Ambergris Caye, Belize

Ambergris Caye is a small, palm-shaded island in northeast Belize boasting white sand beaches awash in some of the warmest, clearest water to be found anywhere. Golf carts, bicycles, and your own two feet are the main modes of transportation on the sand-covered streets of tiny San Pedro, the island's only town.

Adjacent to what was once a popular Mayan trade route, Ambergris Caye has a history rich in Mayan culture. Later in history the island became important for its abundant seafood supply and strategic military position. Today, tourism rules on this 25-mile long island, but the locals, uncorrupted by mass tourism and chain resorts, are ready to welcome you with plenty of places to eat, drink, and be merry - or leave you alone if you so desire.

A variety of lodging choices are available on Ambergris Caye. For travelers who want to be where the action is, try Sunbreeze Hotel, The Palms, Ramon's Village, or AquaMarina Suites, all located in the heart of San Pedro.

Just south of town, but still close to the action, you'll find Coconuts, Mata Rocks, Banana Beach, Xanadu Resort, and Banyan Bay.

If you prefer something a little more off the beaten path, try Victoria House, or Royal Caribbean Resort farther south of town, or Mata Chica, Belizean Shores, Captain Morgan's, and Belize Legacy, all north of San Pedro.

And if you really want to get away from it all, why not enjoy your own private island retreat at the majestic Cayo Espanto.

No matter which resort you choose, you'll love stretching out in a hammock with a cold drink and a hot bestseller in Ambergris Caye. You'll love the surprisingly cosmopolitan dining choices the region has to offer even more!

For delicious local cuisine, try Cocina Caramba in downtown San Pedro. Caliente offers tasty Mexican and Latin American cuisine, and has locations both in San Pedro, and north of town near Captain Morgan's. If you're looking for fine cuisine and romantic dining, try Capricorn's, Rojo Lounge, or Portofino, and for a fun restaurant with delicious international options and fantastic appetizers, visit the Blue Water Grill. Try Celi's Restaurant for breakfast and lunch, and cool cool down in the afternoon with sorbet found at DandE's.

Above all, do not miss the world famous chicken drop on the beach...just ask a local for directions on where to find this hilarious event or stroll the beach and look for a crowed surrounding a bingo-like grid and fence.

Offshore, you'll find world-class snorkeling, diving, sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing in the turquoise Western Caribbean. On land, you're immersed in a friendly, laid back atmosphere that offers hotels, restaurants, shopping, and services to suit every whim and pocketbook.

Dozens of fishing, diving, and snorkeling sites are less than an hour away, including Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark/Ray Alley. The latter are underwater national parks that teem with tropical fish of every size, color, and description, along with exotic corals, sponges, and sea fans. Those who don't wish to snorkel may view this amazing panorama on a glass-bottom boat ride. Sea kayaking and parasailing are also options on the island.

Day trips can easily be arranged to the Belizean mainland, too. Popular and worthwhile destinations include the Maya ruins at Lamanai, or Altun Ha, the howler monkey reserve and Belize Zoo west of Belize City, and soft-adventure horseback, mountain bike, canopy tours, cave tubing, or canoe trips in the jungles of the Cayo District. Another option is to take a sailing excursion to nearby Caye Caulker for the day, stopping for snorkeling on the way.