In my travel business, I have noticed a significant increase in people wanting to vacation in Belize. This small country is located on the east coast of Central America facing the Caribbean Sea. Most vacationers to Belize seek a Caribbean beach in a country that is still relatively undeveloped. But Belize will also satisfy those who want nature or history.
Belize is a small country of 8,868 square miles. For perspective, it’s a little bigger than Massachusetts. Belize’s topography is low compared to other Central American countries. Its highest point is 3,687 feet in the Southern Maya Mountains. Belize’s coastline is typically low-lying plains. The northern plains are swampy, rising to a small plateau in the west; and are intensively cultivated in sugar cane. Central Belize is made up of sandy soil covered in tropical grasslands known as savannahs. Largely uninhabited by humans, the region has an abundance of wildlife. Southern Belize, the rainiest area of the country, supports agricultural products, including citrus and bananas. Almost all of Belize is surrounded and protected by the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches for 190 miles.
Airlines in the US fly to Belize City. If your destination is elsewhere in Belize, Maya Island Air or Tropical Air can take you there. If your destination is Ambergris Caye (pronounced “key”), a more scenic mode of transportation is the water taxi, which gets you there in about an hour and a half. But take the taxi at your own risk if you tend to get seasick.
If you head straight to the beach, you won’t need to spend time in Belize City, and that’s probably for the best. However, if you are interested in sightseeing, Belize City has something important to offer. You just have to get over his sleazy looks and criminal reputation. Beyond those things, you’ll find British culture and history, a wide variety of dining options, and some good hotels. In addition, Belize City is the business center of the country. And never mind that the official capital moved inland to the planned city of Belmopan in 1961 after another series of earthquakes devastated Belize City. The nation’s politicians and influencers still call Belize City home.
As for the beach, you have a few options. If you like limited buzz, Palencia is a great beach destination. It is in southern Belize at the tip of the peninsula. The city and its surroundings are booming, with hotels and condominiums sprouting like weeds in the sand. As one of my clients said: “Everything is for sale”. The Inn at Roberts Grove is my favorite place to send people. It is quiet and offers unparalleled service. You can spend part of your stay in one of the two keys. Roberts offers fine dining, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and kayaking, as well as an excellent spa.
Ambergris Caye, a popular beach option, is the largest and most populous of the more than 400 cays (small islands) off the coast of Belize. It is for people who want a bit of excitement mixed with their relaxation. If you want nightlife, Ambergris is pretty much your only option. Ambergris certainly has its share of luxury hotels and excellent restaurants in the town of San Pedro, its only population center. However, less urban activities such as fishing and diving, in addition to the wonders of nature, including forests, savannahs and lagoons, are also found here. You can rent a bike or golf cart to explore the sights.
Caye Caulker is an excellent choice for a beach with peace and quiet. It has some great hotels and restaurants, and like Ambergris, a rented bike or golf cart is the perfect way to get around.
An attractive attribute of both Ambergris and Caye Caulker is the availability of daily boat trips. You can sail from any of the islands to Hol Chan Marine Reserve for snorkeling. In fact, you can literally swim with the sharks and rays at Shark-Ray Alley, a sandbank within Hol Chan. Boats also run from both keys to Caye Chapel, the location of an incredible par 72 golf course that opened in 1999. Caye Caulker offers some special treats for nature lovers, including bird watching and nature walks. An unusual activity that I love is the manatee tour where manatees (or sea cows), which are friendly mammals, emerge alongside the boat.
If you are an adventurer, I suggest you go caving. Belize is literally literate with caves, and some are huge. Cayo in the western area near the Guatemalan border offers the best cave experience for most travelers. The region has numerous caves that are easy to navigate and guided tours are available.
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