Well, a lot of bull has been tossed around this board already, so I'll add my BS!
Long Caye at Lighthouse Atoll is nothing like Ambergris Caye and never will be. Just like people in San Pedro like to chant “We don't want to be another Cancun” Long Caye does not want to be another San Pedro. I love San Pedro; I have an apartment in downtown (LOL) and am buying into one of the new Villas. I consider that I live in San Pedro.
There are many people on this board who own lots on Long Caye. We have mostly learned to keep our mouths shut. I will get crucified for this post but here goes.
I bought two lots in the Loggerhead Reserve section several years ago. I bought into an idea about a way of life that I, personally, find valuable. I have never thought of this as a place to live, day in and day out. My intention is to have a small cabana where I can go for a week or two and dive my brains out. But it is where people pay their big bucks to go to dive. The west wall off of Long Caye is spectacular – however, it is a 2-hour boat ride from A/C. A number of operators in San Pedro make their money running trips out there.
The developers had a grand vision – I have verbalized to them that I think they have lost their focus. Like so many others, I think they got greedy and expanded the plan beyond the original concept, then got bogged down in politics and environmental issues.
The development is behind schedule, but I knew I was buying in Belize and knew I would have to be patient. There is a small resort open now with a very large restaurant attached that is almost finished. The medical center is almost finished. I know this to be a fact as I was on the island this past March and Spent time with Steve, the owner/ developer of Long Caye Resort. Hustler's Tours is now taking, weather permitting, people out for overnight or longer trips. I know this as I dive with Hustler's and the owner referred to me as “their photographer.”
Because of one of the really bad rip offs in AC (that I will politely not name), where people on this board lost a lot of money, I started a message board for people interested in Long Caye. You might want to look at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LongCaye_Chat Honestly, I don't think this is what you are looking for now, I just wanted to respond to your original question. Good luck. I look forward to meeting you.
Harriette