Condé Nast Traveler readers ranked the 35 best islands in the world outside the U.S. in the 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards survey; from far-flung stunners in Southeast Asia to volcanic outcrops in the Mediterranean. For their 33rd annual survey—yes, more than three decades—a record 600,000 registered voters weighed in. This year, they’ve been broken down by region, and Belize’s very own Ambergris Caye takes No. 4 for the Best Islands in Central America ! Besides, as you continue to travel, Condé Nast continues to listen: Here’s all the reasons why Condé Nast readers loves the 25-mile island of Ambergris Caye off Belize’s coast.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Belize is home to over 450 individual islands, known as cayes. Ambergris Caye is the most-visited destination in the country, known for a quintessential Caribbean island vibe, with humming golf carts—the main method of transportation—and great snorkeling and diving. Not to mention, it is locally known as “La Isla Bonita,” as many believe that Madonna’s 1986 song by the same name was inspired by it. Whether it actually was or not, it certainly lives up to the title. Measuring about 25 miles in length, its white sandy beaches melts into an eclectic yet vibrant island vibe; resorts line its shores, while the second largest barrier reef in the world sits off Ambergris Caye’s east coast.
Pro tip:
Check out water activities like the nighttime crocodile-watching tour offered by the American Crocodile Education Sanctuary.
Getting there:
Ambergris Caye is about a 15-minute flight from mainland Belize. Catch an hourly flight from Philip Goldson International Airport with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air. However, water taxis also ferry on a daily schedule. Get there via water taxi with services like San Pedro Belize Express .
Where to stay:
The island is renowned for its wide variety of resorts and hotels, alongside lively beach bars and restaurants. There’s something for every budget.
https://www.cntraveler.com/the-bests/readers-choice-awardshttps://www.cntraveler.com/gallerie...-in-the-world-readers-choice-awards-2014