Located on a sandy Caribbean beach, this fourteen-unit inn is just two quiet blocks north of downtown San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, where you'll discover Belize's warm, friendly people and many great shops and restaurants. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/bluetanginn/hotel/341/3/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:20:16 EST Picture yourself in a spacious room with the blue Caribbean at your doorstep - you're at the Blue Tang Inn. Stretch out on your deck or stroll on the beach. Sunrise at the Blue Tang Inn is something special. We'll serve you fresh-brewed coffee and Island tasty fruits. No charge, by the way, it's on us. All newly renovated suites are air conditioned, have fully equipped kitchens and are decorated in soft tropical colors. Enjoy the sunlight and breeze provided by the new, large windows in each suite. Our third floor suites have newly refinished hard wood floors, vaulted ceilings and Jacuzzi bathtubs. The beautiful accommodations, fun daily activities, unique dining and friendly local culture are all part of what makes your stay at the Blue Tang Inn a truly unique experience. AMENITIES: Each of our newly renovated, beautiful suites has: a fully equipped kitchen, small living area with new full size futon, 2 ceiling fans, air conditioner, private bathrooms and TV upon request. Our third floor suites have hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, dormer window and Jacuzzi bathtub. We offer complementary continental breakfast each morning, including coffee, juice, fresh tropical fruit and pastries. ACTIVITIES: No cars, no golden arches, no hassles! While staying at the Blue Tang Inn, you'll experience a hometown feeling in San Pedro. As our children walk to school on the beach, they smile and say good morning —English is our language. The main mode of transportation is slow walking, or if you're in a hurry by golf cart. Our streets are small and sandy. The closest you'll come to fast food is from one of the many snack bars, where they cook your food fresh to order. ACTIVITY DESCRIPTIONS While staying at the Blue Tang Inn, there are many fun activities to do in the town of San Pedro and around Ambergris Caye. Following is a list of activities. SCUBA DIVING The spectacular Belize Barrier Reef offers scuba diving unrivaled anywhere else in the world. It runs for 185 miles parallel to the coastline, making it the largest reef in the Northern and Western Hemispheres. The reef is located less than a mile from the Ambergris Caye coastline. Water temperatures are fairly constant all year, staying between the high 70's and low 80's. The underwater visibility in Belize is up to 165 feet, allowing the diver to see all of the amazing marine life. Some of the picturesque creatures you'll see include the large, friendly moray eels that are willing to be photographed. You will pass by many schools of blue tang, blue striped grunts, and silk snappers. Rays and nurse sharks are also a common site, while diving in Belize. The Blue Tang has partnered with local dive shops and will help you arrange your diving. Visit our hotel front desk once you arrive and they will be happy to assist you. Join us for a 1, 2 or 3-tank dive and explore the Barrier Reef just off of Ambergris Caye. We also highly recommend a night dive, where you will enjoy the nocturnal marine life. If you are interested in a full day dive adventure, see the descriptions to follow: THE BLUE HOLE AND LIGHT HOUSE REEF Let us introduce you to some of the most spectacular diving in the world! Welcome to the famous Blue Hole and Lighthouse Reef. Your trip will include three dives. Your first stop will be the Blue Hole, a spectacular 1,000 foot circular coral reef that drops 400 feet into an incredible cavern filled with stalactites and amazing natural formations. On your second dive you will go to Half Moon Caye Wall and be awed by the abundant marine life. After your second dive, a leisurely beach picnic lunch will be served, followed by a visit to the Boobie Bird Sanctuary on Half Moon Caye. After relaxing on the beach, you are ready for your third dive at the Aquarium. With a full day of memorable diving, you will journey back to the island paradise of Ambergris Caye. Boat leaves at 6:00 a.m. TURNEFFE NORTH While