Ambergris Caye
Welcome to beautiful Ambergris Caye, the largest of several hundred cayes (islands) located in the northern most waters of Belize, Central America. This narrow strip of paradise surrounded by the azure Caribbean, is approximately 36 miles long and was once a part of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is believed that the Mayans occupied the area over 1500 years ago and dug a narrow channel to separate Ambergris Caye from Mexico.
San Pedro Town: East of the caye lies the Belize Barrier Reef which continues some 190 miles along the length of the country of Belize. On the far north tip of Ambergris Caye at a place called Mexico Rocks the reef almost touches land.
On the west lies the San Pedro Lagoon which is connected to the Caribbean Sea by a small saltwater river running east to west about two miles from the center of San Pedro town. This city of 70,000 is the birthplace of modern Belize and a walk through its bustling streets will put you face to face with much of the country’s colonial history.
From the old swing bridge to Government House the landmarks tell a story of Belize’s past and its struggle for freedom and independence. The new museum and tourist village are the latest additions to its list of attractions and are well worth a visit. Despite the mad pace of things, Belizeans here are like they are everywhere, laid back and amiable.
Early this century, the fishing industry was the island’s number one income earner. Beginning in the 1970’s the fishing industry gradually slipped on the backburner when the islanders realized that their isla bonita (beautiful island) was attracting a steady flow of visitors who came to enjoy sandy beaches, breathtaking waters and the unique hospitality of its inhabitants.
With a present day population of approximately 7,000 in the town of San Pedro plus the island’s enchanting combination of mangrove forests, tropical savannahs, lagoons, and sparkling white beaches, it is no wonder that this island has become Belize’s most popular tourist destination.
