Ambergris Caye may be Belize’s largest island, but at under 25 miles long and just 1 mile wide, it is hardly large.

Despite its small size, Ambergris is packed with opportunities for the most active adventurers as well as those looking for quiet solitude.

With nonstop flights to Belize City from many cities such as Denver (4 hours), Houston (2.5 hours), NYC and L.A. (under 5 hours) and others, it’s easy to escape to Belize for just a few days. But you may wish you were staying for a few weeks.

Below I’m outlining a sample itinerary for a full week on the island of Ambergris Caye. Booking an additional 4-6 days in Belize would allow you to explore the jungles, ruins, culture, and beaches of the mainland as well.

Day 1: Ambergris Caye Arrival

From the US or Canada, you will first fly into Belize City, the largest city in Belize. Then you board a small plane fitting 7-8 passengers plus a pilot for a 20-minute flight to the island of Ambergris Caye. Since the flight is short, the plane hovers just above the water, and the views out the windows are amazing.

Once you arrive on the island, you’ll be greeted at the airstrip by a hotel representative. (Even the smallest hotels will arrange a transfer for you, so confirm this in advance.) You’ll be taken by car through the main town of San Pedro where you can stock up on snacks at the grocery store. You may go straight to your hotel, or you may need to transfer to a small speed boat and travel by water. Either way, it will all be arranged for you.

Ambergris Caye has tons of lodging options. Most hotels and resorts are small, and there are laws prohibiting buildings over two stories in most areas. This helps to retain the charm of the island so no matter where you are, it never feels overly built up. For couples seeking a secluded getaway, I recommend Matachica Resort, an adults-only resort. It offers 39 colorful individual cabanas and casitas for absolute privacy, just steps from the water.

For families or groups of friends looking for larger spaces, Grand Caribe offers 1 to 4-bedroom condos (each bedroom with a private bath), plus a 5-bedroom / 6-bathroom villa with private pool, hot tub and pier!

Day 2: Explore the Island & Enjoy Secret Beach

Get a sense of Ambergris Caye by renting a golf cart exploring the island on your own! There’s just one main road connecting the resorts at the north of the island down to the town of San Pedro. With just one road, there’s no need for GPS. Plus, while Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken national language, English is actually the official language. This makes it extra easy to get around the island and to find out about people’s favorite spots.

While the main road runs down the east side of the island, where ALL the development was initially, about 10 years ago a road was built over to the west side of the island which quickly became a popular beach to visit. Now there are bars, restaurants, and even some lodging in this area. It’s called Secret Beach and it’s perfect if you’re looking for a lively, fun place to hang out, often with music, drinks and lots of people!

Day 3: Lamanai Ruins

Today you’re in for a real adventure! Early this morning you will take a boat ride from Ambergris Caye to mainland Belize. You’ll disembark at the marina in Belize City where your driver will take you on an hour-long drive through the city and up the Northern Highway. You’ll observe the daily life of Belizean people and pass through beautiful scenery on your way. Once you reach the New River, you’ll hop onto another boat for a ride through the jungle. As you cruise along the New River, your guide will point out monkeys, parrots and other birds, crocodiles… and maybe even a jaguar!

At the end of your boat ride you’ll reach the archaeological site of Lamanai, one of the oldest continually occupied Maya sites in Belize. It’s also one of the largest Mayan ceremonial sites at 950 acres (12 square miles). Your guides will tell tales of the site and Mayan culture, traditions and beliefs. They’ll also continue to identify the myriad plants and animals you’ll see, as the site sits beside the New River Lagoon.

Once you’ve fully explored the area, you’ll be ready for some food. You’ll sit down for a delicious lunch before heading back on the boat to Ambergris.

Day 4: Snorkeling & Beach Picnic

Your day starts with a boat ride up to Mexico Rocks, a shallow part of the Belize Barrier Reef system where tons of varieties of fish, corals and marine life can easily be seen. You’ll take some time snorkeling through the area, and then try your hand at catching your own lunch!

You’ll continue to Robles Point where your guides will build a fire and prepare your meal for you while you relax on the beach. You’ll feast on the fish you caught earlier, along with other delicious dishes like conch ceviche or shrimp.

After lunch you’ll make another snorkeling stop, this time at Mata Rocks. And then you’ll arrive back at your resort in time to rest up before dinner.

Day 5: Sea Kayaking + San Pedro Food & Drinks

Start your morning by taking a sea kayak and snorkeling gear from your resort and paddling out to the reef. You don’t need a guide or instructions for this, and being out on the water on your own is a thrill!

After your morning exercise, take bikes (or a golf cart) from your resort and travel the few miles into the main town of San Pedro. Park and explore the small town by foot. Stop at Elvi’s Kitchen, probably the best known restaurant in San Pedro, for lunch. Try the ceviche, whole fish, or Elvi’s signature coconut curry... yum!

After lunch start making your way back toward your resort. But be sure to stop for a drink at one of the many fun bars in town. Palapa Bar & Grill is hugely popular (and recently rebuilt and reopened after being completely destroyed by Hurricane Earl). It was opened by two American expats, a retired firefighter and a trauma nurse who first visited the island on their honeymoon and instantly fell in love with it. Out back you can float in inner tubes, or just sit in the bar and write your name on the wall - if you can find a spot!

Day 6: Swim with Sharks, Go Deep Sea Fishing, or….

On your last full day in Belize you may choose to just sit back and relax on the beach or at your resort pool. But if you’re anxious to explore more of what the area has to offer, there are so many options!

Snorkel Trip to the Blue Hole: This underwater sinkhole was formed over 15,000 years ago when the land was above the sea. When the ocean began to rise the caves flooded, creating the 400-ft deep Blue Hole, which can even be seen from outer space! This treasured World Heritage Site is popular with divers, but wonderful for snorkeling as well. It’s known for the enormous underwater stalactites and the Caribbean reef sharks swimming throughout.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley: Sail to these areas for fabulous snorkeling. You’ll see bright, colorful corals and swim among nurse sharks, eels, stingrays, turtles and tons of different types of fish.

Fishing: Take a boat ride just beyond the reef for some of the largest game fish in the Caribbean! Troll for marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, wahoo and more. You can also try for the elusive tarpon or go reef fishing for yellowtail, snapper, grouper and barracuda. You can release your fish or take them back to be grilled for lunch by the chef!

Sunset Cruise: End your day and this amazing week with a relaxing sunset cruise. Be sure to have a camera ready for the stunning colors of the sky and sea. Sit back with your cocktail and enjoy.

Day 7: Depart Belize

After a week in paradise it will be hard to say good-bye. But remember Belize is only a few hours away and a rum punch is always waiting for you.