, states it will be a multi-faceted tourist
facility on barges near the reefs of Ambergris Caye. The facility's
primary objective will be to add "another unique tourist destination just
minutes away from any of the great Ambergris Caye Resorts."
The floating entertainment center will be outfitted to
provide unique state-of-the-art amenities and tourists will be treated to
a modern facility that provides: a full service restaurant and club that
offers a variety of drinks, food and appetizers at reasonable prices;
live entertainment utilizing local artists with Mayan and Caribbean
flair; a permanent Coral Reef and Mayan education exhibit depicting art
and photos of the reef and Mayan history; and a gift shop featuring
Belizean arts and crafts.
In its first expansion, the Blue Reef Experience will
reportedly add a gaming facility and after hours club for the late night
crowd; and a glass wall and floors in a section of the facility to allow
tourists to view the reef inhabitants in their natural surroundings.
Amenities are geared to add to the ambiance of the waterfront while
catering to the late night tourist. Operating hours would be from 11:30
a.m. until 11:00 p.m. at night and expand as business dictates. Tourist
pickup points at various resorts along the beach would be utilized to
provide high-speed water shuttles from the beach to the facility.
It further states the
barges will be moored near the reef. Piers with floating
ramps will allow shuttles and other boats to load and unload tourists in
a safe and orderly manner. The proposal
vows the company will "keep the
preservation of the environment a number one priority" by not using
disposable serving products. Furthermore, all waste and refuse will be
transported to a proper waste management facility on the island and the
waters around the facility will be monitored and tested on a periodic
basis. Also many of the food items used in the operation will be
pre-cooked on the island and then heated at the facility.
Projections for the first year show the Blue Reef
Experience is estimated to create thirty-five (35) new jobs with an
economic impact of BZ$3,066,746.
