5 Amazing Things to Do with Kids on Ambergris Caye

Transform your family vacation into effortless island adventures where your kids can explore underwater ecosystems and experience the wonders of Ambergris Caye. This destination naturally creates family memories by combining vibrant marine life, expert local guides, and perfectly paced adventures for everyone.

At Belizean Shores Resort, countless families have created unforgettable vacations thanks to our prime island location, offering direct access to the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Positioned close to town but away from the hustle and bustle, you’re never more than a boat ride away from underwater adventures, while enjoying a peaceful setting where the friendly, English-speaking local community makes every moment enjoyable.

Discover five incredible activities that make Ambergris Caye the perfect destination for unforgettable family memories.

1. Snorkeling Adventures at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Nothing beats the wonder in a child’s eyes when they first glimpse the underwater world at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. This protected marine sanctuary sits just a few miles offshore, making it one of Belize’s most accessible snorkeling experiences.

What makes Hol Chan perfect for families? The water is shallow and clear, allowing even nervous swimmers to feel comfortable. The natural channel through the barrier reef creates a protected environment where you’ll spot sea turtles, colorful parrotfish, and schools of tropical fish—like swimming in a natural aquarium.

We work with tour operators who offer family-friendly snorkeling trips combining Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley. These tours typically last 2.5 to 3 hours, with morning or afternoon departures that provide plenty of underwater time without exhausting young adventurers.

Safety remains our top priority. Children should be comfortable in water and able to swim, though life jackets are provided for extra security. Most operators welcome kids as young as five, and Hol Chan’s calm conditions make it an ideal first snorkeling experience.

Pro tip: Bring an underwater camera or waterproof phone case. Photos of your family swimming alongside sea turtles become treasured keepsakes, and kids love being the family photographer for these once-in-a-lifetime moments.

2. Swimming with Sharks at Shark Ray Alley

Shark Ray Alley offers one of the most magical wildlife encounters around Ambergris Caye. Don’t worry—the nurse sharks here are gentle, docile creatures that are completely accustomed to snorkelers and pose no threat to families.

This incredible experience typically combines with your Hol Chan snorkeling trip, creating a perfect two-for-one adventure. These nurse sharks are naturally curious and calm, often swimming slowly around visitors. They can grow up to ten feet long, but their gentle nature makes them wonderful to observe up close.

The deeper waters at Shark Ray Alley create the perfect environment for these magnificent creatures to glide peacefully around snorkelers. Unlike viewing marine life through aquarium glass, here you’re sharing their natural habitat while floating above them.

The real stars of the show are often the southern stingrays. These graceful creatures glide through the water like underwater flying carpets, and families love swimming around and watching them in their element. You’ll see them gracefully bury themselves in the sandy bottom, then emerge and glide past you with elegant movements. The rays are completely comfortable with human visitors and often swim very close, creating incredible viewing and photo opportunities as you swim alongside them.

Your tour guide provides safety instructions before entering the water, and most operators require children to stay within designated areas. The combination of gentle marine life and experienced guides makes this adventure perfect for water-confident kids.

3. Island Hopping to Caye Caulker

A Caye Caulker day trip offers families the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, showcasing a different side of Belizean island life. This charming island, smaller and more laid-back than Ambergris Caye, operates on “island time,” where the biggest decision is whether to have lunch in a hammock or at a table with your feet in the sand.

The journey to Caye Caulker becomes part of the adventure when you book a catamaran or speedboat tour. These family tours offer a more intimate experience than regular ferry transport, often including snorkeling stops, refreshments, and expert guides sharing local knowledge. Spacious catamaran decks provide plenty of room for kids to move around safely, while speedboat tours add excitement as you zip across Caribbean waters.

Catamaran tours combine the Caye Caulker visit with snorkeling at nearby reef sites, creating a full-day adventure that maximizes your water time. Kids love spotting dolphins and flying fish from the deck, and tour crews often engage families with stories about local marine life and island history.

The highlight of any Caye Caulker visit is “The Split”—a narrow channel where Hurricane Hattie literally divided the island in 1961. Today, it’s a popular swimming and snorkeling spot with calm, shallow waters perfect for kids. Family-friendly restaurants around The Split serve lunch while kids play in nearby water.

One of the most exciting activities for kids at Caye Caulker is feeding the tarpon. These massive silver fish, which can grow up to six feet long, gather near the docks and are surprisingly gentle. Kids love watching these impressive fish leap out of the water to catch small pieces of bait. It’s an unforgettable wildlife encounter that requires no swimming skills—just stand on the dock and watch the show!

Caye Caulker’s relaxed atmosphere lets kids run around freely while parents actually relax. The island has minimal car traffic—golf carts and bicycles remain the primary transportation—creating a safe environment for family exploration. Local shops sell handmade jewelry and fresh coconut water, and kids love picking unique souvenirs.

The food scene caters beautifully to families. Many restaurants offer simple, kid-friendly options like grilled fish, rice and beans, and fresh fruit, served with local hospitality that makes everyone feel welcome.

