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Northern Cayes

Sunset at San Pedro Dive operators depart mostly from docks on the east side of the island. Among the farther sites, there are al- most daily trips to places like the fa- mous Blue Hole at the northern atoll of (an extremely popular but rather longish trip). Those craving a shorter boat ride can experience the nearby barrier reef dives that are, for the most part, just five to 15 minutes from the dock. The barrier reef is quite close to the Ambergris Caye and diving is quick and easy, though visibility isn’t always prime and it can be somewhat surgy, so some divers will put up with the long boat ride to get better visibil- ity and drop-off clarity. Others prefer to AMBERGRIS CAYE make more dives close by, (most shops run up to four a day plus a night dive), The laid-back island atmosphere divers or just be back from diving quickly to crave when coming to the Caribbean enjoy the beach and island scene. or Central America really comes to the The southern end of the barrier reef fore when you arrive in San Pedro on here has the , Ambergris Caye. Sandy streets, colorful which was established more than two signs and homes, and friendly people decades ago, and the profusion of ma- are what divers come to the western rine life is a testament to its success. A Caribbean for – and here they get it. The lot of the reserve is shallow and in many tiny airstrip sits right near the beach and many hotels are within walking distance Ambergris Caye of the runway. You can get off the plane and just stroll across the tarmac into the hotels such as the Sunbreeze Hotel. You put your stuff in your room and just keep walking through the courtyard to SNORKELING GOOD NOVICE INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED the beach, where you find restaurants, 1 •• bars and, most importantly, the sea. 2 BOCA DEL RIO - STATUE • San Pedro is a small place with three 3 TRES COCOS • main sandy streets lined with shops, 4 TACKLE BOX CANYONS •• cafes, delis, local stores and internet 5 MERMAID’S LAIR • outlets. Many residents get around on 6 ESMERALDA •• electric golf carts or bikes, so its pretty 7 TUFFY CANYONS •• quiet and pollution free at the height of 8 THE BORDAH (BORDER) • a hot, sunny day. The beach scene is a 9 CYPRESS GARDEN • mellow affair with weekend live bands 10 PILLAR CORAL • churning out ’70s rock and reggae as 11 EAGLE RAY ALLEY • people sip Beliken beer and watch the 12 HOL CHAN CUT •• light fade into night. 13 SHARK RAY ALLEY ••

25 26 Northern Cayes

17º45'N 42 Half Moon Caye 2 3 41 not for navigation 4 40 5 Ambergris Caye 6 San Pedro 7 00 10 km 6 miles 39 8 9 10 12 00 5 km 3 miles 11 38 37 27 13 00 5 km 3 miles 28 29 30

Long Caye 31 32 Reef 0-35ft 36-70ft 71-700ft 701ft+ Hat Caye Depth 33 34 35 36 Lighthouse Reef

87º45'W S E A C A R I B E N 1 Enlargement San Pedro See Ambergris Caye See Ambergris Ambergris Caye 14 16 Forest & 15

Caye Caulker Marine Reserve Hol Chan Caye Chapel

Marine Reserve Ferry Cangrejo Caye Bahía de Chetumal Hick's Cayes Northern Cayes