visiting Turneffe Atoll you will enjoy three magnificent wall dives. Your first dive will be on the virgin corals of Vincente Wall. Once you surface from your leisurely underwater exploration, you will head to your second dive at Rendezvous Wall. The boat will then take you to Mauger Caye for an enjoyable picnic. After lunch there is a snorkel stop at Dorey Channel. The last dive is at Gorgonian Wall. Here you will discover some incredible diving. Surface from your discovery - filled excursion and head back to Ambergris for another delightful Belize evening. Boat leaves at 7:00 a.m. TURNEFFE - THE ELBOW Some spectacular diving awaits those who choose to do the "Elbow". Here you will experience the ultimate in wall diving. The Elbow is your first dive on this trip. Your second dive is Billy Bob's. This dive is well known for its spotted eagle rays and grouper. Lunchtime is spent basking in the sun and enjoying a delightful picnic while waiting to go on your third dive. Next Stop - Myrtle's Turtles- one more fantastic dive to add to your log. Journey back to La Isla Bonita for a relaxing evening. Boat leaves at 6:30 a.m. SNORKELING TRIPS HOL CHAN MARINE PARK AND SHARK RAY ALLEY You don't need to be a Scuba Diver to enjoy the beautiful fish life and coral of our pristine reefs. At Hol Chan Marine Reserve a guide will lead you along the reef, pointing out the many interesting fish and coral formations. This beautiful, small channel contains many different schools of fish. Large black groupers, horse eyed jacks, school master snappers and sergeant majors will escort you through this very scenic tour around the channel. At Shark Ray Alley you can snorkel with friendly Nurse Sharks and Stingrays next to the boat. Enjoy a morning or afternoon 2 ½ hour trip to Hol Chan Marine Park and Shark Ray Alley. CATAMARAN SAILING / SNORKELING The Catamaran sail starts off at 9am and sails over to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where you will take a guided snorkel tour of the reef. After snorkeling at Hol Chan, the sail will continue to the neighboring island of Caye Caulker. This little village, which consists of commercial lobster fisherman, offers inexpensive plates of lobster (when in season). Take a stroll down their only road, which contains many small gift shops. Meeting and greeting the islanders offers a unique experience. You will then take off and sail over to Shark Ray Alley, where the staff will invite tame nurse sharks and Southern Stingrays while you snorkel. This is a once in a lifetime experience! To finish the trip, you will sail back to town. Cold sodas, beer, water and our famous "Hasta Manana" rum punch are offered. Pick up at 8:45a.m. and return at 5:00p.m. MANATEE SNORKEL and BEACH BBQ Ready to kick back, relax and play? Visit the secluded Mangrove Caye that is home for the West Indian Manatee. There, you can observe and take photos of the gentle Manatee in their natural habitat. Next, we will swim, snorkel and just relax on the beach of beautiful Goffs Caye - an island located on top of the Barrier Reef. Enjoy a fresh BBQ fish lunch prepared for you. After lunch, we will go to the see "Aquarium" where you will swim with stingrays, playful nurse sharks and enjoy the marine life. Our last stop is to Caye Caulker, where you can stroll the peaceful streets, shop or have a drink. Pick-up at 8:30 a.m. and return at 5:00 p.m. DAY TOURS ALTUN HA MAYAN RUINS and MARUBA JUNGLE SPA Take a guided tour to one of our historic Mayan Sites, Altun Ha, where one of Belize's most famous ornately carved Jade Head of Kinich Ahau, the Mayan Sun God, was discovered. This trip starts of at 8:30a.m. with a short ride around the island to the Northern River, which contains many orchids, birds, and crocodiles. Our first stop is at Bomba Village, where you can shop for beautiful hand-made woodcarvings. We then board a bus, which will take us to the Mayan pyramids of Altun Ha. This is the first Mayan site to be discovered in Belize. There you will enjoy a guided education tour of the site. After the tour we will travel to the Maruba Jungle Spa. Here you can enjoy the peaceful setting, relaxing pool and excellent food. For those who want to spoil themselves, a mud massage or other spa treatment is highly recommended. Pick up at 8:30a.m. and return at 5:00p.m. LAMANAI