Belize is an adventurer's paradise. With a diversity of adventure opportunities unmatched by any other country, the Belize people have protected 40% of the country as parks and natural reserves. The population is of very diverse heritage and perhaps because of this English is the most commonly used language. Add to this the fact that Belize is only two hours flight from a variety of US International Gateways, and you can see why it is an appealing tourist destination.

Belize is on the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic 3,675 foot mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences beyond compare.In a single day you can go from tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere which runs just a few miles offshore.

Belize offers some of the best diving in the Caribbean - a product of its protected barrier reef and string of coral atolls. The Blue Hole - a vast cave at the centre of Lighthouse Reef (one of the larger atolls) is a great dive for those with the right experience. Some of the stalactites are five metres long.

The cayes (pronounced keys), the offshore atolls, and the barrier reef are one of the main tourist attractions. The cayes are islands, that are located between the mainland and the barrier reef, on the barrier reef, and on or within the barrier reef perimeters of the offshore atolls.

Although the mangrove cayes are normally uninhabitable by humans, they do provide a superior habitat for birds and marine life. Many birds, fish, shellfish, and marine organisms begin their lives within the protection of the mangrove. On the other hand, the island cayes, which are distinguishable by their palm trees, have provided the foundation for the development of many fine resorts to serve the water sports enthusiasts and the marine naturalists. The cayes and atolls provide superior opportunity for SCUBA diving, snorkeling, fishing, boating, sailing, sailboarding, and sea kayaking, as well as habitat for both nesting birds and turtles.

Dive Sites

The Belize Barrier Reef

Spanning Belize's coastline for 185 miles is the Belize Barrier Reef with dive sites inside and outside of the reef. Just outside look for Spur and Grove formations - narrow canyons of corals are great for spotting grouper and the occassionally eel. Inside the reef, patch reefs are covered with hundreds of brightly colored fish and coral species.

South Water Caye Marine Reserve - Belize's largest marine reserve. Silk Cayes - home to the world's largest population of whale sharks during the months of February to May.

Coral Atolls

Belize boasts three offshore atolls: Turneffe, Glover's Reef and Lighthouse Reef. Together they easily provide over a hundred dive and snorkeling sites for the adventurous visitor.

Turneffe Atoll, the largest of three atolls found in Belize, is 30 miles long. The water dept measures between 55 and 65 feet. Some dive sites in this atoll are Hollywood, Jill's Thrill, Cabbage Patch, the Elbow, The Coral, Gorgonian Bluff, the Secret Spot, Birthday Reef and Rendezvous Wall.

Glover's Reef, which is most south of the three, is often overlooked. It has a diameter of some 40 miles with over 700 shallow patch reefs in its interior. Diving sites include Octopus Alley, Manta Reef, Hole in the Wall, Parrotfish Falls, Shark Point, Gorgonia Gallery, Long Caye Cut, Turtle Tavern and Dolphin Dance. With the numerous patch reefs this is a great place for snorkeling as well.

Lighthouse Reef is the farthest from the mainland but unlike Glover's Reef gets plenty of visitors. Depth near the reef is around 9 feet. The great Blue Hole at the centre of Lighthouse Reef is described as one of the best dive sites on Earth and a must for all advanced divers. It has a depth of 480 feet with stalagtites at 130 feet. Other diving sites are Manta Wall, the Zoo, Cathedral and Half Moon Wall.

Belize provides few wreck dive opportunities because many wrecked ships actually lodged atop the reef system above water. There is also little chance of finding valuables. Anything you find of value belongs to the state and cannot be kept. A couple underwater wrecks are:

Sayonara in Turneffe Atoll - This was a transport boat sitting at 45 feet below the surface.
HMS Advice - Turneffe Atoll - This is the wreck of a British naval cutter which sunk to 16 feet on June 1, 1793.

Quite apart from the diving, there are many exciting excursions on offer in Belize. Try and save some time to visit the archaeological sites of the mainland. Belize was part of the heartland of the Mayan culture and there are literally thousands of Mayan ruins to visit if you have the energy!

Getting There

It may be most convenient to fly to the U.S. and transit from there.

Miami, Florida.- American Airlines
Dallas/Fort Worth - American Airlines.
Houston, Texas - Continental Airlines or TACA

Climate
The climate is sub-tropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees. Winter storms may bring the temperature down to the low 60's and it can reach the mid-90's on the mainland in the hottest part of summer. Trade winds blow along the coast and on the cayes most of the year, keeping temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months, except for a few weeks, generally around mid-August. The dry season generally lasts from November through May; the rainy season is typically June-November. Hurricanes occasionally occur; they are most likely to hit in August and September. Rainfall is heaviest in the south and the jungle areas, lightest in the north and on the Cayes. Water temperature averages between 79 and 83 degrees F.

Departure Tax:

The departure tax at the International Airport is $20 US per person. There is a Tourist Departure Tax of $10 US per person (children under 12 are exempt) when departing Belize at either of the land border crossings i.e.the Western border between Belize and Guatemala for visits to Tikal and Flores and the Northern border between Belize and Mexico. These funds are being invested in improvements to the border facilities. There is also "visa" charge to enter Guatemala at the Western Border is $5.00 (irrespective of whether you need one or not!)

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