Where is Ambergris Caye, Belize?

 

Where is Ambergris Caye, Belize? Why Is It's Location Important to Real Estate Investors?

 


Ambergris Caye is basically at the southern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. It sits inside the second longest barrier reef in the world which stretches from Mexico down to Honduras.

The reason Ambergris Caye is becoming the new hotspot for those looking for their own place in the sun is in part due to its prime location and proximity to the U.S. and Canada.
 
Belize is very close to North America. You can wake up in almost any state or province in the U.S. and Canada and be down here eating fresh seafood overlooking the Caribbean Sea by the time the sunsets. Most of my clients find this is very important to them when considering which part of the world to buy and invest in.
 
It's close location means it also very attractive for those looking to relocate to a tropical location. Most of my clients plan to spend 3-9 months a year here but they also have family and friends and in many cases houses back up north. So its very easy to hop on a plane and make quick or long trips back home whenever the need arises.
 
In a recent poll I asked my clients why they were looking at Belize compared to other countries. By far the most common answer was "Belize is so close to the U.S. and Canada and that is important to me".
 
Ambergris Caye is the largest island belonging to Belize. It's where most of the tourism and growth is taking place. One trip here and you'll realize why Ambergris Caye is called "The Jewel of Belize". Come on down, we are closer then you think!

 

 

How Do I Get To Ambergris Caye?

 

 


Getting to Belize is easy. Most of my clients coming down will fly through Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami or Charlotte. American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, Taca and U.S. Airways all fly to the main international airport located in Ladyville, Belize. The international airport code is BZE.

Once you land at BZE you'll get off the plane and go through immigration and then pick up your luggage and go through customs. Once you pass through customs you'll proceed to check into either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air for your quick 15 minute shuttle flight to Ambergris Caye.

Both airlines fly every hour but I recommend and always use Tropic Air. They have more planes and can get their clients over to Ambergris Caye quicker then Maya.

To pre-book your Tropic Air flights just go to www.tropicair.com 

A tip as to what time to book your flight: Tropic Air flights from BZE to San Pedro are scheduled to leave every hour on the X:40. So if your international flight lands at 12:30 then I would book your Tropic Air flight on their 1:40. It takes at least 30 minutes to go through immigration and customs. If for some reason you miss your scheduled flight they will just move your reservation to the next flight.

TIP: Sit on the right hand side of the plane. You'll get a great introduction to the islands of Belize as you fly from the mainland to San Pedro. Sitting on the right hand side will give you incredible views of the reef.

When you get off the plane in San Pedro you'll be right at the south end of town. Our office (RE/MAX Islands Real Estate) is located right across the street from Tropic Air. You can't miss us.

If you need any other info on how to get here just email me at: belizeislandsrealestate@gmail.com

 

 

Weather Here On Ambergris Caye

 

Should I Be Concerned with Hurricanes in Belize?

 
7:49 AM  Dennis Kay II  No comments


Ambergris Caye is one of the best Caribbean Islands to live on when it comes to concerns from hurricanes. In my last blog post I spoke about why I feel safer here then any other Caribbean Island. In this blog post I'll give you some more stats and details. 


First, look at this: Since 1951 there have only been 7 hurricanes that have hit Belize directly. Other have come close but as we all know its the direct hits with the high winds surrounding the eye of the storm that causes most of the problems. 

In any given year Belize has only a 17% chance of getting hit by a hurricane. By comparison the State of Florida has 65% chance of getting hit. 
 

Why doesn't Belize get too many hurricanes? 

   1. We are located very far to the west. The normal weather patterns usually turn hurricanes northward by the time they work their way across the Atlantic. 

   2. Also, we have a fairly short hurricane window. While the "official" window is from June through November history shows that almost all of the hurricanes to hit Belize have done so in the months of September and October. Hence we have a smaller window of opportunity then do other Caribbean Islands. 


Finally, the main things that cause damage in a hurricane are high winds and storm surge. Most everything that is built here is built to withstand such high winds. We use solid concrete construction with hurricane resistant windows and doors. We also pour solid concrete roofs. When looking at the damage caused by a hurricane you'll find that most of it is due to the high winds ripping of the roofs. We prevent that from happening by building the way we do. 

Also, the reef acts as a huge protection for us. In some places like Cancun and in Florida the water depth can be several hundred feet just a little ways offshore. This allows for the formation of damaging waves and storm surge. Ambergris Caye has a reef running its length just a few hundred yards of shore. This reef acts like a protective wall. It takes the brunt of the wave action so those that do reach the shore are limited in the damage they can cause. 

