Sea Serpent Contessa
Ramon's Village Resort is a bit of Polynesia on the vacation island of Ambergris Caye. Just a short stroll from the colorful town of San Pedro, Ramon’s is a sanctuary nestled in tropical flora and surrounded by Mayan sculptures. There are 69 cabanas built from native materials by craftsmen utilizing the same skill and techniques the islanders used in the days of the great sailing ships. Beachfront accommodations offer breath taking views of the world's second largest barrier reef from your private balcony or veranda. Choose from individual thatched-roof cabanas or rooms and suites in the 2-story cabanas. For those who prefer a little more privacy and the beauty of the lush landscaping for which Ramon's Village is famous, the Garden cabanas are the perfect San Pedro accommodations. Not fancy, but perfectly suited for the traveler who chooses to stay in a place that provides a distinctive taste of the country and culture you're visiting. Your Garden cabana is surrounded by native zericote, almond and lucky nut trees-filled with birds that will fascinate even the most avid bird watcher, making your veranda a favorite place to sit and relax. All Garden accommodations are individual thatched-roof cabanas.
You don’t have to travel far for fantastic dining at Pineapple’s Restaurant and sundowners at the famous Tropical Al’s. Ramon’s has a lovely white powder beach to relax on. Be sure to explore the island of Ambergris Caye and the colorful little town of San Pedro on one of the 4-seater electric powered golf carts.
The dive shop, Ramon's Village Divers, is conveniently located right on the Ramon's Village Resort dock. Ramon's Village Divers is the oldest and most respected dive shop in all of Belize. From exploring Jacques Cousteau’s world-famous Blue Hole to the enjoyment of the undersea wonders of Lighthouse Reef Atoll and the Turneffe Atoll, to the incredible beauty of Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the unforgettable heart-pounding adventure of “swimming with the sharks” at Shark Ray Alley, you’ll truly love diving with Ramon’s. Ramon’s if the perfect spot for the snorkeler offering many sites off shore and excursions such as the Manatee encounter on neighboring Caye Caulker.
Beachfront Rooms
If these rooms were any closer to the water, they’d be in it. Located directly on the beach, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef. Individual and two story palm thatched cabanas provide an assortment of rooms and suites for every need.
Seaside Rooms
These cabanas are located just steps from the beach with views of the lush tropical gardens, the Caribbean Sea and the Belize Barrier Reef. Enjoy the seclusion and modern amenities provided by this group of individual and two story palm thatched cabanas.
Jungle Rooms
Nothing at Ramon’s Village is far from the water’s edge. Manicured sand pathways leading through lush tropical gardens create a private setting for these cabanas. Our family cabanas are ideal for families traveling with children.
Steve & Becky's
Situated just across Coconut Drive from Ramon’s Village, Steve & Becky's offers ten brightly colored British Colonial style cottages. This lushly landscaped property is arranged around a central courtyard with a gazebo and fountain in the center. There are four individual cottages and three two story cottages with one unit on each floor. Each cottage features two queen beds, which sleeps four people, Saltillo tile floors, mixed Belizean hardwood ceilings, and private baths with tub/shower units.
Ramon’s Village Divers maintains a fleet of four skiffs ranging in size from 28′ to 34′. These boats are used for dives along the Belize Barrier Reef in the vicinity of Ambergris Caye and carry up to eight divers plus crew. The close proximity of the Barrier Reef, just over a 1/4 mile offshore, allows us to choose from 30 or 40 named sites within a 5 to 15 minute boat ride from our dock. Ramon’s Village Divers offer daily trips at 9:00am, 11:30am and 2:00pm to dive sites along the Belize Barrier Reef adjacent to Ambergris Caye. Since the dive sites are within minutes of our dock, we return to our dock between dives to exchange scuba tanks and fulfill your surface interval requirement. This allows our divers to choose any combination of dives each day. Ramon’s Village Divers also offers its guests double or triple tank dives along the Belize Barrier Reef. Our dive sites offer both the novice and experienced diver incredible dive opportunities. Our dive masters and dive guides will customize your dive based upon your skill level.
The Miss Gina, our Pro 42 dive boat, carries up to 16 divers plus crew making it an excellent choice for dive groups and can also be used for dive trips to the Turneffe Atoll. The Lady Grace, our Newton 46 dive boat, can accommodate up to 24 divers plus crew and provides a comfortable outing for those wanting to dive Jacques Couteau’s Blue Hole.
