Tranquility Bay Resort in Ambergris Caye, Belize
A Small Belize Resort Offers Diving, Fishing, Watersports, and More
Jan 2, 2009
“No shirt, no shoes, no problem” is the informal motto on relaxed Ambergris Caye, an island that has long catered to a crowd of divers, fishermen, and people wanting a laid-back island getaway. It’s also the motto at Tranquility Bay, which began as a shared venture for a group of friends and their families, but which has been upgraded into a hidden gem of a boutique resort.
Tranquility Bay Accommodations: Beachside Cabanas with Caribbean Flair
Tranquility Bay features 11 beachfront cabanas, most containing two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen. The décor combines an informal, airy island esthetic with the elegant simplicity of natural wood and tiles, along with creature comforts such as high-end linens and air conditioning. Each of the cabanas is right on the beach, only steps away from a lounge chair – or the Caribbean itself.
Ambergris Caye Culinary Specialties
Food is served at the resort’s over-the-water restaurant, the Tackle Box Sea Bar, a watering hole of local renown. The standard menu is augmented by fish caught by local fishermen or resort guests: On any given day, you might be offered a barracuda steak or red snapper cooked Belizean style with rice and beans. Conch ceviche is an Ambergris Caye specialty, and Tranquility Bay’s version is a masterpiece: In addition to the ceviche, ingredients include lime, hot peppers, tomatoes, and corn. Barbeques on the beach can be arranged, and you are free to ask for a specially prepared meal off the menu. (However, some advance notice is appreciated, since the resort is miles from the nearest grocery store.)
Activities: Diving, Fishing, and Watersports along the Belize Barrier Reef
Tranquility Bay is the only resort on Ambergris Caye that is actually located inside the Bacalar Chico National Marine Park, which is United Nations World Heritage Site. The Belize Barrier Reef - the longest uninterrupted reef in the world - ruins just a few hundred yards offshore, making this a world-class destination for fishing, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling and diving. In addition, day trips farther afield can be arranged, including excursions to Mayan ruins in the mainland jungles, dive trips to the Blue Hole (a dive site made famous by Jacques Cousteau), or trips for shopping and dining to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye’s main town.
Tranquility Bay is just that: Tranquil. Tourists looking for a hopping night life or a shopping spree won’t be happy here. But visitors looking for peace and privacy in a glorious natural setting will find plenty of both, along with one of the most beautiful beaches in Belize, world class diving and fishing, and interesting day-trips.
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