So, in looking at all of the variables involved I would say that hurricanes should not even be a concern. We rarely get them but if we do you'll be able to get off the island to safety quickly, and most likely come back within a day or two. You property will most likely be as you left it accept for some debris in the yard. Within a few days all will be cleaned up and the skies will be blue!

 

 

The Wonders Of Belize

Adventure Belize!!! Zip Lining and Cave Tubing Excursions

 

Enjoy two of the most exciting tours offered in Belize today, Cave Tubing and the Canopy Zip Line Excursion. 

Experience exhilaration! This is just one of the feelings you may have as you imitate the Black Howler monkeys of Belize, zipping through the treetops about 70-80 feet above the forest floor in interior Belize! Tarzan did it… now so can you. Flying through the trees at up to 40 miles per hour is an exhilarating experience you'll never forget. The fun begins once you arrive at our location in Belize. Canopy tours start off slow and low, allowing you to get a feel for the lines. Each stretch of the tour gets longer, higher, faster and more exciting. With professional guides close by at all times, you'll discover an adrenaline rush unlike any other. 

On the second part of your exciting excursion you will then reach the Cave Branch System Welcome Area where you will be fitted with your life vest, (if you would like one) cave lamp and your tube.The walk to the beginning of the first Cave Entrance is an easy gentle 30 to 40 minute stroll through the beautiful Belizean Rainforest.
Your guide will take you through two dry caves where many stalagmites and stalactites can be admired along the way. Once you have begun your Cave Tubing adventure, you will be able to enter the crystal clear, refreshing river and enter the first cave.You will become one with nature while at the same time experiencing the mistry of the ancient Maya Underworld where the Mayas once performed many sacred rituals such as bloodletting and sacrifice to the gods.

 

As you approach the end of your cave tubing experience you will float through small fun rapids where you will pickup some speed and end the cave tubing ride in style, bringing you right back to the starting point of your Cave Tubing adventure.

There are many tour operators that offer these tours from Ambergris Caye making it easy if you are on the island. If you own or are thinking of owning in Belize, this is one of the many ways you can spend a day in Beautiful Belize.

 

The Breath-Taking Blue Hole

 

A feature attraction of Diving in Belize, is the opportunity to explore the famed Blue Hole. Part of the Lighthouse Reef System, it lies approximately 60 miles off the mainland out of Belize City. It is one of the most astounding dive sites to be found anywhere on earth, right in the center of Lighthouse Reef is a large, almost perfectly circular hole approximately one quarter of a mile (.4 km) across. Inside this hole the water is 480 feet (145 m) deep and it is the depth of water which gives the deep blue color that causes such structures throughout the world to be known as "blue holes."

Like a giant pupil in a sea of turquoise, The Blue Hole is a perfectly circular limestone sinkhole more than 300 feet across and 412 feet deep. The array of bizarre stalactites and limestone formations which mould its walls seem to become more intricate and intense the deeper one dives. Near to The Blue Hole, one of Belize's largest protected areas, Half Moon Caye Natural Monument, encompasses 10,000 acres of the atoll and 15 square miles of surrounding waters.

The walls of The Blue Hole are sheer from the surface until a depth of approximately 110 feet where you will begin to encounter stalactite formtions which actually angle back, allowing you to dive underneath monstrous overhangs. Hovering amongst the stalactites, you can't help but feel humbled by the knowledge that the massive formation before you once stood high and dry above the surface of the sea eons ago.

When you are diving the Blue Hole, you always have the chance of seeing a curious blacktip, tiger or hammerhead shark, but on most dives you won't see anyone except your dive buddy. Little light reaches the depths of the Hole and water does not circulate freely. As a result, the deeper areas inside the Blue Hole don't have the profusion of life associated with most drop-offs. But as you venture into the shallows around the rim of the Blue Hole you will discover a wonderful area filled with life.

 

hammerhead shark, but on most dives you won't see anyone except your dive buddy. Little light reaches the depths of the Hole and water does not circulate freely. As a result, the deeper areas inside the Blue Hole don't have the profusion of life associated with most drop-offs. But as you venture into the shallows around the rim of the Blue Hole you will discover a wonderful area filled with life.


Just think, all of this is right in your backyard when You Own In Belize!!!

 

 

 

Living The Dream!!

 

Reef Fishing on Ambergris Caye

 
 
If you are looking for a day of relaxation and fun, but don’t want to break the bank, there is no better way to spend it than fishing inside the reef.
 
 
You don’t have to go far to fill the cooler with yummy pan sized snapper; you can even do it from a kayak. The locals like to employ the method of “hand-lining” where they simply use fishing line, lead and a hook. ( No Rod ) They chuck it out there and hold on!! This is allot of fun and works well for smaller fish but I recommend a rod and reel in case the big one hits.
 

