Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

Caye Caulker is actually better known as a windsurfing destination, perhaps because it attracts a younger crowd than Ambergris Caye, but the winds are equally good and consistent off Ambergris Caye. February through July sees the windiest conditions, with winds 12 to 20 knots most days. Kitesurfing, combining a windsurfing-type board pulled by a large kite, is also available on Ambergris .

ConTour Ocean Ventures . This locally owned company pledges low-impact water explorations that include windsurfing trips, paddleboard tours of mangrove areas, snorkeling, and volunteering with conservation efforts. You'll learn much from the excellent guides about everything from sea horses to crocodiles (you may encounter both). Playa Ascunción, Caye Caulker, Belize District. 635/8757; www.contourbelize.com.

KiteXplorer . This company has an office in San Pedro as well as Caye Caulker. The cost is slightly more on San Pedro, but the difference isn't worth an extra trip to Caulker. These folks know kites, and you can trust them to coordinate a good experience whether you're seasoned or just learned the word kitesurfing. A three-hour intro to kitesurfing costs BZ$380 including equipment and insurance; basic course over three or four days is BZ$1,150; and supervised equipment rental is BZ$120 an hour. San Pedro Town, Belize District. 635/4769; 632/4101; www.kitexplorer.com.