JUNGLE RIVER ADVENTURE This full day trip takes us to the mainland of Belize into the old Northern River. This scenic river tour is home to a variety of birds, crocodiles and turtles. We will stop at Bomba village and take bus to the Lamanai River. Aboard the riverboat, we will take a ninety -minute tour of this wonderland of birds, crocodiles, turtles, bats and orchids. We will visit the ancient capital of the Lamanai, which is surrounded by the pristine rainforest. Lunch will be served on the beach and an exploration afterwards takes you along a path where you visit temples and view black howler moneys. Pick up at 7:00 a.m. and return at 5:00 p.m CAVE TUBING Fly from San Pedro to Belize Municipal Airport, where you will be transferred to Jaguar Paw Jungle Resort. You will take a guided hike through the rainforest to get to the starting point of your cave tubing adventure. Relax as you float along the easy flowing river through large cave systems, under spectacular jungle mountains. A headlamp is provided so that you can view the amazing stalagmites and stalactites in the caves. The final cave offers the soothing sounds of a waterfall that rushes into the river as you pass it. Or, you can stop and play as the water tumbles into the river. Changing rooms are provided for you to put dry clothes on for your return to San Pedro. Your trip will end with a transfer and flight back to San Pedro. DAY TOURS FISHING The waters surrounding Ambergris Caye abound with a great variety of saltwater fishing. The island boasts some of the best fishing guides in the country. Most types of fish, including bonefish and tarpon, can be caught year-round. Within 15 minutes of leaving the dock, you can be fishing in tidal flats or in blue water hundreds of feet deep. We can arrange a custom fishing adventure for you just ask! GOLFING The entire island of Caye Chapel, pronounced "Key" Chapel, is a beautiful 18-hole Championship Golf Course. The four Par 5 holes, average distances of 560 yards from the tips, offer unique challenges, especially as the trade winds blow. The long par 72 boasts more than 7000 yards of extraordinary views of the Caribbean Sea and Barrier Reef. Take a day trip to Caye Chapel arranged through the Blue Tang Inn. The day includes roundtrip flights from San Pedro to Caye Chapel (10 minutes). While playing 9 or 18 holes, enjoy use of your own cart, beverages, lunch and access to the resort facilities for your non-golfing guests. Just ask our front desk to arrange your golfing day. We are happy to plan it for you. TIKAL MAYAN RUINS The ruins at Tikal, buried deep in the Peten jungle, are probably the most important archaeological discovery of this century, made up of some 3,000 massive stone temples and palaces dating back 6,000 years. The site of Tikal is a national park, where the native flora and fauna now flourish relatively undisturbed. Howler and spider monkeys swing in the treetops, foxes, pumas and wild turkeys roam the grounds and hundreds of bird species, including toucans and macaws, are visible in the surrounding jungle. OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES - Parasailing - Wave runner Rental - Golf Cart Rental - Hobie Kayak Rental - Sailboat Lessons and Rental We love to share our beautiful island with you. The Blue Tang staff grew up on the Cayes. We know its secrets. We'll help you discover and plan your adventure, just ask. Here are overviews of the many things to explore while in San Pedro. Mix, match and customize your trip. LEISURE PACKAGES Boat tours of Manatee Lagoon, tours of the Lamanai Maya Ruin, tours to Altun Ha, snorkeling excursions, trips to Mexico Rocks, Dinner at Elvi's Kitchen, and plenty of time for walking on our beautiful sandy beaches and relaxation in the sun, or under a palm tree. INLAND/ISLAND PACKAGES 7 days, 6 nights of island adventure!!! See the Tikal Maya Ruin, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech Maya Ruins, Rio frio Caves, Butterfly Farms, Holchan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Have dinner at the Jaguar Paw, Elvi's Kitchen, stay at several hotels and more! Make this vacation a real adventure! HONEYMOONERS PACKAGE 5 days, 4 nights of romance, beautiful sites and candlelit dinners. Enjoy dinner at Elvi's Kitchen, Glass Bottom boat tours, leisure