Belize is a wonderfully unique vacation destination. Visitors are enchanted by its unusual mix of Caribbean, Latin and European cultures. As a former British colony, English is the official language. And, despite its relatively small size (slightly larger than Massachusetts or Wales), it offers a variety of terrain -- from barrier reefs to rain forests -- and therefore, plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure.

Ambergris Caye is the largest of a series of barrier islands that line Belize's coastline. Belize's 180-mile-long barrier reef, the longest in the Western Hemisphere and second longest in the world, is just one-half mile off the shore of Ambergris Caye. Renowned for the tremendous abundance of life, the reef offers some of the world's best diving and snorkeling.

Diving and snorkeling: Ambergris Caye is famous for diving and snorkeling. Click on the picture of the "Blue Hole" on the left for links to numerous diving operators. Just outside Paradise Villas' front gate on the left, on the pier next to ours, you will find Reef Adventures Dive Shop, offering a 10% discount to our Paradise Villa guests. We have used Reef Adventures and other dive shops on the island, and we had the best experience with Reef Adventures. They can also book for you fishing trips, mainland tours, or any other excursion. Dive excursions -- from 2 hours to 3 days -- are available from a variety of excellent dive shops in San Pedro.

For snorkeling, we highly recommend the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Hol Chan is Mayan for 'little channel." This sanctuary was officially established in 1987, and since then the return of all species of fish has been quite dramatic.  With reefs as shallow as 4 feet, this protected area is only a 10-minute boat ride from San Pedro. Or sign up for an all day snorkel and picnic trip...your boat crew will catch your lunch and barbecue the freshest fish you've ever had!

Fishing & Deep Sea Fishing: Belize is a Mecca for all types of fishing, all year round. Please click on the fish photo on the left for extensive information on fishing choices.

Water Sports: Jet-skis, wave-runners and parasailing are available from a number of operators, including Fidos Fun Sports.

Cycling: Take a bicycle tour of Ambergris Caye...the scenery is beautiful and the island is longer than you'd think! Bike rentals are available throughout San Pedro.

Rent a Golf Cart: Though you need no transportation other than your feet to get around San Pedro, the most common means of motorized island transportation is the golf cart. Golf carts are rented by Moncho's Rentals, which has four locations and can deliver the cart right to your condo!

Shopping: Visit the art galleries and crafts shops in San Pedro. We have some of the best artists in Central America. Shops are typically open until 9:00 or 10:00 in the evening.

Night Life: There is always something happening on Ambergris Caye, whether you want to go dancing or just enjoy good music. Fido's, Big Daddy's and Jaguar Temple are local favorites. There are several major dance clubs in the town where local DJ's provide a wide range of music both local and foreign.  Barefoot Iguana is a great nightclub in San Pedro. Go to the Jerry Jeff Walker concerts at Wet Willie's on the pier next to us!

Dining: Start your day with delicious breakfast at Estel's or Lilly's Treasure Chest, a a few minutes down the beach from Paradise Villas. Where else will you see a restaurant with sand on the floors? San Pedro has a variety of wonderful and affordable restaurants such as  Jambel Jerk Pit, and some expensive and quite famous as well, such as Casa Picasso. For dining information, click the photograph on the right.

Mainland Tours: Have you heard of Altun Ha, Lamanai or Tikal? Take a trip away from the island to see these great Mayan Ruins. These tours can combine a visit to the ruins with the Belize Zoo,  cave tubing, jungle sky line, a birding trip or the tropical rain forest. Tours to ruins, the zoo, and other parts of Belize can be arranged by any of the several travel agencies on the island. Click on the picture on the left for a link to more information.

People Watch: Enjoy the smiling faces of some of the world's friendliest people. And remember, English is Belize's native language.

Swim: The ocean as well as our pool await you. Paradise Villas has a gated private pier with an enclosed swimming area protected from boats, safe for children. A reef generation project was started last year just at the edge of the swimming area. See the new coral growing and lots of juvenile tropical fish.

Work-Out Facilities: Recently opened, the Isla Bonita Tennis and Health Club has two tennis courts, gym equipment, and a 4,000 square foot pool. Located by the airstrip, you can use the workout facilities even if you are a visitor to the island. They have daily and weekly rates. Oscar's Fitness Center, located on the beach at the north end of town, has a fully equipped gym. Oscar charges $5 Belize per workout if you pay by the visit.

Relax! Lie around and do nothing; you are, after all, on vacation!

You can walk to anything in San Pedro from Paradise Villas in a few minutes!

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Last modified: 04/29/08