It’s Dive O’Clock Somewhere: Ambergris Caye, Belize
A nurse shark navigates the reef in Ambergris Caye.
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Right at the heart of Ambergris Caye lies SunBreeze Suites, an oceanfront resort that offers some of the best diving (and drinking) in all of Belize. Catch a 2 p.m. boat to the incredible Cypress Gardens dive site and be back in time for a sunset happy hour at the hotel’s Jambel Jerk Pit Restaurant and Bar.
Happy Hour Dive Site: Cypress Gardens
Why It’s an Editor’s Pick: Parallel to Ambergris Caye runs the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef system in the world (only after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef). This means that almost anywhere you go off the Caye, you’ll find amazing marine biodiversity and reef life. One standout site is Cypress Gardens, located just a few minutes’ boat ride from SunBreeze Suites. This spur-and-groove reef is home to many species of fish, like French grunts, black grouper and yellowtail snapper. Keep your eyes peeled for nurse sharks, crabs and green sea turtles who like to hide out in the site’s narrow canyons.
Signature Experience: With many reports of damaged and dead reefs in the wake of the Third Global Coral Bleaching Event, Belize’s reefs are still thriving. So much so, in fact, that the United Nations recently removed the Belize Barrier Reef from its list of endangered World Heritage Sites. Cypress Gardens features many types of healthy corals, including pillar and flower corals, as well as a host of sponges and sea fans.
After being dropped off at the dock, catch the soothing ocean breeze as you watch the sun sink into the Caribbean Sea at SunBreeze Suites’ house bar.
Watch the Sunset during Happy Hour at: Jambel Jerk Pit Restaurant and Bar
Why It’s an Editor’s Pick: Al fresco seating and laid-back reggae beats create the relaxed vibe of Jambel Jerk Pit. The restaurant fuses all of the traditional flavors of Belize with Jamaican classics like grilled jerk meats, creating a unique blend that you won’t find elsewhere on the Caye. If you’re visiting for a long weekend, start your trip off right with Jambel Jerk Pit’s happy hour on Friday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. And if you’re staying through the week, stop by on Wednesday for live reggae and a full buffet.
Signature Drink: Jambel Jerk Pit features a rotating nightly special cocktail, but if you’re not sure what to order, you can’t go wrong with a Bloody Mary. The refreshing vodka-and-tomato-juice mix is the perfect complement to the spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning. Or, if you’re looking for even more of a kick, try ordering your Bloody Mary with extra hot sauce.