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Ambergris Caye is the largest of several hundred islands situated in the northern most waters of the country of Belize, Central America. The crystal clear, blue waters of the Caribbean surround an absolute slice of paradise. Approximately 36 miles long, the island was probably once a part of the Yucatan Peninsula. Scholars believe that the Mayans occupied Ambergris Caye over 1500 years ago and dug a narrow channel to separate the island from mainland Mexico. On the east side of the island is the Belize Barrier Reef, running almost the total 190-mile length of Belize. The west side of the island is where the San Pedro Lagoon connects to the Caribbean Sea by a salt-water river that is about two miles from the center of San Pedro town.
Ambergris Caye used to be an island devoted to fishing the rich tropical waters that surround the area. In the 1970’s, tourists began arriving in numbers that made the 7,000 residents realize that their future lie in tourism. One travel guide has described this place as an “enchanting combination of mangrove forests, tropical savannahs, lagoons, and sparkling white beachesâ€. Ambergris Caye residents go out of their way to provide a unique style of hospitality to their guests.
Although the first “tourists†to the in Ambergris Caye were Spanish explorers, Belize used to be a British colony called British Honduras. Therefore, the culture is also from Spain, with the Spanish language, Catholic and Mexican traditions. However, the official language of Belize is English, and most islanders speak and understand English well.
Ambergris Caye represents all that you would expect from a tropical vacation. Boat charters, diving excursions and fishing should definitely not be missed while on vacation. And of course, the beaches are magnificent. Because the island is a narrow strip of land some 35 miles long, you are never more than a short trip to the beach. Nevertheless if you tire of sun and surf, Ambergris Caye also offers bird watching and trekking. Would you believe that the golf cart is a standard form of transportation for short trips?
Accommodations abound. There are dozens and dozens of choices available to meet every budget and every desire. Ambergris Caye caters to anyone looking for an island paradise. You can find the finest of beach front resorts where service and ambiance is the top of the line. For those wanting something a little less fancy, cottages and bungalows are available for rent.
Belize is located approximately two hours from four major cities in the US, Miami, New Orleans, Houston and North Carolina. Ambergris Caye is accessible by a one-hour boat ride or a 20-minute plane trip from the mainland.
Tags: Beach, Caribbean, Vacation
