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Great Deals on Temptation Island

© Kerri Wood

The largest island off Belize’s coast is known by Madonna as “La Isla Bonita”, by locals as Ambergris Caye (pronounced “key”) or San Pedro, and now by the television viewing audience as Temptation Island. FOX’s hit reality series “Temptation Island” introduced Belize to the mainstream, yet the relaxed pace of life on the island continues. So, while you lounged in your living room recliner, watching couples frolic in the white sand and kiss in front of a perfect sunset, you may have said to yourself, “Why can’t I be there?” Well you can, much easier and much cheaper than you might expect. Belize is not as far away as you might imagine. It’s directly south of Mexico and it only takes two hours to get to Belize City from Houston or Miami.

Ambergris Caye hasn’t moved far from its fishing village roots but now tourism is a main source of income for many of the residents. Take off your shoes and stroll barefoot down the sandy streets of the town—the dress code in San Pedro is very relaxed. There is not a place on the island where shorts and a tank top will be frowned upon. With summer temperatures in the upper 80’s and low 90’s the less clothes the better. Remember, it is not a dry Midwest heat that is tolerable in the high 90’s. It is extremely humid, so 80 will feel like 95, yet cool trade winds help keep the steamy humidity bearable.

If you’re searching for cresting, breaking, waves to surf on, Ambergris Caye isn’t the place. There are no waves for surfing. The second longest barrier reef in the world makes sure of this. The reef also ranks Belize as one of the best spots in the world for diving and snorkeling. For more information on diving and snorkeling in Belize visit http://www.ambergriscaye.com/. You can also easily participate in a variety of other water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, parasailing, windsurfing, and deep-sea fishing.

There are plenty of other temptations on San Pedro, including the food. It’s possible to find Chinese, Italian, American, and Mexican fare on the island. But, I recommend indulging in some of the fresh seafood—especially Big Daddy’s shrimp kabobs. If you want a delicious and cheap meal, hang around the main square each night. There are two local vendors who set up shop, dishing out red beans, rice with stewed chicken and a heap of potato salad. I loitered around this area every night waiting for my plate of food.