Our family vacation was ruined by the islands corrupt police. We returned home last week from the worse vacation you can imagine. Midway through our vacation we were stopped by the San Pedro Police on the way to dinner for allowing my teenage son to drive a golf cart (with me in it) 100 yards down a dirt road 2.5 miles away from town where there were no pedestrians or other traffic. A warning may have been fair but the extreme this incident was taken to by local law enformcement is where this got completely out of hand and quite frankly very scary. I was arrested for what ended up being a $50 minor offense and held over a 2-day period against my will in this dumpy 3rd world police station. Everyone at the hotel were helpful through the incident and were extremely embarresed for the way the island were treating us as tourist. I am sure everyone there wants to sweep this under the rug but it absolutely would be irresponsible not to properly warn people of the potential dangers of visiting this island. As in many other mexican, central and south american countries you can be arrested at any time and held for any reason. I have trarveled all over the Caribbean and believe me when I tell you that there are far prettier, safer and traveler friendly islands in which to choose to spend your time and money.

Other than that, here is how I would rate Pelican Reef:

Affordability: 8
Accomidations: 8
Housekeeping: 6
Bar and Mngt Service: 9
Beach/Snorkeling: 5

Please be careful and do your research as I wish I would have. Lately there has been several serious crimes commited against tourists.

We were not aware until we arrived and spent time in San Pedro and Ambergris Caye that Belize is so third world. Most restaurants, stores and supermarkets do NOT have A/C. This place is at the equator and it's hot, hot, hot and very humid. Some roads are paved, most are not and they are bumpy, dusty, dirt roads (north and south of the bridge). There are no speed limits - the golf carts and few vehicles drive very fast and all over the road. We saw a local college age girl crash her bicycle into an elderly woman tourist walking on the sidewalk hurting her badly because she had no brakes and didn't say a thing to warn her. You have to be careful if you walk around. The beaches are littered with bottles (plastic and beer), pieces of partially eaten fruit, etc. There is nothing to do here unless you participate in water sports such as diving or snorkeling.

We loved our stay in Belize. Our wish for San Pedro, and for all of Belize, is to clean up the trash that dirties not just the cities but the beautiful beaches as well. I hope that recycling becomes and integral part of the Belizean culture.

Our family just came back from two weeks at Reef Village in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye where we spent an exciting time exploring the natural surroundings. We took several tours with Daniel Nunez of Tunisha Eco Tours to the mainland and he was so knowledgeable about the animals and plants of the region that enabled us to learn so much as we saw Manatees, Dolphins, Crocodiles, Spider Monkeys and so much more when we took our trip to Lamanai where the Mayans lived centuries ago since 1500 B.C. Then we traveled with Daniel on a Cave Tubing excursion that allowed our family to view the 30 ft tall ceilings of a limestone cave from a lying position on our inner tubes with our coal miners' lamps. If you go on a tour, book with him by calling locally and tell him the Athens Family says "Hello!" At the end of the experience, we viewed a grotto-like scene of the outside looking into our cave with the sunlight casting a stream of light into the area! It was magnificent when you realize that not many people get to see something like this! We had marvelous meals at the Palm Restaurant at our hotel but also explored other eateries like the Agi Restaurant north which we found while walking along the beach where we sat under a tree with candlelight eating the most delicious rice with veggies Spanish style! The only issue was the high cost of the food and beverages which we purchased at various stores like Ritches Market in town. Also the rental of the golf carts is extremely high when you are spending time as a family! We recommend the trip as a delightful experience but remember the sun is HOT, so wear your sunscreen!!!!