Hotel at a Glance: Portofino Beach Resort

Located 6 miles north of the town of San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, Belize, Portofino Beach Resort sits on a private beachfront property, which you can explore using snorkeling gear—it’s free to borrow from the front desk. Ambergris Caye is a paradise for adventurous travelers, a place rife with year-round fishing and snorkeling that boasts the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.

From Portofino’s beach cabanas, you can gaze out onto white-sand beaches and the Caribbean Sea. Each cabana has a shared porch with a hammock and a thatched roof. Inside, you’ll find local artwork and furniture made from tropical hardwoods and bamboo.

• A short boat ride to Mexico Rocks lands visitors at a popular snorkeling spot of shallow, clear-blue waters teeming with Caribbean spiny lobsters, nurse sharks, and plenty of tropical fish.
• An on-site dive shop offers PADI courses and scuba certification, equipping guests with everything they need to explore to the Belize Barrier Reef, where sea turtles, manatees, and hundreds of species of tropical fish reside.
• The Portofino Restaurant serves grouper and snapper bouillabaisse, grilled lobster, and other Euro-Caribbean specialties on a seaside balcony.
• Wines, beers, and smoothies from the beachside Green Parrot Bistro, top off beautiful days along the Caribbean coast.

Ambergris Caye, Belize: Small Island near World’s Second-Largest Barrier Reef

Recognized by Travel + Leisure magazine as one of the World’s Best Islands, Ambergris Caye sits just off the northeastern coast of mainland Belize. By law, none of the island’s buildings can be taller than the highest coco palm, which helps create a serene, unspoiled vibe. The entire island is only about 25 miles long and 1 mile wide, but its varied ecosystems range from low sand ridges to lagoons and mangrove swamps.

Hop aboard a speedboat or glass-bottom boat to reach the Belize Barrier Reef, which lies about 10 minutes away. It’s part of the second-longest barrier reef in the world and was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biological diversity. The reef boasts some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean, sheltering a remarkable variety of sea life that include nearly 500 species of fish and rare West Indian manatees that can reach the size of a compact car.

The town of San Pedro is situated on Ambergris’s southern end. Formerly a small fishing village, it’s now home to various boutiques, which stock artisan crafts ranging from ziricote woodcarvings to Guatemalan jewelry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? San Pedro Airport (SPR) is the closest airport. Property representatives meet guests at the airport with transfers to Fid’s Dock and a private boat to the property, approximately 15-20 minutes.

2. Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another voucher? This voucher covers two guests. Additional guests may be added for $45 per night plus tax and services fees.

3. Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Customers are never obligated to attend a sales presentation. If you are approached and decline a presentation, you will not lose the value of your voucher have to pay additional fees.

4. Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? No resort credits are included with this voucher

5. Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? For information regarding your dining options, please click here or call 011 +(501) 226-5096. International phone charges may apply.