Copyright © 2005 Caribe Island Condo
Caribe Island Resort
Deborah Neisius (317)569-0291 Indiana
Toll free (866)762-8441
Our resort was listed on the TOP 10 LIST OF PLACES TO STAY ON AMBERGRIS CAYE by the Editors of Belize First
Magazine. The resort is located in Central America, directly on the beach, along the town of San Pedro, on the island of
Ambergris Caye, in Belize.
English is the official language of Belize and the exchange rate is simple...$2 BZ = $1 US. The Electricity runs the
same as the U.S. 100 Volts AC. Belize observes Central Standard Time w/o observing daylight savings. The Ethnic
make-up of Belize consists of 44% Mesitizo (mixed European & Maya), 30% Creole, 11% Maya, 7% Garifuna and 8%
other.
Belize is located off the tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Ambergris Caye (Am-BUR-grease Key) is the largest
island in Belize. The island is only 25 miles long and is located in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The
coastline of Ambergris Caye is protected by a 190 mile Barrier Reef, the second longest living coral reef barrier in the
world.
Ambergris Caye is the most popular tourist destination in Belize. Ambergris Caye is a resort island with
good lodging, restaurants and water sports. Unlike Belize City, the streets are made of sand and you will not find a
building over three stories high. The second most popular tourist destination in Belize is Cayo where you will find wild-
west jungle lodges, Maya ruins, butterfly farms, Mennonites, the gateway to Cool Mountain Pine Ridge and mighty
Caracol plus all sorts of outdoor activities including river running and caving. Most people choose to stay on Ambergris
Caye where they can enjoy the quaint town, slower-pace and beautiful beaches. Most people take day tours to the
mainland. The big tour companies make it a day event and will pick you up in a jet boat and transport you to the
mainland. They will feed you and provide all transportation. They are oganized, efficient and fun. You will leave in the
morning and be delivered back to Ambergris Cay by mid to late afternoon. You will be overloaded with tour companies
once you get there. Let our front desk staff recommend and set you up with the best and most economical tour
companies.
Important facts about Belize. Government: Belize is a democratic member of the British Commonwealth, with a
Westminster-style system with a prime Minister, an elected house of representatives and an appointed senate. The
current prime minister is Said Musa, a British-educated lawyer of Palestinian and Belize heritage. Belize is the size of
the U.S. state of Massachussets with a population of 240,000. Ambergris Cay has a population of 4500. English is the
official language but Creole and Spanish are also widely spoken.
San Pedro Town (Saint Peter Town) is the only inhabited area on the island of Ambergris Caye. The town of San
Pedro is an evolved fishing village where the dress is casual, the pace is slow, the people are friendly and the streets
are still covered with dirt and sand. Many of the local pubs have dirt floors and the island’s dress code consists of t-
shirts, shorts and bare feet. The Caribe Island Resort is one of the most desirably located and affordable complexes in
the area.
Safety is always a concern and common sense should be used anywhere you travel. The most common crimes against
tourists are petty theft and pick pocketing. Violent or physical crimes are rare. In general, Ambergris Caye has a much
lower crime rate than Belize City.
Five Reasons to Visit Belize. #1 World-class diving/snorkeling. Regardless of level or ability there is a mask
for you in Belize. #2 Maya Sites. Belize is the center of the Maya world. Dozens of ruins can be visited and Cahal
Pech, Caracol, El Pilar, Lamanai, Lubaantun and Xunantunich are some of the most interesting. #3 Ecotravel (Wildlife,
birds and nature). Most of Belize is untouched and uninhabited with over 500 species of birds and 700 species of
butterflies. Rare animals still thrive in Belize's bush. #4 Adventure. Adventures to fit any level including hiking,
canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, caving and spelunking. #5 Culture. Belize is a fascinating multi-racial, multi-culteral
and multi-lingual society.
Two good movies that were filmed in Belize are Dogs of War (1981) and Mosquito Coast (1986).
The best festivals St. George's Caye Day (Sept. 10-21), Independence Day (Sept. 21), Garifuna Settlement Day
(Nov. 19), Marti Gras (recent, celetrated with parades, paint bombs and drinking), and Costa Maya Festival (formerly
Sea and Air Fest celebrated with beauty contests, music and dances (late July/early Aug.)
Belize is easily accessible by direct flights from Charlotte, Dallas, Houston and Miami with connecting flights
from many other cities. The Phillip Goldson International Airport is the main port of entry into Belize. Four major airlines
service Belize out of the U.S.A. and are American AIrlines www.aa.com or 1-800-433-7000; Continential AIrlines www.
continental.com or 1-800-231-0856; US Airways www.usairways.com 1-800-622-1015; and Taca Airlines 1-800-400-
8222.
The Caribe Island Condo Resort is 30 miles from Belize City on the island of Ambergris Caye, less than three
miles south of the San Pedro airstrip. Fly internationally into Belize City and then take a 15 minute flight to San Pedro.
The charter flight must be scheduled prior to departing from your trip. This charter can be arranged through either
Tropic Air 1-800-422-3435 (www.tropicair.com) or through Maya Island Air 1-800-521-1247(www.mayaairways.
com). Both charge approximately $102 round-trip. Free shuttle service from the San Pedro Airstrip is provided by the
resort.
