The Safety Secrets Of Ambergris Caye, Belize: Paradise Protected

Ambergris Caye is a safe place to visit, with the most common crime being petty theft. Basic safety precautions, such as not flashing valuables or leaving personal belongings unattended, apply here. It is safe to swim in the ocean, but drinking tap water is not recommended. Mosquitoes are present, so wearing bug spray is advised. Most people get around by walking or biking, and golf carts are also popular. The cost of living is higher than in other parts of Belize, but there are ways to cut costs, such as by using a bike for transportation. Overall, Ambergris Caye is a beautiful and popular tourist destination with a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and a sophisticated lifestyle.

Crime and safety precautions

Ambergris Caye is Belize's most popular tourist and expat destination. While it is generally safe, it is important to take some basic safety precautions to ensure a pleasant trip. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• The most common crime in Ambergris Caye is petty theft, so it is important to take normal safety precautions. Do not flash valuables or large sums of money, and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not leave personal belongings unattended, especially on the beach or in other public areas.
• When staying in a hotel or vacation rental, always lock your doors and use any provided in-room safes for valuables.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially if you are drunk or in less populated areas. Try to stay in well-lit areas and consider travelling in groups if possible.
• If you are a solo female traveller, be aware that you may receive unwanted attention from local men. Unfortunately, there is no foolproof way to deal with this, but ignoring the catcalling and maintaining your personal space is often the best response.
• When it comes to food and drinks, most establishments in Ambergris Caye are safe and hygienic. However, it is recommended not to drink tap water. Bottled water is readily available and preferred by both locals and tourists.
• Golf carts are the main form of transportation on the island. When renting a golf cart, ensure you are familiar with the local driving laws and always drive with caution.
• When participating in water activities such as scuba diving, snorkelling, or swimming, always follow safety guidelines and only venture out with reputable tour operators.
• If you plan on exploring the island, consider travelling with a buddy and letting someone know your expected return time. Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark.
• Keep yourself informed about the political situation in Belize and be aware of any potential areas of civil unrest or crime hotspots.
• Stay up to date with local news and weather reports, especially during hurricane season (June through mid-November).
• Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers theft, loss, and medical emergencies.
• Familiarise yourself with the location of the nearest police station and medical facilities.
• Use registered tour guides and licensed transportation services.
• Be cautious when carrying cash and only withdraw money from trusted ATMs.
• Be aware of cultural differences and respect local laws and customs.

By following these precautions, you can help ensure that your time in Ambergris Caye, Belize, is both enjoyable and safe.

Drinking water safety

The drinking water safety in Ambergris Caye, Belize, is a concern for many travellers. While the tap water at the plant in San Pedro is potable and safe to drink, there are no guarantees about the state of the pipes that transport the water to different locations. The water is chlorinated and aerated, but it is recommended to check with your accommodation host about the suitability of tap water for drinking and other purposes.

Hotels usually provide guests with all their drinking water, and it is advised to stick to bottled water if you have a delicate stomach. The water is safe for other purposes, such as showering, bathing, and brushing teeth, but it is recommended to conserve water usage.

The water in Ambergris Caye is produced through a seawater reverse osmosis process by the Reverse Osmosis Plant owned and operated by Consolidated Water Belize Limited (CWBL) in San Pedro. Seawater is extracted from shallow wells adjacent to the lagoon and goes through a multi-step process of filtration, pressurization, demineralization, degassing, and disinfection before being pumped into storage tanks. This process ensures the water is safe for human consumption.

However, natural and man-made changes in the lagoon water quality can impact the plant's operation, and the condition of pipes can vary. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check with locals or your accommodation provider about the current state of the drinking water and follow their recommendations.

If you are concerned about water safety, it is best to buy purified water or refill gallon-sized bottles at various locations on the island for around BZE $1.00/$0.50 US.

Overall, while the tap water in Ambergris Caye is technically potable, it is recommended to exercise caution and follow local advice to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to this beautiful island destination.

Transport options

There are a few transport options for getting to Ambergris Caye, Belize. The island can be reached by plane, helicopter, or boat. The closest international airport is Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City, from which travellers can take a connecting flight to Ambergris Caye. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the two airlines that offer this service, with flights leaving hourly from 7:30 am to 8:30 pm. The flight takes around 20 minutes and offers beautiful views of Belize City and the barrier reef. Round-trip flights start at $167.50.

There are also two ferry companies, San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Belize, that offer daily service to Ambergris Caye from Belize City. The boat ride takes around 90 minutes, and passengers must also factor in the 25-minute travel time from the airport to the water taxi dock in Belize City. Round-trip tickets for the ferry are significantly cheaper than the plane, making this a more cost-effective option.

For those looking for a more luxurious or scenic arrival, helicopter transfers are also available through Astrum Helicopters. This option allows travellers to arrive directly at their resort or take a tour of the Belize Barrier Reef or the Great Blue Hole before landing at the Grand Caribe Heliport.

Once on the island, the main form of powered transportation is by golf cart, which can be rented to explore the island and reach popular destinations such as Secret Beach.

Healthcare

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, attracting many tourists with its stunning natural beauty, glowing aqua waters, and abundant marine life. The island is also a popular destination for expats, offering a low cost of living and a thriving expatriate community.

Ambergris Caye does not have a hospital, but it does offer a reasonable number of dedicated medical practitioners. The polyclinic on the island has expanded to provide 24-hour care, with a doctor on call at all times. The polyclinic is strategically located next to the local airstrip, which has been upgraded to accommodate emergency night flights. This enables quick transportation to one of the hospitals in Belize City in case of a medical emergency.

The doctors on Ambergris Caye are reminiscent of the family doctors of the 1950s, spending ample time with each patient to ensure a proper diagnosis. Most of these medical professionals have been educated and skilled in specialties in countries like the USA, UK, Cuba, Guatemala, or Mexico. They often share their cell phone numbers with their patients and even make house calls, fostering a special and intimate doctor-patient relationship.

The cost of medical services on the island is relatively affordable. A routine doctor's visit typically costs around $20 to $30, and many health insurance policies cover travellers' medical expenses. However, it is always advisable to double-check your insurance policy to ensure coverage.

For more specialized or complicated medical issues, residents and tourists may opt for medical facilities in nearby countries like Mexico, the USA, or Guatemala. Belize Medical Associates, for example, is a private hospital in Belize City that offers a range of visiting doctors and advanced medical equipment.

In summary, while Ambergris Caye itself does not have extensive medical facilities, it provides easy access to quality healthcare through its dedicated medical practitioners and quick transportation options to larger hospitals in Belize City and other countries.

Weather and climate

Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, has a tropical climate. It is positioned in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Central America. Its weather is defined by the Köppen climate classification as As, indicating a tropical wet and dry climate with a pronounced 'summer' dry season.

The island's climate is consistently tropical throughout the year, with only slight deviations in temperature. The average high temperature is 31°C (87.8°F) from May to September, and the average low is 19°C (66.2°F) in December and January. The UV index is highest from March to September, reaching a peak of 12 from March to April, and again from June to September. This potent radiation can result in quicker sunburns and potential damage to the skin and eyes if precautions are not taken.

Ambergris Caye has a wet season from July to September or May to December, depending on the source. During this time, rain usually falls in the evening and early morning. The rainy season is followed by a dry season from February to June. The driest months are April, February, and March, with the lowest chance of significant precipitation.

The busiest month for tourism is January, followed by February and March. The slowest months for tourism due to the weather are September to November, which are the wettest months. The hottest months are August, July, and June, with highs regularly around 32°C in late July.

Frequently asked questions