Nonetheless, Ambergris (am-ber-griss) Caye exudes the atmosphere of a tropical island paradise, where sun-drenched days are filled with fruity drinks and water sports. The island is long and thin, measuring 25 miles long and 5 miles across at its widest point, though much of it is less than half a mile across. Although resorts are being erected up and down the coast, its outer reaches are still practically uninhabited. The remote northern extremity abuts Mexican territory, and the Hispanic influence is evident in language, customs, food and fiestas.
Though the entire island is often called San Pedro, technically that is the name of the town that dominates the southern half. Once a laid-back little village dotted with colorful Caribbean houses, San Pedro is starting to resemble a typical tourist town, lined with souvenir shops and beach bars. The sandy streets were recently replaced with concrete, rapidly increasing the number of cars and golf carts on the roads (not to mention the speeds at which they drive). The beach is built up, though thankfully no buildings are higher than three stories.
Despite the overdevelopment complaints, San Pedro has protected its most valuable asset, the barrier reef, which is only a half-mile offshore. If you are passionate about water sports, San Pedro will seduce you: dive operators lead tours to more than 35 sites, both local and beyond. And if you don't want to look at the fish, surely you'll want to eat them, as San Pedro is home to the country's most imaginative and appetizing dining scene.
Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, and the main destination for travelers to this western Caribbean nation. It has 200-plus cayes (islands) located off the Belize coast. San Pedro Town is the only town on the island. Ambergris Caye has been the hub of the areas maritime trade for centuries. Fishing, coconuts, and chicle were historic means of islanders support, but the last thirty years have led to a large growth in both the dive and scuba trade, and ecotourism. The rich variety of things to do in San Pedro Town makes Ambergris Caye the gateway to travel in this beautiful country. Only half a mile from the Barrier Reef, the island is a top destination for scuba divers and snorkelers. The island offers a wide variety of water-oriented activities – swimming, fishing, sailing, windsurfing, and jet-skiing – as well as nature hiking, bird-watching, bicycling and even a small Maya ruin site on the island.
San Pedro is a town on the southern part of the island of Ambergris Caye in the Belize District of the nation of Belize, in Central America. According to 2012 mid-year estimates, the town has a population of about 13,381.It is the second largest town in the Belize District and largest in the Belize Rural South constituency. The once sleepy fishing village was granted the status of a town in 1984 and was sometimes said to be the inspiration for the song "La Isla Bonita", written by Madonna, Patrick Leonard and Bruce Gaitsch.
San Pedro's inhabitants are known as San Pedranos. Most speak both spanish and english fluently. Due to the influence of Kriol, most San Pedranos can speak it, as well as an intermediate form that is known as"Kitchen Spanish".
Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a marine reserve close to Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, off the coast of Belize. It covers approximately 18 km² (4,448 acres) of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forest. Hol Chan is Mayan for "little channel".
In the early 1980s fish stocks in the area around Hol Chan began to dwindle and at the same time tourism to the Cayes began to increase. Disputes arose over access to the Hol Chan cut, a natural break in the reef, which was a productive fishing area but also popular with snorkelers and divers. Proposed fishing bans were rejected and in the mid 1980's public consultation over establishing a marine protected area began. Reserve status was also called for by international organizations such as the New York Zoological Society (NYZS) and Peace Corps, due to the unique formation of the channel, the abundant fishery resources (including conch and lobster) and the feasibility of including an interlinked system of coral reef, sea grass and mangrove habitats in this area.
Between 1985 and 1987, Janet Gibson worked to establish the a protected reserve campaigning with citizens, businesses, fishermen, and the government of Belize and educating them on the need for the project. In 1986, she wrote the Hol Chan Marine Reserve Draft Management Plan to develop the feasibility for the project. Based on environmentalist's efforts, the reserve was established in July 1987 with funding from WWF and USAID, after the draft management plan was approved by the Fisheries ministry and the local fishermen's co-operative. Active enforcement of the regulations began in 1989 and charging for entrance to Zone A started in 1990. The reserve was originally divided into three areas:
- Zone A which includes the inside and outside of the reef (part of the Belize Barrier Reef). No fishing is permitted in this area, but snorkeling and diving are permitted on payment of a fee.
- Zone B covers the sea grass beds inside the reef. Both commercial and sport fishing are allowed in this area with a license.
- Zone C covers the mangroves swamps of southern Ambergris Caye. No commercial fishing is allowed in this zone, but sport fishing may be carried out under license.
In 1999 the adjoining area of Shark Ray Alley was added as zone D of the reserve. This is a second charged snorkeling area, but commercial and sport fishing are permitted in some parts of this zone on obtaining a license.
Want to go swimming? Here is ten things to do in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize http://www.lonelyplanet.com/belize/the-northern-cayes/ambergris-caye-and-san-pedro/things-to-do/top-things-to-do-in-ambergris-caye
If you are looking for the best hostels and hotels in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize? Here are some places to go http://www.lonelyplanet.com/belize/the-northern-cayes/ambergris-caye-and-san-pedro/hotels/best-places-to-stay-in-ambergris-caye
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