With a length of 25 miles, Ambergris Caye is Belize’s largest island, offering a multitude of lagoons, beaches, and reefs to explore. Its largest settlement is San Pedro Town, which has the highest concentration of accommodations and activities.
In addition to its natural beauty, the island offers a sophisticated lifestyle at an affordable price, which appeals to both vacationers and retirees. You, too, can enjoy Ambergris Caye’s excitement and relaxation.
Here Is A Brief History
First inhabitants of the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula were Mayans. Their home was preserved as a paradise by digging a narrow channel that split the peninsula in two. The result of this was the creation of Ambergris Caye, which is located in Central America off the coast of Belize.
Ambergris Caye’s only inhabited town, San Pedro, was founded primarily as a fishing village. While fishing still contributes greatly to its economy, tourism now accounts for the majority. The island’s beauty and serene tranquility were the inspiration for Madonna’s hit song, La Isla Bonita.
Ambergris Caye hasn’t fallen victim to the resort-like atmosphere of Puerto Vallarta or Cancun. It remains a bustling, charming town with buildings no higher than three stories.
Do These Activities
Since Ambergris Caye has remained a paradise apart from mainland Belize Real Estate, there are many natural activities that you can enjoy.
In the narrow forest region south of San Pedro, the island has developed a private bird sanctuary at Caribbean Villas. The forest has a multilevel observation tower specifically for birdwatching. It is common to see the Yucatán Vireo, Great Kiskadee, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Gold-fronted Woodpecker, and many others among the shrubs and fruit trees.
Sailing offers an opportunity to explore pristine ocean waters and the second largest barrier reef in the world. There are also three coral atolls, which have ring-shaped shapes. A total of more than 200 islands can be found throughout the ocean. It is possible to use a sailboat for lodging as well as for cruising the water.
Sailing offers many opportunities for fishing, diving, and snorkeling due to the robust ocean environment. It is possible to fish all year long, whether you are trolling, fly fishing, or spinning. However, you don’t need a boat to fish. There are also many fishing spots on shore. A fishing license is a must in any case.
Divers and snorkelers will encounter similar reef environments with slight differences. There are spotted Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, large Stingrays and Whale Sharks to be seen underwater.
Explore These Places
A half-mile away from the island is the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. There is no longer a longer system in the Western Hemisphere. Inner reef waters are shallow and blue, whereas outer reef waters are deep and look dark royal blue. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of creatures, including Rainbow Tropical Fish and magnificent coral gardens as well as delicate sea fans and algae.
A sanctuary about four miles south of Ambergris Caye is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. About three square miles of the park are divided into four zones, which were established in 1987. Divers and snorkelers can see a variety of fish species there, even though it is separate from the reef.
On land, there are numerous natural wonders to explore. A mysterious underworld was created by the Mayans beneath the surface. Floating on an inner tube with lights to illuminate the way, you can explore some caves with a guide. Barton Creek Cave, Che Chem Ha Cave, Actun Loch Tunich Cave, and Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave are some of the best caves.
There Are Many Festivals To Enjoy
Festivals are big celebrations on Ambergris Caye, whether you’re just visiting or relocating. In the International Costa Maya Festival, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico celebrate their Mundo Maya heritage.
San Pedro Town is filled with cultural performers, musicians, and dancers from these countries during the six-day event in July or August. A Queen of the Mayan Costa Beauty Pageant crowns a Reina de la Costa Maya, and there are art, clothing, and food booths.
There are similarities between the Great Carnival of San Pedro and Mardi Gras in New Orleans. There are only a few places in Belize where Carnival is still celebrated. It is traditionally celebrated before Ash Wednesday and during Lenten season as a pagan celebration.
It is during this time that the town indulges in bodily pleasures. Dancers perform in outlandish costumes on the streets, for instance. A mix of raw eggs and water paints is applied to everyone’s faces on the final day. In order to paint as many people as possible, we need to reach out to as many people as possible.
San Pedro Day is held every year on June 27 in Ambergris Caye in addition to these big celebrations. An observance honoring the first families to make the island their home. Township Day, which includes music, fishing tournaments, and parades, is also held on November 27.
Belizean Living On Ambergris Caye
Moving to Ambergris Caye or retiring there can stretch your funds further. Due to the fact that everything has to be transported to the island, the cost of living on the island is higher than in other parts of Belize. San Pedro Town is still quite a bit cheaper than many parts of the United States despite that.
Living on Ambergris Caye allows you access to more activities and attractions than anywhere else in Belize. The island also has relatively low property taxes and utility costs. The golf cart is the preferred mode of transportation around San Pedro Town, so you save on travel expenses as well. There are also other options, such as taxis and bicycles.
