Belize Vacation

Belize, an intensely beautiful Central American country, offers some of the best beach vacations in the world. A Belize vacation to snorkelers and scuba divers means exploring the world's second largest barrier reef, including its famous Blue Hole. The Hole itself is nearly a perfect circle and is almost 300 feet deep with an amazing cave system featuring beautiful stalactites.  Those who travel to Belize for scuba diving quickly realize why Belize is among the top 10 dive destinations in the world.

Others planning Belize travel may be inspired to do so for the Mayan ruin tours, of which Belize has over 600 known sites. Some Belize vacations include floating down an underground river and through one of the many elaborate Belize cave systems or participating in one of the Belize jungle expeditions and viewing the abundant wildlife.

Many people vacation in Belize and enjoy the great fishing that can be found just off the Barrier Reef. Others that want to revel in the sun and sand may prefer to explore some of the nearly 200 Caribbean cayes (pronounced keys) with their beautiful, white sandy beaches.

For the eco traveler, a Belize vacation is a must. Things to do in Belize include jungle tours, where you can learn about the medicinal plants and native wildlife. Thrilling zip-line rides under the canopy (music included courtesy by the national bird of Belize, the keel-billed toucan) are pure excitement for the more adventurous Belize Traveler.

Most Popular Belize Locations and Attractions        

 
Ambergris Caye/San Pedro
Ambergris Caye at 25 miles long and just over a mile wide is fringed by the Belize Barrier Reef and is among our top recommendations for best beach vacations, especially for those wishing to snorkel or scuba dive on the Belize Barrier Reef.

Belize City
The largest city in Belize (population around 70,800) is host to the Belize Zoo, a wildlife education center, also featuring lodging. Belize City is also the country's largest port and also the port of call for the many cruise lines that visit. There are over a million visitors that cruise to Belize each year.  Belize City is centrally located for many of the most popular activities and on shore excursions.

Placencia
This lovely peninsula offers 16 miles of soft, white sandy beaches, virgin mangrove fringed lagoons, Monkey River tours and the laid back feel of the nearby cayes. Boat tours take visitors to the nearby cayes and Belize Barrier Reef. Placencia scores high on our best beach vacations list.

Caye Caulker
The Caye Caulker Marine Reserve on the Belize Barrier Reef is a leading attraction here. Snorkel over enchanting coral gardens with nurse sharks and eagle rays. When taking a boat tour, look for bottlenose dolphins.

Corozal District
The small, seaside town of Corozal, located just south of the Mexico border, is a jumping off place for many of the Mayan ruin tours and the warm beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Corozal region offers verdant jungles and rainforests alive with an amazingly diverse and large population of animals.

Cayo District
Travel to this region on your Belize vacation and prepare to be mesmerized. Cayo offers some of the best scenery in the country:  lush jungles with thundering waterfalls, mysterious cave systems with huge cathedral rooms and stalagmites, and two of Belize's most important Mayan ruins.

Orange Walk District
This area consists mostly of deep forest preserved by Programme for Belize and is home to the country's largest population of birds. Main attractions include boat tours to the Mayan ruins and jungle tours.

Stann Creek
Take a boat tour to the less crowded cayes of the Belize Barrier Reef, or head inland to the world's first jaguar preserve, and Victoria Peak (the highest point in Belize) and other wonders in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.  This district also includes the best beach vacation destination of Placencia, Belize.

Other Areas of Interest

The Barrier Reef
The Blue Hole
Belize Zoo
Half Moon Caye
Laughing Moon Caye
Turneffe Islands
Victoria Peak

As you can see, a Belize vacation offers a dazzling amount of adventure and sight seeing possibilities for those seeking not only a beach vacation, but a vacation packed with eco adventures. More places to explore in this Caribbean paradise include Half Moon Caye, Laughing Moon Caye, and the Turneffe Islands.

Accommodations in Belize
When planning a Belize vacation keep in mind that there is a broad range of Belize lodging to choose from. The accommodations in Belize include resorts on the more popular Ambergris Caye and San Pedro area, eco jungle lodges and small, brightly colored hotels on the cayes.

