Ambergris Caye: A Rising Hot Spot in the Caribbean
Belize's largest island is becoming one of the main destinations for travelers, expats, and retirees in the Caribbean and Central America. In fact, it was voted "Best Island to Retire On" by Island Magazine in 2009, and held the distinction of being named "Best Island in the Americas" by Travel & Leisure Magazine. Let me introduce you to Ambergris Caye. You'll see that it has a number of unique qualities that make its community stand out from all other places in the country.
The island's natural beauty has drawn Belize's high number of tourists. Ambergris Caye is highly renowned for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and other water sports. The island has an impressive biodiversity in marine life because it is surrounded by the world's second largest barrier reef, which can be seen from the shore. One of its most famous attractions is the "Blue Hole", a dark blue circular sinkhole that is surrounded by the Light House Reef. It is considered by many to be one of the most astounding dive sites in the world and it can be found right off the coast. If water sports aren't really your thing, the island is still a great place for nature hiking, bird watching, and bicycling.
Ambergris Caye also has a rich history and has become very popular for exploring the Mayan ruins and temples nearby. The island was once a strategic location used by the Mayans for its proximity to the coast. Archaeologists believe it was once a prosperous town and an important trading center. It's quite common for Mayan artifacts to be discovered throughout the island. In fact, the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site is open for guided tours.
Another reason for the rising number of travelers and expats is that Belize is a democratic, English speaking nation. The legal system is common law, a convenient hold over from the British days. This makes it much easier than other Central American countries to adapt to the lifestyle.
Even though the first language is English and there is a large Hispanic community, the local population has a diverse mixture of cultures. You will find people of Mayan, Spanish, Garifuna, Creole, Mestizo, Lebanese, Chinese, East Indian, and Caucasian decent peacefully and happily coexisting. You will also see a number of these ethnic groups are inter-married. There is a large Hispanic community in San Pedro, and you will find many popular island events, such as the Costa Maya festival. One of the best traits of the island is the tolerance and harmony of the community and its wide reputation for friendliness.
With the increase of tourists and expats over the last few decades, Belize has been heavily investing in Ambergris Caye's infrastructure to combine its superior natural beauty with the convenience of reliable, modern living. The area has a developed road system, boating docks, and a small airport, along with all the expected modern utilities. There has also been a steady rise in home building, along with resorts and condominiums to satisfy the tourist demand. Indeed, there is something to fit everyone's needs.
Ambergris Caye is also known for having a lively entertainment atmosphere. You will find a variety of restaurants with different price ranges. If you explore the town of San Pedro and the coast, you can discover some unique local bars and exciting night clubs that play all kinds of music. Visitors and residents alike frequently find themselves dancing barefoot in the sand under a sky so full of stars, it almost seems unreal.
Grand Baymen is one of our most successful communities for expats and retirees located in Ambergris Caye. The community is only a half mile from San Pedro Town, and it is a very short walk to grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and other amenities. We highly encourage you to make your way here to see why Ambergris Caye is becoming the top choice for memorable vacations and a luxurious, yet affordable retirement.