Ramon’s Village Divers also offers a full slate of PADI Scuba Courses or we accept referrals from other certification organizations such as NAUI, SSI, YMCA and NASDS for completion of entry-level training. If you have your own dive gear, feel free to bring it with you. If not, our dive shop is equipped with an excellent selection of scuba gear for sale or rent. Either way, we provide lockers for dive gear situated right on the dock. We also provide on-site tank refills, including Nitrox, at Ramon’s Village Divers.
A full staff of PADI professional instructors and dive masters ensure a dive experience unequaled anywhere in Belize, or for that matter, the world! Ramon’s Village Divers will treat you like family from the time you set foot on our 400′ long dock until the time you say goodbye. With us, you never have to worry about a thing. Ramon’s Village Resort is known as the Jewel of the Caribbean. Our dive masters and dive guides know that you, our guest, are the real treasure and we will all do our best to give you the best dive experience you’ve ever had.
Over 40 named dive sites lie within a 5 to 15 minute boat ride from the Ramon’s Village Divers dock. A few of our favorites include:
Ramon’s Canyons
This dive site located about 10 minutes from Ramon’s Village Divers dock’ is one of our divers’ favorite sites, not only because it’s our namesake, but because of its deep and extremely wide canyons and sandy bottoms. A site noted for its large Queen Conch and where you also have a good chance of seeing Spotted Eagle Rays.
The Hol Chan Cut
This is probably the most popular site off Ambergris Caye. It is in the middle of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and is a great refresher dive. It is also used often for training dives. Located inside the reef this 28 foot site (if you want to go deeper you’ll need a shovel) is home to large grouper, turtles, moray eels, and schools of fish.
Hol Chan Night Dive
Night Dives at Hol Chan offer a completely different experience than diving during the day. The beam of the dive light reveals a myriad of wondrous nocturnal critters such as, Basket Star, Octopus, Seahorse, and Orangeball Corallimorph. Every dive seems to include 5 or 6 Southern Stingrays and occasionally a visit from the neighborhood Lemon Shark.
Tackle Box Canyons
just 5 minutes away this site is noted for its deep vertical narrow canyons and numerous swim throughs. Watch for Lobster in the recesses. You’ll likely see turtles and nurse sharks and sometimes the Caribbean Reef Shark. Marine life is abundant on the top of these coral ridges.
Cypress Tunnels
The Cypress Tunnels site is a spur and groove reef that offers many swim-throughs and long tunnels for you to explore. Our favorite begins at 60 feet and descends to about 70 feet over a distance of about 100 feet. This swim through is just large enough for divers to pass single file. If you enjoy swim-throughs and tunnels this is a great site.Exploring the grooves and spurs near the mooring line is always a great way to finish your dive. Here you can expect to find plenty of corals such as staghorn, lettuce and boulder coral. In amongst these coral formations look for the smaller fish like the sailfin and triplefin blennies. You will also see Barracuda, Grouper, Yellow tails and Moray Eels at Cypress Tunnels?
M&M Caverns
In front of the Mata Channel about a 1/2 mile from Ramon’s Village Divers dock this may be one of the best dives found off the barrier reef on Ambergris Caye. A very unique dive spot, due to huge coral mountains that grow right out of the sandy ocean floor, the diver can explore many tunne11s and caverns. Because of the deep water surrounding these tunnels, there are always schools of horse-eye-jacks and a good opportunity to see deep water pelagic cruising the reef. A dive not to be missed!
The Pillar Corals
The Name pretty well says it all. Named after its proliferation of Giant Pillar Coral growth that harbor a wide variety of Snapper, Grouper, Squirrelfish, Bluestriped Grunts and Schoolmasters along with odd shaped swimmers such as Balloon, Porcupine Fish, and Spotted Drum.
Paradise Canyons
Located toward the north end of San Pedro this site allows a wider white sand bottom between the coral ridges. Bright beautiful colors abound and there is an amazing concentration of tropical marine life.
Diving the Outer Atolls
Blue Hole Day Trip
This is the granddaddy of them all. When Jacques Cousteau and his team of divers discovered the Blue Hole back in 1971, they invited Ramon Nunez, before he became our legendary host at Ramon’s Village Resort, to be their guide on this historical expedition. If you see Ramon, ask him to tell you about the amazing adventure he had with the one-and-only Jacques Cousteau. Even if you do talk with Ramon, you must still see the Blue Hole for yourself.
