Official Language:
Spanish
Secondary Language:
English
|
Currency:
Belize Dollar and US Dollar
|
Population:
Approximately 250,000 people call Belize home.
|
Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Belize: Temperatures in Belize range from 50°F to 95°F. November to January are the coolest months with a 75°F/10°C average and May to September are the warmest with a 81°F/27°C average.
|
|
|
|
Located on the northeastern tip of Central America, bordering Mexico on the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean to the east, Belize combines Central American and Caribbean cultures, offering both ancient Mayan ruins and a 185-foot coral reef that runs the entire length of the country - it's the largest in the western hemisphere and the second largest in the world, supporting a tremendous number of patch reefs, shoals, and more than 1,000 islands called cayes (pronounced "keys"), the largest and most populous being Ambergris Caye. (Both Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are popular with visitors, offering a barefoot informality.) The country is noted for its eco-friendly philosophy and, unlike many other Caribbean countries, is serious in its dedication to conservation: One-fifth of Belize's total landmass is dedicated as nature reserves, and 7,770 square km (3,000 sq. miles) of its waters are protected as well.
Previously known as British Honduras, Belize gained its independence from England in 1981. It has a parliamentary democracy and is a member of the British Commonwealth. Belmopan is the capital, but Belize City is the economic center of the country. Trying to choose which natural or man-made wonder to explore will be the most stress you'll feel in this very laid-back, diverse, stable, and only English speaking country in all of Central America, and this is always a plus with tourists from the United States.T he country has the highest concentration of Mayan sites among all Central American nations, including Altun Ha, Caracol, Cerros, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Xunantunich, and also nearby Tikal in Guatemala. During the classic period (A.D. 250-900), there were a million Maya in Belize, and although the civilization began to decline after A.D. 900, some Mayan centers were occupied until contact with the Spanish in the 1500s. Today, Belize has joined with El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico to establish Mundo Maya (World of the Maya), a program dedicated to the preservation of Mayan culture. The country gained dubious celebrity in recent years as the setting for reality TV show Temptation Island (even though it's not, in fact, an island), but adventurous travelers have been vacationing here for years. It's only in the past several years, as Belize has gradually developed its tourism infrastructure, that cruise lines have added the country to their ever-expanding itineraries. Although Belize is a year-round destination, the waters are especially clear from April to June, and the dry season, lasting from February to May, coincides nicely with the cruise high season.
The history of Belize reaches back 4,000 years, when the Mayan empire ruled the land. Around 900 A.D., the Mayan empire began to decline, and during the 16th century, Europeans took over. The cultural mosaic that comprises the mood of Belize comes from influences brought on by the Spanish, Scottish, Garifuna, and British. The citizens, while culturally diverse, remain committed to the land and unified when it comes to preservation of natural resources. Conservation laws protect about 36% of the land in Belize, proving that Belizeans are leading the fight to save Mother Nature. By attending a program sponsored by the Tropical Education Center, you can learn all about the steps being taken to protect the human and natural resources of Belize. The land's heritage is well known and respected, and the Belizean culture is like no other. The life in Belize is truly un-Belize-able. Jaguars, mountain cows, and howler monkeys reside in the rain forests. When expeditions are held, dozens of new bird species can be found every day. Over 70% of the animal life in Belize is nocturnal, and, as a result, by venturing on a tour early in the morning, you can discover an incredible array of creatures. The tropical rain forests remain unspoiled, and it is home to over 700 kinds of trees and over 500 species of birds. Wild orchids and many other rare flora are being found all the time, and this is why it is so important that the land remain protected. These forests also house herbs and medicines to cure all kinds of ailments, with other resources no doubt remaining untapped. The population of Belize City is just over 250,000, made up of people from Creole, Garifuna, Mayan, Mestizo, and European descent. All of them live in a state of harmony, and tourists are treated like neighbors. Locals are almost always eager to assist you on your travels, and greet you with a kind smile.
Cruise ships anchor in Belize Harbor near the Belize City Swing Bridge. The Belize City Marine Museum in next door, and this interesting site will give you something to do if you decide to explore areas close to your ship. This is not a deep-water port, so there is a good chance you will be tendered ashore. All passengers disembark at docks in Belize's Tourism Village. The Tourism Village is the city's main shopping area with a variety of stores, shops and restaurants. The city's downtown area and the Marine Terminal are about five minutes away on foot, and there's always a line of taxis waiting adjacent to the Tourism Village.
