Added: 10/28/2005 |
Ambergris caye summer vacations -That is something!Ambergris Caye is one of the most popular destinations in Belize for island-seekers as well as divers and for Ambergris Caye summer vacations, it is approximately 15 minutes by flight and 1 1/2 hours by water taxi from Belize City. Twenty-seven miles long and the country's biggest island, Ambergris features the most resorts in Belize including a number of dedicated dive resorts and the finest array of restaurants, shops and bars in Belize. Most, if not all, resorts on Ambergris Caye offer diving to the nearby reefs. There is a complete selection of reef trips available, single and two tank day trips, night dives and specialty tours for your Ambergris Caye summer vacations.
For some time now, the town of San Pedro has been Belize's principal sun-and-fun destination, and it is here that you'll find the country's largest concentration of hotels and resorts. The compact "downtown" area is a jumble of small hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants, dive shops, and tour agencies. Though San Pedro continues to attract primarily scuba divers and fishermen, it is today popular with a wide range of folks who like the slow-paced atmosphere, including an increasing number of expatriates and retirees. People compare the island to the Florida Keys 40 or 50 years ago, though it is rapidly catching up. Ambergris Caye still has no paved streets, but golf carts and automobiles are proliferating and constantly force pedestrians and bicycle riders to the sides of the road. In the wake of rapid construction, wooden Caribbean houses are giving way to concrete and cinder-block buildings, and even a small strip mall or two. Development has reached both ends of Ambergris Caye, and steady construction appears destined to fill in the blanks from north to south. Still, most of the resorts located north or south of San Pedro are isolated and tranquil retreats, set on the shores of crystal-clear waters.
Despite the fact that much of the island is seasonally flooded mangrove forest, and despite laws prohibiting the cutting of mangroves, developers continue to clear this marginal land. Indiscriminate cutting of the mangroves is already having an adverse effect on the nearby barrier reef: Without the mangroves to filter the water and slow the impact of waves, silt is formed and carried out to the reef where it settles and kills the coral. There is still spectacular diving to be had just off the shore here during your Ambergris Caye summer vacations, but local operators and long-term residents claim to have noticed a difference and are expressing concern.
Packages and prices vary by resort. Resorts varies from low rise hotels, bungalow or casita/cabana style resorts, villas, condos and beach houses, modest to magnificent, they are nestled along the coastal beaches of Ambergris Caye. Whether you are looking for a luxurious high end resort or budget style hotel, there's something for everyone.
Along the entire length of Ambergris Caye, the reef is comprised of spectacular three dimensional coral formations which include canyons, grottoes and tunnels. The more common reef fishes do not appear here in great numbers compared to elsewhere. However, there are a greater number of pelagic fish such as sharks and rays.
There's also a considerable number of porpoise and turtle to be seen. The most popular dive area around Ambergris Caye resort is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a large cut through the barrier reef that is now a national park. No spear, net or line fishing is allowed and permanent mooring is used instead of anchoring. The reserve is a shallow dive area with an active group of "pet" fish to photograph. Within the five square miles of marine reserve, is some of the best shallow scuba diving in the area during your Ambergris Caye summer vacations. Under water you'll see extensive golden corals and scads of nearly tame marine life.
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