7 Hidden Gems in Ambergris Caye
(Spec piece written for Hilton’s Mahogany Bay Report in Ambergris Caye)
It is no secret that Belize hosts some of the most beautiful beaches on earth. Ambergris Caye is a hot spot for anyone visiting this beautiful country and is the perfect balance between slow and relaxed Caribbean charm with enough amenities to keep it exciting.
Here are some hidden gems that we at Mahogany Bay suggest for your visit:
Take a Golf Cart to Secret Beach
Secret Beach offers a relaxing escape from town with swim-up bars, restaurants, stand-up paddle board rentals, and beautiful scenic beaches.
Secret Beach is a must-see when you are in Belize. This spot on the island can only be accessed by boat or golf cart and is a worthy adventure for anyone wanting to escape the main drag of San Pedro for the day. The journey is approximately two hours (roundtrip) from town and you simply follow the signs around town to get you on your way! There are restaurants, swim-up bars, and water activity day rentals that are all accessible to the public.
We proudly boast some of the most reliable golf carts on the island to help you on your journey, which can be booked here.
2. Visit an Art Gallery
Belizean Arts in San Pedro is one of the most well-known art galleries on the island.
Located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, Belize is a trove of beautiful, rich history. From traditional Mayan ruins on the mainland to Creole cooking and tradition on the islands, there is a diverse range of cultural experiences that are sure to capture the heart of anyone wishing to dig a little deeper into this paradise. Some of the most common forms of art in Belize include; paintings, textiles, and wooden sculptures. Our favorite stops in Ambergris Caye include Belizean Arts, The Gallery Of San Pedro, and Belizean Melody Art Gallery. Quaint and locally owned, each of these galleries offers traditional Belizean artwork that encapsulates the vibrant personality of the country.
3. Spend the Day at Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Swim with sharks, manta rays, clownfish, and more in the second largest barrier reef in the world. Hol Chan is a beautiful glimpse into a serene life under the sea.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a small portion of preserved land that resides inside of the second largest barrier reef in the world. Covering just under seven square miles of ocean, Hol Chan boasts some of the most scenic underwater experiences on earth and allows adventurers to come face to face with large manta rays, nursing sharks, and over 140 different species of fish. Whether you want to snorkel through Shark Ray Alley, scuba dive, relax on a catamaran, or bring back the biggest catch of the day, there are endless options to explore this breathtaking slice of paradise. Book your next day on the water here.
4. Fly Over the Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is a deep sinkhole located about 43 miles off the coast of the Belize mainland. The Great Blue Hole is one of the most coveted scuba destinations in the world and is also a remarkable aerial experience.
The Great Blue Hole is one of the most notable features of the barrier reef in Belize. This large marine sinkhole extends about 1,043 feet across and reaches about 407 feet at its deepest point. A hot spot for scuba diving, there are deep caverns, giant underwater stalagmites, and caves for those who dare venture in. Tours leave daily and will ensure that you have a safe and memorable experience.
If jumping into a deep, dark oceanic hole isn’t your thing, scenic day flights are also available and offer breathtaking views of this natural wonder.
5. Catch Your Dinner
Release your inner islander with Lionfish Spearhead Fishing. This is considered to be one of the “best marine experiences” according to Food and Travel Mexico.
The Caribbean Sea is home to over 1,400 different species of fish and marine mammals. There are hundreds of species of delicious edible fish that reside just off the coast of Ambergris Caye. If you like to add a little challenge to a leisurely boat ride, consider doing a reef-fishing tour or a deep-sea fishing tour and catching your dinner for the evening. Many of the seaside restaurants in San Pedro will allow you to walk right up to the host desk with a bag of fish and have them whip it up for you. This is not to be missed, as it is one of the tastiest meals you will have on the island.
6. Relax at the Spa
Part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, Mahogany Bay Village offers a wide range of activities and luxury amenities. From private islands with over-the-water beach beds to Belizean clay facials in our gorgeous spa, this resort is not only a great place to spend the day but an incredible place to stay while you are in Belize. Check availability here.
After a few days of sand and sun, you might start getting tempted to find some air conditioning to relax in, and what is a vacation without a trip to a luxury spa? After all, you are in paradise. There are a few notable spas and resorts that can be found around San Pedro, but Mahogany Bay Village undoubtedly takes the cake. Reservations are available for many relaxing treatments including Belizean charcoal facials, four-hand massages, and hot stone massages. Give yourself permission to relax after a long day of lionfish spearfishing.
The resort also offers yoga retreats, ear candling, Reiki, barre classes, and many other soul healing options that can help you to really soak in your blissful days on the island.
7. Visit the Truck Stop
Come grab a drink, play some lawn games, and mingle with locals and tourists alike in this family-friendly evening meet-up spot.
Located just a short golf cart ride out of town, the Truck Stop is one of the best-hidden gems on the island. A wonderful stop for food, drink, and camaraderie, this backyard vibe stop-over is great for anyone looking to kick back after a long beach day. The Truck Stop has a large pool with a movie screen in the back, lawn games like corn hole and ping-pong, and offers up tons of great food options for the entire family. You can often catch live music here as well, and the ambiance is easily some of the best on the island. This is a great spot to meet locals and other tourists and make great lifelong friends from your travels in Belize.
Belize is a never-ending adventure with a pace that can accommodate any age group or personal interest. Be sure to book your next great adventure or blissful day of relaxing with us, so your trip will be nothing but smooth ocean sailing.