Belize, a Tiny Country With a Lot to It

[Nicholas Kontis]

When one thinks of Belize, most likely the first thought to come to mind is the fabled Blue Hole, and the world’s second largest barrier reef, second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. But the tiny nation surrounded by its big brother to the north, Mexico and Guatemala to the west and south, is an eco-travelers, adventurer enthusiasts dream. Taking a closer look, there is more to Belize than meets the eye.

Scuba dive or take a helicopter ride over Belize’s stunning Blue Hole.

Recently, I got the chance to get my “Indiana Jones” on, and paid a visit to the land of magnificent Mayan pyramids, wildlife reserves, marine reserves, lush jungle, tall waterfalls, spelunking in caves, scuba diving, luxurious resorts fine dining in Belize City and San Pedro, and more. Belize is a country one must explore to truly appreciate. Belize is even an under-rated culinary mecca.

Some facts of interest about Belize. The nation is the youngest country in Central America, gaining independence from the British in 1982. Belize is the only ex British colony in Central America. English is the first language of Belize. The population of Belize is less than 375,000. Over half a million visitors arrive by cruise ship alone every year. Belize is the least dense country in Central America. Over 60% of Belize is forested land, 36 percent of the land is protected. With over 1800 miles of road, but only 400 miles of paved road.

Don’t care to dive? Grab a Kayak from the Portofino Resort for a fifteen minute trip to snorkel  ‘Mexico Rocks’,  Ambergris Caye

From the Mexico-Belize border to the Belize-Guatemala border the distance is only 279 Kilometers or 175 miles, and from east to west 110 kilometers, a mere 68 miles wide, from the Caribbean Sea to the border of Guatemala.

Out of a total of four Coral Atolls in the Western Hemisphere, Belize boasts three of them. Drive a few miles in any direction and you’ll discover a new ecosystem.

Meals fit for a king and queen on Ambergris Caye - Five star dining at Portofino Resort’s -  Le Bistro Restaurant

Jaguar’s Temple Night Club is a favorite nightlife spot, San Pedro, Ambergris, Caye

The first thing one notices about Belize is the attitude of its people. A wonderful melting pot of, Mayan, Creole, Caribbean, Chinese, and European cultures all blending together to form an open and tolerant society.  A cavalcade of faces who are all gracious and friendly.  The Belizean people understand that working toward a common goal is for the betterment of the nation. The whole is greater than the individual parts. Tourism must thrive for Belize to prosper, and its people embrace you with love from the moment you arrive at Belize International Airport.

Take the plunge – Rapelling 300 feet down into the Black Hole Cave.

Hike two hours into the jungle to repel 300 feet off the side of a cliff into the Black Hole Drop, and have lunch in a cave.

 

Things to Do:

Chances are that you come to Belize for sun and beaches. For a lazy Caribbean beach vacation, Belize is as good as it gets. Famous for being a snorkelers and scuba divers paradise. Of course, diving over 100 feet into the deepest, deep blue hole imaginable is a must for scuba enthusiasts.  The Blue Hole is rated as one of the top 10 ten scuba diving experiences in the world.  A visit to the Mayan pyramids of Caracol brings you Mayan culture.

Many a graceful Blue Spotted Stingray at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley.

Snorkelers and divers alike, can come face to face with playful Whale Shark’s, and exotic Rays at Hol Chan,  Shark Ray Alley.

Room with a jungle view at the Cave’s Branch Resort.

From Ian Anderson’s, Caves Branch Resort you can take day trips and experience the jungle of Belize.

Explore Mayan history and find a skull or two spelunking Belize’s Achtun Tunichil Muknal or Atm Caves. This cave is one of the most popular Mayan burial sites in Western Belize. Swimming, crawling, climbing this sacred cave is quite an experience. The cave contains four skeletons, ceramics, and stoneware left by the Mayans.

Jump off a waterfall, repelling off a cliff into the Black Hole, or go tubing down a river. Kayaking, horseback riding, Belize is an adventure travelers paradise.

