Running Toilets: Ambergris Caye's Plumbing Problems

Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its stunning turquoise seascapes, white sands, and aquamarine waters. The island offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, nature walks, bird-watching, and even a small Maya ruin site. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and friendly locals, Ambergris Caye has something for everyone.

When it comes to the topic of whether Ambergris Caye has running toilets, the answer may vary depending on the specific location and type of accommodation. While some resorts and luxury homes might have modern plumbing, other areas might have septic systems that require careful use.

One source mentions that, in general, waste is not just whisked away but goes into a septic system on the property, and it is crucial to avoid any problems with this system. Another source mentions that, in Belize, it is common to find signs in bathrooms asking people not to flush toilet paper but to dispose of it in a bin instead.

Therefore, while Ambergris Caye might have running toilets in some places, it is important to be mindful of local practices and infrastructure when it comes to plumbing and wastewater management.

Water sports and activities

With its prime location on the world's second-largest coral barrier reef, Ambergris Caye, Belize, is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, creates a calm and shallow coastline, making it an ideal spot for a variety of water activities. Here are some of the exciting water sports and activities you can enjoy during your visit:

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

The Belize Barrier Reef, just off the coast of Ambergris Caye, is the largest reef in the Western Hemisphere and offers world-class scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. Explore the crystal-clear waters and discover a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, nurse sharks, and an array of colourful fish. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are particularly popular spots known for their excellent snorkelling and diving conditions and abundant sea life.

Kayaking

Kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the island and its surroundings. Paddle out to the reef, tie up to a buoy, and go snorkelling, or head to Chetumal Bay and explore the dozens of uninhabited islands. You can also kayak to the nearby island of Caye Caulker, which is a popular destination for island-hopping enthusiasts.

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) has become increasingly popular in Ambergris Caye. It's an excellent way to get a full-body workout while enjoying the beautiful scenery. You can paddle in the calm waters around the island or venture out to explore the nearby islands and coves.

Jet Skiing

For those seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience, jet skiing is a perfect choice. Rent a jet ski and explore the coastline, or join a guided tour to discover the many tropical cayes that Belize has to offer, including the famous Secret Beach.

Parasailing

Parasailing is an exhilarating activity that offers breathtaking bird's-eye views of Ambergris Caye and the surrounding islands. Soar up to 300 feet in the air and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical birds. It's an unforgettable experience for both adults and children.

Windsurfing and Kiteboarding

The steady breezes on the Caribbean Sea make Ambergris Caye an ideal location for windsurfing and kiteboarding. These sports offer a unique combination of sailing and surfing, providing an exciting challenge for adventurous individuals.

Sailing

With its calm waters and steady trade winds, Ambergris Caye is a perfect place to learn how to sail. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sailor, you can take advantage of the excellent sailing conditions and explore the beautiful coastline.

Wakeboarding

If you're looking for a thrilling ride, wakeboarding is the activity for you. Skim across the warm Caribbean waters and ride the wake behind a wakeboarding boat. Professional instructors are available to guide both beginners and experienced riders.

With its pristine waters, stunning coastline, and diverse marine life, Ambergris Caye, Belize, offers a plethora of water sports and activities to suit all interests and skill levels. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a chance to explore the underwater world, you'll find it in this tropical paradise.

The town of San Pedro

San Pedro Town is the only town on Ambergris Caye, an island in Belize, Central America. It is the second-largest town in the Belize District and the largest in the Belize Rural South constituency. The town has a population of about 16,444, according to 2015 estimates, and its inhabitants are known as San Pedranos. Most San Pedranos originally came from Mexico and speak both Spanish and English fluently. The town was once a sleepy fishing village but was granted township status in 1984 and has since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Belize.

San Pedro is known for its protected areas, including the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and Bacalarchico. The town is also home to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef in the world. Scuba diving is one of the primary industries in the town, and there are two hyperbaric decompression chambers on the island to accommodate the many divers who visit.

The town has a mix of trendy restaurants, nightclubs, coffee houses, and friendly mom-and-pop stores. The main mode of transportation in San Pedro is golf carts, which can be used to travel from home to various destinations around the town. The side streets of the town are mainly made of sand, retaining its historic fishing village charm.

