Best Beaches In Ambergris Caye For Swimming & Snorkeling

Come check out the best beaches in Ambergris Caye worth visiting on your holiday. From the top spots to snorkel, tan, or simply swim, I’ll let you know the best options!

If you’re in Ambergris Caye, you’ll want to spend some time enjoying the sand and the water. It’s an island paradise surrounded by incredible reefs and tropical vibes.

But with so many options, what are the best beaches in Ambergris Caye worth visiting?

Well, I have done a couple of trips to Ambergris Caye exploring San Pedro, and decided to put together this guide of my favorite spots.

From the popular not-so-secret Secret Beach to Tranquility Bay, and all those spots in front of the fancy resorts. I’ll let you know the top choices, how to get there, what to watch out for, and the sargassum situation.

1. Secret Beach

On the western side of Ambergris Caye, you’ll find one of the most popular but most beautiful beaches, called Secret Beach. As its name suggests, this spot was once a hidden gem, but over recent years, it has gained popularity and is now one of the best things to do on Ambergris Caye, though for good reason.

Of course, it has the standard white sand and clear waters, though there are also beach bars and restaurants lining the shoreline. Perfect to grab a cold drink while you chill out.

The beach is calm, and the water is shallow, perfect for relaxing or if you have children, plus there’s also an inflatable water park. The water is sandy as well, so you don’t have to deal with walking on rocks or worrying about cutting up your feet.

We visited for a chill afternoon swim and ended up spending the evening here as well. It turns into a good party spot at night with live music and good vibes once darkness hits.

How To Get To Secret Beach

To reach Secret Beach from the main township of San Pedro, you have a few different options.

Golf Cart: It’s a full on 40 minute drive on a golf cart. Though we had to deal with a super bumpy drive along the road. Hopefully, this improves since it’s such a popular spot, but don’t let that put you off!

Hire A Bike: You can hire a bicycle and cycle the 7 miles / 11 kms. The only downside is that the road is super dusty, plus it will likely be extremely hot with no shade.

Take A Boat: Secret Beach Boat run a daily boat shuttle service between the Dream Catcher Pier in San Pedro to Secret Beach Waterpark Bar & Grill. Tickets are $20.00 one way or $30.00 return.

2. The Sandbar Near Secret Beach

After spending some time swimming and sunbathing at Secret Beach, make sure to also visit the nearby sandbar. This beautiful stretch of sand appears during low tide and provides a unique experience for beachgoers. You can literally walk out onto the water and take in panoramic views of the ocean while standing on this natural wonder.

Make sure to bring your camera as you’ll definitely want to capture this experience. The sandbar also offers a great opportunity for snorkeling or simply lounging in the shallow waters. Just be sure to check the tides before heading out so you don’t get stranded on the sandbar during high tide.

How To Get To The Sandbar

To get to the sandbar, you’ll need to hire a boat or go on a tour. This is a great spot to spend a few hours, so a lot of guides will also cook you a fresh lunch to have there.

3. Ramon’s Village Beach

For a more luxe beach experience, head to Ramon’s Village Beach in San Pedro. This is one of the fancier resorts in the area, with sandy shores perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

If you are staying at the resort, you can use their with lounge chairs and umbrellas. Though even if you’re not staying there, you are still allowed on the beach since it’s a public area. Their dock is also pretty fancy, stretching out some distance into the water, and is a great spot to jump off.

If you want to spend the day there and also check out the resort’s pool and gym, you can purchase a day pass to use all of the facilities. This is perfect if you’re keen on a day of relaxation.

After a day of chilling on the beach, make sure to check out the on-site restaurant and bar, Pineapples @ Ramons Village. You can enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a delicious meal while taking in views of the ocean. Plus, if you are a vegan or vegetarian like me, they have some great food options.

How To Get To Ramon’s Village Beach

Ramon’s Village is towards the south end of San Pedro, near the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi Terminal.

To get there you can either take a short 10 minute walk from the town center or rent a bike and ride along the beachfront.

4. Boca Del Rio Beach

North of San Pedro, you’ll find Boca Del Rio Beach, which is perfect if you’re looking for something secluded and a bit quieter.

Being set a bit further up from the main township, you don’t get a crazy amount of crowds, and you can enjoy that relaxed vibe. On the weekends, you’ll find a lot of the locals swimming here.

This is another sandy spot where you don’t have to worry about rocks and instead just relax in the shallows. You’ll find coconut trees and small palapas scattered along the shore, providing some shade if you aren’t keen on a sunburn.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore. I’ve seen eagle rays in this area, so there’s a chance you may also spot some marine life while out on the water. Though if you prefer to stay on land, there’s also a beach volleyball setup most of the time to use.

How To Get To Boca Del Rio Beach

This is one of those spots that is super easy to get to. I recommend simply enjoying a little walk or renting a bike and taking a ride along the beachfront path. The path will take you all the way to Boca Del Rio Beach, just watch out for the golf carts!