Chill out in Belize’s Southern Cayes. A world less traveled. Explore 16 miles of “beach heaven” in Placencia and see the real laid back Belize, where you can swim alongside tranquil turtles, while you float in the crystal clear Caribbean waters. Snorkelers and divers gravitate to Placencia’s, turquoise waters.

Meet the real natives at the Belize Zoo.

Chances are that you will not see a local Baird’s Tapir, Keel-Billed Toucan, nor a jaguar in the wild. However, you can view these rare animal species at the Belize Zoo. 29 acres of tropical savanna and exhibits over 150 animals, representing over 45 species, all native to Belize. Where rescue animals get a second chance to go back into the wild, and locals learn to protect endangered species. Belize is all about new adventures.

The skilled pilots of Tropic Air transport you around Belize.

Getting to and around Belize:

There are not nonstop flights from the United States to Belize. American Airlines, Delta, United, and U.S. Air all fly from the U.S. Taca flies via San Salvador, now Tropic Air will begin flying from Cancun, Mexico to Belize. There is also the twice daily San Pedro two-hour ferry ride linking Chetumal, on the southern tip of Quintana Roo, Mexico to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. Tropic Air and Mayan Air operate flights within Belize linking the various regions of Belize on small flights.

Have an ice cold Belikin Beer at the Jambal Jerk Pit, San Pedro

Don’t come  home without it:

Don’t forget to pick a bottle of Marie Sharp’s Belizean Heat, made with fresh Habanero peppers and local grown vegetables and fruits. Luckily, I was not the first person to be stopped at U.S. customs for bringing in excess hot sauce. Do not leave Belize with feasting on the scrumptious Mayan cuisine at Elvi’s Kitchen in San Pedro.

“It’s a jungle out there” – The Mayan Pyramids of Caracol

Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer or a beach bum, a shopper or a foodie, Belize is paradise.

I don’t know what I enjoyed more, the beach or the jungle? I came for the beaches and to scuba dive Belize’s clear Caribbean waters, but I left my heart in the jungle.

Belize, what’s not to like. I do “Belize in love.”

For more information on Belize visit the following trusted web sites and companies:

www.portofinobelize.com - For the ultimate beach stay on Ambergris Caye.

www.cavesbranch.com - For the experience of a lifetime stay in 5 star, luxury, tree houses in the jungle with many jungle adventures and day trips to choose from.

www.robertsgrove.com - The place to stay in Placencia.

www.tropicair.com  – Will transport you safely to and from various points in the country and runs on time.

www.amigosdivebelize.com  Amigos del Mar offers trips to the Blue Hole and more.

www.portofinodiving.com - For dive trips on Ambergris Caye, Action Divers takes you to Shark’s Ray Alley and more.

www.seariousadventures.com – Offers sailing trips, jungle river cruises and more

www.travelbelize.org – For all things Belize. The great folks at the Belize Tourist Board are there to assist you.

About the Author: Nick Kontis – Travel Expert and Founder of the World Travel List

Nick Kontis started out as a world traveler at an early age traveling back and forth between California and Greece every summer. But it was a backpacking trip around the world at age 24 that proved to be a life changing experience. After traveling by car, train, plane, bike and, boat around the world, it would be this trip of a lifetime that would lead to a life as a travel entrepreneur and world traveler. Nick has been on both radio and television. Featured on Arthur Frommer’s television show, and referred by Lonely Planet writers. Frequently mentioned as the “father of around the world airfares.” Arthur Frommer once said, “If Jules Verne were alive today he would use Nick to go around the world in 80 days.” Nick and his various travel companies have sent over 10,000 people taking their dream trip through airfare discounts of as much as 50% off the airlines published fares. Now Nick promotes travel through his World Travel List and ‘Trip Rambler’ by World Travel List. Having traveled to over 80 countries Nick hopes to inspire others to travel the world. Follow Nick’s “passion for travel” on the World Travel List.