Ambergris
Caye
Belize's spectacular Barrier Reef,
with its dazzling variety of underwater life and string
of exquisite islands known as cayes (pronounced "keys")
is the main attraction for most first-time visitors to this
Caribbean nation. The most northerly and largest of the
200-plus cayes located off the coast of Belize is Ambergris
Caye.
Once a part of the Yucatan Peninsula, Ambergris
Caye is a narrow 25-mile-long strip separated from Mexico
in the north by the narrow Bacalar Chico channel, dug by
the Maya 1,500 years ago. One half mile to the
east is the Belize barrier reef, second longest barrier
reef in the world, which continues some 190 miles along
the length of Belize. The Caye derives its name from
the ambergris extracted from whales, which were once hunted
here.
Today Ambergris Caye is a world class destination
for Diving.
Ambergris Caye also offers a variety of Water
Sport activities from Snorkeling to windsurfing,
Sailing, Fishing, parasailing, kite surfing, canoeing, kayaking, even glass
bottom boat tours. If you enjoy Nature,
a vast array of wildlife can be seen along the lagoon or along small mangrove cayes scattered to the north of the island. Bacalar Chico, a national park located at the north end of the island, is a protected sanctuary
for mangroves, birds and sea life.
You can also rent a bike and travel north along the beach for several
miles or walk. Along the way you can stop and have lunch at Sweet
Basil's or drop in for a drink at Captain Morgans or Mata Chica, film locations for "Temptation
Island".
San Pedro Town
San Pedro serves as the hub of activity on Ambergris
Caye and is the major settlement on the island. About a mile
long and only a few blocks wide, San Pedro faces the reef
near it's southern tip and is approximately 40 miles Northeast
of Belize City. This laid-back, picture postcard,
former fishing village retains much of its past with it's
small colorfully painted wooden houses. San Pedro Towns
hard-packed sand streets are lined with small hotels, shops
and plenty of good places to eat and drink. There are a
few trucks and a limited amount of taxis on the island -
however, the vehicles of choice (after feet and bikes) are
golf carts, which are available for rent.
Taking advantage of the reef's close proximity
to
San Pedro, tourism has replaced fishing as the main
industry. San Pedro's 4,000 plus year round inhabitants are of mostly
Mexican descent and speak both English and Spanish. They are
knowledgeable, responsible and very service-oriented.
Ambergris Caye has the largest concentration
of visitor facilities in Belize with accommodations and
restaurants available to fit most any budget. Ambergris
Cayes fishing and diving guides are experienced and a good
guide can add great insight to your Ambergris Caye vacation.
Where to Stay in Ambergris Caye
 Banana
Beach Resort
35 one-bedroom, one bathroom suites with AC, full kitchen and living areas.
Nestled on the best stretch of beach on Ambergris Caye.
 Exotic Caye Beach Resort
An intimate Dive Resort consisting of 23, one- and two-bedroom, AC, condos overlooking the Caribbean, just south of San Pedro.
Stay at Banana Beach Resort or Exotic Caye Beach Resort
on a Dive Package or as part of a Belize Explorer
Rainforest, Ruins & Reef Vacation Package
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