Fisherman Walking a Palapa Pier on Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye sits off the coast of Belize, roughly 25 miles from Belize City, and forms part of the Belize Barrier Reef system, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The island's economy shifted from fishing to tourism in the late 20th century, and its small piers—many topped with thatched palapas built from palm fronds— informal docks and fishing spots for residents and visitors alike. San Pedro, the island's only town, remains the hub for boat traffic connecting Ambergris Caye to the mainland and nearby cayes. The waters just offshore are shallow and reef-protected, making them popular for wading, fishing, and small watercraft rather than large vessel traffic.