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Let’s face it – Ambergris Caye has been evolving since the first visitor stepped foot on our sandy beaches. From the moment the Holiday Inn opened its doors, from the first tours offered at Coral Beach Dive Shop, from the first plate of food served at Elvi’s Kitchen, from the first Tropic Airways landing, this island has been on a journey of transformation. As more and more people discover our paradise and decide to keep coming back, change is inevitable.
As we all crave the conveniences of modern life, we can’t expect our quaint island to remain the same. Whether it’s the coffee shop we can’t live without, the latest Samsung or iPhone, sushi for dinner, or variety at the grocery store, our lives have naturally expanded, and so has Ambergris Caye. Air conditioning is no longer a luxury to beat the heat, but a necessity for many of us.
Yes, Ambergris Caye’s changes have brought its own challenges—traffic, congestion, noise pollution, and buildings that are bigger than we ever imagined. But the fact is: San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is still incredibly beautiful! Downtown San Pedro may not be the quiet, sleepy village it once was, but that’s because we’re working hard to meet the needs of our growing community and the visitors who support our livelihoods. The hustle and bustle is a sign of progress and a sign that this place continues to thrive and grow.
Is Ambergris Caye still the same place as it once was…
I often see comments online like, “I miss San Pedro. It’s too crowded,” or, “The island has changed a lot; it’s not the place I remembered.” While San Pedro has certainly changed a lot, it’s still the same beautiful island—our beloved Caribbean island with swaying palm trees, turquoise waters, beaches lined with hammocks, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m nostalgic, too. I miss my childhood here—the sandy, empty streets, the gentle hum of the generator that powered our cabin, and the simple, peaceful way of life. I miss the old landmarks: the Jaguar nightclub is being demolished, Ruby’s Hotel (now The Caye Hotel), the original Pedro’s Inn is gone, BC’s Bar has become El Diamante, Alaia Belize has reinvented Mar de Tumbo, and Heritage Bank has replaced the Great Barrier Hotel. These changes tug at my heartstrings, but they’re also part of the island’s story—one of growth, adaptation, and recovery.
– The old Ruby’s Hotel/Cafe is no longer there – a new modern hotel has taken its place
– The iconic Great Barrier Hotel was replaced by a new heritage bank building a few years ago
Let’s face it – Ambergris Caye is a world away from what it was even a few years ago, and that’s okay. We’ve faced challenges with development, but this island is still our paradise. The beauty that first captured the hearts of visitors and residents alike is still there. Just head to the beach at sunrise, dig your toes in the sand, step into the crystal clear water, and exhale. Ambergris Caye is still our home, still magical, and still the place we fell in love with.
– Photo courtesy of Kirian Vasquez – REMAX Island Realestate
For more nostalgic pictures/stories of Ambergris Caye, visit our Retrospective page
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