and relaxation time to celebrate your own adventures. DIVE PACKAGES Explore the Blue Hole, Turneffe Elbow, enjoy lots of local dives, dinner at Caliente, and even night dives. Packages range from 4 days to 7 days of diving excitement and exploration WEDDING PACKAGE Looking for the perfect romantic, Caribbean place to get married? Perfectly romantic, beautiful beaches, delectable dinners, and snorkeling in our crystal clear waters make your wedding especially perfect. Our front desk staff is happy to assist with restaurant reservations and transportation – please ask us! We highly recommend the following restaurants in and around San Pedro. Elvi's Kitchen Open daily for lunch and dinner Whether you're craving crab claws, lobster, calamari, scallops, mussels, shrimp, conch, or fish, Elvi's is "Di Place" for seafood. From appetizers of ceviche and Buffalo wings to classic island entrees, the flavors that you enjoy at Elvi's will stay with you for a lifetime. Elvi's is a short walk into town from the Blue Tang Inn. We recommend the Mayan Fish or Mayan Chicken cooked with Mayan spices in a banana leaf. Lunch entrees range in price from $5 - $10 US / Dinner entrees range in price from $10 - $20 US Caliente Open 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. / Closed on Monday For delicious, Mexican cuisine, take a short walk up the beach to Caliente. They are open for lunch serving fajitas, enchiladas, fresh seafood and their famous Sopa de Lima. Start dinner with a refreshing margarita and shrimp served in a tequila cocktail sauce. Enjoy a variety of shrimp entrees, fillet fish cooked in coconut milk and banana sauce, or for a mildly spiced entrιe, try their tasty coconut chicken. Entrees range in price from $10 - $20 US Sweet Basil Gourmet Cafι Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. / Closed on Mondays If you hungry for a quiet, relaxing setting Sweet Basil Gourmet Cafι is the place to go! Enjoy a leisurely walk, bike ride or golf cart ride to the North End and cross the river on the ferry. Sweet Basil serves fresh salads, like Mozzarella al Basilico and Ceasar Salad. You can also enjoy one of their delicious sandwich platters. They feature pastas including Pasta with Shrimp, Artichoke and Feta or Herbed Chicken with Pasta and Vegetables. Sip a fine wine with your meal and enjoy the view. Entrees range in price from $10 - $16 US Hamilton's Take in this beautiful, peaceful island view, while sitting on the 2nd floor balcony of Hamilton's over looking the beach and ocean. Enjoy a leisurely walk, bike ride or golf cart ride to the North End and cross the river on the ferry. Hamilton's boasts a fresh menu, changing every day of fresh fish, delicious sandwiches and tasty steamed vegetables Blue Water Grille Open 6:30 – 10:00 a.m. for Breakfast / 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for Lunch / 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. for Dinner Our guests are raving about Blue Water Grille, located walking distance down the beach from the Blue Tang Inn. Enjoy the veranda setting with a nice view of the water, as soft island vibes dance through the restaurant. Start your meal with their delicious shrimp cakes. The menu ranges from tasty pasta dishes to fresh seafood. Choose a nice bottle of wine from their large selection to complement any entrιe. For dessert, try the Bananas Foster or delicious Belizean Bread Pudding. Breakfast entrees range in price from $6 – 10 US / Lunch entrees range in price from $7 - $14 US Dinner entrees range in price from $11 - $25 US Capricorn Open 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for Lunch / 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. for Dinner/Closed on Wednesday For a very romantic evening, plan your dinner at Capricorn. Our front desk will assist with reservations and arrange the water taxi to pick you up. The setting is gorgeous as you enjoy fine candlelight dining with the ocean breeze gently blowing through the restaurant. Start your dinner with a delicious salad. Capricorn features fresh fish, lobster and shrimp along with filet and grilled chicken. Enjoy a fine wine or a cool tropical drink with dinner. A piece of Key Lime Pie is a must for dessert! Entrees range in price from $20 - $50 US Jambel Jerk Pit Open 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for