Ambergris Caye is the nation of Belize's largest island. It is located in the northeast of Belize, in the Caribbean Sea.
The Caye (pronounced "key", meaning an island, derived from the Spanish language "cayo") is about 25 miles long from north to south, and about one mile wide. It was named after large lumps of ambergris which washed ashore here.
The island, where it has not been modified by man, is mostly a ring of white sand beach around mangrove swamp in the centre.
A Maya community lived on the island in Pre-Columbian times, and made distinctive polished red ceramics, most notably small well molded figurines of animals.
Ambergris Caye is administered as part of the Belize District, although the mainland area closest to Ambergris is the Corozal District.
San Pedro Town is the largest settlement and only town on Ambergris. There are also a number of small villages and resorts.
Tourism development of Ambergris Caye began in the early 1970s and grew considerably in the later years of the 20th century. The main attractions are Belize's barrier reef and beaches.
