Ferry from Belize to Ambergris Caye

About Belize

Belize was formerly known as British Honduras and is situated on the eastern coast of Central America. Also considered a Caribbean nation, it possesses cultural ties with Latin America and an official language of English. The only country in Central America without a Pacific coastline, the Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world, after Australia’s, harbouring more than 100 variants of coral and 500 species of tropical fish. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, it remains the most popular tourist attraction in Belize, luring approximately 260,000 snorkelers and divers each year. In fact, Charles Darwin, in 1842, described it as ‘the most remarkable reef in the West Indies’. In terms of conservation, Belize was the first country in the world to completely ban bottom trawling in 2010 and subsequently banned offshore oil drilling within 1km of the reef, helping to maintain its pristine appearance. Exploring inland Belize entails unforgettable jungle treks, spying on some 570 species of bird and keeping a keen eye out for the country’s most celebrated wildlife including howler-monkeys, keel-billed toucans and green iguanas. Boasting a huge network of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, you can easily admire many more animals such as the Baird’s tapir: the national animal of Belize, jaguars and parades of cutter ants. Like the majority of Central America, Belize features many wonderful testaments to the ancient Maya civilisation. Found in the Cayo District and Toledo are millennia-old archaeological sites adorned with steep steps leading to towering stone temples, affording panoramic views of the surrounding jungles. Topping your itinerary should be exploring excavated tombs and inspecting fascinating hieroglyphs, or tunnelling through deep natural caves which once saw rituals and sacrifices performed by Maya kings to the gods. The offshore cays are easily reachable from the capital, Belize City, by ferry, which are some of the most popular destinations in the country thanks to their stunning coastlines and snorkelling spots. There are multiple sailings provided every day to Ambergris Cay and Caye Caulker, as well as routes between the cays, lasting approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the arrival point.

About Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye, nicknamed ‘the Pretty Island’, is the biggest island in Belize of Central America. The nation’s most celebrated tourist destination, Ambergris Caye offers sublime Caribbean beaches and world-class diving in the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. Slender in shape, but not in the selection of water sports available, Ambergris Caye’s 25 by 5 miles of paradise attracts jet-skiers, snorkelers, divers and keen swimmers from all around the world. The northern reaches are largely uninhabited, but it’s here where you’ll find the best beaches and untouched tracks of land, which can be explored by bike, while the island’s main town, San Pedro, sits on the southern coast. Southernmost Ambergris Caye also sees its most famous dive site, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, encompassing 18 square kilometres of submerged marvels. Mayan for ‘little channel’, it centres on a 23 metre wide cut through the reef inhabited by over 160 species of fish, 40 types of coral and fascinating types of sea grass. The reserve also contains a 124 metre deep Great Blue Hole: the ideal excursion for the more foolhardy divers. San Pedro represents the caye’s only metropolitan area, decorated with colourful Caribbean-type houses, souvenir shops and cobblestone streets. Fresh seafood is served in beachfront restaurants, too, which is some of the finest in the country. A gateway for sailing expeditions and reef exploration, the town has recently become more commercially developed, while still retaining the relaxed atmosphere that makes Ambergris Caye so appealing. Ferries to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye arrive from the capital, Belize City, which sits just 60 kilometres away, in as little as 90 minutes with weekly departures available. Equally scenic ferry crossings are provided from Caye Caulker, situated just south of San Pedro, which is a convenient route if you’re planning on hopping between the stunning islands of Belize.