Belize Travel Facts
Belize's official language is English, and Spanish is also widely spoken. The recent years have seen a huge increase in the popularity of this special country, placing it as a “must see” on many lists.  Belize currency is at a fixed exchange rate of BZ $2 to US $1, which makes calculating easy.  In most tourist areas prices are listed in both currencies.  Although most locals willingly accept the US dollar, banks charge around 3% for currency exchange.

Belize Climate
The weather in Belize http://www.belizenet.com/weather/climate.html varies with region and elevation. Other than the mountains where temperatures can drop into the high 40's, the climate is largely tropical. The major dry season is from February through May. The rainy season brings frequent squalls from June into August. A short dry season of two to six weeks follows, and this is followed by a rainy season again from September through January.

Most visitors come to Belize during the winter months.  However, some of the best scuba diving can be found during the late spring and summer when the onshore winds die down.  Southern Belize receives approximately three times as much rain as the north.  When planning a Belize vacation it is advisable to prepare for several climates, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Belize Travel by Air
There are several hubs that fly into Belize.
American Airlines operates a daily non-stop flight from Miami.
Continental Airlines has a daily direct service from Houston.
US Airways operates flights from Charlotte and on the weekends from Newark, N.J.Taca International Airlines has a great reputation for on time departure/arrivals and also operates a schedule from Miami and Houston. They also have connections from N.Y. and Washington that go through Miami. Their service from L.A. and San Francisco connects in San Salvador.

Belize Travel by Cruises
There are over a million visitors that cruise to Belize each year.  The port of call is Belize City, which is centrally located for many of the most popular activities and on shore excursions.

Belize Car Rental
A great way to explore Belize is by renting a car or jeep and driving around at your own pace.  However, it can be expensive and a hefty damage deposit fee is demanded.  Make sure to do a thorough inspection of the car and notate any scratches or dents.  As in the U.S. you drive on the right side of the road.  Road conditions can be poor and it would be advisable to rent a 4 x 4, especially if your Belize travel includes traveling southern Belize.

Belize Travel by Bus

Buses run every half hour in Belize City Belmopan and San Ignacio.  They run hourly to Orange Walk, Corozal and Chetumal.  Always check bus schedules.
Novelo’s Bus Service – Belize City -  207-2025 (for north travel) or For 522-2160 (for south travel)
James Bus – Service to Belmopan and Punta Garda - 722-2625
BelizeTaxi
Belize City is small enough to get around on foot an is alright to do so during the day. However, at night travel by taxi for safety reasons. There usually are fixed rates to the more well traveled areas. Several local taxi numbers are 223-2916, 223-0371 or 227-2888

What to Bring to Belize
Belize is a very casual place.  Make sure you prepare for most climates but keep hotter temperatures more in mind.  Raingear is essential, as there can be short unexpected downpours.  At the Cayes it is acceptable to wear shorts or swim trunks, t-shirt and sandals most anywhere.  However, the nicer resort areas tend to be slightly dressier, especially at night.  Belize City is also an area that is a little dressier and you may want to avoid skimpy clothing.  When travelling to Belize make sure you bring many changes of lightweight clothing of natural fibers or breathable material because clothes can become damp quickly.


Belize Travel Safety
Caution should always be exercised when visiting a foreign country, especially at night. Be smart and safe.  It’s advisable not to walk the streets at night and try to take cabs when possible. Belize’s way of life style is casual and laid back but make sure not to fall for scams or trust anyone when it could jeopardize your safety.  Please ask your hotel for advice or assistance when looking for nightlife.
 Always make sure someone knows where you are going and an idea of what time you will be returning.  Travel and exploration by day is much safer, but be weary of pickpockets.  Always use a common sense approach to your safety and women should be even more cautious.


Belize Dining
Rice and beans seem to be the staple diet in Belize, but many other delicious national dishes are available.  Select fish, conch and lobster adorn many of the local restaurant and resort menus, whereas the exotic tropical fruits compliment most meals.  Many of the resort areas offer fine menus, but with their isolation come a lack of infrastructure to support local, independent restaurants. However, some can be found and it is highly recommended to search them out in order to appreciate the local cuisines.  Some local favorites are the “sour sap” milkshakes, cassava or coconut bread, Johnny Cakes, and of course the favorite local brew is Belkin beer.  Some precautions should be taken:  Make sure to eat meats only when in season. Lobster is out-of-season from mid February to mid June.  Conch is out-of-season July through September.  Tap water should not be drunk on Caye Caulker nor outside of main towns in the south.  If at all in question, be on the safe side and drink bottled water.

