About Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island, is your gateway to turquoise Caribbean waters and the breathtaking Belize Barrier Reef. Whether you’re after a boutique beachfront escape, a family-friendly villa with plenty of space, or a luxury resort offering five-star pampering, you’ll find it here. Most hotels cluster around lively San Pedro for easy access to bars and dive shops, while secluded north and south shores are perfect for romantic hideaways or private-island retreats just steps from the sand.

Ambergris Caye is the kind of place you picture on a postcard—white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back Caribbean vibe that makes you want to kick off your shoes and stay a while. But it’s not just about the stunning views; this is Belize’s top spot for diving and snorkelling, thanks to the largest living coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just starting out, you can slip beneath the warm waters to find reef sharks gliding past vibrant coral gardens, or take in bucket-list wonders like the Great Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef.

When you’re not exploring underwater, there’s plenty of adventure above the surface too. Think sailing trips, paddle boarding at sunset, or a lazy day building sandcastles on the beach. Inland, you can wander through Mayan ruins, zip-line over jungle canopies, or stumble upon hidden caves. And when the sun goes down, San Pedro comes alive with colourful galleries, lively eateries, and a welcoming, island-town energy. Whether you’re here for romance, family fun, or pure relaxation, Ambergris Caye is a slice of Belize that feels like it was made just for unforgettable getaways.

The Best Places to Stay in Ambergris Caye

For families

  • Xanadu Island Resort offers stylish beachfront suites near San Pedro, plus snorkelling, sailing, diving, fishing, kayaks, and glass-bottom boats. Family-friendly packages with exciting island excursions make this eco-conscious stay a perfect choice for groups and families alike.
  • Alaia Resort- Luxury meets family fun on a dreamy Caribbean beachfront. Kids clubs, pools, activities galore, and spacious sea-view suites make it perfect for sun-soaked family escapes with plenty of options for parents to unwind in style.

For barefoot luxury

  • Victoria House is a striking beachfront property with 42 elegant rooms, suites and villas hidden under thatched roofs. Think cool, earthy tones in the bedrooms, wide verandahs and gorgeous sea views. Paddle around the pool, unwind at the spa and try everything from scuba diving to exploring Mayan ruins. A luxurious pick with some of the world's best diving!
  • Las Terrazzas Resort is a blissful beach escape, perfect for travellers in search of barefoot luxury. Expect handcrafted Belizean mahogany furniture and all the mod-cons in spacious suites and fantastic private villas -- some of which offer space for the whole family. Stay here for a whole range of activities, a 70-metre infinity pool and secluded serenity under the swaying palm trees.

For romance

  • Matachica Resort is a quirky adults-only hideaway with brightly-painted thatched casitas overlooking the sparkling sea and a spa specialising in using local ingredients for natural therapies. Take a private snorkelling tour, explore the island by bicycle, sip cocktails with your toes in the sand or savour fantastic fare at the award-winning Mambo Restaurant. Charming, intimate and romantic - a honeymoon dream!
  • Cayo Esperanto boasts just seven luxurious villas for travellers eager to forget that the world beyond the hotel's tiny private island exists. Spend your days floating in your private plunge pool, taking custom diving or yacht tours, and feasting in the world-class restaurant. A restful paradise for honeymooners.

For an apartment or villa

If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • There are regular international flights to San Pedro Airport, on Ambergris Caye. You can then hop into a taxi or arrange an airport pick up to get to your hotel. For travellers coming from Belize City, there are affordable water taxis across to Ambergris Caye, which take around 1.5 hours.
  • Alternatively, contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car. There's lots to see on the island, and having your own transport makes it much easier to get around!
  • Most travellers visit Ambergris Caye between January and May, when the weather is at its best -- humid and around 30°C. Be prepared for showers if you visit during the rainy season (June to November). To beat the crowds and make the most of great deals, time your trip for May or June, before the rains begin to fall in earnest.

