Spring Break Belize

Spring Break Special Feature

Ambergris Caye Offers Convenient Alternative for Spring Break

By Sharon Miller

Relaxing on a sandy white beach with the sun beating down on your bronzed skin, snorkeling through the aqua marine waters of the Caribbean, this is Spring Break, right? Sadly, with most typical Spring Break destinations; South Padre Island, Panama City and Cancun, the reality consists of drinking the night away in one of a dozen cookie cu The beaches of AMbergris Caye provide an atmosphere where you can kick back and relax. tter nightclubs, never to see the light of day. For those who do drag themselves to the beach or pool, they are so crammed with people that finding a spot to rest your weary bones is next to impossible. Nevertheless, another reality does exist, one where snorkeling, kayaking and lounging on the beach are the norm. Ambergris Caye, a small island off the coast of Belize, offers a convenient alternative for those who want a little more oomph from their Spring Break.

Located just south of Mexico, Belize City is just a short 2 ½ hour flight from both Houston and Dallas. Continental, American Airlines and TACA offer nonstop flights from at least one of these locations. From there, Ambergris Caye is only a short flight or ferry ride away. With English as the national language and almost every business accepting American currency ($1 = $2BZE) the ease of getting around is almost unbeatable. Boasting the second largest coral reef in the world, which lies only ½ mile off the coast, Ambergris Caye offers limitless diving, snorkeling and fishing opportunities. Nevertheless, the beaches have not been destroyed by high rise hotels and resorts; in fact, no business is permitted to build higher than three stories tall. Miles of unspoiled beaches, resorts that blend with the natural beauty of the area and plenty of water sports to occupy even the most ambitious of souls, await you on this island paradise.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, two of the must do activities, can be easily accomplished by booking a single boat trip. Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the first stop on most day trips, is exactly what the name suggests, a preservation site designated by the Belizean go While swimming in Shark Ray Alley, a snorkler takes advantage of the opportunity to pet a nurse shark. vernment, where fishing or trapping of any kind is prohibited. Even the most novice of snorkelers will have the opportunity to observe tropical fish, barracudas, sea turtles and vibrantly colored coral in their natural habitat. Most companies provide any equipment you may need and the dive master will guide you through the reserve, allowing you to relax and enjoy the view. Just a short ride away, Shark Ray Alley awaits, where you will have the chance to swim with nurse sharks and sting rays. Seeing the large sea creatures glide gracefully through the crystal waters is disconcerting at first, but do not let this fear stop you. These creatures are the gentlest of their kind and if you do not take that leap of faith you will surely regret it. Jumping into the water and swimming with these animals that you have been taught to fear is a liberating experience. If you are lucky, you might have a guide crazy enough to wrestle the sharks to the surface, so you can pet them. The nurse shark’s rough skin as compared to the silky smooth skin of the sting ray will surprise you.

Nevertheless, if you do get the urge to party the night away, San Pedro Town, located on the south end of Ambergris Caye, will provide you with everything you need. Littered with five-star restaurants, nightclubs and bars, San Pedro does not lack in nightlife. And there are water taxis to shuttle you back to your hotel when the night comes to an end.

Whether your vision of Spring Break contains beaches or nightclubs, Ambergris Caye is sure to provide you with everything you need to have the adventurous, yet relaxing vacation you deserve.

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