About Ambergris Caye, Belize: Welcome to Paradise!
The largest island off the coast of mainland Belize, Ambergris Caye, is 25 miles long and about 5 miles wide. Occupied since Mayan times, the island stands out for its beauty and the fact that it’s not over developed with tourism. While the island’s biggest industry is the visitors who come from all over the world, the island lacks the massive hotels and giant tourist attractions that have ruined so many of the world’s most beautiful places. While growing fast, it is still a laid-back, low-key destination offering a diverse and uniquely Belizean experience.
Living on Ambergris Caye
Belize is a democratic English-speaking nation that has a long history as part of the British Commonwealth. Today, as an independent nation, Belize opens its arms to expatriates from all over the world to a nation that is safe, free and stable.
Most fascinating about Belize is that it stands with open arms to expatriates who want to relocate there. The country makes the process relatively painless and the laws allow for expatriates to operate businesses, own properties and live in peace and harmony. Expats will find the Belizeans a welcoming unpretentious people who accept you as you are. Whether you are thinking of just retiring and “sitting of the dock of the bay” or want to get involved in the many community activities and associations the Caye has that small town feel where everyone will soon know your name.
The Diversity of Ambergris Caye
Like the barrier reef that protects the island, the inhabitants of Ambergris Caye come from all over the world and every walk of life.
Combined with the Hispanic culture of the other countries on the Belize border ambergris Caye has a distinctly Latin flavour coupled with an international community that is comprised of Expatriate residents and visitors that grace our shores every year, Ambergris Caye is one of the worst kept secrets in the world.
The mix of different foods, festivals, cultures and make for a lively atmosphere.
Real Estate on Ambergris Caye and in San Pedro, Belize
Most surprising of all is that the real estate prices on Ambergris Caye, Belize, are still quite affordable and accessible to millions of Americans, Canadians, and Europeans – people from all over the world that are considering investing in beachfront real estate or Caribbean real estate should be looking seriously at Ambergris Caye.
San Pedro Town, the island’s largest settlement, is the central municipal authority for the island. Rea Estate investment opportunities exist is various modes; undeveloped land, both beach front and lagoon side, a range of Condominium projects from luxury resorts to smaller residential and investment vacation residences. Prices are commensurate with the type and service level of the property chosen. Historically, property prices in ambergris Caye have never fallen and many have reaped the benefit appreciation over time.
Getting Around on Ambergris Caye
Golf carts and bikes are the most common form of transportation. The island is so small that there is little need for large vehicles. In fact, the whole island feels like a resort. A road project had extended the improved road network up to mile 3 on the northern half of the island and to mile 4 on the southern half. Regular maintenance and grooming has made the unimproved roads, that extend up to beyond mile 12 to the north easily accessible by golf cart or taxi.
Getting to the island, and getting off the island are by daily flights from Belize City to San Pedro by the two local airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, as well as by water taxi from Belize City. The Caye is also close to mainland Mexico and the Quintana Roo state capital of Chetumal, reachable by water taxi., Chetumal is a shopping hub and large city of over 150,000 people. This means that, far from being disconnected from the world, it’s just a ferry ride to a big city. The ferry runs daily (with occasional Sundays off) to and from the island. The trip takes about 2 hours one way. Otherwise, flights are available from Tropic Air and Maya Island Air daily from Belize City.
- Tropic Air: “The Airline of Belize”
- Maya Island Air: “Daily flights to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize City, Caye Caulker, Placencia, Hopkins…”
- San Pedro Belize Water Taxi
Weather on Ambergris Caye
The weather in Ambergris Caye is perfect all year long. In fact, the average high in the “winter months” is still over 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). For those of you living the northern climates, the winter temperature very rarely go below 69 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hurricanes are an occasional concern during the rainy season, from June to November but the national emergency Management Organization (NEMO) keeps everyone informed with up-to-date weather information and everyone on the caye is prepared for storms should they occur. Belize is the least likely to get hit with a hurricane based on past history and due to its location.
Cultures on Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye has been an exciting place to live for thousands of years. Mayas built temples and homes. Pirates took refuge on the island and in its many caves. The major city, San Pedro Town, was founded as a shelter from the Mexican Caste War.
Mexican settlers to the island brought a distinctly Mexican and Catholic flair with them. Catholic feast days, Lenten and other Catholic festivals are celebrated every year. Easter Procession and Novenas give the island an old-world feel and is a community event.
In 2001, UNESCO declared the Garifuna language, dance, and music, spoken in Belize and Ambergris Caye, a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.”
- Read more: Language, dance and music of the Garifuna inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (UNESCO.org)
- You might be interested in: “The Garifuna: Weaving a Future From a Tangled Past” on NationalGeographic.com
All of this history and these people from all over the world have left their imprints on the culture of the island. The food, the music, the religion, and the language all share this long history of people seeking a safe haven from the turbulence of the world.
Today, Ambergris Caye is home to expatriates from all over the world. They bring with them all of their history and culture. They leave behind the walls and barriers between peoples. In Ambergris Caye, everyone is a part of the family and each of us is here to live life to the fullest.
Top Things To Do on Ambergris Caye
Belize Barrier Reef
Protected by the world’s second largest barrier reef, the caye affords some of the most gorgeous tropical diving and recreation in the world. The reef is an international treasure, being the home to millions of aquatic life, including some of the rarest and most beautiful sea creatures in the world.
- Check out The Belize Barrier Reef at UNESCO.org (United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
- More information about the Belize Barrier Reef at TravelBelize.org
- The Belize Barrier Reef on National Geographic
The Blue Hole
Off the coast is a 400+ foot deep limestone hole that is home to millions of fish and other creatures. It’s one of the world’s most famous diving spots and just plain fun to boat or helicopter over.
Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve
As ominous as it sounds, there is a place along the Barrier Reef that is known as Shark Ray Alley. It has been recognized as one of the world’s best places to dive with rays and sharks. To non-divers, this sounds dangerous, but the truth is that both rays and sharks are gentle creatures that are as fascinated by us as humans are by them. It’s best to go with a professional diver, but it can be an extraordinary experience to see these amazing creatures up close.
Nature and Things To See on Ambergris Caye
The island is home to many animals, some too shy to see very often but there are American Crocodiles, Jaguar, Bob Cats, Fox, Racoons, white Tail Deer and opossum to name a few. And, lest we forget, iguanas everywhere!
Ambergris is also a great place for eating and drinking with many bars, restaurants, street food vendors and all sorts of fare to tempt the culinary interests of any one with an appetite.
Ambergris Caye is an amazing place to visit… and an even better place to live.
Please contact us to learn more about living here on Ambergris Caye, Belize. Discover what paradise looks like and let us be your tour guide to white sand beaches, palm groves, and azure seas.