Belize City is made up of many wooden buildings and exudes some colonial charm, but the downtown area also has many seedy neighborhoods, and tourists should beware of walking around the city after dark. For cruise passengers, Belize City is primarily a jumping off point for tours and excursions to its many natural and historical attractions.
Taxis can be found everywhere in Belize City, Taxis are available at the pier, in town, and in resort areas, and are easily recognized by their green license plates. Taxis are the safest and most reliable means of transportation. Although there are no meters on the taxis. They can transport you anywhere you wish to go within the city or beyond. The drivers do charge somewhat standard fares, but it's always important to find out what your fare will be prior to hiring a taxi. The flat rate to travel from any two points within the city is $3, and $1 for each additional passenger. If you venture outside of Belize City, you are charged relative to the distance traveled. Cinderella Taxi (501/24-5240) is one of the best. There are also water taxis and ferries that depart from the Marine Terminal to the outlying cayes, By Water Taxi -- At the Marine Terminal in Belize City (tel. 2-31969) there's water-taxi service to Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and various other cayes. Boats leave at 9am, 10:30am, noon, and 3pm. The ride from Belize City to San Pedro, the main town on Ambergris Caye, is approximately 80 minutes and costs $45 round-trip.By Plane -- Local airlines Tropic Air (tel. 800/422-3435 or 2-62012; www.tropicair.com) and Maya Island Air (tel. 800/225-6732 or 2-62435; www.mayaairways.com) offer hourly flights to Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Placencia, and Dangriga. The flight to Ambergris Caye takes approximately 20 minutes, and, because you fly so low, you get a breathtaking view of the surrounding cayes and atolls. Keep your eyes open for stingrays and dolphins swimming below you. Flights leave from Belize City to San Pedro approximately every 90 minutes until 5pm and cost approximately $94 round-trip. The term puddle jumper really applies here: The planes can be as small as six-seaters and you may even get to sit next to the pilot.
Renting a Car not recommended. Although most of the major roads and highways are paved, there are lots of patches in need of repair, which makes for a very bumpy ride. It's also possible to rent a car. Rental agencies in Belize City include Safari/Hertz (011-501- 2-235395) and AvisBelize (800-331-1084) have downtown and airport locations and there are other agencies with offices at the Tourism Village.
|
|
Attractions |
 |
 |
Belize often referred to as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World, has the world's second largest barrier reef. It runs parallel to its coast, at distances ranging from a few hundred feet at the northern tip of Ambergris Caye, to nearly forty miles at the southern-most tip of the country. The barrier reef is not the only reason that makes Belize one of the world's most popular cruise destinations. Many of the small islands that are known as "cayes" lie off the coast of the Belizean mainland and have their own coral reefs, with spectacular underwater gardens with sea life of all types.
The Cayes and the Belize Reef are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, offering all the swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing and fishing anyone could ever wish for. If that's still not enough, travelers can canoe on the Macal, Mopan and Belize Rivers around San Ignacio and tube through caves along the Chiquibul River. The best hiking trails are in Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Bird-watchers should check out the rivers, swamps and lagoons of the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, midway between Belize City and Orange Walk Town, which attract flocks of migrating birds between November and May
Caye Caulker:
Slightly smaller Caye Caulker is Belize's second most popular caye, and is even more laid back, with plenty of beachfront restaurant and bars. Despite the growth of tourism, the island retains a small village feel, with a distinct cultural flavor not found in areas with large-scale tourist development. Almost all the businesses are locally owned and you rarely see vehicles larger than golf carts on the streets. You can just hang out on the beach or dive into some watersports, including snorkeling, scuba, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, sailing, manatee-watching, and birding. For the ultimate in R&R at the beach, head to Caye Caulker, a 45 minute ferry ride from the Marine Terminal. Just five miles long and one mile wide, laid-back Caye Caulker is ideal for sun worshipping on one of its gorgeous beaches. There are no cars here so everyone rides around either in golf carts or on bicycles which can be rented by the hour or for the day. Divers can hop boats that go out to the barrier reef just 10 minutes away. For more information on Caye Caulker contact www.gocayecaulker.com
Half Moon Caye:
Located at the southeast corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, was the first reserve to be established by the Natural Parks System Act of 1981, which specifically protected the Red-footed Booby bird and its rookery. Some 98 other species of birds have been recorded on the Caye.
Laughing Bird Caye:
One of the newest national parks in Belize is Laughing Bird Caye, located 21km (13 miles) southeast of Placencia Village in the Stann Creek District. Although the caye was named for the original large number of laughing gulls, the birds have virtually abandoned their rookery because of excessive human encroachment. Since Laughing Bird caye is a shelf atoll with deep channels, the scuba-diving and snorkeling opportunities are outstanding.
Goff's Caye:
Part of the Central Main Reef, it's a popular dive excursions site with many excursions offerd .
The Cayes- Belize's 290km (180mi) long barrier reef is the longest reef in the western hemisphere. To the west of the reef are numerous cayes basking in warm water usually not much more than 5m (16ft) deep. The two most popular with travelers are Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Caulker is commonly thought of as the low-budget island; Ambergris is more resort-oriented.
Ambergris Caye:
North of Belize City pop 2,000, 58km (36mil), It is the largest of the country's cayes. It's 40km (25mi) long and almost connected to the Mexican mainland on its northern side. Like Caulker, it has an engaging laid-back atmosphere, though holiday condominiums are beginning to appear. The reef is 1km (.5mi) east of the main town of San Pedro. There are a host of excursions offered to diving and snorkeling spots and to other cayes in the region, including to Blue Hole,Half Moon Caye and Turneffe Islands, the only three coral atolls in the western hemisphere.
Explore Belize's Caves:
In ancient times, the Mayans believed that caves were the "underworld" and were revered as sacred places. Options for exploring the network of caves include tubing or by kayak or canoe. Some of the tubing is at a place known as "Jungle Paw," where the float through a series of caves in an inner tube lasts about two hours. Best softadventurer excursion: Tubing along Belize's Sibun River in a flotation tube provides a unique look at limestone caves formed before the dawn of mankind. Duration about 6-7 hours
Barrier Reef & the Blue Hole Flightseeing:
Duration on this tour 1½ Hours (45mins flight). If a quick and fulfilling tour is what you have in mind then this tour is for you. After tendering to the Tourism Village of Belize City, you will be transferred to the Municipal Airport of Belize City where you will board your Cessna Grand Caravan or Air Van. Your flight from the Municipal Airport takes you briefly over Belize City, then your pilot heads eastward for the Great Barrier Reef of Belize and offshore atolls. You will over fly several small picturesque islands as well as dive and fishing lodges located on these Caribbean islands. A highlight of this tour is certain to be the Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef. This famous dive site was explored by Jacques Cousteau in 1970 who determined that the Blue Hole was originally a fresh water cave system. From the Blue Hole your pilot will head along the Barrier Reef before returning to Belize City and docks.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley:
You'll head north for an hourlong speedboat ride to Hol Chan (Mayan for "little channel"), 6.5km (4 miles) southeast of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, snorkel the reef for about an hour, and then head off to the Shark Ray Alley dive site, about 5 minutes away, where you'll see and pet dozens of southern stingrays and nurse sharks. Guides bring goodies for them to eat, and they stick around till the food is gone. Remember to bring a disposable underwater camera - if you're going to pet a stingray, you may as well capture it on film! Lunch is on San Pedro, and you can find yourself a rum punch, go shopping, or just hang out at the beach. Speedboats transport passengers directly from the ship to area of coral reef known as "shark ray alley" where they can snorkel amidst nurse sharks and stingrays; excursion also includes lunch stop in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.
Altun Ha Meaning:
"water of the rock," Altun Ha is a relatively small site of temples and tombs that was rediscovered in 1957 during expansion of the Northern Highway. This is one of the most extensively excavated sites and was an important trading post during the classical Mayan period. Many treasures were found here, including a carved jade head representing Kinish Ahau, the Mayan sun god. It has become one of the country's national symbols, and is depicted on the nation's currency. This fascinating half-day tour will focus on the contrast between the ancient Maya city of Altun Ha and modern day Belize City, highlighting 1000 years of development to this former British Colony. Altun Ha (Maya for Rock Stone Water) thrived as a trading post to the Maya World during the Post Classic and Classic periods. The site was made world famous by Dr. David Pendergast of the Royal Ontario Museum on his finding the largest carved Jade Head depicting the Sun God "Kinich Ahau". Weighing in at almost nine pounds, this has been Belize's most valuable find. There's a small gift shop on-site
Lamanai:
Satisfying to both the archaeology buff and the wildlife enthusiast, a visit to this Mayan site gives you both land and water experiences. How can you pass up wonderful photo ops and howler monkeys? Trip duration: about 7½ Hours. Lamanai is one of the largest ceremonial centers in Belize. In the original Mayan language, its name means "submerged crocodile," and you will see various crocodile carvings throughout the site. A 45-minute drive up the Northern Highway brings you to Tower Hill, where you board a riverboat and head up the New River. While traversing the many little creeks and lagoons, it is easy to encounter hawks, kites and falcons. Dainty Jacanas lightly walk on the lily pads while the crocodiles bask in the morning sunlight. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Maya for submerged crocodile) rise into view. While touring this site, huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods seem to materialize out of the rainforest, amid the chatter of birdlife and the haunting call of the Howler Monkeys. Your guide may tell you about the red gumbo-limbo tree, whose bark becomes a shade of red and then peels off -- it's jokingly referred to as the tourist tree. There's a small archaeological museum on the site, as well as a few stands to buy souvenirs. Recommended attire: long pants, hat, comfortable shoes, sunscreen and bug spray.
Xunantunich:
Xunantunich (Stone Maiden) is the archaeological pride of Belize, although you might find it anticlimatic if you've seen Tikal or Copán. Duration on this tour 8 hours. This site, near the Guatemalan border and overlooking the Mopan River, was a major ceremonial center during the classic Mayan period. The site flourished as a ceremonial center and is thought to have been abandoned after an earthquake damaged it around AD 900. The site has not been extensively restored, though its tallest building - El Castillo - rises an impressive 40m (131ft) out of the jungle. After crossing the river by hand-cranked ferry, you can explore six major plazas surrounded by more than 25 temples and palaces, including "El Castillo" (the castle), the largest of the temples. Be sure to climb to the top - it's well worth it for the amazing panoramic view. There's also a new visitor's center with old excavation photos, a scale model, and a few exhibits and souvenir shops. Afterwards, you'll head to San Ignacio for lunch and enjoy a marimba band. Xunantunich controlled the riverside track which led from the hinterlands down to the Caribbean coast.
Placencia:
Perched at the southern tip of a long, narrow, sandy peninsula in Southern Belize, this laid-back beach town is worth every bump and grind of the dirt roads you need to travel to get here. All commerce and activity used to be carried out by boat, thus the village's 'main street' is just a narrow concrete footpath less than 1m (3ft) wide. The main attractions are the beaches and water sports, but there's also fishing, bird and manatee watching, overnight camping on remote cayes, and excursions to jungle rivers and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. The latter is home to jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, agoutis, anteaters, armadillos, boa constictors and birds galore.
Airboat Adventure & Belize City Overview:
You will start your tour with a narrated tour of Historical Belize. Your guide will acquaint you with the rich history of the city from its establishment by shipwrecked British sailors in 1683 to modern day while you pass Saint John's Cathedral (the oldest in Central America), the current Prime Minister's residence and many more interesting sights. After your 40 min city tour you will be taken to the Airboat Outpost situated on a waterway leading to the Almond Hill Lagoon. Under a Mayan thatched Palapa longhouse you will receive a short orientation and safety briefing before boarding your awesome 450 horse power airboat for the ride of a lifetime. This tour takes you via a waterway onto the beautiful Almond Hill lagoon. As your Captain opens the throttle, you feel the breeze tugging at your skin while your boat rips across the lagoon at speeds over 40 miles an hour towards the manatee feeding grounds. Upon reaching your destination, your captain will throttle back, cut-off the engine and quietly drift so that you may catch a glimpse the docile manatee feeding. As your captain eases off the throttle you disappear into Indian Creek, straight ahead of you lays your quest¿ Now get ready for an eye opening ride on the pristine marsh, an entirely different world of un-spoilt beauty protected by the lack of access. Zip along in water only inches deep where only Airboats dare and enjoy the incredible sites. See beautiful water lilies, many colors and varieties of wading birds, turtles and maybe even a wily old crock trying to catch dinner as you glide over hundreds of acres of open marshland lined on all sides by mangroves, a natural playground for Mother Nature's wildlife.
All too soon you are speeding back across the Almond Hill Lagoon heading for the Airboat Outpost, where a cool complementary drink awaits you along with a chance for a pit-stop and an opportunity to acquire a real Belizean souvenir.
Please note: Protect yourself from the sun and bring your sunglasses. Participants must be at least 6 years old and accompanied by a parent. These represent possible excursions for this port. Actual excursions offered may vary. When optional, a program of shore excursions may be made available for purchase on board the vessel.
Maya Mountains & Waterfalls Flight-seeing:
This excursion takes you to one of the most naturally diverse areas of Belize. You board your aircraft for a flightseeing tour of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in the Maya Mountains of Belize. You will fly over the breathtaking 1000 Ft. Waterfalls as well as the cascading falls at Rio On Pools. If the weather permits you get to have a bird's eye view of the ancient Maya city of Xunantunich. A major ceremonial center during the Classic Period, the site has six major plazas, surrounded by more than 25 temples, palaces and a ball court. One pyramid at this site, "El Castillo", is 130 feet tall an still Belize's tallest man-made structure. At the end of the first leg of your flight, you are hosted in the opulence of Francis Ford Copolla's Blancaneaux Lodge nestled on a hillside in the reserve. Here you are served an exquisite buffet of authentic pizzas from the only wood-burning ovens in Belize, smoked chicken salad , caprese, bruschetta, shrimp salad, tomato and basil salad. Lunch includes the sampling of various wines (3 glasses) from the Copolla collection. Come prepared with swimwear to enjoy the refreshing waters of the nearby rivers, natural pools and waterfalls. You then fly back to Belize City for transfer back to the docks and the Belize Tourism Village.
Cave Tubing & Jungle Walk:
A 37 miles drive up the Western Highway brings you to the Caves Branch River and its winding path through the Maya Mountains and numerous ancient caves once inhabited by the Maya. On arriving at Jaguar Paw, your headquarters for the day, be prepared for a 45 minute hike down a jungle trail where your guide will point out various plants, roots and herbs once used by the ancient Maya for medicinal purposes.
The entrance tunnel that heads into the underground cave system is the start of an 'eye opening' adventure. Your guide hands out flashlights and you are ready to float in inflated inner tubes with gentle currents taking you through the cave system. Intricate crystalline formations line the cave and the majestic rise and fall of stalagmites and stalactites add to the serene opulence of nature. On several occasions you will emerge into the sunlight only to enter into another cave system.
Please note: The river tubing part of the adventure lasts at least one hour. Come dressed in bathing suits, T-shirts, shorts, tennis shoes (which will get wet) or water shoes and a towel. A change of clothes and shoes is recommended and will be welcomed after your tour. In compliance with insurance requirements, Liability Waivers are required for this activity.
Tikal by Air:
Duration: 9 hours After your short tender ride to the mainland, cruise passenger can make a short transfer from Belize City to the international airport for Immigration clearing, followed by immediate flight connections to Flores, Peten in Guatemala. Here the majestic Maya ruins of Tikal (Maya for Place of Voices) awaits them. This site is nestled in the dense jungles of Peten and has been extensively excavated and restored, making it one of the most recognized and impressive of all Maya Ruins. Tikal was once a wealthy metropolis of 100,000 inhabitants and the seat of power for the great Jaguar clan lords. The ruins of Tikal include more than 3,000 structures extending over six square miles and including palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, terraces, plazas, avenues and steam baths. The ancient Maya began building Tikal around 600 B.C., and for the next 1500 years the area was an important religious, scientific, and political center. Knowledgable guides accompany the road journey to and from the site as well as provide fully guided services while at the site.
Mountain Pine Ridge:
This 800 sq km (312 sq mi) forest reserve in western Belize's beautiful, unspoiled mountain country is dotted with waterfalls and teems with wild orchids, parrots, keel-billed toucans and other exotic flora and fauna. The rough forest roads in the reserve are often impassable in the wet season, but it's this inaccessibility which keeps the area pristine for those willing to explore it on foot, horseback or canoe. Excursions include the Rain Forest Medicine Trail (a rainforest walk focused on herbal medicines); Chechem Ha (a recently discovered Mayan cave complete with ceremonial pots); Caracol (a vast, unrestored Mayan city engulfed by jungle); Thousand Foot (Hidden Valley) Falls (a 300m/984ft high silver cascade plunging into a misty valley); and Barton Creek Cave (gaining populartity but still less visited, with skulls and bones and lotsa pottery shards).
Bermudian Landing Community Baboon Sanctuary:
It's tough to spot the endangered black howler monkey in South or Central America anymore, but this is the best place in Belize to find one. The villagers of Bermudian Landing have set up a reserve in the forest near their village (about 30km/19mi west of Belize City), and there's a visitors center with displays about the howler and the 200 other animals and birds in the sanctuary.
Belize City Tour:
It's hardly one of the most exciting tours and definitely not a great way to see the natural side of Belize, but if you want to do something quick and easy, this is the tour. It will give you a feel for the city, its colonial architecture, and its culture through a visit to the Belize Maritime Museum and Terminal, the Government House Museum, and St. John's Cathedral, built in 1812, making it the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America. Around lunchtime, the Mennonite farmers and craftsman are out selling their handmade furniture. Their denim overalls, checked shirts, and straw cowboy hats make them easily recognizable.
The Image Factory:
Located near the Marine Terminal, at 41 North Front Street is a provocative art gallery that features work from all of Belize's hottest artists (501/23-4151). Admission is free, but donations are kindly accepted. This gallery is always full of wonderful and challenging artwork.
St. John’s Cathedral:
The oldest Anglican cathedral in all of Central America Dating from 1847, this is the oldest Anglican church in Central America. and take a jaunt to St. John's Cathedral on Albert Street. Sculpted magnificently, St. John's is an edifice to behold.
The Belize Zoo:
(501/81-3003) is the best place to safely see all of the fascinating wildlife on Belize. You can take your chances scouring Belize City and the surrounding area, but if you look too intently you may find yourself face to face with a jaguar! The myriad of animals and birds will mesmerize even the most seasoned traveler. The Savanna Nature Trail and The Bird Deck are two of the most popular activities within the zoo. Other favorites, and more on the active side, are canoe trips down the Sibun River, and The Zoo Nocturnal Tour.
Fiesta de Carnaval:
It is the main annual event in Belize. The event is held one week before Lent, usually in February. Special dances and bullfighting are among the highlights of this grandiose party. For information concerning Carnaval, contact The Belize Tourism Board (501/23-1913).
The Maritime Museum:
Located in the Marine Terminal, it's exhibits are centered on fishing, the reef and other sea-related topics and is open 8am to 5pm daily.
Beaches :
Compared to many other islands in the Caribbean, the beaches of Belize are neither the biggest nor the widest, but they are relaxing, with very clear water. Areas that offer the best beach sunbathing are in the cayes, including Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Tobacco Caye, Dangriga, and Placencia. There are no beaches near Belize City.
Water Sports (Diving and Snorkeling):
Number one on the hit parade of favorite outdoor activities due to the astounding sites along the barrier reef. Some of the best dive sites lie just off Ambergris Caye (see Getting There above). Charter operators listed on the Belize Tourism's website also offer day trips that include transportation. However you get to Ambergris Caye, head for the main town of San Pedro, where many of the dive operators are clustered. A favorite snorkeling area is known as "Shark Ray Alley" (one hour by speedboat from San Pedro) where it's possible to get "up close and personal" (petting is permitted) with nurse sharks and sting rays. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a five square mile underground water park. If you don't opportunity for one of your ship's dive excursions, local dive shops can customize an experience as well. Hugh Parkey's Belize Dive Connection (tel. 888/223-5403 or 2-34526; www.belizediving.com) is conveniently located on the Radisson Pier and offers day scuba dives and snorkel trips with a yummy lunch catered by the Fort Street Restaurant. In San Pedro. Aqua Dives (tel. 800/641-2994 or 26-3415; www.aquadives.com) is located on the beachfront and can plan a diving or snorkeling adventure.In the center of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, about 80km (50 miles) due east of Belize City, the "Blue Hole" was originally a cave. The roof fell in some 10,000 years ago as the land receded into the sea, leaving an almost perfectly circular hole 1,000 feet in diameter and 412 feet deep. Popularized by a Jacques Cousteau television special, it's become the most famous dive site in all Belize.
