The Great Escape: Exploring Belize's Largest Island Sanctuary

Belize is a breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean nation with over 239 miles of coastline and the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. With over 200 islands or cayes, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. Ambergris Caye, the largest island of the Belizean archipelago, is a popular choice for travellers. Located in the far northeast of the country, it is a pene-exclave, geographically separated from the rest of Belize. San Pedro Town is the largest settlement and only town on Ambergris Caye, with a number of small villages and resorts catering to the island's growing tourism industry, particularly ecotourism and scuba diving. The island boasts a variety of water-related activities, including windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing, and snorkelling, as well as bird watching and fishing.

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize and a popular tourist destination

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, located in the Caribbean Sea in the far northeast of the country. It is about 40 kilometres (25 mi) long from north to south, and about 1.6 kilometres (1 mi) wide. The island is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning natural beauty, glowing aqua waters, and the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second largest in the world.

Ambergris Caye offers a variety of water-related activities such as windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. The island is also a great place for bird watching and fishing, and it boasts some of the best Belizean cuisine. The main form of transportation on the island is by golf cart, which can be rented by visitors.

San Pedro Town is the largest settlement and only town on Ambergris Caye, with a population of around 20,000 residents. It is a bustling town with paved streets, trendy restaurants, nightclubs, coffee houses, and shops. The town has a lively, energetic downtown area with a central park, shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as water taxi stops and docks.

One of the popular attractions on Ambergris Caye is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which offers world-class snorkelling and diving sites. The Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve in the far north of the island is also a must-visit, with its incredible wildlife and ancient Maya history. For those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere, Secret Beach on the west side of the island offers calm, crystal-clear waters and a variety of beach bars and restaurants.

Ambergris Caye has something for everyone, from its natural beauty and outdoor activities to its sophisticated lifestyle and amenities. It is a popular destination for tourists and expats alike, offering a unique blend of casual beach life and upscale experiences.

San Pedro is the largest settlement on Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, and its main settlement is San Pedro Town, also known as San Pedro. San Pedro is the largest settlement on Ambergris Caye and the only town on the island. It is located in the southern part of the island and contains the airport, as well as the largest concentration of shops, hotels, and restaurants.

San Pedro is named after the patron saint of fishing, St. Peter. The town serves as the traditional hub of the island, and despite the growth of tourism and the resulting increase in population, it has retained the feel of a small fishing village. It is still common to see bicycle vendors selling Creole buns or ice pops, and dogs lounging in the sun or taking a swim in the ocean.

San Pedro is a popular destination for tourists, offering a range of water activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, and jet skiing. However, the biggest draw to the area is scuba diving and snorkelling. The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located just off the coast of Ambergris Caye, providing easy access to some of the best diving and snorkelling sites in the world.

In addition to water activities, San Pedro also offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and nightlife. The town is known for its lively atmosphere, with live music and beach bars. It is also a great place to try local Belizean cuisine, such as fresh ceviche, conch fritters, and stone crab.

San Pedro is easily accessible by plane or boat from the mainland, with a small airstrip serviced by Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. It can also be reached by water taxi or ferry from Belize City or Chetumal in Mexico. Once on the island, the main form of transportation is by golf cart, which can be rented by visitors.

San Pedro has a rich history, with evidence of a Maya community living on the island in Pre-Columbian times. The Boca Bacalar Chico marine channel, which separates the island from the Mexican mainland, is believed to have been excavated by the Mayans for maritime trade. Today, San Pedro continues to be an important hub for fishing and a popular destination for travellers seeking sun, sand, and sea.

Ambergris Caye is close to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, located in the Caribbean Sea in the far northeast of the country. It is close to the Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest in the western hemisphere, stretching approximately 322 kilometres (200 miles).

The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is an outstanding natural system consisting of the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, offshore atolls, mangrove forests, coastal lagoons, and estuaries. The reef and its islands form an enormous lagoon along the coast of Belize, protecting the shores from large waves, even during extreme weather. This natural wonder is approximately 10,000 years old, turning 10,000 on 8 June 2022.

The reef is home to a wide variety of marine life, including living coral, endangered sea turtles, and over 500 species of fish. It is a popular destination for scuba divers, snorkelers, and fishermen from around the world. The main attractions of Ambergris Caye include water-related activities such as windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing, and snorkelling. The island also offers bird watching, fishing, and local Belizean cuisine.

Ambergris Caye is easily accessible, with a small airstrip serviced by Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, and helicopter services provided by Astrum Helicopters. It can also be reached by ferry from Belize City or Chetumal in Mexico. San Pedro Town is the largest settlement and only town on Ambergris Caye, with small villages and resorts catering to the island's growing tourism industry, particularly ecotourism and scuba diving.

