Welcome to Ambergris Caye
If you're looking for a low key beach vibe, a vibrant downtown, and a pretty sweet plane ride, Ambergris Caye is the place for you. Like all countries in Central America, Belize is oozing with history, culture and personality. I visited in the off season and while we did have some rainy days, the weather did not stop us from having a really stellar vacation.
Our adventure in Ambergris Caye
One of the most sensational parts of the trip happened right off the bat, after arriving at the major airport in Belize City. I traveled with my friend and coworker, Matt, and once we landed, we bought tickets on Tropic Air for the quick 10 minute flight over to the island of Ambergris Caye. The plane is so small that they weigh you and your luggage before boarding and get this....I sat in the co-pilot seat! Sitting shotgun in an airplane is a whole new experience. I am actually quite afraid of heights and this was a bit nerve racking as we stormed down the runway. But wow, what an experience. All the buttons and levers were directly in front of me. Such a fun way to touchdown in my new vacation destination!
After a quick trip to the hotel, we were settled and ready for some relaxation. Our hotel, Mata Rocks, was a small boutique type hotel with nice rooms, right on the water. The weather was overcast so we appreciated the beachside bar right outside our front door. You can't be disappointed while sipping drinks overlooking the ocean. During our long weekend on the island, we did have some sunshine and were able to enjoy the lounge chairs in the sand, catching some rays.
There are quite a few homes and small hotels along the water, so we enjoyed walks down the shore. All along the water's edge, there are docks that dip out into the ocean. Some are just for enjoying the water while others harbor restaurants or shops. It's a very charming walk up and down the beach.
When we weren't enjoying the atmosphere at our own hotel, we were stopping at the local restaurants, sampling the local fare and beachy cocktails. My favorite drinks were a strawberry smoothie with rum or the local beer, Belikin. I could not get enough of the mounds of fresh ceviche.
We came across a cemetery and were enchanted by its bright colors and elevated grave sites. Obviously people cannot be buried underground near the ocean, and this lovely cemetery was a beautifully last resting place for its inhabitants.
Each "block" was pleasing and serene and we continued to walk around until we hit the main downtown area where we ate, drank and were merry until wee hours of the night. No pictures of that here (although they are funny, I should post them!) but there is plenty to keep you occupied at night or on a rainy day.
The food was fantastic on our trip. We ate mostly fresh seafood that we ordered in random restaurants we happened to pass by while hungry. One place that was recommended to us was Robin's Kitchen. This cute little hole in the wall restaurant specializes in Jamaican Jerk Chicken and Belizean BBQ Chicken. We stopped on our way back to the airport and it was a delicious last meal to send us back to reality.
No cockpit seat for me on the way home, but I still had to snap a quick picture of the Tropic Air boarding passes. They used plastic, reusable, boarding passes that they hand you when you check in and then you hand back when you board. Such a great idea!
Did I love everything about this trip? You better BELIZE it!
Comments
Post a Comment