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Ambergris Caye, Belize it!
Nada, Nada! The tarpon win
again...
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Gentle people
The Belizians are a strange and
charming mix of Mayans, Caribbeans and assorted other groups of people and
colors of skin. Their attitude towards strangers seems to be one of
kindness and curiosity more than plans of exploiting the stupid and rich
tourists.
The country does not seem poor as such, but of course you
will see places that are more South American than American or Western
European. Even so the standard of living seems acceptable, and beggars and
thieves are far apart. We had no problems whatsoever during our stay, and
quickly learned that we could leave our packs on the public beaches while
swimming and our clothes on the piers while snorkeling. No one approached
us with offers except a few kids selling bracelets and the wood carvers
selling their craft on the beach and in the main street. All of them
accepted a no thanks at first prompt, and never did we feel that we were
pushed or pressured.
For sale
Birgitte Claussen photo
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Boats on the beach
Martin Joergensen
photo
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Drive
Martin Jørgensen photo
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House
Martin Joergensen
photo
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In the shops we were allowed to browse the goods with no one on our
necks - all a very pleasant change compared to many other tourist
destinations.
Most people speak English without problems, but both
Spanish, Mayan, Creole and Jamaican English is heard. US dollars are
accepted everywhere as is the Belizian counterpart, worth about half a US$
per BZ$. Credit cards are readily accepted in most businesses.
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Housebuilding
Martin Joergensen
photo
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Maya's Kaput
Martin Joergensen
photo
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The price level is high - almost European levels - so do not expect a
dirt cheap holiday.
A place to live
Accommodation is nowhere near
luxurious. If you want the best, you might find it in some of the remote
resorts, but in town the level seems somewhere between very low and
acceptably high.
We had rented cabins in a place called Mayas Katut,
which was a catastrophy! The owner had obviously sold the place between us
reserving and arriving, and the place was now mostly inhabited by women of
'a doubtful reputation'. The location is way out of town away from the
beach. Our room was cleaned once in two weeks, sheets and towels were not
changed once and we had to buy our own toilet paper! All for 35 US$ per
day per person! Not recommended!
Some decided to move to a place called
Hideaway, which was the same price level, but orders of magnitudes better.
For the real cheapskate Ruby's on Barrier Reef Drive (front street) seems
a good choice, and for the more picky both Banyan Bay and Ramon's Village
seems good choices.
Eating
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Ruby's
Birgitte Claussen
photo
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| Rubie's (or Ruby's)
Fascinating
place, good bakery, cheap lodging.
The Reef
Dirt cheap local restaurant.
Located in the northern end of Pescador Drive (middle street)
- the second street from the beach.
Mango's
Nice place with a large
Caribbean selection. Located in the very south end of the
first street facing the beach.
Fido's
Nice place to
eat. Good quality and selection, which is reflected in the
prices.
More
places to eat...
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Golf carts
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Overload
Birgitte Claussen
photo
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| Cars'r'us
We used cars from
American owned Cars'r'us and were satisfied with the service
even though we had a couple of breakdowns. The prices seemed
negotiable and fair. Located on Coconut Drive across from
Ramon's Village close to the airport just outside town.
Mocho's
An other rental business is
Mocho's. They have information
online.
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Map
Most locations mentioned can be found on this
small town map.
San Pedro main street
Martin Joergensen
photo
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Piers
Martin Joergensen
photo
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