Best Beaches In Ambergris Caye: Where To Swim & Snorkel

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?

I’ve visited Ambergris Caye twice, staying in San Pedro and exploring beaches around the island, so I’ve put together this guide to my favorite spots.

From the not-so-secret Secret Beach to remote Tranquility Bay and the sandy spots in front of the island’s resorts, I’ll cover how to get there, what each beach is best for and what to expect from the sargassum.

Beach / Spot	Best For
Secret Beach	Best overall
The Sandbar Near Secret Beach	Low-tide exploring
Ramon’s Village Beach	Resort-style beach day
Boca Del Rio Beach	Quieter beach near town
Mar de Tumbo Beach	Easy beach stop in San Pedro
The Moon Bar at Mangata Villas Beach	Sunset drinks by the water
Tranquility Bay	Remote snorkeling and peace
Hol Chan Marine Reserve	Best snorkeling

The 14 BEST Beaches In Ambergris Caye Worth Exploring

🚗 How I Book Ferries & Shuttles In Belize: gottoGo

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 kilometers. 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 runs 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.

The iconic 'Secret Beach' sign in bold colors in Ambergris Caye. — One of the most iconic beaches in Ambergris Caye, Secret Beach

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jay (@j__sharm)

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.

The beach along the water’s edge is public, so you can walk past and enjoy the shoreline even if you aren’t staying at Ramon’s Village.

However, the resort’s loungers, umbrellas, swimming pool, and gym are for guests only.

After a day of chilling on the beach, make sure to check out the on-site restaurant and bar, Pineapples @ Ramon’s 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.

Rows of sun loungers under the palm trees facing the water at Ramons Village Resort. — Enjoying the incredible views at one of the best beaches in Ambergris Caye, Ramon’s Village Beach

🚗 How I Book Ferries & Shuttles In Belize: gottoGo

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!

Colorful beach chairs and a picnic table under shade sails on Boca del Rio beach in Ambergris Caye. — Colorful beach chairs set up on the shoreline

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alaia Belize (@alaiabelize)

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.

looking out over the beachfront with loungers and palm trees at the Moon Bar on Ambergris Caye. — Looking out over the Moon Bar at Mangata Villas Beach

🚗 How I Book Ferries & Shuttles In Belize: gottoGo

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

Tranquility Bay is 12 miles north of San Pedro and isn’t realistically accessible by golf cart. The easiest option is to contact the resort in advance and arrange a boat transfer from San Pedro.

The boat journey takes 30 minutes, but always confirm the current price, departure time and whether the resort is accepting day visitors before making the trip.

looking towards the beach over the water at Tranquility Bay in Ambergris Caye. — Vibrant and clear waters at Tranquility Bay in Ambergris Caye

8. Matachica Resort & Spa Beach

A little bit closer to civilization, 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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Matachica Resort (@matachica)

9. Infinity Island Beach Bar & Kitchen

On the southern end of San Pedro, you’ll find Infinity Island Beach Bar & Kitchen, formerly known as Island Wonder Beach Club.

This beachfront bar has food, cocktails, cabanas, beach games and regular events. It’s a fun choice if you want somewhere livelier than a quiet patch of sand, especially around sunset or on the weekend.

The beach is nice with clear water and plenty of sand. There are 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 kilometers / 1.8 miles from San Pedro, and the ride should take about 15 minutes by golf cart, or slightly longer by bike.

palm trees lining the shore at Island Wonder Beach Club — Relaxing on the beach in front of Island Wonder Beach Club

two swings set up over the beach at Island Wonder Beach Club In Ambergris Caye. — Swing with the perfect views

🚗 How I Book Ferries & Shuttles In Belize: gottoGo

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.

Standing on the pier at X'tan Ha Resort looking towards the beach. — Arriving at the pier at X’tan Beach Resort

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 or bicycle to get to the bar.

People relaxing on inner tubes in the water at the Palapa Bar and Grill in Ambergris Caye. — Chilling out at the Palapa Bar in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

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.

The Ambergris Caye sign with the Central Park Beach behind it. — Ambergris Caye photo op at Central Park Beach

Looking down the sandy shore of Central Park Beach with palm trees swaying in Ambergris Caye. — A clean, shady spot at Central Park 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.

Standing on the end of a pier in Ambergris Caye looking back towards the shore. — hanging out on a local pier in Ambergris Caye, a great swimming spot in San Pedro

🚗 How I Book Ferries & Shuttles In Belize: gottoGo

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 docile.

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.

Tasha Amy taking a selfie with a turtle while snorkeling in Hol Chan Marine Reserve near Ambergris Caye. — Cheeky turtle selfie in Ambergris Caye

Can You Swim Anywhere In Ambergris Caye?

Not every part of Ambergris Caye is suitable for swimming, particularly around busy docks and water-taxi routes. Stick to recognized swimming beaches or designated docks and always check for boat traffic before entering the water.

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.

A local man scooping up sargassum seaweed into a wheelbarrow on the beach in San Pedro. — Scooping up the sargassum into the wheelbarrow, a seemingly never-ending job

FAQs About The Beaches In Ambergris Caye

Does Ambergris Caye actually have nice beaches?

Yes, you’ll find plenty of nice beaches around Ambergris Caye. However, during certain times of the year, sargassum may impact water clarity.

When is sargassum worst in Ambergris Caye?

You’ll find sargassum in Ambergris Caye from March to October, but the amount can change considerably from week to week and year to year.
The east-facing beaches are usually affected most, while Secret Beach sits on the western side of the island and is often a better swimming option.
Check the latest Belize sargassum forecast shortly before your visit.

Is Secret Beach worth visiting?

Yes, if you have the time, definitely make the trip over to Secret Beach. This has a much different vibe than other spots around Ambergris Caye and is a fun place to spend the day swimming and relaxing in the shallows.

Looking out over the blue water in Ambergris Caye over towards the Palapa Bar and Grill. — Looking out over the blue waters to Palapa Bar, a great swimming spot in Ambergris Caye

Tasha Amy sitting on the pier in Ambergris Caye after going for a swim. — Hanging out at one of the piers in San Pedro Town

🚗 How I Book Ferries & Shuttles In Belize: gottoGo

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!

Any Questions? Let Me Know In The Comments!

LIKE IT? PIN IT!

No doubt you need to visit the best beaches in Ambergris Caye while exploring this paradise. From the ultimate spots to snorkel, tan, or simply take a refreshing dip, I will let you know the best options!

“BZ_300_Ramon’s Lodging” (CC BY 2.0) by Discover Corps .

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

Want more Belize Caye Inspiration? Check out….