The Belize Barrier Reef is an important habitat for threatened species, including marine turtles, manatees, and the American marine crocodile. It is also home to endemic and migratory birds, such as the red-footed booby, brown booby, and common noddy. The reef system consists of seven protected marine areas, including Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, Blue Hole Natural Monument, and Half Moon Caye Natural Monument.

Belize has committed to preserving 30% of its oceanic territory, covering over 10,000 square kilometres, including the seven marine protected areas. The country has also implemented a total ban on single-use plastics, making it a leader in conservation in the Caribbean and the world.

The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest in the world

Belize is a breathtakingly beautiful Caribbean nation with over 239 miles of coastline and hundreds of islands and coral reefs. The largest island in the Belizean archipelago is Ambergris Caye, located in the Caribbean Sea in the far northeast of the country. It is about 40 kilometres (25 miles) long from north to south and about 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) wide.

Ambergris Caye is commonly referred to as "Isla Bonita", or "The Beautiful Island", perhaps due to its turquoise seascapes, white coral sand, and mangrove forests. It is a popular tourist destination, boasting a variety of water-related activities such as windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing, and snorkelling.

Now, onto the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest in the world. It is a series of coral reefs that stretch for over 180 miles (290-322 kilometres) along the Caribbean coast of Belize. The reef is located roughly 300 metres (980 feet) offshore in the north and 40 kilometres (25 miles) in the south within the country's limits. It is the longest barrier reef in the Western and Northern Hemispheres and is part of the 900-kilometre (560-mile) Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which extends from Cancún on the northeastern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula down to Honduras.

The Belize Barrier Reef is made up of hundreds of mangrove cays and sandy islands of varying sizes, including the Western Hemisphere's only coral atolls. It is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral species, hundreds of invertebrate species, sea turtles, the American crocodile, and the world's largest population of West Indian manatees.

The reef has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and is Belize's top tourist destination, attracting almost half of the country's 260,000 visitors. It offers popular scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities and is also vital to the country's fishing industry, providing a major source of seafood such as lobster and conch.

The Belize Barrier Reef is not only a natural wonder but also holds historical significance. From 300 BCE to 900 CE, the Maya used it as a fishing and trading centre. In the 17th century, pirates of Scottish and English descent sought refuge at the reef and exploited its resources.

Despite its popularity, the reef faces various threats, including oceanic pollution, uncontrolled tourism, shipping, and fishing. Other dangers include hurricanes, global warming, and the resulting increase in ocean temperatures, which have caused coral bleaching. Scientists claim that over 40% of Belize's coral reef has been damaged since 1998. To address these issues, Belize has implemented protective measures such as banning bottom trawling and offshore oil drilling within a certain distance of the reef.

Ambergris Caye is also known as 'Isla Bonita', inspired by Madonna's 1987 hit song

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize. Located in the Caribbean Sea, it is about 40 kilometres (25 miles) long from north to south, and about 1.6 kilometres (1 mile) wide. The island is known for its turquoise waters and Caribbean charm.

Ambergris Caye is also commonly referred to as "Isla Bonita", which translates to "The Beautiful Island" in English. This nickname was inspired by Madonna's 1987 hit song "La Isla Bonita", which mentions a place called San Pedro. Although Madonna has stated that the song does not refer to any specific location, the island's beauty and allure have drawn many visitors seeking to experience the magic of "La Isla Bonita" for themselves.

The song's influence on the island's popularity is evident, with many visitors citing it as their reason for choosing to visit. The association with Madonna's song has contributed to Ambergris Caye becoming the number one tourist destination in Belize. The island offers a range of attractions and activities, including water sports, scuba diving, bird watching, and local cuisine.

While the island has seen significant development to accommodate its growing tourism industry, it has managed to preserve its natural charm. San Pedro Town, the largest settlement on Ambergris Caye, offers a mix of small villages and resorts. The island's small size makes golf carts the primary mode of powered transportation, adding to its unique character.

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural offerings, Ambergris Caye boasts historical significance. A Maya community inhabited the island in Pre-Columbian times, leaving behind distinctive polished red ceramics. The marine channel "Boca Bacalar Chico", separating the island from the Mexican mainland, is believed to have been excavated by the Mayans for maritime trade, although its origins could also be natural.

With its stunning scenery, diverse attractions, and cultural heritage, Ambergris Caye, or "Isla Bonita", continues to captivate visitors from around the world, solidifying its reputation as a beloved tropical destination.

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