From the famous Caribbean blue waters, the charming central town of San Pedro, and top-notch resorts, Ambergris Caye offers many enjoyable charms to visitors. Many celebrities were even spotted candidly soaking in the beauty of the island.
Where Is Ambergris Caye in Belize?
Belize’s largest island is located 56 km or 34.7 miles off the mainland, just northeast of Belize City. Just 25 km or 15.5 miles north of Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye is the big sister. This island is known for its charming town, and budget accommodations to luxury resorts.
Ambergris Caye, one of the country’s prized locales draws travelers of all kinds, from budget travelers to celebrities often spotted in one of the island’s premier resorts. The island is also a favorite home base for explorers to check out the nearby reef and cayes across the Belizean sea.
How Do You Pronounce Ambergris Caye?
Ambergris Caye is pronounced as “AM-BER-GRIS KEE”. This is usually easy to say for native English speakers as it doesn’t have the usual complications of non-Anglo phonetics, Belize after all is an English-speaking country.
Why Is It Called Ambergris Caye?
There are multiple accounts claiming how the island got its name. But, the most widely accepted is because of the hardened substance called “ambergris” – a fragrant, volatile organic compound with a grey color.
Ambergris is used in the production of perfumes before synthetics were made. This was an important ingredient in making scents and perfumes, a high demand in the perfumeries in Paris.
But, it was discovered that the substance was actually a secretion produced in the intestines of sperm whales, often called “whale vomit.
During the 1600s, pirates named the island “Ambergris” because of how they made money by selling washed-up ambergris to perfume merchants of Europe.
How Long and Wide Is Ambergris Caye?
Ambergris Caye is about 40 km or 25 miles long, from north to south, and about 1.6 km or 1 mile wide, east to west. This caye is Belize’s biggest island, and one of its main draws.
What Is the Population of Ambergris Caye?
According to the latest statistics, as of March 2021, San Pedro, the town in Ambergris Caye has a population of 8,419. San Pedro serves as the island’s central hub, but it saw a decline in population since the 11,000+ in 2010.
Is San Pedro the Same as Ambergris Caye?
San Pedro is Ambergris’ central hub and major settlement. Ambergris Caye is the large stretch of island that the town of San Pedro is built on.
Is Ambergris Caye Safe to Travel to?
With a local economy dependent on tourism, Ambergris Caye is generally safe. The island has made steps to protect the tourists that bring in the majority of the island’s revenue, apart from trade. However, this is not a cause for leniency.
It’s common knowledge that no place in the world is completely safe. It would be wise to exercise caution just as you would in your hometown. Smaller crimes still happen among unsuspecting tourists.
Can You Drink the Water in Ambergris Caye?
The island has a desalination plant that treats the water for it to be potable. Ambergris Caye, especially the town of San Pedro enjoys drinking water from the tap. However, if you’re not used to drinking from the tap, whether they’re treated or not, it’s best to stick to bottled water.
Are There Crocodiles in Ambergris Caye?
The lagoons and the mangroves north of the island are home to many of the threatened species of the American Crocodile. However, they don’t usually dwell in populated areas in Ambergris Caye, as crocodiles are shy and timid creatures often veering away from human contact.
Is Ambergris Caye Expensive?
Ambergris Caye can be one of the most expensive places in Central America. Its prices often overshadow that of nearby Caye Caulker, which is known to be the more laid-back cheaper island.
However, if you compare the island to the rest of the tourist-famous Caribbean islands, it can be a bargain. Ambergris Caye is perfect for holidaymakers with a bigger budget, as the island is lined with luxury resorts often having celebrities staying in them.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Ambergris Caye?
If you plan to stay for a week in Ambergris Caye, on average you should set your budget to 941 BZD or 465.8 USD. A day will set you to around 134 BZD or 67 USD.
This budget also applies to Belize City, however, the budget for Caye Caulker and other smaller towns could be cheaper.
Are There All-Inclusive Resorts in Ambergris Caye?
Other than the town of Placencia down south, Ambergris Caye is also resort-central in Belize. You can find affordable all-inclusive resorts to celebrity-favorite luxury resorts in Ambergris Caye, you can say it has something for everyone with a realistic budget.
Ambergris Caye has Belizean Shores Resort, Portofino Beach Resort, and Matachica Resort & Spa, which is an adult-only resort.
Can You Snorkel From the Shore in Ambergris Caye?
Being a caye, Ambergris sits near a reef with shallow waters just off its shores. The barrier reef around also provides calmer seas, with a little-to-no current which is ideal for snorkeling and swimming.
How Do You Get Around Ambergris Caye?
While you can take a taxi to get around, the most common modes of transportation in getting around the island are walking, bicycling, or driving a rental gold cart. However, you can get around the island just by walking, especially if you’re staying around San Pedro.
Are Cars Allowed on Ambergris Caye?
The only licensed vehicles to operate on the island are government cars, taxis, and delivery trucks for supplies. Other than taking a taxi, tourists and residents can only get around using golf carts.
How Do You Get to Secret Beach Ambergris Caye?
The Secret Beach, the not-so-hidden gem in the island is just some 7.5 miles away from central San Pedro. You can get there via golf cart, rent prices can be around 45 USD per day.
From San Pedro, you drive 4.5 miles up north, then take a left turn. Drive through the road that will get you through mangroves and lagoon where you can possibly spot some crocodiles. Follow the signs until you reach huge signage that says “Secret Beach”