Your adventure with Ramon’s Village Divers begins on our dock with a continental breakfast. When your tummy says you’ve had enough to eat, you’ll board the Lady Grace, our 46-foot Newton dive boat. The 2½-hour ride to Lighthouse Reef, which is home to the Blue Hole, passes some interesting sights, but it’s also a good time to enjoy some quiet time or make new friends in your party.
Arriving at the Blue Hole shortly before 9 a.m., you’ll spend the first few minutes in awe of this incredible dive site. We’ve been told it’s the best known, most easily recognized and most photographed dive site in the world, and you can experience it.
The top edge of the Great Blue Hole is nearly 1,000 feet across and is ringed by fringing coral that makes for an excellent snorkeling adventure. The base of this fringing reef gradually slopes at about 40 degrees until at a depth of 50 feet it suddenly drops into the Great Blue Hole. A sheer, pockmarked wall is the only reference as descent is initiated. Most of the time there will be a slight thermocline felt at around 90 feet and at this point the visibility will become incredible. The stalactites start at a depth of 120 feet and are plainly in view at the 130 foot limit of sport diving.
Half Moon Caye Wall
About 6 miles south of the Great Blue Hole lies your second dive site. Half Moon Caye Wall is one of the most phenomenal sites to dive in all of Belize. We do a Multi Level Dive to a maximum depth of 60 feet with 45 minutes of bottom time. The structure alone makes this a must do dive.
Along a mile to mile and a half section of the wall there is a towering ridge of reef that is cut through with crevasses that in some places are 150 feet deep. Growths of mountainous star coral, numerous varieties of large sponges, and soft coral growth galore decorate this reef. Along the top edge of the reef the depth averages between 35 and 40 feet. On the inside of the reef is a vertical drop to white sand that is strewn with garden eels, red hermit crabs, peacock flounders, blue parrot fish, barracuda, and southern rays. The outside edge of the wall plummets straight down to depths exceeding 3,000 feet. Swimming through the cuts in the wall from inside to outside offers chance encounters with tarpon, eagle rays, turtles, Caribbean Reef Sharks and occasionally a solitary manta ray.
Half Moon Caye is a National World Heritage Monument managed by the Belize Audubon Society, a branch of UNESCO and has a bird sanctuary that is the home of the Red-Footed Booby. After your second dive we go ashore at Halfmoon Caye for lunch and a trip into the interior of the island to view the nesting site of the Booby bird. Views from the observation tower offer some excellent photo opportunities. During the months of March, April, and sometimes May, you will see down-covered baby Booby’s in the nest. Large marine iguanas can be encountered on the trek back into the sanctuary. Halfmoon Caye is the only place where the Red-footed Boobies are found.
The Aquarium at Long Caye
Your third dive will take place at The Aquarium near Long Caye. Again, we do multilevel dive with a maximum depth of 50 feet for a bottom time of 45 minutes. The wall around the northwest side of Long Caye will start in 15 to 20 feet of water and drop down almost sheer to a slight bump, beyond the limits of sport diving, and then it plunges again into the depths. The crystal-clear, blue water has an abundance of colorful sponges, beautiful deep fan gorgonians and marine life such as Reef Sharks, Dolphins and Turtles. Your day trip will conclude back on the Ramon’s Village Dock around 4:30 PM. Just in time to freshen up and enjoy a dinner at Pineapples on the Beach which will rival your days diving experience.
Turneffe Elbow
The Turneffe Atoll is Belize’s youngest and largest Atoll – 32 miles long and 8 miles wide. At the southern tip of the Atoll about a 2 ½ hour boat ride from the Ramon’s Village dock is an incredible drift dive known as the Turneffe Elbow. Recently rated #1 as a World Class Dive Site the Turneffe Elbow is another must do dive.
Upon arrival at the Elbow, our Ramon’s Village Divers dive masters will give a dive briefing, and then everyone will do a “giant stride” into the water. A maximum depth of 80–feet is planned, but shallower depths can be maintained per individual divers’ preferences. This is a multilevel dive that allows for about 40 minutes of bottom time. This dive normally has visibility of about 90–feet, and currents are constant. You drift along huge coral mounds consisting of hard corals and some of the largest barrel sponges you’ll ever see. Common as well, for deep water, are gorgonians and large schools of snapper, grouper, and horse–eyed jacks. At this site, the stronger the currents, the greater the abundance of marine life. The endless supply of micro–organisms drifting in the currents feed the small fish, which feed the larger fish and sharks.
