Casa Nova Cabanas
Activities
What To do
Snorkeling
For those who do not dive, and even if you have never snorkeled, the Hol Chan Reserve, Shark Ray Alley and other coral gardens can provide an equally euphoric experience. Snorkel in 3 ft. of water with brightly colored parrot fish or drift over 60 ft. of Caribbean Sea outside the reef and marvel at the whole other world this marine paradise presents.
Sailing
Sailing tours can be arranged with local guides. Sailing trips usually last the entire day and encompass a tour around Ambergris Caye as well as other nearby cayes such as Caye Chapel and Caye Caulker often with lunch being a beach barbecue.
Night Life
There is always something happening on Ambergris Caye, whether you want to go dancing or just enjoy good music. There are two major dance clubs in the town where local DJ’s provide a wide range of music both local and foreign. Karaoke is held about twice a week at one of the local dance clubs.
Many restaurants and bars provide entertainment for their customers including bands, solo performers featuring country and rock as well as local Punta music, a unique drumbeat from the Garifuna culture which will set your feet tapping. If you visit during a national holiday more than likely the town will be holding a concert or event to commemorate the occasion. Make inquires at your hotels front desk to learn more about what events or special celebrations are taking place during your stay.
Diving
Ambergris Caye’s biggest claim to fame comes as a dive destination. Most visitors to Ambergris Caye visit because of the superior diving and snorkeling sites found close by. Local dive shops rent full gear, offer all levels of certification by PADIand NAUII and have daily trips to the reef and all local dive sites. Trips can be one, two and three tank dive trips including night dives.
Fishing
Whether you just want to have a little fun or you are an avid fly or sports fisherman,the right tour guide can be found on the island. Catch your supper with a part-time tour guide/fisherman or inquire at your hotel for the highly skilled fly-fishing guides who closely guard their “secret” fishing grounds. Interested in big gamefish? Several hotels offer deep sea fishing and the country has several tournaments annually.
Relaxing
It’s easy here. If you’re not in the mood for any strenuous activity then you find a beach towel, hammock, or lounge chair, on your balcony, on the beach or under a shady tree and enjoy the view, work on your suntan, read a book, take a nap or just do nothing.
Shopping
Ambergris Caye does not have great big shopping malls but rather a few quaint little gift shops and street side venders that are more than willing to help you to take a little piece of paradise home with you.
Most gift shops sell tropical apparel, eyewear, shoes, sunscreen and lotions and hats as well as the work of local artisans. These include local paintings, pottery, sculptures, handmade dolls, hats, baskets, beach chairs and hammocks. Worrying about packing it up and taking it back home? Most business can provide safe shipping back home for you for a fee. In addition there are street vendors will probably give the best price on wood carvings and handmade jewelry. While reading material is not extensive there is usually a selection of new novels and magazines as well as a wide variety of postcard to send home to your friends and family or just to take back as souvenirs.
What To See
Exploring by Sea
Charter a boat with guide to go around the island or rent a kayak to explore around the northern part of the island and the San Pedro Lagoon where you will find beautiful scenery, solitude and silence…
Exploring by Land
Take a golf cart ride (golf carts are rented for a fee and are the most common means of island transportation) to the very end of the island (south). Then you can truthfully say that you stood at the very end of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Sunset
Sunsets are one of the most spectacular times on the island as blue skies give way to a lavender backdrop of the island. For our guests, there is no better place to take in our beautiful sunsets than the beach, dock, palapa, or deck at Casa Nova Cabanas.
Birdwatching and Natural History
Wildlife watching is fast becoming a rage on this Caye. Visitors can be seen with binoculars glued to their eyes stepping quietly down the sandy streets in search of that special bird. Crocodiles, raccoons and a vast array of birds can be seen along the lagoon or along small mangrove cayes scattered in the north of the island.
Where to Eat
A Culinary Adventure
One of the hidden treasures of Ambergris Caye is our ever-changing culinary scene. You will not be disappointed with the options our local talent has in store for you. Stone Crab, Lobster, Fish Tacos…it’s making me hungry. Please stop in and speak to us and we will be happy to tell you our favorites.