by Rachel Jensen 
Ambergris Caye, Belize is one of the most magical places on earth. It is surrounded by azure Caribbean waters and parallels the longest-living reef on earth. Marine life is abundant and colorful, and the light sea breeze keeps the palm fronds swaying year-round.
But, like everywhere, it has some blemishes too…Being clear of the below common misconceptions about Ambergris Caye before visiting will be helpful to set expectations properly. Let’s get started.
1. Misconception: Ambergris Caye’s infrastructure is like other Caribbean countries, such as Aruba or Bermuda.
Reality: Ambergris Caye is part of a developing nation and is fairly young in the tourism sector. Belize is not a first-world country and probably has a couple of decades to go until it even gets close. Most roads aren’t paved, and if they are, they are potholes or speed bumps galore. Infrastructure is slow to follow the tourism growth however, but there has been progress over the last decade.
Ambergris Caye is the most popular location for tourism in all of Belize, so compared to the rest of the country, it has seen the most improvements. For example, Ambergris Caye has fiber-optic internet while many parts of Belize do not. On the island, the south of the bridge has access to public water while the north of the bridge does not. If you are planning to own property here and want to ensure you have the infrastructure you are expecting, reach out to us to ensure you are asking the right questions during the purchasing process.
When you’re here, just remember the mentality is “go slow.” Don’t rush. You’ll get there when you get there. When you’re visiting, or perhaps relocating, remember to pack your patience.
2. Misconception: Ambergris Caye has tons of white sandy, walk-in beaches like Cancun or Punta Cana.
Reality: While Ambergris Caye is only 200 miles south of Cancun, and yes, shares the same ocean as Punta Cana, the beaches are NOT the same.
Ambergris parallels the longest living reef in the world, and that reef is an incredibly protected marine reserve. It is illegal to remove living seagrass between the reef and the island’s coast, and it is extremely difficult to get a permit to dredge to make a beach. The country is committed to protecting its reef and as a result, most of the coast on the east side of the island (paralleling the reef) is not white sand, walk-in beaches. Only a couple of resorts on the east side have a walk-in beach, but most of the east coast has seawalls or is left in its natural element. To compensate for seawalls, resorts and private homes tend to have a nice pool or a dock that you can jump off.
If you desire to visit a beach you can walk into, make a trip to Secret Beach on the west side of the island.
3. Misconception: Because Ambergris Caye is in Central America, it must be cheap.
Reality: While some items are less expensive than let’s say North America, many things aren’t. Belize does not produce much, primarily because of its small population. Many items from food to liquor to electronics to building materials, are imported into the country from Mexico, the US, Guatemala, etc. Through Amazon and other Shipping companies and further shipped out to the island. If you are shopping for local products and eating locally grown foods, you may find those items are less expensive than you are currently paying in your home country but don’t plan on coming to Ambergris Caye for an ultra-cheap vacation.
To get an idea of what items cost on the island, review the cost of living article here.
Belikin is the local beer of Belize. You won’t find Bud Light or Corona in Belize so be sure to give the local beer a try!
Knowing all of these Misconceptions about Ambergris caye ahead of time will help you to set your expectations straight before arriving. Many times, in the tourist forums online, visitors are shocked at the lack of beaches or the prices. Be a savvy tourist and do your homework ahead of time.
