Our Neighborhoods
Ambergris Caye Belize consists of many little havens of tranquility and growth. The name Ambergris is said to come from the pirates. It is suspected that the pirates, always out to make a fast buck, were whalers and finally logwood cutters. The pirates are said to have collected whale excrement, called ambergris, that washed up on the island’s shore. Hence the name Ambergris Caye. The island is separated by “the bridge” where the Town of San Pedro with all its commerce and activity are south of the bridge and the new developing area is north. The land mass extends more than 20 miles north of the bridge, making the north portion perfect for future development.
Starting with San Pedro, this sleepy little fishing village, the original home of the San Pedranos, has emerged as a vibrant quaint tourist Town. The Town of San Pedro, the major population center on the island, was founded in 1848 by Mestizo refugees from the Guerra de Castas in Yucatan. This was the largest and most successful rebellion on the peninsula in the long tradition of Maya resistance to Spanish and Mestizo oppression. The locals were the workers of the logwood, then chicle, then coconut farms and most recently before the emergence of the tourism industry, the vibrant fishing and lobster industry. Tourism and real estate are now the number one source of income so much so that many are coming from the mainland to work in hotels, restaurants, tour companies and real estate.
Tres Cocos
The first residential area on the north side of the bridge, Tres Cocos homes were built in the late 80s. All the properties have their own docks as the only means of getting to the homes during construction was by boat. Now this tree line sandy road of multimillion-dollar homes have developed into an exclusive area of second homes and vacation homes. Near enough to get to Town in less than 7 minutes by golf cart but away from the hassle and bustle, these homes when they do go on the market are quick sell. The properties have appreciated considerable in value over the years.
Buena Vista
Home of the largest condo resort on the island, Buena Vista boasts many attractions. Truck Stop, Rum Dog, Aji and Stella’s to name a few, are great eating, drinking and entertainment spots north of the bridge. The private vacation homes along the coastline sit on land that is 100 ft of beach and 365 ft to the concrete road with real estate value starting at $850 K USD. The condo resorts are full service with many amenities including gym, spa, multi food and beverage outlets, conference center and can command unit prices from $550 K USD to $2.6 M USD. Buena Vista is less 2 miles north of the bridge allowing for easy access to San Pedro Town.
Punta Arena
Sandy Point or Punta Arena, sandy point in Spanish, is where the majority of Sandy Point Resorts properties are located. The condo and villas of Sandy Point Resorts market value ranges from $275 K USD to $1.5 M USD. The reef is a 10-minute kayak or paddle board ride and with buoys located along the inner reef, snorkeling and swimming is a great way to enjoy the breath-taking coral and sea live. In addition to the Sandy Point Resorts, there are luxury beachfront vacation villas and homes with 3 to 5 bedrooms that are over 3500 sq ft and smaller beachfront tropical condos with price point under $250 K USD. The Punta Arena area still have privately owned raw land but with the demand for luxury condos and villas these parcels will be on the market in the near future.
Mata Grande
Called the Gold Coast of Ambergris Caye, this area has amazing sandy powdery beaches, azure waters, multimillion-dollar homes and high-end boutique resorts. Still underdeveloped with lots of open space the private land in the Mata Grande area do not come on the market to often. The current owners see the value in their property and are holding on to them.
Mexico Rocks
Azure, aqua or teal, whatever you call it, the waters of the Mexico Rock area are the most gorgeous and inviting on the Caye. Home of the Mexico Rocks Marine Reserve, sea live is abundant in this spectacular area of the Barrier Reef. Snorkeling at the Reserve you’ll encounter turtles, dolphin pods and fish of many colors and variety. The homes and resorts along the coastline enjoy amazing sunrises and water birds. Property value has increased over the last 5 years when the government built the aggregate road opening the area to easy access. An area of detached homes with lots of land, the typical property has a minimum of 100 ft of beach by 390 ft deep to the road, condo Resorts like X’tan Ha and Costa Blu are starting to see an increase in their property value. The raw land in the area price ranges from $850 K USD to $2.1 M USD, detached houses value are over $950 K USD and 1 bed room condos between $198 K USD to $265 K USD. West of the Mexico Rock area is the site of the new town which will contribute significantly to the increase in property value in the area.
Secret Beach
No longer a secret, this area is located on the west side of the island in the Ambergris Bay. Developed as a day destination with restaurants, bars and water sport activity, because of its beach to sandy bottom, this area is becoming very attractive to the real estate investor. Totally off grid but with amazing sunset views, calm waters and sandy bottom, many are buying land and building vacation rental homes and bed and breakfast properties. Land value has increased from $85 K USD for a lot 90’ by 125’ to over $285 K USD in less than five years. It is still speculative as the government currently has no plans to bring the necessary infrastructure to the area but the demand is steadily increasing.