Location: Belize District Map
Ambergris Caye Island is the largest and one of the most beautiful islands in North- East Belize. Ambergris Caye Island is part of the Belize district and measures 40 kilometres (25 mi) in length and 1.6 kilometres (1 mi) wide. The largest settlement on Ambergris Caye Island is a town of San Pedro. Ambergris Caye Island is popular with tourists for its beautiful white sands, pristine undisturbed nature and barrier reefs full of life. Clear water that surrounds this beautiful island attracts numerous tourists for its clear water and rich biodiversity. Snorkeling and scuba diving is one of the most popular activities found here.
There are three main north-south streets, and
several that link them, running east-west. Barrier Reef Drive is
closest to the two- and three-story apartment buildings that face
onto the beaches.
Only some of the roads are paved with
cobblestones, and in the rainy season, many can fall into poor
condition from traffic and rain erosion, and provide numerous
potholes which are sufficient to slow the bicycle and golf cart
traffic. There relatively few automobiles licensed on the island,
and they are not needed because you can get to most places walking,
by bike, golf cart, or water taxi.
Golf carts are the
dominant form of transportation, and can be rented by the hour or
day. As of January 2016, around BZ$10 a day is a reasonable rate for
golf carts. Advertised rates may be intentionally overpriced, so a
polite haggle may result in a better offer. Pricing may also relate
to the condition of the golf cart. For travelling throughout the
island, good tires and working headlights and taillights are a must.
There is a BZ$5 toll for crossing the bridge north of San Pedro, but
the bridge is often unattended in the later hours.
Bikes can
also be rented throughout the island, but are less preferable for
travelers staying further away from San Pedro.
Water taxis
may be offered by beachside resorts. Dive shops in particular may
offer water transport free of charge with a paid diving excursion.
Walking is the most common way of getting around within San
Pedro. There's a great deal of quality hotels in town, and many
resorts are less than a mile away.