San Pedro North End Ambergris Caye is internationally renowned for its spectacular marine eco-system and rightfully so. Home to the largest living barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, a sub-aquatic rainforest flourishes within the thriving coral formations that are situated just minutes offshore. Understandably, local tour operators meticulously tout the splendor of the reef environment to secure their highly competitive livelihood of snorkeling, fishing, and diving excursions thus often neglecting to cite the many natural attractions of the island's prolific terrestrial wilderness. Indeed, Ambergris Caye is comprised of a diverse number of eco-systems within one compact area allowing visitors to grasp a well-rounded perspective of the unique tropical environment that thrives within its sandy shores. One of the most private and convenient means to explore the island's picturesque terrain is to take a leisurely golf cart ride through the rugged sandy road that traverses the sloping coastal plain just north of the island ferry. Perhaps one of the most fitting analogies of the overall experience would be to envision a figurative island safari with the golf cart substituting as a durable off-road vehicle pummeling through the rocky crevices, sloping dunes, and deep puddles that obstruct the meandering sandy trail. Although there may be no lions or zebra in this atypical safari, there is a profusion of tropical scenery to satisfy even the most astute nature lover. From wetlands and coastal savanna to sandy beaches and littoral forest, sub-tropical eco-systems converge from every angle. The western side of the road is predominantly comprised of wetlands with lush grasses and thick clusters of flowering shrubs stretching all the way back to the lagoon which is bordered by a canopy of intermingling mangrove branches creating a vast stretch of greenery upon the horizon. A number of wading birds inhabit the brackish pools amidst the thicket of high grass. The beaming sunlight illuminates the soft grey crown of the great blue heron exposing its sheltered hiding spot to the casual observer while multi-colored butterflies sporadically flutter out of the bushes straight into the path of an approaching golf cart. Palm fringed beaches with their own multitude of fascinating flora and fauna line the eastern portion of the winding sandy corridor. The glossy saltwater palmettos and flaxen jade leaves of the swaying coconut palms which span the seashore create a utopian beach setting against a canvas of interchangeable blue. White-chested gulls glide above the gentle rolling waves while black cormorants perilously plunge in pursuit of the dozens of tiny fish just below the surface. In addition to the natural beauty of the lagoon and beachfront environments, an element of artificial ambiance is exuded by the attractive well-landscaped gardens that surround the increasing number of private upscale homes and luxurious resorts. The gardens generally consist of a wide variety of hand selected plants particularly the vibrant red hibiscus which entices and array of birdlife including delicate mango and ruby chested hummingbirds and radiant yellow toned warblers. A mixture of ziricote, cocoplum, and birch trees encircle the entrances to most of the resorts serving to create an atmosphere of tropical seclusion. The ornate undergrowth also provides a secluded habitat for the white-headed woodpecker as well as a variety of reptiles ranging from the almost translucent gecko to the evasive camouflaged iguana. Not only does the golf-cart's open air structure enable a direct view of the natural environment but it also exposes a distinct aroma emitted from the surrounding foliage. From the enticingly sweet fragrance of the blossoming hibiscus and crisp scent of budding grasses to the musky odor of the distant mangroves, the smell of vegetation fills the air. The brisk pervasive sea breeze disburses the enticing aroma of exotic cuisine that is emitted from the kitchens of the surrounding resorts while providing a refreshing respite from the saturating tropical humidity. Surely, the unparalleled beauty and thriving eco-systems of northern Ambergris Caye is one of the island's best kept secrets. A welcome reprieve from the congestion of downtown San Pedro as well as the increasingly overcrowded tourist attractions of The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and other popular aquatic sites, the vastly unexplored setting proves to be a true nature enthusiasts' paradise.