I live on Caye Caulker now, but lived in San Pedro for a year before moving here. There is definitely a big difference between the 2 islands. Caye Caulker caters to the budget traveler, backpackers, Europeans, is much more laid back, has only a handful of golf carts and about 4 gas vehicles used for hauling cargo. Its much cheaper to stay on Caye Caulker, and there are a couple of places that have the amenities you expect in San Pedro. The dives and snorkel tours are cheaper and so is food. There are only 3 bars, and to some, that is a minus, but for me, its a plus. This island is not controlled by foreigners (I'm a foreigner also) the prime real estate is still owned by a few local families, and they aint sellin. Caye Caulker is the last bastion of lobster fishing, there are still families that make their living solely from fishing and freediving for conch and lobster. Most people from San Pedro come to Caye Caulker for about 2 hours as a break in their snorkel or dive tour, they get here during siesta time and all of the Caye Caulker snorkel tourists are in San Pedro (trading places), so it seems dead, it isnt dead... just deserted for a couple of hours. San Pedranos are not getting an accurate view of what its like here. On Caye Caulker, a single traveler can feel comfortable going into a restaurant and introducing themself to a partly full table of strangers and sitting down for a chat and a gnosh. The typical tourist is under 30. Don't get me wrong, I love San Pedro, I had a great apartment, and lots of friends there, and all of them thought I was CRAZY for moving here. Caye Caulker is not for everyone. If you want quiet (except for the roosters), no cars or golf carts running you down on Coconut Drive, and dont mind that there are only 3 bars, the Caye Caulker is for you.
AmbergrisCaye.com 
