“No shoes, no shirt, no problem...”
Ambergris Caye is located 35 miles northeast of Belize City and is easily reached by plane or boat. Interestingly, the only thing that makes it an island, separating it from the Yucatan Peninsula, is an ancient canal dug by the Mayas who used it as a trading hub. It was later inhabited by Mestizos fleeing the Caste Wars in Mexico. They established a sustainable fishing community, which today has been replaced with a booming tourism industry. The popularity of this island is not hard to imagine when you can see the world's second largest barrier reef standing from the shore. The local hospitality and relaxed concept of time make days spent reading a book under a coconut tree and evenings enjoying a few cold beers just as rewarding as an adventure packed vacation. You will quickly learn the meaning of the local motto, "no shoes, no shirt, no problem". Immersed in the tropical humidity and salt-laden breezes, shoes are usually the first to go, with shorts and shirts replaced by bathing suits and tees soon after.
San Pedro Town
On the southern end of the island is the main town of San Pedro, with a population of 9,000. A significant number of expatriates (mostly American and European), affectionately called "gringos" by locals, add to the colorful mix of characters. The downtown streets were recently tiled with cobbled stones; however, all the rest of the streets are still just sand. Getting around is pretty easy and can be done on foot, bike or golf cart. The shore is lined with docks that cater to boat traffic. You’ll also find a variety of tour shops perched right over the water. The iridescent waters along the shore are always beautiful. In town you’ll find a variety of places to eat, drink and shop. North and south of town you will find a range of up-scale resorts, many with great restaurants and bars that are worth a visit. After the sun sets, you can enjoy some live music, strike up a conversation at the bar or just dance the night away. These are just some of the reasons that contribute to making this island Belize’s most popular destination. However, what makes it truly irresistible is its tropical atmosphere: an intoxicating combination of coconut trees, cool breezes and rum soaked cocktails!
