Tranquility Bay

Ambergris Caye


For something completely different, check out this far-flung resort situated within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve. It's nothing too fancy, and there's nobody for miles, but the point is that you can walk a couple of hundred feet from your cabaña, strap on a mask and snorkel, and boom, there's the reef. It's ideal for families seeking a low-key vacay.

Accommodations include fully-equipped one- and two-bedroom cabañas, a budget suite and a 'prime minister's suite,' which is gargantuan, with a great upstairs terrace. The Aquarium seafood restaurant is on stilts over the water, where eagle rays, tarpon and bonefish tend to hang out at night. (This is an ideal time to snorkel.)

It's possible to get here on a golf cart, but it takes around two hours from San Pedro, and much of the trip is on the sand. A ferry transports most guests to and from San Pedro, and will bring day-trippers for around BZ$30 each way.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ambergris Caye attractions

2. Mexico Rocks

8.19 MILES

This snorkeling site, 15 minutes from San Pedro and with a maximum depth of just 8ft, is a unique patch reef towards the northern end of the island…

3. Boca del Rio

12.35 MILES

The underwater terrain at Boca del Rio, a half-mile northeast of San Pedro, is a spur-and-groove system, featuring rolling coral hills and sandy channels…

4. Tres Cocos

12.82 MILES

The dive site is a bit deeper than most around San Pedro, with coral heads rising up to 50ft and a wall with spurs that spill out from 90ft to 120ft, but…

5. Esmeralda

13.14 MILES

Right in front of the town school, this 50ft to 75ft dive features a spectacular series of deep canyons covered with flourishing soft corals. There is an…

6. Catholic Church

13.34 MILES

San Pedro's modern Catholic church has a central location on the waterside and is a local landmark.

7. House of Culture

13.43 MILES

Find out more about the fascinating culture found in San Pedro at this cultural center near the football field. Frequently changing displays celebrate…

8. Tackle Box Canyons

13.64 MILES

About a mile offshore from downtown San Pedro, this great site offers big, steep coral grooves. There are swim-throughs in many places along the drop-off…