergris Caye. With that in mind, we’ve filtered some of the most popular activities to add to your itinerary and land ready on the island whenever you visit. Are you ready? Here are 22 things to do on Ambergris Caye in 2022.
1. Sample paletas
View this post on Instagram
Some days on Ambergris Caye are hotter than others and you’ll need something colder than a drink. A tropical and refreshing paleta from Manelly’s on Barrier Reef Drive across from the San Pedro Lions Den can be extra satisfying in flavors like mango, coconut, watermelon, and more.
2. Sail to the neighboring island of Caye Caulker
View this post on Instagram
If you’re traveling by group, charter a sailing tour for a full day on the sea in a catamaran boat. Trips usually leave early morning to include stops at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and a stopover at Caye Caulker for lunch. While onboard the catamaran, the trip includes plenty of food, drinks, and music.
3. Explore the town in a golf cart
View this post on Instagram
It’s the preferred mode of transportation on the island town of San Pedro. This open-air vehicle is fun to drive and is available for rent by the hour, day, week, or more. While there are plenty of golf cart rental companies across town, you’ll need a valid driver’s license.
4. Visit Secret Beach
View this post on Instagram
Hop into your golf cart rental for a 45-minute drive north; you’ll venture four miles after the bridge before turning left and continuing for another three miles to the leeward side of the island. There’ll be plenty of signage along the way to the anticipated destination, just in case the graded dirt road worries you. At Secret Beach, you’ll find crystal clear shallows to relax, swim, dine, and day drink. On weekends, bask in live music with performers and DJs. Sunsets here are always stunning.
5. Eat at The Truck Stop
View this post on Instagram
Just one mile north of San Pedro, The Truck Stop is a well-known and outdoor food courtyard consisting of converted shipping containers. This dynamic eatery is a favorite among many, thanks to varying options like signature pizzas, ice cream, South American arepas, and Asian food stalls. The Truck Stop is also an entertainment hub, offering live entertainers and comedy shows.
6. Grab a photo at the San Pedro sign
View this post on Instagram
No visit to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is complete without a photo in front of the ‘SAN PEDRO’ sign. It’s in the heart of town at the Central Park facing the beachfront: a colorful start to your island adventure.
7. Bar hop in Boca del Rio
View this post on Instagram
This stretch of beach found north of town on the beach side is dotted with nearly a dozen restaurants and bars. With establishments over the water and in front of the beach, the experience in each one of them will keep you glued to this beach strip. There is something for everyone from social dining settings, to live music and DJs.
8. Snorkel the Hol Chan Marine Reserve
View this post on Instagram
Venture four miles south of San Pedro Town by boat for a unique experience with vibrant coral-lined walls inhabited by an abundance of coral life. With the help of a knowledgeable guide, swim among different species of fish, sea turtles, rays, and even sharks.
9. Tour the Belize Chocolate Company
View this post on Instagram
Located at the southern end of Barrier Reef Drive near the public library, this chocolate boutique is a haven for cacao lovers. You can take a chocolate-making class to learn how this sweet delicacy is made. At the same time, enjoy some of their drinks, like shakes and a warm chocolate drink.
10. Visit the Boca del Rio beach park
View this post on Instagram
If you are traveling with kids, take them to the recently upgraded Boca del Rio beach park. Located north of its eponymous beach strip, the playground has a reclaimed beach, jungle gym, swings, waterslides on the shallow water near the shore, plus basketball and volleyball courts. The park also has picnic tables to have your food or snacks. If you don’t bring any with you there are restaurants nearby from where you can order and take the food to the beach park.
11. Have a cultural experience with the Black & White Cultural Entertainment Center
View this post on Instagram
One block from Seagrape Drive in the south of San Pedro Town is a special place called Black & White Cultural Entertainment Center. The proprietors, who are Garinagu, welcome visitors to share the Garifuna culture with them. The activity includes live drumming, singing, and dancing. You can also taste traditional food in a buffet-style dinner.
12. Shop local at Belizean Arts
View this post on Instagram
One of the best places on Ambergris Caye to go for local art is Belizean Arts. Tucked inside the Fido’s Courtyard on Barrier Reef Drive, this gallery showcases pieces of over 100 local artists. There is a large range of visual art and colorful objects, which you can easily purchase and take home with you. Find them on Facebook.
13. Fish, either by spear, fly, or rod & reel
View this post on Instagram
Fishing is very popular on Ambergris Caye, and there are actually different types of fishing that you can try while on the island. Options include deep-sea fishing, fly fishing, and spearfishing, to sometimes just throwing a line off a dock. If you plan to head out with the big boys out in the blue, or perhaps do something more recreational, like catch and release, get in touch with a trusted local operator like Go Fish Belize to get hooked up.
14. Party with the locals
View this post on Instagram
The nightlife on Ambergris Caye is never a disappointment and now that the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, the island is dancing. Warm-up at Sunset Lounge on the rooftop of San Cas just across from Tropic Air terminal, then make your way to The O’l Tackle Box to taste the waters. Your final stop, just before midnight, will be Jaguars Temple in front of Central Park.
15. Cruise at sunset
View this post on Instagram
A sunset aboard a catamaran is never a bad idea to end the day. You can book this amazing experience with tour operators downtown such as Xsite Belize and Seaduced by Belize. Most trips will leave at 4:45 pm for a two-hour unforgettable trip.
16. Eat on a food tour
View this post on Instagram
Food is always very important when traveling. Ambergris Caye has a variety of gastronomy and one way to indulge in it is by taking a tour with the folks at the Belize Food Tours. This delicious activity starts at Central Park at 11 am for the lunch tour and 5 pm for the dinner tour. Book this culinary experience here.
17. Scuba dive the reef
View this post on Instagram
If you are PADI Open Water certified, book your trip now for a half-day or whole-day dive. While some tour operators, like Ambergris Divers downtown, offer scuba dive tours and even certifications.
18. Float with a beer
View this post on Instagram
Yes! You heard right! Floating with a beer can be one of the best things you can do while on Ambergris Caye. At Palapa Bar and Grill this is possible thanks to their floating inner tubes while enjoying the ambiance, music, and sunshine on a summer day.
19. Try some street food
View this post on Instagram
Street food is almost on every corner in San Pedro Town. Central Park is a well-known area for burgers, hot dogs, tacos, burritos, and even rice and beans. If you had a late-night partying, you will for sure not go to bed hungry with a stop here.
20. Gamble at the chicken drop
View this post on Instagram
If you happen to be here on a Thursday night, then make sure you visit the Wahoo Lounge near Central Park to witness the world-famous chicken drop! This bizarre gambling game involves putting bets on where a chicken poops on a board full of numbers. If the chicken drop hits your number, you win!
21. Try one of the oldest restaurants in town
View this post on Instagram
Elvi’s is a perfect spot for dinner, very popular among locals and tourists alike as one of the oldest on the island with 46 years in business. Favorite dishes include the street-style roasted corn, steamed Maya fish, and its popular grilled stone crab claws. Reservations are recommended.
22. Enjoy summer festivals
View this post on Instagram
Summers on Ambergris Caye are not boring. This year from June 25, the line of festivals will start with Dia de San Pedro, followed by Miss San Pedro. From June 30 through July 9 is the popular Lobster festival, then at the end of that month, the island will see the first-ever International Food and Music Festival.
