Mestizo children frolicking ocean

Ambergris Caye was once populated by the Maya Civilization, and there are many Maya sites scattered through the Island, such as Marco, San Carlos and Gonzalez. In addition to the Maya settlers, the Island has hosted British Pirates (Buccaneers), Meztizo refugees and Mexican fishermen.

The Island is separated from the tip of Mexico's Yucatan Penninsula by an underwater channel, believed by some scholars to have been dug by the Mayas to facilitate travel from the Penninsula to mainland Belize. In recent years, Bacalar Chico channel has been proclaimed a marine reserve.

It is thought that the Island got it's name from the Ambergris (whale oil) that British Pirates collected along the shore. The Ambergris was sought after in Europe for use in perfume-making.

Through the early years of settlement, coconut farming and the fishing industry sustained the Island and it's inhabitants and in 1984, the Village of San Pedro was officially declared a Town. Hereafter, the tourism business slowly began to take hold.

New hotels were built, and many San Pedranos began supplimenting their fishing income by leading tour groups. The job opportunities provided by the new tourism economy attracted many main-land residents, and the population is now estimated at over 1,200.

Today, Ambergris Caye has evolved to become the most popular tourism destination in Belize, and is recognized worldwide for its top-of-the-line accomodations, eateries and world-class diving areas.