Scuba diving in

Ambergris Caye, San Pedro and Caye Caulker

Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are the beating heart of Belize’s island tourism. Despite a difference in size and unique atmospheres on each island, they share a reputation as two of the most vibrant and welcoming islands imaginable, thanks to an eclectic collection of cultures - from Mexican Mestizos and indigenous Maya to Caribbean and Creole, as well as obvious European and North American influences. And, as you can imagine, you’ll find a wide range of architecture here, from ancient Mayan structures to funky-coloured Caribbean cabanas and luxury lodges.

The impressive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef lies closest to the mainland in the north of Belize, located just one-kilometre from shore in some places. For obvious reasons, this is where some of the country’s best and most accessible diving can be found, making it a great base for visiting divers. You’ll have kilometres of barrier reef to explore, and much more just a little further afield. And, with plenty of protection from the reef itself, many dive sites are as easy-going as the destination itself.

Getting to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker couldn’t be easier. International flights land at the Philip S. W. Goldson Airport in Belize City, from where you can take a taxi to the ferry station. From Belize City, the ferry takes 45-minutes to Caye Caulker, and a further 45-minutes to reach Ambergris Caye. Flights also leave regularly from both the international and domestic airports, taking just 15-minutes or so to reach either island.

There are few cars on Ambergris Caye, and none on Caye Caulker, but getting around is simple. On the larger of the two islands, Ambergris Caye, you’ll find plenty of scooters for hire as well as golf carts to taxi you from place to place. On Caye Caulker, motorised transport is reduced to golf carts, but with an island this small, you can easily get by with a pedal bike or on foot.

The largest island in Belize, Ambergris Caye is a bustling tourist destination with a fun and laid-back atmosphere. San Pedro is the island’s only town and features a lively ambience with an array of beach bars and expat-owned establishments. High-season sees San Pedro’s narrow streets packed with golf carts and pedestrians, but true to Belize’s style of slow-living, the atmosphere is always relaxed. A new road connecting downtown San Pedro with the island’s north has paved the way for increased development, but for now, the north still offers fewer crowds and more tropical scenery. South of San Pedro, you’ll find a lovely mix of local and North American cultures.

Accommodation is easy to come by throughout the island, with everything from budget backpacker rooms and welcoming guesthouses, to lavish villas and all-inclusive resorts.

Just eight-kilometres long and less than two-kilometres wide, Caye Caulker is Ambergris’ smaller, less-developed cousin. A regular stop on the Central American backpacker circuit, Caye Caulker is well-known for its laid-back beach party vibe - with cheap beer, good rum, and great food. Despite having fewer beaches than Ambergris, Caye Caulker still offers an ocean-front social scene that revolves around the many piers and docks. And there’s no shortage of accommodation either. Expect hip backpacker hostels and boutique beach hotels with a vibrant Caribbean charm.

If you’re after a little extra dose of ultra luxury, then you might consider a stay on Caye Chapel to the south. This exclusive island, fringed by beautiful golden beaches is the site of the new Four Seasons resort - and it even has a golf course and airtstrip!

You can dive Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker year-round, but there are some seasonal variations worth considering. June through November is the wet season which brings light wind, surface chop, and intermittent rain, as well as the possibility of tropical storms. In the unfortunate event that a storm hits, diving will likely be suspended for a few days. August through October generally sees the most rain, which can reduce visibility, especially in the shallows. The dry season runs from December through May when the weather is mostly warm and sunny. Water temperatures fluctuate just a few degrees throughout the year, hitting lows of around 26°C in February and highs of around 29°C in September.

May is the best month to spot mating sea turtles, while August is the peak time to see the females laying eggs on the beach. After spending a couple of months beneath the sand, the hatchlings tend to emerge around October. A variety of groupers can also be seen schooling en-mass to mate during full moons between October and November.

Ambergris Caye is home to the Bacalar Chico National Park in the north which is composed of a 15,000-acre marine reserve and a 12,000-acre terrestrial reserve, and has been named an UNESCO World Heritage site. In the south, is the Marco Gonzalez Archaeological Reserve, a collection of some 49 known structures believed to have been used by the Mayans as a trading post. And, at the southern tip of the island, is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve which incorporates the barrier reef, seagrass beds and the mangrove islands of Boca Chica and Cangrejo Shoals.

The government has also imposed a moratorium on oil exploration and drilling in all of Belize’s offshore waters. In 2018, thanks to the Belizean Government’s clear commitment to conservation, UNESCO removed the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System from its list of World Heritage in Danger sites.