Belize City. Most people picture run down buildings, crime and remnants of hurricane damage. Very few take anytime to actually explore the town instead choosing to hop on a water taxi and head out to Ambergris Caye.
Whatever your vision of Central America is, check it at the door before entering this beautiful and welcoming country. Many travel guides will tell you to "get out of Belize City and head for the islands." It is too bad really, because they are causing people to miss out on meeting the very proud and helpful citizens of this vibrant town.
Belize City is actually a port on many cruise liners itinerary. However, most passengers either spend their time shopping in the terminal or hop on a tour to explore other parts of the country. Where the cruising crowd doesn't exactly have the time to explore the area, a traveler should definitely take a walk to get a feel for the Caribbean City.
Settled by the English in the late 16th century, Belize City is a mix Colonial buildings and Creole Culture. Eat international cuisine, or enjoy the local fare at Jembel's Jerk Pit or Big Daddy's Diner. Music pumps from inside shops as smiling people great you speaking perfect English, only to turn to their companion and talk in rhythmic Creole. The official language of Belize is English, but you will often hear a mix of Spanish, Creole, Mayan and German throughout the land.
After soaking up the culture and cuisine in the country's largest city, catch a water taxi to head out to Caye Caulker. For $10, you will be transported to paradise. Far less crowded than its overdeveloped neighbor Ambergris Caye, this little island is a gem of a destination.
The relaxed Caye Caulker is a popular place for the backpacker crowd. Far less touristy and quieter than Ambergris Caye, it feels as if you are relaxing in Jamaica. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island keeping noise and pollution to a minimum. You will see the odd golf cart or you can rent a bike to check things out. Rooms are cheaper and you won't find any enormous resorts desecrating the land.
While there, you have to take in the sites and the number one excursion is to hire a guide and boat to take you out to Shark Ray Alley. Located 1 mile from shore is the Belize Barrier Reef. A protected marine preserve for since 1996, it has a healthy stock of marine life and coral. The highlight of the trip however is having the chance to swim with a group of nurse sharks and manta rays that inhabit the reef.
The blue hole is one of the most famous dive sites in the world and it is located in the waters of Belize. A perfectly formed giant blue hole in the middle of the sea attracts established divers. At 400 feet deep, it is not for new divers. If you have your deep diving certificate, you will be able to bounce down to 150 feet here where you will witness giant stalactites in still deep blue water. Most operations chum the water to attract sharks that circle above as you complete your dive.
You don't just have to go out to the Cayes to dive and snorkel. Sail boat trips are popular as well. There are several places to go to and why not explore some of the other surrounding islands. Walk down the main dirt road of Caye Caulker and you will find companies offering up excursions and ideas.
Caye Caulker may not be overly developed, but you can still enjoy great food ranging from Seafood, to pasta and barbecue. The nightlife isn't wild, but you can find a nice bar to enjoy a drink or two, look out over the water while swinging on a hammock or listen to some live music well into the evening.
There is so much more to do in beautiful Belize that you need at least two weeks to see it all. Jungles and caves, wildlife and sanctuary's Belize has something for everyone. Even Mayan ruins can be found in the country and beaches aren't only out on the islands, Placencia actually has the most beautiful beach in the country and it is located on the mainland.
It won't take long until development catches hold in Belize and it turns into another Cancun. Unfortunately, that is the way of the world. So don't wait, visit Belize today and get to know the people of this laid back country filled with beautiful scenery and breathtaking views. - 30555
Whatever your vision of Central America is, check it at the door before entering this beautiful and welcoming country. Many travel guides will tell you to "get out of Belize City and head for the islands." It is too bad really, because they are causing people to miss out on meeting the very proud and helpful citizens of this vibrant town.
Belize City is actually a port on many cruise liners itinerary. However, most passengers either spend their time shopping in the terminal or hop on a tour to explore other parts of the country. Where the cruising crowd doesn't exactly have the time to explore the area, a traveler should definitely take a walk to get a feel for the Caribbean City.
Settled by the English in the late 16th century, Belize City is a mix Colonial buildings and Creole Culture. Eat international cuisine, or enjoy the local fare at Jembel's Jerk Pit or Big Daddy's Diner. Music pumps from inside shops as smiling people great you speaking perfect English, only to turn to their companion and talk in rhythmic Creole. The official language of Belize is English, but you will often hear a mix of Spanish, Creole, Mayan and German throughout the land.
After soaking up the culture and cuisine in the country's largest city, catch a water taxi to head out to Caye Caulker. For $10, you will be transported to paradise. Far less crowded than its overdeveloped neighbor Ambergris Caye, this little island is a gem of a destination.
The relaxed Caye Caulker is a popular place for the backpacker crowd. Far less touristy and quieter than Ambergris Caye, it feels as if you are relaxing in Jamaica. No motorized vehicles are allowed on the island keeping noise and pollution to a minimum. You will see the odd golf cart or you can rent a bike to check things out. Rooms are cheaper and you won't find any enormous resorts desecrating the land.
While there, you have to take in the sites and the number one excursion is to hire a guide and boat to take you out to Shark Ray Alley. Located 1 mile from shore is the Belize Barrier Reef. A protected marine preserve for since 1996, it has a healthy stock of marine life and coral. The highlight of the trip however is having the chance to swim with a group of nurse sharks and manta rays that inhabit the reef.
The blue hole is one of the most famous dive sites in the world and it is located in the waters of Belize. A perfectly formed giant blue hole in the middle of the sea attracts established divers. At 400 feet deep, it is not for new divers. If you have your deep diving certificate, you will be able to bounce down to 150 feet here where you will witness giant stalactites in still deep blue water. Most operations chum the water to attract sharks that circle above as you complete your dive.
You don't just have to go out to the Cayes to dive and snorkel. Sail boat trips are popular as well. There are several places to go to and why not explore some of the other surrounding islands. Walk down the main dirt road of Caye Caulker and you will find companies offering up excursions and ideas.
Caye Caulker may not be overly developed, but you can still enjoy great food ranging from Seafood, to pasta and barbecue. The nightlife isn't wild, but you can find a nice bar to enjoy a drink or two, look out over the water while swinging on a hammock or listen to some live music well into the evening.
There is so much more to do in beautiful Belize that you need at least two weeks to see it all. Jungles and caves, wildlife and sanctuary's Belize has something for everyone. Even Mayan ruins can be found in the country and beaches aren't only out on the islands, Placencia actually has the most beautiful beach in the country and it is located on the mainland.
It won't take long until development catches hold in Belize and it turns into another Cancun. Unfortunately, that is the way of the world. So don't wait, visit Belize today and get to know the people of this laid back country filled with beautiful scenery and breathtaking views. - 30555
About the Author:
Deb Corbeil and Dave Bouskill are an adventure travel couple from Canada. Together they have trekked, hiked, biked and climbed to over 30 countries all over the planet. Check out their website theplanetd.com for more tips, advice and information on travel and adventure locations. To see their photo gallery from their world travels go to picturetheplanet.com
