Discover Belize

If Belize is famous for anything, it would be diving along it's reef and it's eco-tourism inland. Belize is fast becoming known as the most accessible, easiest to travel, safe, tropical piece of wilderness in the Western Hemisphere. Located on the Caribbean coast of Central America, it is 9,000 square miles (23,000 sq km) in area. It's neighbors are Guatemala to the west and south and Mexico to the north. The word is getting out that this eco-destination is an untouched paradise.

Clearly visible from the air and 185 miles (308 km) long, Belize's most known feature is it's coral reef, the longest unbroken reef in the world. It is second in size only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Three of the four atolls in the Western Hemisphere are here in Belize. Lighthouse Reef, with the great Blue Hole, Turneffe Islands, popular for it's wall dives and Glover's Reef, a virtually untouched underwater world, are all rich with marine life. Hol Chan Marine Reserve just off Ambergris Caye and only a ten minute boat ride away, is preserved and filled with fragile coral and schools of fish.

The mainland holds many adventures for those who have always wanted to trek in the jungle, visit the rain forest or simply birdwatch. The northern and coastal regions of Belize are flat and hot, mostly made up of mangrove swamps and lagoons that provide the spawning environment for marine life.

Further inland and rising to around 3,000 feet (915 m) above sea level, the south and central regoins are covered by tropical pine, hardwood and rainforests. Largely uninhibited, these regions are rich in flora and fauna as well as containing a number of pristine waterfalls. The limestone formation of the country has left it riddled with cave systems that boast to be some of the largest in the world.

DISCOVER AMBERGRIS CAYE

Ambergris Caye is the largest of the Belize islands. It started as a 25 mile (40 km) peninsula extending from the Yucatan and separated from Mexcio by a small trench originally dug by the ancient Maya. Belize's population is around 200,000, while 1,500 reside in San Pedro. The people of Belize are diverse, coming from many cultures.

There is plenty to enjoy on Ambergris Caye, primarily the diving and snorkeling with the reef only 1/2 mile (1.5 km) off-shore and Hol Chan Marine Reserve a 10 minute boat ride away. Living is casual and going barefood is appropriate anywhere. Putting aside a day or two will give you the chance to travel inland and see the splendor of the northern and central regions.

TOUR IDEAS

ALTUN-HA

The ruins of Altun-Ha ("Rock Stone Water") are famous for many reasons. Here they found a Jade Head, the largest carved jade object in the whole Maya area, and the national symbol of Belize. Altun-Ha was a major Ceremonial Center in the Class Period (250-900 AD) and functioned as a vital Trading Centre linking the Caribbean shores with other Mayan centers in the interior.

A possible tour to Altun-Ha may include a scenic ride around the southern tip of the island, a tour by boat up the river for an hour to the small Belizean village of Bomba, a bus ride through the jungle to Altun-Ha, and a ride to the Maruba Jungle Resort where you can enjoy lunch in the open restaurant then indulge in a cool swim in the resort swimming pool or a scenic horseback ride.

LAMANAI

Located on the New River Lagoon, Lamanai ("Submerged Crocodile") is one of Belize's largest Ceremonial Centres. It displays the more exotic features of ancient Mayan art and architecture. Lamanai had one of the longest occupation spans, dating from 1500 BC to the 19th century, which includes the contact period with the Spaniards. Historical occupation is represented in the remains of two Christian churches and a sugar mill. The site is the largest yet discovered in the Mundo Maya and covers 950 acres and is the third highest temple in Belize at 125 feet high (38 m). It is the only Mayan site in all of Belize that has a museum.

A possible tour may include a boat ride around the southern tip of the island to the mouth of the North River, a tour by boat up the river for an hour to the small Belizean village of Bomba, a bus ride to the fork of the New River Lagoon at Carmelita, and a boat ride to the Lamanai site.

MANATEE TOUR

If water sports are what you are after, consider a Manatee Tour to the secluded mangrove island, Drowned Cayes, just outside of Belize City. This island is a natural habitat for the West Indian Manatee, giving you the opportunity to take pictures and visit from the boat with these shy and elusive animals. Tours may also include a visit to Goff's Caye, where you will have the opportunity to snorkel, and to Caye Caulker, where you can enjoy the shopping or indulge in the local cuisine. Finally, a second snorkel stop will finish the day!

SNORKELING

Three of the most popular snorkeling trips are the Hol Chan, Mexico Rocks and Coral Gardens half day trips. The first, Hol Chan, takes you to a marine reserve filled with sea life where the depth starts at 8 feet (2.5 m) and goes to 30 feet (9 m), and then to Shark Ray Alley, a marine adventure area filled with nurse sharks and rays. The second, Mexico Rocks, is an unspoiled destination 20 minutes north of San Pedro where you can snorkel with untouched marine life while viewing the beautiful coral. You may even have a chance to visit with a sea turtle at Mexico Rocks! The third, Coral Gardens, will take you first to either Hol Chan or Shark Ray Alley (your choice), and then to Coral Gardens where you will see the largest and most colorful variety of coral located inside the reef.

RUM PUNCH

If sailing is what you are after, consider a tour on the Rum Punch, a full sized sailboat, to Caye Caulker. The tour may include two snorkeling stops, and the opportunity to keep a line in the water to capture the "catch of the day".

FISHING

If you enjoy the adventure of the high sea and have always wanted to catch something from the deep, fishing might be a great way to spend the day.

San Pedro offers three types of fishing experiences. For the solitude of a calm surrounding, reef fishing may be the answer to de-stressing upon your arrival. For the fly fisherman, bone fishing will get you in shape, and for the sport fisherman, there are lots of fish in the sea for a deep sea troll.

All of these choices are offered every day, typically for a half day or a full day, and all of the operators provide tackle and bait. Fishing can be a very popular sport, especially during high season, so booking your excursion in advance is recommended.

If you have questions about these excursions, or would like to make reservations in advance, contact us via email and we'll be happy to reserve your Tour of Belize!