Start with a boat trip out to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a popular snorkeling and diving destination full of underwater life. There's no shortage of snorkeling-trip options available, but if you want to get down to the depths of the sea, consider a Snuba adventure, in which swimmers dive attached to 20-foot-long (6-meter-long) oxygen hoses.

After your aquatic adventure, grab a quick lunch and get ready for more adventure. Choose among a variety of water sports available in the area, or consider a parasailing adventure for great views of the island and the waters below. For something extra special, splurge on a helicopter tour over the Belizean Barrier Reef.

By the time night begins to fall, you'll have likely worked up an appetite. Fortunately, Ambergris Caye's main town, San Pedro, is full of places to eat, especially if you’re fond of seafood. Alternatively, join a cooking class and learn how to make popular Belizean fare yourself.

On your second morning, head out to Secret Beach, which, despite its name, is the most popular beach on the island, owing to its crystalline waters and numerous beach bars; you can even rent pedal boats and sunbed mattresses with floating tables (prebook them to guarantee availability).

It's easy to spend your whole day at Secret Beach, though by the time the afternoon rolls around, you may feel like hitting up some local bars. For an unusual experience, consider a guided bar crawl by boat.

Make your last dinner on Ambergris Caye something special by heading out to the lagoon on a barbecue boat, a special round boat with a barbecue at the center. A captain will come along for safety and to show you the best places to stop and grill.