My 10 Most Popular Posts of 2023

2023 has been a pretty great year. Sure, I wish I had done more. More travel (always), finished my update to my book (ugh) but so many great things were accomplished!

I finished my new website (PHEW). I turned 50. I BECAME A CITIZEN OF BELIZE. And construction is well underway at our new fishing camp – in one of the most beautiful areas in the entire country.

The beach up at Rocky Point
A stormy and beautiful day looking towards Rocky Point WAY up north on AMbergris Caye

Thanks so much for following along this year. I know so many of you love this island and this country and may not get to be here year-round. I really appreciate you tagging along and supporting what I do.

Here are the 10 posts that attracted the most readers in 2023. Some are not at all surprising – like #1. Everyone who visits Ambergris Caye visits Secret Beach but some….I was not expecting it.

To 2024! To more travel and more experiences in Belize. Though I’ve lived here for over 16 years, my “Bucket List” is as long as ever. I am certain this tiny country has more incredible landscapes, wildlife, towns and villages, and people doing intriguing things than any other.

#10. Deciding Between Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, Belize – September 19th, 2023

I don’t think you can make the wrong choice between these two popular cayes in North Belize but here are some things to consider when you are planning. Or maybe…try both! Read this post here.

Flags fly on Front Street
Front Street, San Pedro decorated for September Celebrations

#9 A Guide To Grocery Stores & Shopping on Ambergris Caye: 2023 Update – January 23, 2023

When you visit Belize or move here permanently, food shopping can be the biggest adjustment. We don’t have a Trader Joe’s or a Mega-Target where you can buy EVERYTHING from liquor to fresh fruit to milk and cereal. Grocery shopping in Belize might require 4 stops at 4 different stores. Or more! This guide to Shopping on Ambergris Caye should help.

Sign at Ms Gotay's Frutii Stand
Mrs Gotay’s Fruit Stand in San Pedro – amazing sign

#8 The Best Beaches on Ambergris Caye From Someone Who Lives There – February 7, 2022

Ambergris Caye has some of the best diving, snorkeling, and food in the world. We have the most gorgeous water in 100 shades of blue. And we have the best people and tour guides in the world. I can say this with 100% certainty. But beaches? We don’t have the broad swaths of white sand with waves gently crashing that you might picture.

Here’s my list of the top spot if you are looking for a gorgeous beach.

Beach at TranquilityBeach
Gorgeous gorgeous Tranquilty Bay just a few weeks ago

#7 The Official Ribbon Cutting and Party for Margaritaville Belize – October 5, 2023

The world is very interested in Margaritaville. I am surprised. This statistic on their marketing website blows my mind: “More than 20 million travelers every year change their latitude and attitude with a visit to a Margaritaville resort, residential real estate destination, RV resort, vacation club, vacation home rental, or restaurant.”

TWENTY MILLION. Here’s my blog post.

The bar by the pool
The pool bar at Margaritaville, North Ambergris Caye

#6 Cost of Living in Belize – Ambergris Caye: 2023 Update – May 29, 2023

Take what you think you might spend on food – and triple it 🙂 Here’s my cost of living.

#5 Margaritaville Belize Opens: A First Look at the Resort – March 17, 2023

Margaritaville opened quietly in March of 2023. I had to take a first look before the official opening. Apparently, lots of people wanted a sneak peek.

#4 Ambergris Caye – Your Guide

Ambergris Caye is a surprisingly HUGE island. Over 25 miles in length, up to 3-4 miles wide on the north end – there are 1001 restaurants, shops, resorts, and things to do. Where to start…

Here’s my guide to my favorite island in the world.

Golf cart on Ambergis Caye

#3 How to Get from the International Airport – Belize City to San Pedro, Belize: 3 Ways – December 22, 2022

A how-to guide. I always recommend the flight if you can afford it. It’s the most beautiful entry to the island imaginable – the reef is incredible! Plus, I love spotting manatees at the mouth of the river!

Flying over Belize

#2 Ambergris Caye Check-list: 12 Must-Do’s On Your First Visit to San Pedro, Belize – May 14, 2023

12. Just to get started.

Eating a banana
Calvin’s Iguana Sanctuary

#1 My Complete Guide To Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye: 2023 Update – January 9, 2023

Secret Beach is a VERY popular destination on Ambergris Caye and it’s changed fast. This post is BY FAR my most popular article every day, all year.

Let’s get to work on the 2024 update!

Secret Beach view

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4 Comments

  1. Helga Romanelli on December 18th, 2023 at 12:10 am

    Been following your great blog from Vancouver, and looking forward to returning to San Pedro after 18 years! Thanks for your terrific advice and great photos! Roll on April!



  2. Bill on December 19th, 2023 at 6:53 am

    The popularity of your Margaritaville stories seems to perfectly encapsulate the changes to AC and the future challenges for those who love it as is. Always enjoy reading your stories and particularly looking wistfully at the memory-triggering photos.



    • San Pedro Scoop on December 19th, 2023 at 9:21 am

      Well put. My favorite part of this island is still the little stuff…and that, thankfully remains…or most of it…

      Thank yoU!



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