San Pedro is also known for its festivals, including El Gran Carnaval de San Pedro, which dates back to the 1870s. The town has a lively, energetic downtown area with a central park, shops, bars, restaurants, water taxi stops, docks, and endless beach bars. It is a mix of a gritty, authentic local feel and a tropical vacation vibe.

The island's history

Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, has a rich history that dates back to Pre-Columbian times when it was inhabited by the Maya community. The Mayans are believed to have dug the "Boca Bacalar Chico" marine channel, which separates the island from Mexico, to facilitate maritime trade.

In the 17th century, coconut plantations were established on the island, and it became a base for whalers hunting sperm whales in the tropical Atlantic Ocean. During this time, English pirates also favoured Ambergris Caye as a hiding place while raiding Spanish ships.

In the mid-18th century, refugees fleeing civil war in the Yucatan Peninsula migrated to Ambergris Caye, and the island's economy centred on fishing and coconut production. In the early 20th century, the fishermen of Ambergris established cooperatives, and San Pedro became a prosperous fishing community.

The development of Ambergris Caye as a tourist destination began in the early 1970s, with the growth of scuba diving and ecotourism. The island's stunning natural beauty, turquoise seascapes, diverse outdoor activities, and laid-back attitude have made it the most popular destination in Belize for tourists and expats alike. The increase in tourism has led to the development of infrastructure and amenities, with the island now boasting a wide range of hotels, restaurants, shops, and a vibrant social scene.

San Pedro Town, the only town on Ambergris Caye, has transformed from a tiny fishing village to a bustling tourism centre. It retains its historic charm, with wooden houses, sandy streets, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The growth of tourism has also led to an increase in real estate development, with resorts and luxury homes popping up along the island's northern coast, which offers some of the best beaches in Ambergris Caye.

Today, Ambergris Caye is known for its ocean sports, live music, festivals, nightlife, and active social life, attracting visitors and expats seeking a combination of casual beach life and upscale amenities.

Travel to Ambergris Caye

Getting There

There are two ways to get to Ambergris Caye: by sea or by air. The trip is usually beautiful by either means, but when the weather is rough, it can be bumpy both ways, and you're more likely to get wet by boat.

By Plane

There are frequent daily flights between Belize City and San Pedro Airport (airport code SPR) on Ambergris Caye. Flights leave from both Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport and Municipal Airport several times an hour between 6:40 am and 9:10 pm. If you're coming in on an international flight, it's best to book a flight from the international airport. If you're already in Belize City or travelling around the country, it's cheaper to fly from the Municipal Airport, which is also quicker and cheaper to reach by taxi. During the high season, it's best to have a reservation, but you can usually just show up at the airport and get a seat within an hour.

• Maya Island Air – 11 flights daily between Goldson International Airport and San Pedro Airport, with two extra evening flights running between March and October. Flights depart every hour from 7:40 am, with the last flight at 5:40 pm. Fares are BZ$140 each way from Goldson International Airport and BZ$72 each way from the Municipal Airport.
• Tropic Air – five daily flights between Corozal Town and San Pedro. Fares are BZ$150 each way.

By Boat

Ocean Ferry Belize and San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi are the two water taxi companies that will take you to Ambergris Caye from Belize City. Both provide covered speedboats with space for 50-100 passengers. The ride takes about an hour and a half, always including a stop at Caye Caulker. Fares are BZ$34-BZ$56 one way, or BZ$64-BZ$76 round trip. Ocean Ferry offers five trips a day, while the San Pedro Belize Express offers nine, but only Ocean Ferry offers wi-fi on board.

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or in person at their terminals. Stowing luggage is free, and pets are also welcome. All boats arrive in the centre of town.

Getting Around

The downtown section of San Pedro is easily navigated on foot, but some hotels located on the northern or southern ends of the island can be quite isolated. Most hotels arrange pickup and drop-off for guests, and taxis are available for all flights that arrive at the airport. Golf carts are the most common vehicle type on the island and are available to rent from several outlets. Bicycles are another good option, with most hotels offering their own bikes for free or for a small rental fee.

