Ambergris Caye, in English, is the largest island in Belize, 25 miles long and just over a mile wide, and San Pedro is its only city. About 30 years ago, Ambergris became a popular spot for divers and anglers thanks to the Belize Barrier Reef, just half a mile from the coast. This natural paradise of living corals is home to a dizzying variety of marine life, and it's the main reason why Ambergris has experienced its recent (and significant) growth. Until just a few years ago, San Pedro was a small fishing town that catered to adventurous tourists who came to dive and fish on the high seas.
The main mode of motorized transport on Ambergris Caye at the time were golf carts (which are still popular, although today there are many more cars on the island). San Pedro is now the second largest city in the Belize district with more than 15,000 people, only surpassed in size by the former capital, Belize City. Back in the U. S., many people dream of “moving to the tropics and having a little house on the beach”, as Donna says. Downtime in Belize offers several activities that create a sense of community for expatriates.
Donna says: “I was part of Rotary for a while and helped with several community service projects. They included helping the police department implement a 911 program, taking the circus to San Pedro, and implementing a summer sports program. This is an island where “normal people can buy a holiday home or permanent accommodation to live out their sunny, affordable and comfortable retirement”.The infrastructure is good and is getting better and better, with a new power plant in operation and the recent opening of a hospital with specialized care and a 24-hour emergency room. St.
Thomas is the island where most of the population of the United States resides. It is also the most commercialized of the islands and a regular stopping point for Caribbean cruises. This 30-square-mile island has jungle cliffs that rise into the sky, and the turquoise sea is dotted with yachts of all shapes and sizes. Thomas, and in particular the capital of Charlotte Amalie, can be invaded by tourists. Today, Grand Bahama is the second most populated island, with more than 50,000 inhabitants.
Its main city, Freeport, has a population of about 27,000 inhabitants, making it the second largest metropolitan area in the country, far overshadowing the West End, the former capital of Grand Bahama. Grand Bahama Island has become a paradise for beach lovers, as well as for divers, anglers, golfers and sports enthusiasts of all kinds. It's also a prime destination for people who enjoy first-class shopping. But living here costs more since it's 30% to 50% more expensive than in the U. S.
The cheapest Virgin Island to stay at is St. Thomas as it has the largest airport, most amenities, public transportation and plenty of stay options. Check out our guide to where to stay in St. Curaçao is an island off the coast of Venezuela. Dutch and Spanish influence and architecture give Curaçao a unique touch.
English, Dutch and Creole are spoken here. The Tourist Board works to attract new visitors. The beaches are empty which is a selling point and the future looks promising. Thanks to the reliable sea breeze Curaçao is becoming one of the top destinations for kitesurfing windsurfing and sailing. This could be an ideal location for competitions but deep water makes it difficult to place buoys for races. Curaçao is not in the hurricane belt and is safe all year round.
The Juan Islands and Virgin Islands National Park is home to one of the best in the Caribbean at Cinnamon Bay Campground. Weekends are busy days in the United States Virgin Islands, as new travelers arrive and others go home. If you want to live on an island without tourists coming during spring break or New Year's Eve you can visit the outer islands. For Americans in particular the beautiful U.
S. Virgin Islands are a sought-after destination for a beach house. St Thomas' outer islands include Water Island (a great day trip) as well as Tortola Jost Van Dyke Virgin Gorda and Anegada from British Virgin Islands. The appeal of these tropical islands is the mix of exoticism and familiarity: an island paradise with modern amenities and balance between Caribbean culture and American practicality.
However Turks & Caicos Islands will grant foreigners 5-year visa as long as they can work on an island that citizens of Turks & Caicos Islands cannot making it one of best islands in Caribbean to live & work in. Today thanks to Virgin Islands National Park & its preservation efforts small island has highest concentration of sugar mill ruins in Caribbean.