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The best hotels in Ambergris Caye

Xanadu Island Resort

Ambergris Caye

Looking out Belize’s Caribbean coastline, Xanadu Island Resort is a stunning beachside hotel. The resort is perfectly suited to groups or families with luxurious two and three bedroom suites. Take a jungle tour or simply recline by the pool. A coastal charmer.

  • Local exploring - Perfect for exploring the area surrounding San Pedro as well as the nearby Belize Barrier Reef.
  • Beach Life - Located directly on the beach.
  • Diving - The Belize Barrier Reef is only ten minutes by boat, it's the largest reef in the western hemisphere.
  • Sights nearby - Take a trip to explore nearby Mayan Ruins.
from £142 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Victoria House

Ambergris Caye (Central America)

A luxury beach-side hotel located on Belize's largest island. Elegant rooms feature four-poster beds, crisp white linen, terracotta tiled floors and simple dark wooden furniture. Choose to lounge on a white sand beach or by a stunning pool. For the active there's plenty to keep all entertained.

  • Beach Life - Step into the island way of life in this luxurious beach fronted property.
  • Diving - Located just minutes from Belize Barrier Reef find some of the best diving in the world.
  • Birdwatching - Ambergris Caye's unique biodiversity makes it a hotbed for numerous species.
  • Sailing - Hire a boat and set out in search of manatees.
from £166 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Las Terrazas Resort & Residences

Ambergris Caye (San Pedro)

A plush resort nestled on its own private beachfront, just a short distance from San Pedro. The private villas are havens of tranquility with elegant furnishings and terraces overlooking the sea or lush gardens. Enjoy fine dining in the restaurant and avail of the numerous facilities on offer.

  • Beach Life - Situated on its own private beach, with an onsite dive centre and everything you could dream up about a tropical island paradise
  • Families - Chief Fun Officers are on hand to organise a range of exciting activities, plus there are bikes to borrow and watersports galore
  • Honeymoons - The perfect intro to wedded bliss- massages, private villas, cocktails on the beach and diving in crystal clear waters
  • Watersports - From diving to kayaking, water bikes to tubing this place has it all only a stones throw away
from £199 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Matachica Resort & Spa

Ambergris Caye

A stunning collection of bright casitas right on the beach in Belize. Each private casita features luxury ensuite rooms and hammocks swinging from from the patios. Relax on the beach or take a fishing trip with the hotel's captain. Made for honeymooners.

  • Romantic Break - Luxury suites and sublime location make it perfect for a romantic break.
  • Beach Life - Located moments from the water
  • Fishing - Take a fishing trip for barracuda, grouper, snapper, bonefish, porgy, snook, tarpon, permit and jack.
  • Kayaking - Hotel offers sea kayaking exploration.
from £236 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Alaia Resort

Ambergris Caye

Super-luxe family-friendly resort on a stunning strip of Caribbean beach. Impressive amenities range from a spa & Kid's Club to endless chic dining options. Spacious rooms, suites & villas designed with a fresh modern palette - many with sea views - are perfect for lazy fly & flop beach breaks.

  • Roof terrace - Adult's only Vista Rooftop & Lounge - complete with pool - is the country's first rootop bar & home to a fab Asian restaurant
  • Swimming Pool - Three 'wow' options include adult-only rooftop pool with sea views, tropical garden pool & ocean-facing pool with kid's area
  • Beach Life - Located right on the pristine Mar de Tumbo coastline with private white sandy beach & turqouise sea teeming with wildlife
  • Families - Keep the whole family content with multi-bedroom suites, Kids Club, amazing array of activities, beach, spa & pools
from £268 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Cayo Espanto

Ambergris Caye

Stunning tropical island hotel that offers seven exclusive villas. Surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters, luxury abounds with a personal houseman catering to your every need. Perfect for a romantic hideaway.

  • Fishing - Fishing trips can be organised by the hotel, including fly fishing for bone fish.
  • Hideaway - Looking for restorative peace and quiet, this could be the place.
  • Diving - Scuba diving can be organised by the hotel.
  • Sights nearby - Take a Mayan Ruin Tour.
from £1415 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees