Before the Boca del Rio Bridge connected north Ambergris Caye to San Pedro Town, getting across The Split was an adventure all on its own. This old photo captures a scene that many longtime islanders remember well. North Ambergris Caye was completely separated from town, and the only way across was by boat or on the little hand-pulled ferry. It wasn’t fancy, but it got the job done.
The ferry could carry people, bicycles, motorcycles, and if everyone squeezed in just right, even two or three golf carts. The crossing only took a few minutes, but it always came with a little excitement. Every trip felt like an adventure, and I remember wondering if the ferry would tip over with all that weight on board. Thankfully, it never did… at least not while I was crossing!
Bridge = Development
Back then, very few people ventured north. The area was quiet, dotted with mangroves and a handful of homes and businesses. Fast forward to today, and it’s almost hard to believe you’re looking at the same place. The construction of the Boca del Rio Bridge completely changed the future of northern Ambergris Caye. It opened the door for neighborhoods, resorts, restaurants, and businesses to flourish. Today, the bridge is one of the busiest corridors on the island, with a constant stream of golf carts, bicycles, pedestrians, and visitors crossing every day.
Looking at the before-and-after photos is a powerful reminder of just how much San Pedro has evolved in a relatively short time. What was once a quiet ferry crossing has become one of the island’s busiest gateways, connecting a thriving northern community with the heart of San Pedro.
It’s amazing how one bridge could change the course of an island’s history. And for those of us lucky enough to remember the old ferry, it remains one of those unforgettable chapters of growing up on La Isla Bonita.
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