 Belize City
Big Daddy’s Dinner
Commercial Center Market Square, 2nd floor
227-0932
great view of the harbor
very popular for lunch

Chef Bob’s Grill
164 Newton Barrack Road
223-6908
A little out of the way.  Can be a bit pricey but has a great variety and is worth it. Locals love this place for dinners and special occasions.

Harbor View Restaurant
Fort Street
223-6420
Fabulous views of the historic building of the harbor and is one of the city’s finest restaurants. A blend of eastern and western food.

Jambel Jerk Pit
2B King Street
227-6080
The nice outdoor patio atmosphere compliments the spicy Jamaican and Belizean jerk dishes. Great daily specials.

Macy’s Café
18 Bishop Street
227-3419
Some of the best creole cooking in Belize. The café is a popular sport for the daily business crowd.  Food is cheap and plentiful.

Wet Lizard
End of North Park Street on the water.  Great seafood and pasta specialties.

Ambergris Caye/San Pedro
Capricorn
On the beach, 3 miles north of San Pedro.
226-2809
Gourmet dishes from around the world.  Some of their specialties are appetizers and garlic laden seafood entrees. Enjoy a boat ride to this restaurant if you wish, but reservations are recommended. Pricey but worth it.

Celi’s Restaurant
Next to Holiday Hotel
226-2014
They feature delicious daily fish specials.

Elvi’ Kitchen
Pescador Drive
226-2176
An assortment of food from basic bites to elegant entrees. This thatched roof structure, which is supported by a live tree, provides for great atmosphere and is a trendy place to hangout after sundown.

Raman’s Village
On the beach in San Pedro
226-2071
This restaurant serves international cuisine and has been known to cook your catches for you if you are so inclined.

Caye Caulker
Coco Plum Garden
Middle Street
226-0226
The garden atmosphere makes the café and deli a delight.

Jolly Roger
On the main street
Roger Martinez has made this place popular for his barbecued dishes cooked over hot coals.

Rasta Pasta
Front Street
One of the best restaurants on the island and has become extremely popular, with tables in the sand and fantastic pasta and seafood dishes.

Corozal
Hokol Kin Restaurant
4th Ave. and 3rd St
422-3329
House dining atmosphere featuring Belize dishes, hamburgers and sandwiches.

Placencia
BJ’s Restaurant
523-3108
Serving local dishes this place is well known with the locals and specializes in seafood.

The Galley
So popular that you may just have to wait in line to try their delicious milkshakes and deserts, but well worth the wait.

Picket Parrot Bar and Grill
523-3330
Featuring a thatched roof and is known for its pizza, Belizean and Mexican dishes.

Belmopan and San Ignacio
Bull Frog Inn
Belmopan – 822-2111
This place is one of the best restaurants in Belmopan.

Café Sol
25th West Street San Ignacio
Nice garden area, great coffee, soups and sandwiches

Eva’s Bar and Restaurant
22 Burns Ave., San Ignacio
824-2267
This place is great for meetings and was the first internet café in Belize

Hannah’s
5 Burns Avenue, San Ignacio
824-3014
Quant wooden cabin style dining and a delicious range of international dishes.  Great wine list.

Martha’s Restaurant
10 West Street, San Ignacio
824-3647
Easily the best restaurant in the town center.  Famous for their pizza and Belizean specialties and is complimented by an outdoor patio.  Very popular for a romantic candlelit dinner.

Punta Gorda
Earth Runnin’s Café and Bukut Bar
Middle Street
722-2007
Small Internet café and friendly restaurant featuring great seafood.

El Café
Corner of Main and North Streets
702-2414
Great breakfast, coffee, juices and also serves tasty Belizean dishes.

Grace’s Restaurant
19 Main Street
702-2414
Inexpensive, very clean and conveniently located by the bus stop.

Titantic Restaurant
Front Street
722-0169
Great views with an open-air restaurant serving Belizean and American foods. Opens early and closes late.