Where to Stay

There is no shortage of hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels in Ambergris Caye, ranging from budget to luxury.

• San Pedro Town – this is where most of the bars, restaurants, and nightlife are located. For mid-range hotels, check out the SunBreeze Hotel or Mayan Princess.
• North of Town – about five miles north of San Pedro, you'll find more upscale resorts and a number of bars and restaurants. For a luxury stay, check out Matachica Resort & Spa.
• South of Town – this small community is mostly residential but has a few stores, bars, and restaurants.

Food and Drink

All food on Ambergris Caye is reportedly inexpensive, and there is no shortage of great places to eat and drink. Here are some recommendations:

• Belize Chocolate Company
• Blue Water Grill
• Elvie's Kitchen
• Fido's Restaurant & Bar
• Lily's Treasure Chest
• Rojo Beach Bar & Lounge
• Waruguma
• Mambo Restaurant And Bistro
• Aji Tapa Bar & Restaurant
• Estelle's
• Caramba's
• Papi's Diner
• La Esquinita Deli
• El Patio
• Wet Willies
• Green Parrot Beach Bar

Things to Do

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley – spend an hour snorkelling and swimming next to nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and other big fish.
• Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve – part of The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
• Mayan Ruins at Lamanai – one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize.
• Blue Hole – one of the main attractions in Belize, offering beautiful aerial views.
• Snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Mexican Rock.
• Scuba diving at Half Moon Caye, and the booby hatchery.
• 'Chicken drop' at Wahoo's Lounge – patrons pay $1 per square of a 10 x 10 floor, then a rooster is released. If it poops on your square, you win $100 towards your bar tab.
• Soccer matches at the small stadium near the airport – very entertaining, especially on weekends.
• Annual Lobsterfest in nearby Caye Caulker – great spiny lobster and coconut rice!

Food and drink

Ambergris Caye has a wide range of food and drink options, from inexpensive local spots to some of the finest restaurants in the world. The island's culinary scene reflects its diverse cultural influences, including Caribbean, Mexican, African, Spanish, and Mayan flavours. Here is an overview of the food and drink offerings in Ambergris Caye, Belize:

Seafood Specialities

Seafood is a highlight of Ambergris Caye's cuisine, with fresh fish, lobster, shrimp, and conch widely available. The island has a history of being a major exporter of lobster, and it is still a popular menu item, especially during the season from mid-July to mid-February. Other seafood delights include grouper, snapper, and dorado (mahimahi). You can find everything from simple grilled or fried preparations to more elaborate dishes like ceviche and shrimp paella.

International Flavours

In addition to seafood, Ambergris Caye offers a variety of international options. You can find restaurants serving Italian, Mexican, Indian, Chinese, and American dishes. The island also has several sushi joints and an upmarket Japanese restaurant. For those seeking plant-based options, there are vegetarian and vegan restaurants, including juice bars and acai bowl spots.

Local Specialities

Rice and beans is a staple in Belizean cuisine and is often served as an accompaniment to main dishes. Another local speciality is stew chicken, along with its variations like stew beef and stew fish. These Kriol-based recipes feature a mix of spices and red recado, made from annatto seed or achiote. Hudut, a fish stew or whole fish preparation served in a coconut-milk broth, is a must-try Garifuna speciality.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, rum is the liquor of choice in Belize. The island offers several rum brands and distilleries, including the well-known 1 Barrel and the finer 5-year-aged Prestige. For a unique experience, try a seaweed shake, made with dried seaweed, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optionally, a shot of rum or brandy.

Belize also has its own beer, Belikin, which comes in several varieties such as Lager, Premium, and Stout. For wine lovers, while Belize doesn't produce traditional wines, you can find fruit wines made from pineapple and banana, as well as novelty wines at the Rendezvous Restaurant & Winery.

Dining Options

Ambergris Caye caters to various budgets and preferences when it comes to dining. The dress code is generally casual, even at upscale establishments. You can find everything from beachfront dining to open-air rooftop terraces and food courts. Fine dining in San Pedro is typically a relaxed affair, and most meals and dining experiences are informal.

Frequently asked questions