The second and third dives on this trip will vary depending on crew, weather, and conditions for the day. Some of the dive sites commonly included are Billy Bob’s Wall, Sayonara, the Play Ground, and the Front Porch. These are wall dives ranging from 40–feet to 70–feet with an abundance of coral and fish. These dives will also last about 40 minutes before another safety stop for 3 minutes at 15–feet. Between the second and third dives, the crew serves lunch on board. You can’t go on shore while on this trip because of the rocky shallow shores around these Mangrove Islands. After the third dive you’ll begin heading back to Ramon’s Village Resort.
Northern Turneffe
One of the greatest aspects of the Turneffe Atoll is that it provides good diving conditions almost 365 days each year. On days when it might be a little too choppy to enjoy diving the Barrier Reef, just 90 minutes away, traveling in mainly protected waters is the Northern End of the Turneffe Atoll. The Turneffe Atoll is home to over 200 islands. Being much less famous than the neighboring Lighthouse Atoll, Turneffe, “the Forgotten Atoll”, has some of the most pristine diving to be found anywhere. The many mangrove islands that make up the atoll are a tremendous nursery that nourishes many different species of juvenile marine life until they are large enough to make it on their own. This unique biological situation causes the Turneffe Atoll to have some of the most prolific marine life in Belize.
The northwest side of the Turneffe Atoll boasts some spectacular diving. Sites such as the Mini Elbow, Rendezvouz, Vicente Wall, and Elkin’s Bay are samples of sites dived based upon the weather conditions and the group’s experience. Whether shallow dives for certification or wall dives for more experienced divers, our captains select the most appropriate site available each trip. The sites on the northwest side of the atoll average depths on the top of the wall between 30-45 feet with wide spur and groove formations and vertical walls dropping in excess of 100 feet before shelving and dropping again into the deep. An abundance of marine life includes schools of Cubera Snapper and a diverse population of grouper including Nassau, Tiger and Yellow fin are present. The dainty Spotted Drum and the Splendid Toadfish are seen regularly. Search the deep water for Spotted Eagle Rays, the rare Manta Ray, Turtles and Sharks including the rare but exciting sightings of Hammerhead Sharks. This side of the Atoll is well protected from easterly and southeasterly winds making for ideal dive conditions on most days.
Dive sites such as JoJo’s Split, Lee Ellen’s Melons, Corona and Grand Bogue, which are on the east side of the Atoll are available when northerly and northwesterly winds blow in the winter months. The versatility of diving on the Turneffe Atoll is unparalleled. The wall on the east side of the Atoll tends to start a bit deeper in the 45-50 foot range and generally has narrower spur and groove but a sheerer wall face than the west side of the atoll. Sightings of pelagics such as rays, turtles and sharks as well as reef tropical and numerous stands of Yellow Tube Sponges can be seen while diving on the east side of the atoll.
Besides diving, some of the best snorkel sites in the world are located just off the coast of Ambergris Caye, so take advantage of a good thing while you can and see as many of them as possible while you’re here! There are many different types of snorkeling trips to choose from. Some sites showcase many varieties of fish, while others are rich with coral. Some trips include a little fishing and a beach picnic, while others include “swimming with the sharks.” Whatever your personal preference, we at Ramon’s Village Divers take pride in helping you select the snorkel adventure that is perfectly suited for you.
A very important note: Our beautiful coral has been around for thousands of years and is actually a living organism. Because we respect the world’s second largest barrier reef, we ask that you help us take care of it by not touching it.
Hol Chan/Shark Ray Alley
Hol Chan is our most popular Snorkel Adventure. As a matter of fact, it is the second most popular dive/snorkel site in Belize. Thousands of large and small fish inhabit this magnificent underwater National Park.
Mexico Rocks
Rendezvous at Ramon’s Village Divers a few minutes before departure to give yourself enough time to gather your equipment. Then hop on board one of our comfortable and uncrowded dive boats and enjoy the scenery as you head north toward this wonderful snorkel site.
Coral Gardens
Ever been to Grandma’s house? Remember how comfortable you felt when you were there? How warm it was in the winter and how breezy and fresh it was in the summer? That same lazy, laid-back charm is what you’ll find at Coral Gardens.
Caye Caulker/Sail/Snorkel
Fourteen miles south-southeast of Ambergris Caye lies the island of Caye Caulker. Five-miles long and one-mile wide, this quaint island has been a destination for backpackers and ecological minded travelers for as long as we can remember.