Lunch / 5:30 – 11:00 p.m. for Dinner/Closed for Sunday Lunch A true Rasta taste experience! We love Jambel Jerk Pit for their rooftop view and jerked chicken and fish! Rendezvous Restaurant and Bar Open 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. for Dinner Only Rendezvous is located just 10 minutes North of San Pedro by water taxi. Our front desk will make reservations and arrange the water taxi for you. Rendezvous specializes in Thai and French cuisine. Relax while enjoying an intimate atmosphere on the beach, as you taste the delicious flavors from entrees such as the Catch of the Day steamed and served in a chile lime sauce Dinner entrees range in price from $15 - $24 US Fido's Restaurant and Bar Open 11:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Drinks Only 8 p.m. – 12 Midnight Mon-Thurs / 8:30 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. Sat-Sun Located a short walk down the beach, Fido's Restaurant and Bar is a great place to enjoy, great food, live entertainment and tropical drinks! They serve a variety of quesadillas, salads and sandwiches. Monday night is Joke Night. Tell your favorite joke for a chance to win free drinks at the bar! Lunch and dinner entrees range in price from $5 - $15 US Cocina Caramaba! Open 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for Lunch / 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. for Dinner Closed on Wednesday This is a favorite for lunch or dinner! Located on middle street, Cocina Caramba is an easy walk from the Blue Tang Inn. Try delicious fajitas, grilled snapper, shrimp bacon wrapped or Lobster tour guide style. Entrees range in price from $5 - $20 US Wet Willy's Open 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for Breakfast and Lunch / 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. for Dinner Located on the Hustler dock in front of the Blue Tang Inn, Wet Willy's is convenient for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Try delicious breakfast burritos, hamburgers or fajitas for lunch and fresh fish for dinner. Entrees range in price from $5 - $20 US Ambergris Delight Restaurant and Pizzas Open 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for Lunch / 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. for Dinner/Closed on Tuesday While vacationing in San Pedro, you may get a craving for pizza! If this happens, you will be pleased with the tasty pizza from Ambergris Delight. Feel free to call them at 2464 to place an order for delivery right to your room at the Blue Tang Inn. We recommend the House Special with pepperoni, sausage, peppers, onions and mushrooms! They also serve fresh seafood, steak, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Lunch and Dinner entrees range in price from $4.50 – $17.50 US Cocos Restaurant Open 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for Lunch / 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. for Dinner For real local flavor, walk 1 block down Sand Piper Street to Cocos. There, you will find many locals picking up their lunch or enjoying dinner. It is a favorite for many, including us! They feature authentic rice and beans with stewed or grilled chicken and coleslaw. Top off your meal with a piece of delicious coconut pie. Lunch entrees range in price from $3 - 6 US / Dinner entrees range in price from $8 - $17 US Papi's Diner 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. for Breakfast / 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for Lunch/5:30 – 10:00 p.m. for Dinner Another local treat is Papi's Diner, a short walk from the Blue Tang Inn. They will serve you fresh grilled snapper, grouper, lobster and shrimp with a smile! Breakfast and Lunch entrees range in price from $3 - $10 US / Dinner entrees range in price from $6 – 17 US Manelly's Ice Cream Parlor Open 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Vegetarian Recommendations: Jambel Jerk Pit Ital Vegetables - $10US Very tasty!! Caliente – any of the sauces with vegetables only and baked potato or rice Wet Willy's– Veggie Burrito, Meatless Fajitas, or Lettuce, Tomato and Avocado sandwich Type: Resort No. of Rooms: 14 Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/bluetanginn/hotel/341/3/ Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:20:16 EST