Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is one of the most popular destinations in Belize for island-seekers as well as divers, it is approximately 15 minutes by flight and 1 1/2 hours by water taxi from Belize City. Twenty-seven miles long and the country's biggest island, Ambergris features the most resorts in Belize including a number of dedicated dive resorts and the finest array of restaurants, shops and bars in Belize. Most, if not all, resorts on Ambergris Caye offer diving to the nearby reefs. There is a complete selection of reef trips available, single and two tank day trips, night dives and specialty tours.

Along the entire length of Ambergris Caye, the reef is comprised of spectacular three dimensional coral formations which include canyons, grottoes and tunnels. The more common reef fishes do not appear here in great numbers compared to elsewhere. However, there are a greater number of pelagic fish such as sharks and rays.

There's also a considerable number of porpoise and turtle to be seen. The most popular dive area around Ambergris Caye is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a large cut through the barrier reef that is now a national park. No spear, net or line

fishing is allowed and permanent mooring is used instead of anchoring. The reserve is a shallow dive area with an active group of "pet" fish to photograph. Within the five square miles of marine reserve, is some of the best shallow scuba diving in the area . Under water you'll see extensive golden corals and scads of nearly tame marine life. Hol Chan is also the primary night dive site from Ambergris Caye. On the outside of the reef, running far to the north and south, are unlimited dive sites along the continuous barrier reef system.

Two of Belize's most famous Atolls, the Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe Atolls are also accessible from Ambergris Caye. A number of dive services on the island offer full day and overnight trips to these Atolls.

The Belize mainland is also a short boat or plane ride from Ambergris Caye, allowing a visitor to stay on the island yet visit such Belize reserves, and eco-tourism attractions such as the Crooked Tree Wild Life Sanctuary, the Belize Zoo, Altun Ha Mayan Ruin, the Rio Bravo Conservation Area and the Baboon Sanctuary. One can even take a day trip to go cave tubing, travel to Lamanai Mayan Ruin by river boat or visit the famous Tikal Mayan Site in Guatemala. Ambergris Caye Packages