Things to Do
From the reefs to the rainforests, you can enjoy assorted adventures
such as hiking, horseback riding, fishing, birdwatching, snorkeling,
windsurfing, spelunking,
and much more.
FYI: One
this page we had a contend theft, more under Contact & News
Travel within Belize is safe, fast, and reliable. Planes and buses
transport passengers throughout the country daily and a number of
agencies have vehicles available for rent.
The least expensive way to
get around Belize on a
day to day basis
is by bus. Many locations within Belize cannot be accessed
without the use of a
private vehicle.
In Belize you can choose from any number of activities, including
pool-lounging and hammock-surfing! Whether you prefer relaxing in a
treehouse bungalow, enjoying Birdwatching or exploring the caves of a
Maya underworld.
Diving and Marine Reserves
Belize is probably best known for its
scuba diving
and snorkeling. The largest coral reef in the Americas, 300 km long, is
found just off the coast. Belize has recently taken
steps to protect this natural wonder so that visitors will be able to
enjoy it for years to come.
Blue Hole
Belize’s most famous dive spot is the
Blue Hole.
Once an underwater cave, the Blue Hole collapsed about 10,000 years
ago. It left a nearly perfect circular hole about 300 m across and over
hundred meter deep. The beautiful sapphire blue
spot is visible from space. It is located in the middle of Lighthouse
Reef atoll and attracts divers from around the world.
Half Moon Caye
Not far away is Half Moon Caye Natural
Monument. On
the southwest corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, it is a protected area
known for its rookeries of red-footed boobys and magnificent
frigatebirds, as well as dozens of other bird species who are either
permanent residents or migratory. It is also known for a large iguana
population. Offshore, there is excellent snorkeling and scuba diving.
Hol Chan
“Little Channel” in Mayan, is
a channel
through the reef and the location of a marine reserve since 1987.
Located about four miles away from Ambergris Caye, the reserve
encompasses three very different marine ecosystems: the reef, seagrass
bed, and coastal mangroves, which are vital for the many species of
fish and marine life found in the area. Since the reserve was
established and fishing prohibited, the area has flourished and it is
an excellent spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Shark Ray Alley
Shar Ray Alley is a dive spot known
for rays and
sharks. Popular with less experienced divers, it is possible to see the
rays and sharks in as little as ten feet of water. Local dive masters
know to bring a pocketful of snacks for the sharks, who put on quite a
show for the visitors.
Turneffe Islands
If you want to get away from the crowds, then you want to go to
Turneffe Islands. Some say the coral gardens there are amongst the best
they have ever seen.
General Watersports
Belize is well publicized
for possessing the second longest barrier reef in the world, as well as
three major offshore atolls. Belize
possesses numerous mangrove systems both offshore and along the coast,
thus creating a tremendous wetlands environment in which birds, fishes,
mammals, and reptiles can propagate.
Kayaking
Simply
hiring a kayak by yourself and setting off may be a little unrewarding,
but it does come with a sense of peacefulness as you paddle and potter
through the water. You can visit deserted islands or down jungle
rivers.
Sailing
The
cayes around Placencia offer the perfect chance to put up sail and
exlpore. These all-inclusive trips allow you to pretend you own a yacht
for a day. Deals include kayaks, lunch, drinks and snorkeling equipment
and allow you to get away from the crowds and do as little, or as much,
as you wish.
Whale Shark Swim
If
you time it right, Placencia offers one of the best opportunities to
swim with these giants of the sea, the biggest fish in the world. It
may be pricey, but if you get a good encounter, it is well worth it as
this is a truly unforgettable experience. In season, the whale sharks
come to the surface as they
follow the spawning snapper, usually from April to June for a few days
before full moon and up to 10 days after.
The Mystique of the Maya
Belize is blessed with an outstanding archaeological heritage of Maya
temples and palaces. It is known that the Maya occupation began as
early as 1500 B.C.
Caracol
This is one of Belize's celebrated ruins and it is most easily
accessible from San Ignacio. The site is impressively large, as it is
inspringly mysterious. Its
highlight is the 43 meter high Sky Palace, which offers impressive
views of the surrounding dumble from its summit.
Lamanai
The ruins pop out from the treetops when you arrive at the site and
after exploring the museum, the guide will take you through the jungle
to see the massive mask on the Mask Temple, the Jaguar Temple with its
jaguar formation and set you climbing the High Temple.
Rainforest and Animals
Belize's natural
history has always been its most precious resource, and therefore, it
has become a virtual paradise for botanists, herpetologists,
ichthyologists, mammalogists, ornithologists, and zoologists
Jungle tours and lodges accomodate a range of tastes
and travel
budgets, from luxurious lodging to backpacker-style bungalows. San
Ignacio, in the Cayo District is a hub for rainforest travel and jungle
expeditions
Belize Zoo
This place is expansive and more like a
wildlife park. Animals are still in large cages, of course, but the zoo
is set in very natural bush surroundings and it can sometimes feels
like you are seeing some fo the animals in the wild. The attractions
are mainly Belizean animals in their natural habitat and include the
mighty jaguar.
Birdwatching
A birdwatching trip is a good way to see the area and its wildlife.
Herons are plentiful and ther are many other attractive birds to be
found.
Cockscombe Jaguar Reserve
This
may be home to the famed jaguar, but do not go there expecting it to
cross your path as you amble through the trees, as it is rarely
sighted. Instead, you will enjoy many different forest vistas and a
variety of bird and animal species that make up a vital part of its
habitat. Placencia is one of the closest places from which to get to
the park and offers a good way of getting an organised tour.
Tour operators
We prefer Tanisha
Eco Tours owned by
Daniel Nuñez. From all of the Tour operators, only Tanisha has a
international reputation and won a Award.
Daniel Nuñez is documented in Pete Eltringhamís "The
Rough Guide to Belize - A Handbook to Fascinating Countries". He is
often praised by the tourists he entertains and was even featured on
both The Discovery
Channel and The
Travel Channel. In 2003,
Tanisha
Tours won the International Geneva 2003 ERA Award
for providing the most
informative and educational tours while maintaining the environment.
There are also a few other good Tour operator in Belize, feel free to
contact them directly, because the Hotels have a very high commission
and you can handle out a discount.
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... Belize offers you
an exciting
Caribbean
escapade