5. Mar de Tumbo Beach

Another popular beach in San Pedro is Mar de Tumbo Beach. It’s just a bit further south than Ramon’s Village and is great for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

This is a great alternative to the popular Secret Beach. Here you can escape the crowds, the party music, and just enjoy yourself.

Nearby, you’ll also find plenty of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the locally caught seafood and a cheeky cocktail.

How To Get To Mar de Tumbo Beach

To reach Mar de Tumbo Beach, I would recommend renting a bike and enjoying the beautiful views. Alternatively, if you are staying on the southern side of San Pedro, then it would be an easy enough walk.

6. The Moon Bar at Mangata Villas Beach

Another great beach in Ambergris Caye is in front of The Moon Bar at Mangata. This bar has stunning views, delicious cocktails, and a relaxing atmosphere.

You don’t need to pay for a day pass to visit here. Instead, just use the public beach access and relax on the shore. The team at the villas maintains the beach and does a great job ensuring it’s clean to the best of their ability.

They also offer some delicious pizzas and other snacks to enjoy in case you get hungry. Though this is an adults-only resort and beach area, so if you’re traveling as a family, it’s worth skipping this one.

How To Get To The Moon Bar at Mangata Villas

The best way to get to The Moon Bar at Mangata Villas is by taking a taxi from San Pedro. The drive should take around 15 minutes and cost $20- $25. You could also rent a golf cart and spend the day exploring the north of the island.

The Moon Bar is 10 kilometers away from the main township of San Pedro, so it’s not a walkable distance.

7. Tranquility Bay

For the ultimate beach experience, Tranquility Bay is a great choice. Right up on the northern tip of Ambergris Caye, it’s a serene and secluded spot with clear waters.

If you are looking for a quiet escape in Ambergris Caye, definitely consider staying at the Tranquility Bay Resort.

The beach itself is calm and sandy with shallow waters. Though once you do start to get a bit deeper, there’s an incredible reef system without the hordes of tourists damaging it. It’s actually one of the best beaches in Ambergris Caye for snorkeling.

On-site, you’ll also find a bar and restaurant with refreshing drinks and delicious meals. This means you can spend a decent amount of time exploring this incredible beach and easily refuel when you need some more energy after all that snorkeling!

How To Get To Tranquility Bay

To get to Tranquility Bay from San Pedro, you’ll need to take a golf cart. Since the beach is around 20 kms north of San Pedro town, it’ll take around an hour and a half to reach. If you do plan to come here, it’s best to organise it as a day trip and have lunch at the restaurant.

Alternatively, you can also book a boat transfer from San Pedro, which is quicker, taking 30 minutes, but more expensive.

The location may be remote, but that’s the beauty of it. Trust me, doing a day trip up to Tranquility Bay is definitely worth it.

8. Matachica Resort & Spa Beach

A little bit closer to civilisation, but still in a pretty secluded spot, you’ll find Matachica Resort & Spa. It’s another stunning spot with sandy shores and palm trees on the beach.

If you do happen to be traveling during the sargassum season, there is a great pier here that will take you far enough out to some clear waters. It’s the perfect spot to jump off for a refreshing swim.

No doubt this is an incredible honeymoon location if you’re looking for somewhere romantic on Ambergris Caye.

How To Get To Matachica Resort & Spa

The easiest way to get to Matachica Resort from San Pedro town is by golf cart. The resort is around 10 kilometers north of San Pedro, and the ride should take about 30 minutes.

9. Island Wonder Beach Club & Restaurant Beach

On the southern end of Ambergris Caye, just out of San Pedro, you’ll find the Island Wonder Beach Club & Restaurant. It’s a family-owned and operated establishment with a truly authentic Belizean beach experience.

Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and delicious food while you relax and unwind. Work on your tan, or find a spot under one of the coconut trees on the shoreline. There’s even a beach swing out front!

The beach is nice with clear water and plenty of sand. There’s also a few games and hammocks about, perfect if you’re looking for a spot to relax.

How To Get To Island Wonder Beach Club & Restaurant

To get to Island Wonder Beach Club from San Pedro town, you can rent a golf cart or a bicycle. It’s about 3kms / 1.8 miles from San Pedro, and the ride should take about 15 minutes by golf cart, or slightly longer by bike.

10. X’tan Ha Resort Beach

Once again, up in Northern Ambergris Caye is X’tan Ha Resort, which is an absolutely stunning beachfront resort. It actually has one of the best sandy beaches on the reef side of the island.

Offshore, you’ll find the famous Mexico Rocks Marine Reserve, which is one of the top snorkeling and diving sites around the island. The water is also beautifully blue, and if you’re visiting during the sargassum season, you can just swim off the pier.

