Ambergris Caye, Belize

Ambergris Caye, located off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, is one of Belize's most popular tourist destinations and the largest of the country's 200 cayes. While its Caribbean beaches are better for fishing than swimming due to the abundance of turtle grass flats, the gorgeous Hol Chan Marine Reserve more than makes up for it with excellent diving and snorkeling just a half-mile from the shore.

This underwater paradise is part of the Belize Barrier Reef System, the world's second-biggest barrier reef after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Shark Ray Alley is a renowned diving location where divers may see nurse sharks and stingrays up close. The island's colorful town of San Pedro, where golf carts rule the streets and restaurants serve fresh seafood and Mexican-inspired cuisine, is part of the island's allure. Because the northern half of the island is so close to Mexico, it has a significant Mexican influence, and many residents speak Spanish.