Adventure Sports :
The Maya Mountains are made up of soft limestone, and millennia of fast-moving rivers have cut through and created fascinating and mysterious caves all over Belize. For a thousand years, only bats and other dark creatures inhabited these hidden caverns. Now, hundreds of years later, caving has become the most prominent and exhilarating sport in Belize. Tourists have found themselves with a renewed sense of adventure, and the excitement brought on by a day of caving is unparalleled. Spelunkers and adrenaline enthusiasts were the first to brave this daring sport, but now organizations and formal tours hold daily expeditions. This is crucial because it is necessary to keep in mind that you should always venture into a cave with at least one other tour guide or professional. Wild animals, bandits, and natural disasters such as ground collapses and flash floods are only the beginning if you do not obey this one simple rule. The best company to contact for an expert-lead caving expedition is Caves Branch Adventure Company And Jungle Camp (501/82-2800). In addition to actual caving, you can experience cave tubing, waterfall climbing, and hiking trips. Canoeing is also popular, as there are many rivers, which flow at varying speeds. Renting a canoe from Toni's Canoes (501/92-2267) is your best bet.
Wildlife Lovers:
Belize City's three major sites containing wild creatures are all located fairly close together. Those who would rather not venture very far from the city can check out the Belize City Zoo and Tropical Center (Western Highway mile marker 29, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily). A little farther out is the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (Western Highway mile marker 30.8) and the Community Baboon Sanctuary (across the street), which is home to a substantial number of black howler monkeys.
Birders:
Belize is a birder's delight as it is home to more than 500 different species from toucans to egrets. Two highly recommended ways to encounter birdlife is on a guided boat trip to the Bird Caye Bird Sanctuary and/or a visit to the aforementioned Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.
Horseback Tours:
Banana Bank Lodge (tel. 81-2020; www.bananabank.com), located in Belmopan, about an hour's drive from the pier, offers 7-hour tours through the jungle, plains, and riverbank. Larger-than-life cowboy-owner John Carr greets each of his guests personally and makes your riding experience a memorable one. The $85 per-person cost includes a delicious traditional lunch and a tour of the grounds. Well-trained horses are matched to each rider's ability.
Fishing Excursions:
Belize is a fishing mecca, with an abundance of game fish that guarantees excellent sport. The estuaries, inlets, and mouths to the many rivers are known for their tarpon, snook, and jacks; the lagoons and grass flats are known for the bonefish, permit, and barracuda; the coral reefs support grouper, snapper, jacks, and barracuda; and the deeper waters offshore are home to sailfish, marlin, bonito, and pompano. One of the largest operations is the Belize River Lodge (tel. 888/275-4843; www.belizeriverlodge.com), which offers a day-fishing package that includes lunch and drinks ($350 for up to two guests). A favorite local fishing guide is Richard Young, Jr. (tel. 2-74385). Most guides and boatmen speak English.
Excursions Offered by Local Agencies Taxi Tours:
Generally, the excursions offered by the cruise lines are the way to go in Belize, but if you crave a more personalized experience, you can hire a taxi driver who doubles as a guide (make sure you tell them you want a guide before getting into the taxi and negotiating a price). Tour guides must be licensed by the Belize Tourism Board and are recognizable with a photo ID. Of the many operators, one of the larger ones is Discovery Expeditions (tel. 2-30748), which offers a wide variety of tours all around the country and can arrange custom tours. For a tour of Belize City, try to snag Lasalle Tillet of S&L Travel & Tours (tel. 2-77593). Everyone in town seems to know him, and you'll enjoy his cheerful and insightful information.
Shopping:
Particularly with merchants that accept U.S. dollars be sure you get change in U.S. currency. Also almost all the major attractions are at some distance fromthe city; so if you're exploring independently and hiring your own transportation, make sure you are back in time at the Tourism Village for the last tender departure for your ship. In general, the best buys in Belize are wooden and slate carvings, Mayan calendars, pottery, ceramics, and furniture made by the Mennonites. Near the Radisson Pier, you'll find the National Handicrafts Sales Centre (tel. 2-33833) specializing in locally made mahogany bowls and assorted other carvings and artwork,
Marie Sharp's hot sauces and jams seem to be served everywhere and can be purchased to take home. On Ambergris Caye, you'll find a variety of slightly more upscale gift shops, and the excursion sites all have goods available. The Tourism Village features some 30 shops offering duty-free goods, T-shirts and souvenirs of local and Central American origin. In Belize City, the main shopping areas are found along Albert, Regent and Queen Streets. The local currency is the Belize dollar. U.S. dollars are generally accepted in stores and restaurants.
|
|
More Information |
|
|
|
Useful Links About Belize:
Belize Travel Information
Belize Vacations Guide
http://www.belize.com
Belize Tourism Board (tel. 800/624-0686 or 2-31913
Belize Tourism Industry Association (tel. 2-75717)
|
|
