Ambergris
Caye
The foamy crest of breaking water over the Belize Barrier Reef can be seen from the sandy shore of the country's largest and most popular island, where golf cars and bikes are the favored mode of transportation.
Belize's spectacular Barrier Reef, with its dazzling variety of underwater life and string
of exquisite islands known as cayes (pronounced "keys")
are the main attraction for most first-time visitors to this
Caribbean nation.
Once a part of the Yucatan Peninsula, Ambergris
Caye is a narrow 25-mile-long strip separated from Mexico
to the north by the narrow Bacalar Chico channel, dug by
the Maya 1,500 years ago. One-half mile to the
east lies the Belize barrier reef, second longest barrier
reef in the world, which continues some 190 miles along
the length of Belize. Ambergris 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.
Ambergris Caye is just 35 miles east of Belize City, a quick
15-minute flight or a scenic 75 minute ferry ride.
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 San Pedro
 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.
 Ramon's Village Resort
offers luxury accommodations in true tropical style with 61 thatched-roof cabanas nestled among coconut palms and flaming flamboyant trees.
Stay at Banana Beach Resort or Ramon's Village Resort
on a Divers Package or as part of a Belize Explorer
Rainforest, Ruins & Reef Vacation Package
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