If you want the big ones I they can be caught right inside the reef. They can be found all along the barrier reef but there are also lots of cave systems and cenotes in Belize, many of which can be found around the island of Ambergris Caye, giving the opportunity to land the big one. On any given day you will find snapper, grouper, large jacks, barracudas and at times even the big goliath Grouper
 
.Fly fisherman come from all parts of the world for the opportunity to hit the “grand slam.” To hook up on Tarpon, Permits and Bonefish on the same day is not a rare occurrence.
 
 
 
 
The perfect way to spend a day!!

 

 

Medical Care On Ambergris caye

 

Medical Care on Ambergris Caye - What to know before buying in Belize

 
 



One of the primary concerns my clients have when researching Belize is “What is the Medical Care Like?”

This is a good question considering that many people have various health issues that they are dealing with. And they want to make sure that if they spend any considerable amount of time in Belize that they can get the medical care they need.

Well, I can speak from personal experience that the medical care here is amazing and I feel very comfortable living here.

I have always felt good about the quality of the doctors who live here on Ambergris Caye. I know they are all very qualified and board certified and that many of them are schooled in the U.S. or Cuba. They are all very knowledgeable and many of them have their own field of expertise as well as offering general care. They are always friendly and willing to take time with all of their patients. They are never rushed or hurried like many doctors are back in the States. It’s nice to have a doctor who actually listens!

My wife and I have had to go and see the local doctors here for minor things like a sinus infection or a stomach bug that lasted a little too long. Each visit was quick and easy and we had our prescriptions and got back home in under a half hour. Where we live at the Belize Yacht Club there are several good doctors’ offices within a 2-3 minute walk.

But the care here goes well beyond just the minor cuts, scrapes and illnesses. Our doctors here are highly trained to deal with real emergencies as well. And even though we don’t have a full blown hospital here our doctors are quiet able to get even a very seriously injured patient stabilized enough to get them to Belize City where one of the private hospitals can offer them world class care.

I’ve seen examples of people being rushed to one of our local doctors who had severe head concussions, broken ribs and internal bleeding, limb amputations, heart attacks, strokes and anaphylactic shock. In some cases it was late at night and the doctors were sleeping. But they quickly opened up their office, attended to the sick or injured and saved their lives. Some had to be flown to one of the private hospitals in Belize City for further medical care. But in each case it was the care of our local doctors here that stood out.

There is more information that I’m gathering which I’ll blog about in upcoming posts. In the meantime if you have any specific health related questions just ask me and I’ll see if I can get the answers for you.

Email Dennis at: info@belizeislandsrealestate.com

 

 

Education In Belize

 

Schools In The Carribean!!!

 
 

If you are looking for new place to live and have a family to think about, then Ambergris Caye is an excellent option. The School system on the island is second to none in Belize. Unlike the mainland, all but one of the schools are private, with small classrooms they are able to give the children the one on one attention they need to thrive. The schools are very dedicated to helping the children to experience all that Belize has to offer, regularly arranging educational field trips that teach them about the country and the world.

Curriculums vary depending on the school you choose, starting at $200bzd to $650bzd monthly. This is definitely worth it, as your child can get the education that they need, and do it with a view of the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

 
 

Adventures In Belize!!

 

Lamanai Mayan Ruins

 

There is plenty to do in Belize. Aside fromenjoying the intoxicating ocean breezes of Ambergris Caye, you can arrange to take a day trip to the Mainland to visit one of the many Mayan Ruins. One that is always a hit is Lamanai. To get there you travel by boat up an exceptionally clear and unpolluted river thatleads you into New River lagoon and the ancient Maya city of Lamanai, with its stone temples and carved stone monuments nestled in the tropical forest. 

Many say that the trip up the river itself is a must do, a river maze that is teaming with wildlife. You will see many birds and perhaps manatees, crocodiles and other wildlife. 

 

Excavations done at Lamanai give an excellent view of the temples and the area's residential structures. For me two words describe it, impressive and beautiful. There are many tour companies that offer these trips. Prices vary from $110Us to $150Us, which includes transportation, drinks and usually lunch at Lamanai Outpost Lodge.

Owning in Belize makes activities like these ever so accessible.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

What To Do In Belize??