Travel Requirements: A passport is required of US, Canadian and European visitors. If your passport expires in 6
months, you need to renew it now. Citizens of some other countries are also required to obtain a visa. Passport,
return/onward ticket and sufficient funds (at least $60/night) required. Visa not required for stay up to 30 days. If visit
exceeds 1 month, obtain a stay permit from the Immigration Authorities in Belize. AIDS test required for those staying
more than 3 months; US test accepted if within 3 months of visit. For longer stays and other information, contact the
Embassy of Belize, 2535 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008 (202-332-9636) or the Belize Mission in New
York at (212599-0233). For information regarding visas in Belize please call 011-501-822-2423.
Money. The Belize dollar is tied to the U.S. dollar at a fixed 2(BZ)=1(USD). U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere.
Canadian , Mexican and European curriciencies are not widely accepted. Belize Bank has an ATM in San Pedro. There
is no need to exchange currency before arriving. Most places accept U.S. Dollars and major credit cards. However,
they will charge a 4% processing fee for credit cards. The Belize government currently charges a departure tax of
$37.50 per person. Make sure you have enough cash on hand for your flight home.
Getting to Belize: It is so easy to get to Belize! It's approximately two hours from 3 gateways in the United States,
Dallas, Houston, and Charlotte. The major airlines servicing Belize are American Airlines, Continental, Grupo Taca and
US Airways. In addition, Grupo Taca services Belize from Los Angeles via San Salvador.
Getting to the Island of Ambergris Caye: Please refer to the "flights" page for assistance in making reservations
on the 15 minute commuter flight between Belize City International Airport and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. The
flights leave every hour at forty minutes past the hour and the fare is approximately US$100.00 per person round trip.
It's the most convenient way to get here. We provide free transfer from San Pedro Airstrip. There are also water taxis to
and from the island that charge about US $15.00 one way (plus a $15 cab ride) and take about one hour and fifteen
minutes. The last water taxi for San Pedro leaves Belize City at 5:00 PM. Water taxi schedules and prices are as follows:
- CAYE CAULKER WATER TAXI ASSOCIATION TEL. 226-0992
ccwatertaxi@btl.net cayecaulkerwatertaxi.com
SAN PEDRO TO BELIZE BELIZE TO SAN PEDRO
07.00 am 08.00 am
08.00 am 09.00 am
09.30 am 10.30 am
11.30 am 12.00 pm
01.00 pm 01.30 pm
02.30 pm 03.00 pm
03.30 pm 04.30 pm
04.30 pm 05.30 pm
RATE ONE WAY ROUND TRIP
Belize City to San Pedro $15.00 $27.50
San Pedro to Caye Caulker $10.00 $17.50
San Pedro to Belize City $15.00 $27.50
Caye Caulker to Belize City $10.00 $17.50
Caye Caulker to San Pedro $10.00 $17.50
Belize City to Caye Caulker $10.00 $17.50
- Getting around the island: The most common vehicle is a golf cart. We can arrange to have one delivered to you
at the front office. Rental fees are approximately $70 U.S. for one day for a 4 seat golf cart and $287 U.S. for five days.
You can also rent a 6 person golf cart for approximately $105 for one day or $462 U.S. for five days. We provide
complimentary bikes.
What to Bring: How about a couple of swimsuits? You won't need much but some casual clothing like shorts, T
shirts, and sandals. For nighttime, you may want to bring casual pants and skirts. A lightweight sweater or sweat shirt will
suffice for the occasional cool evening. The island wear is definitely casual and the popular slogan is, "No shirt, no
shoes, no problems." Aside from all the standard things you would bring on any trip, the following things will be helpful:
Extra swimsuits, light-weight cotton clothes, comfortable shoes, reading material (maps, guidebooks), camera with extra
film, small flashlight, hat, dark sunglasses, basic health kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, Pepto, favorite snacks, battery
operated radio, light wind/rain breaker, binoculars, small day pack and energy bars. You won’t need to dress up, and
should leave fancy jewelry at home. Belize can be hot, so prepare adequately for the sun with sun glasses, wide
brimmed hats, and plenty of sun block. For night time and exploring, it’s a good idea to bring loose cotton pants. Again,
a sweatshirt or sweater should suffice for the evening. You may do a lot of walking, so bring comfortable all-terrain
walking shoes, and a spare pair in case they get wet.
For Diving, Snorkeling and Fishing: If you're diving or fishing you can bring your own equipment if you wish.
Diving and snorkeling gear is available for rent. When you book a fishing trip with a guide, the fishing gear is included. If
you plan to take jungle day tours to the mainland you'll need hiking boots, loose cotton pants, and insect repellent. As a
basic rule, if you cannot get along without it, bring a spare. This applies for contact lenses and glasses, sunglasses,
flashlight and any personal medications.
Customs: Visitors may bring in personal effects, such as wearing apparel, jewelry, binoculars, cameras and laptops.
Each person is allowed to import one carton (200 only) of cigarettes and one bottle of alcoholic beverage, duty free.
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