Ambergris Caye Belize Resort Development - Department of ...

9.3 Land Tenure
In the early 1990s a large portion of northern Ambergris Caye was in public hands (acquired
crown lands). Today, all the lands along the eastern coast and to some degree most of the land
along the western coast of northern Ambergris is privately owned leaving a moderate amount of
public lands vested in the Government of Belize.
Land tenure near the proposed development site is private. There was also a proposal for a
tourism/resort development for the piece or parcel of land immediately south of the proposed
development site, however this was never materialized.
Field visit along the coast commencing from the Nova Shrimp farm heading north reveals many
small local hotels and privately residential developments, one over - the water restaurant and bar
and one over - the water residential wooden structure. In many cases, perhaps because of the
limited access to properties along this coast, construction of many the homes were commenced
but have since been abandoned. It was also noted that there were quite a number of properties
for sale along this eastern coastline.
9.4 Transportation/Access
9.4.1 Sea Access
Currently, the only access to the proposed development site is by sea. Travel time from San
Pedro to Boca Bacalar Chico via the eastern or windward side of Ambergris Caye is about one
hour in moderate weather conditions. Travel time from this eastern side is not recommended in
heavy seas as boats must pass over the reef at Rocky Point to gain access to the northernmost
span of the Barrier Reef Lagoon.
Travel time from San Pedro to the Bacalar Chico Canal entrance via the western side of
Ambergris Caye is about an hour and a half, with an additional 30 minutes to traverse the
Bacalar Chico Canal to the eastern side of the BCNP/MR (approx. 29.6 miles). The western
approach can be used in most weather conditions, however it is only suitable for shallow draft
vessels as the maximum depth along this coast is about 1.5 - 2.0 meters (or 4.92 – 6.56 ft.).
Travel time from Sarteneja Village, 20 – 25 kilometers (18 – 23 miles) across Corozal/Chetumal
Bay, is about an hour and a half, however it is limited to shallow draft vessels. During November
to March, navigation on the western side is affected by strong northerly winds. Wind speeds
during these conditions can blow from the North or West at 15 – 25 knots causing rough sea
conditions and virtually zero navigation visibility.
Channel Cuts along the eastern or windward side of Ambergris Caye
The following includes those reef cuts and access areas in the region of the proposed
development site. These were included in order that the developer and associated employees/
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