By Alison Netzer
Ambergris Caye, located off the coast of Belize in the Caribbean, is a great destination for family adventures. This includes snorkeling, fishing, diving, and of course spending time swimming in crystal clear, warm waters. Although more developed than the other Cayes of Belize, it is still not as built up as many of the other Caribbean islands. Here you won’t find large high rises dotted with pools and multiple restaurants. Instead, what you will find are smaller, more modest hotels.
The main source of transportation on the island are either golf carts, navigating one main pot-holed road to town, or boats provided by hotels getting you into town and back. The town does have a taxi boat — but be aware that prices can be hefty, costing $25 USD per person to take you from town to your hotel.
Getting There
Flights leave daily from Belize City. It takes about 15-20 minutes to arrive to San Pedro in Ambergris Caye. Once there, most hotels will pick you up and take you to an awaiting boat to transfer to your hotel. Another option is to take the Belize Water Taxi. This is a less expensive mode of transportation, but will take much longer. Those prone to sea-sickness my want to avoid the water taxi.
Where To Stay
Staying outside of town is probably your best bet, as it is a bit more secluded. There are many options, but most hotels will require a minimum night stay during high season. Do not expect to find big chain hotels with lots of rooms — they don’t exist here yet. What you will find instead are many smaller, charming hotels with a few rooms right on the beach. Make sure to bring bug spray as biting sand flies can get a bit nasty during certain hours of the day. Most hotels do include breakfast in your stay. Most hotels will also give you the option to rent golf carts during your stay or will provide boat service into town. We stayed at the Portifino Hotel outside of town. It had a pool, hammocks, a wonderful restaurant, and about 10 rooms spread out along a semi-circle on the beach.
Activities in Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is home to the second largest reef system in the world. Many people visit the area for diving and snorkeling. The island is dotted with plenty of locations for perfect snorkeling and diving. A visit to the Mexican Rocks is perfect for snorkeling, as the area has crystal clear water which allows visitors to see all the wonderful brain coral and fire coral — not to mention the plethora of fish that make the area their home. You may even stumble upon a bunch of nurse sharks swimming nearby. Don’t be surprised if an eel pops out of its hiding spot or a large ray swims right underneath you. You may even spot a sea turtle swimming within the area.
Another more popular snorkeling and diving location is Hol Chan. However, because of the abundance of nurse sharks and rays (they tend to be fed by the snorkel/dive outfitters in the area), this particular area tends to be more crowded with visitors.
Nurse shark 
Snorkeling
Reef fishing is also a great activity that the entire family can do. Most hotels have their own fishing outfitters that will take you out to fish for a half-day. After catching fish, the captain and mate will take you to a private beach area and cook the caught fish with spices and vegetables for a large picnic lunch. If you are lucky, the mate will have speared some spiny lobster to add to the lunch. Bring some snorkel gear because while the fish is cooking, you can snorkel off the beach for a chance at seeing some beautiful fish swim by.
Beachcombing is a great way for kids to discover what lies beneath the water at low tide. When the tide is out, many little creatures are left in small tidal pools. It is perfect for younger children to experience what fish and sea creatures live under the ocean without having to don a mask and snorkel. It is hours of entertainment, trying to catch the little fish left in the tidal pools during low tide.
Discovering sea creatures 
Kids playing
Where To Eat
Along the main road leading into town is a fantastic small beach shack serving homemade Jamaican jerk food called Sun Deck. You will not find a website for this place — and good luck finding much on the internet about Sun Deck at all! They offer plates of chicken, pork, and seafood all prepared in Jamaican jerk. Plus, they also offer plenty of options for kids. Go on a Sunday and enjoy the sounds of Reggae music while sitting on the deck.
If you happen to be in San Pedro, then don’t miss El Fogon Restaurant. All meals are prepared over an open fire and incorporate a lot of curry and creole flavors with specialties in seafood. They offer traditional Belizean stews and the restaurant is designed to look like a rustic kitchen. Make sure to make a reservation in advance, as it does get crowded.
