Ambergris Caye in 7 days

Belize's barefoot island where golf carts cruise to the Great Blue Hole and barrier reef. Best time to visit: December-April (dry season). Average daily budget: $60 to $150 USD.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: San Pedro Town, The lively main town with restaurants, bars, shops and dive operators.

Morning: Snorkel Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley. Swim with nurse sharks, rays and turtles at the marine reserve.

Afternoon: Explore San Pedro Town, The lively main town with restaurants, bars, shops and dive operators.

Evening: Relax at a beach club. Lounge with cocktails at Secret Beach or a dock bar.

Eat: Fresh ceviche and grilled snapper

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Boca del Rio (north of town), A slightly quieter zone just over the bridge with beach clubs.

Morning: Dive the Great Blue Hole. Take the bucket-list trip to the famous giant sinkhole.

Afternoon: Explore Boca del Rio (north of town), A slightly quieter zone just over the bridge with beach clubs.

Evening: Watch the sunset on the water. Take a sailing or sunset cruise off the caye.

Eat: Lobster (in season, May to February closed)

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: North Ambergris, The upscale, secluded stretch of resorts and quiet beaches across the channel.

Morning: Cruise on a golf cart. Explore the island the local way, by golf cart.

Afternoon: Explore North Ambergris, The upscale, secluded stretch of resorts and quiet beaches across the channel.

Evening: Day trip to Caye Caulker. Hop to the smaller, even more laid-back neighbour island.

Eat: Belizean rice and beans with stewed chicken

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: South of San Pedro, More resorts and condos along the southern beach road.

Morning: The shallow, party-friendly sandbar of Secret Beach on the west side.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore South of San Pedro, More resorts and condos along the southern beach road.

Evening: Snorkelling with seahorses and manatees on certain reef tours.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fry jacks for breakfast and rum punch at sunset

Day 5, Day trip

Base: The reef (offshore), The barrier reef just minutes away, the heart of the island's appeal.

Morning: Quiet luxury and empty beaches on North Ambergris.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore The reef (offshore), The barrier reef just minutes away, the heart of the island's appeal.

Evening: Fresh lobster (in season) grilled at a local beach shack.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fresh ceviche and grilled snapper

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: San Pedro Town, The lively main town with restaurants, bars, shops and dive operators.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in San Pedro Town, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore San Pedro Town, The lively main town with restaurants, bars, shops and dive operators.

Evening: Dinner at Lobster (in season, May to February closed), then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in San Pedro Town.

Eat: Lobster (in season, May to February closed)

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: Boca del Rio (north of town), A slightly quieter zone just over the bridge with beach clubs.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Boca del Rio (north of town), then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Boca del Rio (north of town), A slightly quieter zone just over the bridge with beach clubs.

Evening: Dinner at Belizean rice and beans with stewed chicken, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Boca del Rio (north of town).

Eat: Belizean rice and beans with stewed chicken

Hidden gems

The shallow, party-friendly sandbar of Secret Beach on the west side.
Snorkelling with seahorses and manatees on certain reef tours.
Quiet luxury and empty beaches on North Ambergris.
Fresh lobster (in season) grilled at a local beach shack.

Getting around

Ambergris Caye runs on golf carts, the island's signature mode of transport, which you can rent by the hour, day or week to explore San Pedro and beyond; taxis are also golf carts. San Pedro town itself is compact and walkable. For North Ambergris, a hand-pulled or motorised water taxi crosses the channel, or you can drive a cart over the bridge (toll applies). Bicycles are another easy option. To reach the island, fly from Belize City's international or municipal airport on a short, scenic hop, or take the water taxi ferry, which takes around 1.5 hours.

Safety

Ambergris Caye is one of the safest places in Belize and very tourist-oriented, with solo travellers, including women, generally feeling comfortable, especially in and around San Pedro. Petty theft is the main concern, so secure valuables, don't leave belongings unattended on the beach and take care after dark in quieter areas. Drive golf carts carefully and don't drink and drive. The main risks are water-related: snorkel and dive with licensed operators, respect currents and boat traffic, wear life jackets and don't touch marine life. Use sun protection, drink bottled water and apply insect repellent for sandflies.

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