Our Top 5 Tours of 2019 on Ambergris Caye — Belize Happy Adventures

There is only ONE excursion you must do when coming to San Pedro, it is the Hol Chan and Shark Ray alley snorkeling adventure There are many operators that offer this fabulous tour, but our favorite hands down is Tuff E Nuff. Their professional staff is fun, educated, and will host the most amazing (did I say, a MUST do day?). Wabble, is your host on land and if you are lucky enough to get Sherry to guide you through Hol Chan Reserve, then you are on your way to one terrific day.

This adventure starts by sailing to Hol Chan on your private catamaran if you have a big group, or if it is just the two of you, hop on their stunning new spacious catamaran and meet other fun peeps to hang with for the day. While snorkeling you may just see a turtle, some sting rays, schools of juvenile fish, large groupers, and even a moray eel or 2! Once your 45-minute guided snorkel is complete you will set sail to nearby Shark Ray alley, and don’t be afraid of these nurse sharks and sting rays feeding on chum. It is a must do. Just jump in and swim with these amazing creatures, get as close as you can and you may just find yourself petting a nurse shark. For certain, this is a once in a lifetime adventure.

Back on board you will set sail for a slow cruise to Caye Caulker enjoying cool soft and adult beverages. Then once you arrive on Caye Caulker, you’ll enjoy the famous Lazy Lizard for a drink, then walk the sandy road and grab lunch from a street side vendor rustling up fresh lobster, snapper, chicken or pork. All served with rice & beans, cole slaw and famous rum punch.

After a couple of hours moseying around Caye Caulker, it is time to head back to Ambergris Caye aboard your catamaran. The sail is long and slow, served with rum punch, water, sodas or the famous Belikin beer. Oh, and don’t forget some fresh ceviche just in case lunch was not enough for you. All in all, we highly recommend Tuff E Nuff when it comes to the great adventure to Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley.

If diving is your forte, then make no mistake about it, Ramon’s is the dive shop to fill all your diving needs. Rick, the dive shop manager, is there to help guide you on your best diving experience. Ramon’s is the number one dive shop here on Ambergris Caye and they have been in business for 37 years. Their fleet is magnificent, their equipment is top notch. If you are looking to just try a dive or 2, get certified or anything in between, Ramon’s offers the best there is to offer. Their staff is professional and, of course, safety is their number one priority. The dive shop will have everything you need for your one stop shop to get you into some of the best diving in the world. You’ll want to head out to any of the many local dive destinations just minutes from their dock or travel to the Blue Hole or Turneffe Atoll. We highly recommend Ramon’s for your local diving needs.

Another favorite of ours is the House Boat excursion offered by Seaduced. This grand adventure is perfect if you have come to San Pedro with a big group. You will meet on the back side of downtown San Pedro just west of downtown. This one and only 2 decker houseboat is fitted with a full kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and of course all the necessary fun equipment to make your day the happiest of days. If you want to fish, no problem, what about paddle boarding? Yep they have that too! Or if you prefer to float in the Caribbean Sea soaking up the sun on their comfortable floaties, perfect, they have that too, oh and did I say, they will deliver you your drinks while you leisurely float in the Caribbean Sea. They are also known for the nummiest of lobster fritters (in season of course). The “specialty drink” will be flowing, or if your choice is water, beer or sodas, they will provide it all! This slow cruise to the back of the Caye, takes you through the shallow waters until you reach Sunrise Beach, this secluded bay is so gorgeous with its white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. Seaduced has a wonderful crew aboard, their number one customer service is offered by your hosts, Rebecca & Elito. This all-day fun in the sun is a chill way to just enjoy your friends, family or meet new friends, either way, the food, the drinks, the staff and the boat all together make for the most amazing day here in San Pedro!

Being an expat here on Ambergris Caye, we have been fortunate to take so many happy adventures with our local tour guides. Another favorite of ours, is Coral Divers, the owner Genie is a fixture on the Caye. Genie has been a captain for many years and knows how to navigate these very difficult waters.

One adventure he offers which is not known to many, is the Bacalar Chico Run. If you are an avid snorkeler and want to explore unchartered waters, or love to catch some fresh fish inside the reef, this trip is right up your alley. Genie will personally guide you as you make your way north to Rocky Point, which is the northern tip of Ambergris Caye. He will find the buoy so you can grab your snorkel gear, hop in and explore. If you are staying on board to fish, the bait and rods are provided for you, all you have to do is have patience and you may just catch some groupers or snappers. This trip is personally set up for your group, so if you are enjoying a spot, stay awhile, if you want to move to another spot to explore, great, either way, Genie is at your disposal to make this day a once in a lifetime adventure. Once you have worn yourself out and your stomach is churning for some chow, tuck into the boat and get ready to head through the northern mangroves making your away to the other side of Ambergris Caye, to the Bacalar Chico Reserve. At the visitor’s center, Genie and his crew will prepare your lunch, all you have to do is relax on the beach or swim in the warm blue waters as your crew prepares your meal. After a bit of time, you will get back onto the boat and continue south towards town, as the sun is starting to come down the horizon, you are mesmerized and worn out after this fun day in and on the water! Genie is smart, wise and funny. This trip is one of our favorites and we highly recommend Genie to host your day on the Bacalar Chico Run!

When in Rome…. If you are coming to Ambergris Caye, there is one spot that is a must stop! Seastar Belize/The Dive Bar welcomes all visitors with smiles, fun in the sun, and their claim to fame is the food! Most visitors have “heard” about Doug and Lia, the happy owners of this one stop shop. If you are an avid diver, or just want to head out for a quick snorkel to Mexico rocks, Seastar Belize can accommodate all of your needs. We highly recommend Seastar Belize for the water activities and the Dive Bar for food and drink. if you are on the north side of the bridge, you will certainly have some giggles!