San Pedro, Ambergris Caye
Thirty-six air miles from Belize City, Ambergris Caye is the~ home of a thriving fishing industry. Within the past few years, there has been rapid development of the island’s tremendous tourism potential
The island, about the size of Barbados, has many miles of white sandy beach. Less than half-mile offshore is the Great Barrier Reef which, besides offering protection to the island, is in itself a great challenge to the adventurous scuba diver. The journey by small airplane takes approximately 20 minutes. A “speed boat” will do the journey in from 1 to 3 hours. There are a number of small hotels offering accommodation, meals, fishing, snorkeling and diving, and sightseeing trips.
Caye Caulker
Playground for ancient pirates, the island has a community of about 450 people among whom are some permanent tourists. Most of the fishermen are members of the Northern Fishermen’s Co-operative, which supply lobster, conch, and fish to the export market. A regular boat run from Belize City takes both locals and tourists to the island.
St. George’s Caye
Just about 9 miles (14 kilometers) from Belize City, St. George’s Caye is steeped in history. It was the first capital of the settlement from 1650 to 1784 and was the scene of the great sea battle against the Spaniards in 1798 now celebrated as “St. George’s Caye Day”. There still remains evidence of the early magistrates and leaders. The caye was divided into two parts during the devastating hurricane “Hattie” of 1961.