With Father’s Day this weekend, it is time to start planning something very special for you and your old man, uncle, grandfather, or that fatherly figure, who has been there for you. If you happen to be in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye, Belize, then here are some experiences that will make that getaway extremely special for the big man on Dad day.
ATV riding in the island jungle
If your dad is in for some adventure in the jungle, there is no need to head to the mainland to get such an exhilarating experience. The newest tour on the Belize island is the ultimate ATV riding adventure north of San Pedro, covering 17 miles of biking (ATV riding) and heading north of town with dad. Whizz through beach and jungle trails to an area called Rocky Point. This is where the barrier reef system meets the mainland at the Bacalar Chico National Park. The experience also offers the opportunity to spot the island’s scarcely seen wildlife, such as deer and wild boar-like peccaries, if you’re lucky. You can do a half-day or full-day ATV tour. The folks at Jungle Water Adventures will arrange everything for that son and dad experience.
Scuba Diving
Diving with Ramon’s Village. Image courtesy Ramon’s Village Divers.
If diving is another love your dad shares with you, Ambergris Caye is ideally situated near some of the best dive sites in the country and the world. A short boat ride heading south of the island will land you at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where scuba diving is a magical experience in the Belize Barrier Reef swimming with all sorts of reef fish, rays, and even sharks. For a more in-depth and totally different experience, you can also head to the Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef Atoll, which is a little over two hours from Ambergris Caye. This sinkhole is a haven for divers from all over the world, looking for the ultimate diving experience.
Fly Fishing
Fishing from the dock in San Pedro. Image by La Perla del Caribe
San Pedro is known for being a favorite spot for avid anglers and treating your dad to this popular type of fishing will be just the ideal outing. Take your dad to the flats off the west coast of Ambergris Caye and share with him the opportunity to land what is known as a ‘Grand Slam’ in the fly-fishing language. This is the epitome of fishing experience when catching a Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit on the same day. If your dad rather not break out his fly-fishing skills, just hang out on the dock and throw a drop line from a comfortable seat too.
Dinner at a fishermen’s restaurant
Images by Anglers Seafood Restaurant
After a day of activities, a night out with your old man can start with dinner at Anglers Seafood Restaurant in the heart of the town. The fisherman-themed restaurant on Coral Angel Street offers some of the freshest seafood choices and a full stock bar with huge plasma screens. The ambiance shares the tales of the men at sea, the island’s early fishing days, and even the best tricks of experienced anglers. Meet new friends here too!
Nightcap: Cigars and whisky
Images by Havana Cigars
To help digest that food, whisky is always a recommended drink, and if you want some intimate time with your father, head over to Havana Cigars on Front Street (Barrier Reef Drive), just across from the iconic Holiday Hotel. This cigar lounge also includes some of the best selections of Cuban and Nicaraguan cigars. If you fancy a premium smoke, your dad will feel like a kid in a candy shop inside the walking humidor. With a cigar on hand, order your bourbon, scotch whisky, or Travellers Liquors rum of choice, and sit back. Simply relax and enjoy a good conversation with your dad.