The resort also has an on-site restaurant and bar serving delicious meals if you want to stop by for lunch.

How To Get To X’tan Ha Resort

To get to X’tan Ha Resort from San Pedro town, you can rent a golf cart. The resort is about 12 kilometers / 7 miles north of San Pedro and takes around 45 minutes to drive.

For a more luxe experience, you could also book a private boat transfer, so you don’t have to deal with those dusty roads.

11. Palapa Bar and Grill

In San Pedro township, you’ll find the popular hangout, Palapa Bar and Grill. Basically, it’s a must-visit spot for all travelers keen on a drink and a swim.

It’s built over the water with a thatched-roof palapa bar. Sip on delicious cocktails while enjoying stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. You can swim, relax in hammocks, or even jump off the pier into the crystal-clear waters below.

I stayed at a hostel in Ambergris Caye just across from here, and this spot was the perfect place to unwind and meet other people.

How To Get To Palapa Bar and Grill

To get to Palapa Bar and Grill, you can easily walk if you are staying in San Pedro. It will only take you around 10 minutes from the town center.

If you are coming from further away, you can rent a golf cart and bicycle to get to the bar.

12. Central Park Beach

Central Park Beach is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, located right in the heart of San Pedro town.

The beach is lined with palm trees, making it a great place to relax in the shade or take a break from exploring the town.

I will say this isn’t the most relaxing spot with the constant back and forth of water taxis and boats. But it’s definitely worth a visit for the lively atmosphere and beautiful views.

How To Get To Central Park Beach

Central Park Beach is within walking distance of most hotels in San Pedro town. If you are staying further away, you can easily rent a golf cart to get to the beach.

13. Swim From The Docks

One of my favorite experiences in San Pedro is simply swimming from the docks. Many resorts and restaurants have their own private dock that guests can use for swimming and relaxing. It’s a great way to cool off from the heat and enjoy the crystal-clear water.

Just be sure to check with the staff beforehand, as some docks may have restrictions or fees for non-guests.

My personal favorite is the pier opposite Paradise Villas. This is a great swimming spot where you can even do a little bit of snorkeling as the fish congregate around the end.

Grab a cold drink from a nearby bar and enjoy it while taking in the beautiful sights and clear water. I have swum here with fellow tourists and locals alike, and have even spotted multiple eagle rays playing just a couple of meters away from me.

This is also great if the sargassum situation is quite bad on the beach. Since you will walk along the pier quite a bit to reach the end, you’ll be pretty far away from it piling up on the beach.

14. Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Just a short boat ride away from San Pedro town, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

Named after the Mayan word for “little channel”, this marine reserve has an incredible variety of marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, stingrays, and even sharks. The nurse sharks here are my favorite, and they are surprisingly friendly.

Although it is primarily a snorkeling location rather than a traditional beach, this was hands down the most impressive place I swam while in Belize, and it’s a must-do while you’re here.

How To Get To Hol Chan Marine Reserve

To get to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, you can take a tour from San Pedro. The journey only takes about 15 minutes with some pretty amazing views along the way.

This was hands down one of the best things I did while in Belize.

Can You Swim Anywhere In Ambergris Caye?

While you can technically swim anywhere on the island, I recommend sticking to the main swimming beaches mentioned.

This is because some areas keep seagrass intact to prevent erosion, which means that you might not find those white sand beaches. There are also sea walls erected in certain areas for the same reason. However, many places still have beautiful beaches.

As a result, a lot of sandy spots on the island are actually artificially created rather than naturally occurring.

What’s The Sargassum Situation

Sargassum has been impacting beaches and marine life right throughout the Caribbean. Ambergris Caye is no exception and experiences different levels of sargassum throughout the year.

There have been efforts made to address this issue, such as installing sargassum barriers and encouraging regular cleanups.

I visited in April and June, and the sargassum situation was pretty bad and smelly. The locals and resort workers were in a constant battle to rake it up, but then it just sat in piles around.

For the best swimming beaches during this time, you’re actually better off swimming from a pier away from the shore or hopping on a snorkeling tour from San Pedro.

Sargassum is a natural occurrence and can never be fully predicted or controlled. Travelers need to understand this and be prepared that it may be present during their stay.

I recommend checking out Sargassum Monitoring for the latest information.

FAQs About The Beaches In Ambergris Caye

Wrap Up: The 14 Best Beaches In Ambergris Caye

You’ll find plenty of different beaches in Ambergris Caye, well worth checking out during your holiday. This means sandy shores, clear water, and even some secluded spots.

If you’re looking for a safe option with plenty of things to do, head across to Secret Beach and make a full day trip out of it. Though if you aren’t keen on venturing too far away from San Pedro, just enjoy swimming off one of the nearby piers or check out Boca Del Rio Beach.

No matter what, just remember to pack some sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water!

Want more Belize Caye Inspiration? Check out….

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