Sunset Snorkel
As the sun begins to set, the large fish begin to enter Hol Chan through a 28′ deep cut in the reef. They know that the shallows and coral outcroppings that exist inside the cut provide their meal for the evening. Thousands, if not millions, of small fish scurry in front of your mask.
Beach Picnic & Snorkel
When the owners of Ramon’s Village bring their guests down for a visit, the Beach Picnic is always on the top of their “things to do” list! Over 1500 years ago, Robles Point served as an outpost for the Mayan Indians who occupied the north end of Ambergris Caye. The fortified walls, even though now collapsed, can be seen even in the thick underbrush. It is near this area where a lavish beachside picnic will be prepared (provided you catch, hook or spear something on your way from Ramon’s Village Resort to Robles!).
Your beach picnic excursion will begin with a comfortable boat ride northward to Mexico Rocks where we will make a snorkel stop. Here you will be able to catch, spear or hook your own lunch. Whatever is in season will be marinated with our special mixture of herbs and seasonings. As you continue on to Robles Point, your first mate will prepare conch or shrimp ceviche – a delicious mixture of flavors of which you will want more.
Beach Picnic & Sailing Cruise
Climb aboard our 38-foot catamaran and sail the high seas of adventure toward the north, retracing the route of those who harvested the coconut crops for English merchants in the 1600s. Millions of coconuts were harvested each year and sent to England for their bakeries. Just imagine pristine beaches lined with virgin coconut palms as far as the eye could see. It must have been something, huh?
Around lunch, your skipper will anchor near the coral rich Mexico Rocks; a popular destination that is perfect for beginner and advanced snorkelers. You won’t believe the beauty and color of this incredible coral forest!
When your snorkeling experience is complete, you will re-board your vessel to the alluring aroma of barbecue fish, chicken and shrimp, with all the trimmings, which will be served on deck. (Lobster and conch will be on the menu, when they are in season.) After lunch, a nap, sunbathing, or another dip in our crystal clear water is part of the agenda.
Sunset Sailing Cruise
Shortly after leaving Ramon’s Village dock, the western sky will begin to fill with the golden glow of the setting sun. As it lowers behind the horizon, millions of diamond like reflections tip each wave and ripple as far as the eye can see. You’ll never forget the first time you experience this incredible display of Heavenly handiwork.
Our return leg takes you in front of San Pedro where you’ll get a glimpse of what our town looks like at night. Listen as the Calypso beat fills the night air and your “Titanic” glides gracefully across the waves. Snuggle with your honey and reflect upon the wonder of it all as the gentle Caribbean breeze massages you gingerly all the way home.
Glass Bottom Boat
Senior citizens and kids will love this trip. As a matter of fact, the whole family will love this trip! All you have to do is get on board and we’ll do the rest. A brief 20-minute ride to Hol Chan Marine Reserve is enjoyable, and there are lots of things to see on the way and the reserve is absolutely a treat!
Bacalar Chico Tour
If you like adventure, this is it. Hop aboard one of the Ramon’s Village Divers twin-engine skiffs and head north to the Boca Del Rio, turn left, pass under the new bridge and continue into the San Pedro Lagoon. Turn north again and pass by Deer Island, Blackadore Caye
Manatee & Goff’s Caye
There are only a few places in the world where the elusive manatee are found. One of those places is in Belize. So, if you want to see what only a handful of people in the entire world have ever seen, then get your camera and get on board.
Caye Caulker Manatee Experience
Join us for a leisurely 20 minute boat ride to our next door neighbor, Caye Caulker, where your guide will search out the Manatee in the shallow waters behind the Caye. Enjoy an hour long snorkel with the Manatee before heading to Coral Gardens for a second snorkel stop.
Ramon’s Village Resort is pleased to assist you in booking your air transportation from Belize City to San Pedro via Tropic Air or via water taxi from Belize City to San Pedro. The travel time to San Pedro is typically 15 minutes via air and 90 minutes via water taxi. Tropic Air departs from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport where all arriving international air carriers arrive and depart. The water taxis depart from Belize City which will require a taxi ride from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport to the water taxi terminal in Belize City.
From the moment you arrive in San Pedro until the time you depart our beautiful island, you never have to touch your luggage. Let us know your arrival schedule and you will be picked up by our complimentary shuttle service (it’s a Hummer Limo island style so it’s hard to miss) and your luggage will be picked up at the same time and delivered to your room.
