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of racial tensions, rampant crime, daily pressures. SAN PEDRO--THE ISLAND OF AMBERGRIS CAYE "NO SHOES, NO SHIRT, NO PROBLEM" Where
the people are friendly, the sun is warm and the island is lined with
coconut palms, Ambergris Caye is the largest of
Belize's 200 cayes.
Ambergris Caye stretches north to south just one mile inside and parallel to Belize's magnificent barrier reef. Belize's Barrier Reef is the longest in the Western Hemisphere, and said to be the most prolific with marine life. The slender landmass extends southward from the Yucatan split for more than 25 miles. Ambergris Caye has about the same land mass as the Caribbean island of Barbados, although much of Ambergris Caye is uninhabitable mangrove swamp.
The island's name, Ambergris, is a holdover from colonial days and refers to a waxy substance, believed to originate in sperm whale intestines, that was once used in making perfume. Some say that ambergris washed up here regularly during the colony's early history, but marine biologists are skeptical. They maintain that whales have never been common in this part of the Caribbean and argue that sightings of ambergris have always been very rare. San Pedro was named for Saint Peter, the patron saint of fisherman. Founded in the mid 1800s. In the late 1800s, the island was sold at a bankruptcy auction by the British Government to an Englishman named James Hume Blake for $625 US. Blake soon was cultivating coconut plantations. Residents were husking nuts instead of fishing. The sea being their first love, locals returned to fishing after the coconut business was milked. Fishing was once the caye's principal industry, but within the last 20 years tourism has taken over. Ambergris has the largest single concentration of tourist services in Belize yet manages to retain a laid-back atmosphere. Costa Maya Festival, a week-long celebration featuring culture and musical presentations from the five Mundo Maya countries (Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador), held in August. The festival began as a way to drum up visitors during the off-season; it's now so popular you made need to reserve a room. San Pedro Carnival, February 10-12 Festival of Saint Peter, June 29; includes the blessing of the fishing fleet. Air and Sea Show; a community-wide July celebration of San Pedro's diverse cultures and traditions.
P. O. BOX 162, SAN PEDRO, AMBERGRIS CAYE, BELIZE PHONE: 011-501-226-4000 FAX: 011-501-226-4000 CELL: 011-501-614-4555 INFORMATION ON AMBERGRIS CAYE AND BELIZE
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Only a stones throw away from Mexico's
limestone Yucatan
Peninsula, it is separated by the narrow Bacalar Chico channel dug by
the ancient Maya. Boca Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve is
a protected sanctuary for mangroves, turtles, 
crocodiles, and birds.
Ambergris Caye is the most visited caye in the country. Known as
La Isla Bonita (from the Modonna song) the island retains its Caribbean
charm despite development. 
San Pedro, the main town on the southern
developed end, is a delightful blend of the Caribbean with a touch of
Mexico and a dash of old Key West. Tiki bars and seaside restaurants dot
the waterfront. Sandy streets are lined with 
small hotels, guesthouses,
boutiques, dive shops, travel agencies, real estate agents ready to sell
you a piece of paradise and a full menu of places to eat and drink. The
food and service can be expensive here. The people are friendly,
accommodations are comfortable and there's plenty to do. Getting around
in San Pedro is easy, you either rent a bike, 
a golf cart or walk.
Getting
to Ambergris Caye is a fun adventure either by boat or by plane across
lower Chetumal Bay. It's
located about 36 miles north of Belize city. Water taxis make numerous
trips daily from the city. The plane ride is only a 20 minute flight to
the island. The planes leave every hour. You can take Tropic or Maya
Island Air. The boat ride will take you about 1 1/4 to get to the
island. The town center is walking distance from the air strip, and
perhaps the busiest place on the island. There are three main streets,
front, middle, and
back.
Clearly
visible from shore, the reef opens the door to a fascinating underwater
world. Main activities are diving, snorkeling, fishing,
windsurfing, kayaking and bird watching. You can spot warblers, egrets,
herons, pelicans and frigate birds. Also on the island, you can take a
tour of a turtle-nesting beach on the northeast corner of the island and
several unrestored but difficult to reach ancient Mayan sites. Visitors
can fill their days with outdoor activities and their nights with
wining, dining, and dancing. Favorite past times include lounging in a
hammock stretched between palm trees, sunning on a beach towel, or
reading a book in a chair. 
(The
moon at 5:30 PM on Jan 11, 2006)