Our concierge team easily arranges catamaran and speedboat tours to Caye Caulker, typically including hotel pickup for seamless family experiences. The structured tour format provides the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, with professional guides handling all the details so families can simply enjoy the sailing, snorkeling, and island discoveries.

4. Secret Beach Water Adventures

Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye isn’t really secret anymore, but it remains a favorite family destination offering something for everyone. Located on the island’s west side, this area provides stunning sunset views and calm, shallow waters ideal for families with young children.

The journey to Secret Beach is an adventure itself. Golf cart rides through the island’s interior take about 20 minutes from Belizean Shores—bumpy enough to be exciting but short enough to keep everyone comfortable.

The shallow, clear water on the island’s west side creates perfect conditions for young swimmers. Unlike the reef-protected eastern waters, Secret Beach offers different scenery with calm blue waters and typically no waves, making it ideal for families with toddlers or nervous swimmers.

The floating obstacle course at Secret Beach has become legendary among visiting families. This inflatable playground challenges kids (and adults) to navigate various obstacles, creating fun for everyone.

Several beach bars and restaurants line Secret Beach, most offering kid-friendly menus and family-friendly atmospheres. Tables set right in the water let you dine while kids splash around your feet, and the laid-back vibe means nobody minds if little ones get noisy or sandy.

Secret Beach also offers some of the island’s best sunset viewing. The west-facing location provides perfect spots to watch the sun sink into the Caribbean, making it an ideal ending to island adventures.

We can arrange golf cart rentals and provide recommendations for the best times to visit Secret Beach.

5. Beach Games and Pool Time at Belizean Shores

Sometimes the best family activities are the simplest ones—especially those right at your resort. Our blend of organized activities and free-form fun keeps kids entertained while giving parents genuine relaxation time.

Our beachfront location offers direct access to calm, shallow waters that are ideal for young children. The over-the-water trampoline at our dock’s end adds extra excitement for kids who love bouncing and jumping into the sea.

Beach volleyball has become a guest favorite, with spontaneous games that often bring multiple families together. It’s a natural way to meet other vacationing families while staying active.

The pool area truly serves as our resort’s social hub. The spacious main pool accommodates everything from leisurely swimming to water games, while our dedicated shallow section provides a secure play area for toddlers and younger swimmers.

Kayaking and paddle boarding directly from our shoreline has grown tremendously popular with families. You can explore the coastline at your own rhythm, and with life jackets provided for all ages, even cautious parents feel confident letting kids paddle in the protected shallow waters.

Beyond the water, our property offers abundant space for land activities. Children delight in exploring the grounds while enjoying ping pong, oversized chess, tennis, and pickleball. The thoughtful resort layout lets parents relax in shaded seating areas while maintaining clear sightlines of their active kids.

The beauty of our resort activities lies in their complete flexibility. No rigid schedules, no pressure to participate—families simply join what appeals to them and rest when they need to. This relaxed approach particularly benefits children who may be tired from morning excursions or simply need downtime between adventures.

Making the Most of Your Ambergris Caye Family Adventure

Planning an Ambergris Caye vacation with kids requires balancing adventure with rest, excitement with safety, and new experiences with familiar comforts. The most successful family travel experiences happen when families allow schedule flexibility and remember that island time moves slower than life back home—and that’s part of the beauty.

The best times for water activities are typically mid-morning after breakfast but before afternoon heat peaks. This timing works well for kids’ energy levels and allows for afternoon rest or pool time back at the resort. Most snorkeling operators offer morning trips that return by early afternoon, giving families time to process their adventures and recharge.

When packing for island adventures with kids, less is often more. Bring plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, comfortable water shoes, and quick-dry clothing. Most activities provide necessary equipment like life jackets and snorkeling gear. A good waterproof bag for phones and cameras is essential.

Safety considerations for family adventures in Belize are generally straightforward. The island’s infrastructure caters well to tourism, and most activity operators are experienced with families. However, always discuss concerns with your tour guides and ensure kids understand basic water safety rules before marine activities.

Age-appropriate activity matching makes a huge difference in family enjoyment. While snorkeling works well for water-confident kids, younger children might prefer beach time and pool activities.

Your Perfect Family Vacation Awaits

These five activities represent just a sampling of what makes Ambergris Caye special for families. From the thrill of swimming with sharks to the simple joy of beach walks, every day offers opportunities for families to connect, explore, and create lasting memories together.

At Belizean Shores Resort, we understand that family travel is about more than visiting new places—it’s about experiencing them together. Our team takes pride in helping families navigate their island adventures, whether recommending the best snorkeling experiences, arranging golf cart rentals, or providing a safe, comfortable home base where everyone can recharge between activities.

Ready to start planning your own Ambergris Caye adventure? Contact us today to learn more about our family-friendly accommodations and discover why families keep returning to our little slice of paradise year after year. We can’t wait to welcome you to Belizean Shores Resort.