 

Fun! Fun! Fun! Parasailing and Jet Skiis

 

The perfect way to see the island from high above. As you soar above San Pedro and the reef, not only will you have the ultimate view of the island but there is also the chance to see many types of marine life. As you fly above the sea with your legs dangling beneath in the air, you may see anything from rays swimming beneath, to schooling dolphin or even a shark patrolling the area. It is an exhilarating experience to say the least. The rates for parasailing in San Pedro, Belize is $70us for single rider or $130 for 2 persons for a ride of about 20 minutes. It is something you have to do at least once, as the memories will last a lifetime.



Another way to have some fun in the sun is to try out some Jet skiis. There is nothing like snapping your wrist and having your own personal watercraft pop out of the water like a cork, and off you go….You speed over the waters with the wind in your hair, maneuvering much like a motorcycle but only on water. There is no other feeling like it. There are 2 companies on the island that rent jet skiis by the hour, or they have specialized tours that take you around Ambergris Caye . Rental rates are $85us for an hour or if you want to play for a ½ or full day, there are special rates available. There are so many Adventures here waiting to be enjoyed in Ambergris Caye Belize.

 

 

What To Do In Belize??

 

A Day To Remember! – Snorkeling In Belize

 


A day of snorkeling in the beautiful clear waters of Ambergris Caye is definitely something that you will not soon forget. This is an activity that is open to just about anyone, from the youngest of adventure seekers to those more advanced in age that still want to experience mother nature in its splendor. Located less than ½ mile from Ambergris Cayes shoreline is the world’s second largest barrier reef, filled with an abundance of Marine life there for your enjoyment. 

There are many sites that have been marked by mooring buoys, each one offering something a little different from the other. Hol Chan, which is Mayan for “little channel” is one of Belize’s most popular snorkeling / Diving destinations, with an average of 52,000 visitors annually. Hol Chan is a marine park that has was established due to concern of destructive fishing and diving practices, but now is known for its wide variety of marine life all concentrated in one place.

There you will be able to swim with sharks (Don't Worry they don't bite) and sting rays as well as large concentrations of fish that seem to know that they are in a protected area. If you are into big fish they are there, if the small colorful fish are what you like there are plenty to be found here as well.

Many tour operators also offer night snorkeling packages to this park which is a great way to experience a very different marine world than the one we see during the day on the Belize Barrier reef. At night, many of the critters that were hiding during the day come out to play, mate, explore and feed, especially in Holchan, which is rich in aquatic life. Typical sightings include lobster, octopus, squid, nudibranches, swimming eels, Spanish dancers, toad fishes, frog fishes, sea slugs, blue tang, tarpon, barracuda, sharks, rays and lots of colourful reef fish, some of them sound asleep. Coral polyps open and under light you can see their true brilliant colors. Armed with a dive light, snorkelers can see Caribbean night life at its best! Snorkeling tours are about $25 per person for a ½ day of fun. There are plenty of tour operators to choose from or you can always hop in your boat and explore yourself. It makes owning in Belize a dream come true.

 
 

 

 

Offshore Fishing on Ambergris Caye - Whoo hooo!!

 

 

When you think of offshore fishing if you were like me you thought of going miles offshore, being in the sun all day waiting for the big one. 

Not so around Ambergris Caye, you can experience world class offshore fishing within minutes of your home. Which makes it nice if you want to break up the fishing day and come in for a bite to eat and a drink to reinvigorate you to keep fishing.

Although on some days the bite will be so good you won’t want to come in. The barrier reef is less than a mile off shore making Big game fish accessible to anyone. Ambergris Caye hosts big game like Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi, Wahoo and  Tuna, all of which will test your strength and stamina.

 

If trolling is not your thing, you can try bottom fishing offshore. This is a personal favorite of mine because you never know what you will ca

tch. You load up the line with 8-12 ounces of lead and let it sink straight down, hit the bottom and wait. But you won’t have to wait long!!! 

Anything from big red snappers, groupers,amberjacks, Pompano and sharks (just to name a few) may hit. But rest assured whatever it is it will be big. 

If you like fishing you will love Ambergris Caye!!!

Spear Fishing on Ambergris Caye

 

Hunting Caribbean Style!!

 

 
 
 
Now this is a definite must do in Ambergris Caye.

Not only is the fishing amazing but you experience the Natural beauty of the world’s second largest barrier reef. (Not to mention get an awesome workout) You don’t have to be a professional free diver to enjoy spear fishing here. But you will need to free dive, as it is illegal to spearfish with scuba tanks in Belize.

This is a good thing, as it helps to keep the fishing what it is “awesome”.


There are plenty of fish to be had inside the reef in shallower water, or if you are a professional then Ambergris Caye is for you. The reef begins to drop off right outside the reef, with nice walls and canyons that are home to many different species.

 

Groupers, Cuberas, Hogfish, whatever you fancy, it is here….Come and see for yourself!!!