If you are looking for a beach escape where you can relax, be transported to a place that tropical dreams are made of, and enjoy food that is absurdly delicious, then Ambergris Caye is your place! The pace is slow, the people are laid back and friendly, and when you go, you will quickly feel like you don’t have a care in the world. The people drive down the streets in golf carts instead of cars, ride their bikes, or just walk. There is a central town area where there is a lot of activity going on, so there is always something to do.
The snorkeling off of the Belize Barrier Reef is the best snorkeling that I’ve ever done in my life. This may be because it is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second longest in the world. I snorkeled with sharks, stingrays, turtles, and about a million fish!! I highly recommend taking one of the snorkeling trips that are offered.
- Palapa Bar and Grill-www.thiswaytoparadise.com
One of my other favorite experiences in Ambergris Caye was hanging out at the Palapa Bar and Grill. It is a palapa set out over the water and has some amazing views. You can sit in the inner tubes, and the wait staff will bring you drinks to enjoy while you float the day away. I highly recommend the coconut water mojito. Paired with the Jimmy Buffett music in the background, it’s an incredibly refreshing concoction that transports you to (well?), really there’s no better place to be tranported to.
Also, the one event you MUST not miss is the chicken drop. Oh, excuse me, not just the chicken drop, but The World Famous Chicken Drop. Yes, all the locals and tourists gather outside the Spindrift Hotel, on the beach, to watch a chicken poop. Yes, that’s right. Numbers are drawn on a board, people place bets on the numbers, and if the chicken is on your side, you win all the money! If you lose, just go in the restaurant and order up a fried chicken sandwich. There you go, instant revenge! Seriously though, it’s a lot of fun. Bars are set up, music is playing, people are socializing, and it’s a great way to meet new people. In fact, I made a great new friend, who I spent the rest of my time in Belize with, at the chicken drop!
Also, while in Ambergris Caye, you must get a massage at the Ocean Essence Spa. Not only was it one of the best massages that I’ve ever had in my life, but my massage took place over the water. It was so relaxing with the ocean waves lapping underneath me and watching the fish swim through the planks of the wharf. What a great experience!
I stayed at the lovely Mata Rocks Resort in Belize, and I couldn’t have hoped for a better experience. I had a second story room which included a balcony with a lovely view of the ocean. There was a pool,which was nice, as the ocean in Belize has a lot of seagrass on the bottom, which makes going in the ocean to cool off not the greatest experience. Also, the beach bar was a lovely spot to have a rum punch and perch my laptop on. I got my writing done, while enjoying the stunning views in front of me.
Once you arrive at the International airport, you can get to the island of Ambergris Caye either by boat or plane. I chose to fly with Tropic Air and loved seeing the long Belize Barrier Reef from the air. Once you are there, there is absolutely no need for a car. You can rent a golf cart or walk everywhere. My stay at Mata Rocks included free use of their bicycles which made it very easy to get around. And, really the best part of advice I can give you for Ambergris Caye? Let your worries go, have another rum punch, and enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
