Island in Belize District, Belize
Is Ambergris Caye safe?
Generally safe for visitors, with active tourist police.
Is Ambergris Caye safe?
Generally safe for visitors, with active tourist police. Petty theft, drink spiking and late-night crime on the north side are the issues.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-03-11.
- Homicide rate in Belize: 28.1 per 100,000 people (2022, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Belize: 22.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: All emergencies 911.
Safety in Ambergris Caye at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Theft from beach clubs and rentals, bike theft, drunk fights, and occasional robberies on dark roads north of the bridge. |
| At night | The town stays safe and lively until late; use a licensed golf-cart taxi on the north or south roads after dark. |
| Solo women | Comfortable for solo women in town. Watch drinks, avoid empty beaches at night and book taxis after dark. |
| Other risks | Boat accidents with unlicensed operators; Sargassum and sandflies; Hurricane season Jun–Nov |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Beach touts selling fake or overpriced boat tours
- Rental scams on bikes and golf carts claiming old damage
- Overcharging on night-time golf-cart taxis
Take care
- Dark beach roads north of the bridge: robberies at night
- Bars after midnight: spiked drinks, fights
- Unlicensed boat tours: check licence and life jackets
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Damaging coral or the reef is a criminal offence with heavy penalties.
- Changing money on the street is illegal; use banks or licensed exchanges.
- Removing Maya artifacts or protected wildlife without a permit is illegal.
How Ambergris Caye compares in Belize
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Caye Caulker | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ambergris Caye | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Placencia | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Ignacio | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
Quick answers
Is Ambergris Caye safe for solo female travelers?
Comfortable for solo women in town. Watch drinks, avoid empty beaches at night and book taxis after dark.
Is Ambergris Caye safe at night?
The town stays safe and lively until late; use a licensed golf-cart taxi on the north or south roads after dark.
What is the crime rate in Ambergris Caye?
Theft from beach clubs and rentals, bike theft, drunk fights, and occasional robberies on dark roads north of the bridge. Nationally, Belize records 28.1 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2022).
What number do I call in an emergency in Ambergris Caye?
All emergencies 911.
More about Ambergris Caye
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Belize Tourism Board
- Tropic Air
- Maya Island Air
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.