island crest

Rich in Maya history,

teeming with exotic animals birds and plants, and filled with local arts and cultures, there are so many things to see and do in Ambergris Caye, the surrounding waters and mainland Belize. Deciding, what to do, well that might just take an afternoon of contemplation from a lounge chair on the beach.
 

THE ISLAND

The hub of the island is the quaint little town of San Pedro. Just a 20-minute stroll up the beach from Mata Rocks and you’ll discover everything from local crafts to bars and restaurants, discos to spas.

Restaurants

While you’re here, try Belizean rice and beans with stewed chicken, escabeche, cow foot soup, chirrmole, homemade flour tortillas, Johnny Cakes, Belizean meat pies, Key Lime Pie or fresh coconut tarts.

  • Local Fare Favorites: Antojitos San Telmo, Waruguma, The Reef, Ruby's and Celi's Deli
  • Caribbean Dining Destinations: Victoria House, Elvi's Kitchen, Caliente, Wild Mangos, Jambal's Jerk Pit, Carumba and Hidden Treasures
  • American Food Fixes: Blue Water Grill, El Divino and Pepperoni's Pizza
Grocery Stores

You may find yourself in need of snacks, realize you forgot Sunscreen, or just want to sample a fresh coconut. For grocery shopping, try Super Buy, Marina’s and the Greenhouse.

Entertainment

Snorkel or scuba dive at the barrier reef, visit the manatees, or go sailing. Rent a golf cart and drive to the north side of the island, or visit the lagoon side of town and see the local fisherman selling their daily catch. Watch the Belizean lighter boats filled with produce and vegetables from the mainland. Oh the possibilities!

THE MAINLAND

Belize offers a world apart filled with stunning waterfalls and Maya ruins, exotic animals and breathtaking parks and sanctuaries. These are our most recommended suggestions.

Mayan Ruins

Even if you aren’t a history buff or archeologist, you can’t stand on the land of the ancient Maya and not be fascinated. This was a vibrant civilization that we can only glimpse through the ruins left behind. Admire them from the ground, or take a deep breath and climb to the top for an amazing view of the surrounding, lush jungle. Some of the ruins you may consider visiting include Altun Ha, Caracol, Che Chem Ha Pottery Caves, Lamanai, Tikal, and Xunantunich.

Caving

Belize has no end of natural wonders, including our caves found in western Belize in the Cayo District. There are hundreds of cave adventures to be had. Actun Tunichil Muknal opened in 1989 and has a vast collection of Maya artifacts. For a different type of cave adventure, trying a guided tube tour down Caves Branch River through a series of above-ground caves. Some other popular caves include Che Chem Ha, Rio Frio, St. Herman’s Barton Creek Cave, Cayo Blue Creek, Toldeo Ben Loman’s and Manatee Lagoon.

Check out Mainland Tours for information on tours that can be booked at the Mata Rocks front desk.