Most people have heard of Belize, a small third world country in Central America, but it is not common to consider Belize as a major tourist destination. Belize is not a tourist destination that most people would put on their list of best tropical options. Perhaps a closer look at Belize will reveal a hidden gem in the maze of all the diverse tropical opportunities available.
Most people looking for a tropical experience think first of the Caribbean islands from the Virgin Islands to Argentina, the Hawaiian Islands, the other Pacific Islands, or the other more notable islands catered to by the mainstream of tropical adventurers. . The locals of Belize will let you know that their tropical paradise is second to none.
If you’re looking to enjoy a tropical experience and want to save a little on the cost of a typical tropical adventure, consider Belize. This is not to say that Belize is a second class destination, but Belize is a very overlooked place. If you travel to Belize you will have endless travel options and you will not be disappointed if you decide to go there, and you may be really surprised. However, if you do go, always consider asking a Belizean local and travel like a local.
Belize is a tropical country located on the east coast of Central America. You will find Belize just below Mexico facing the Caribbean Sea. Belize has the second longest barrier reef in the world. Belize’s reef is second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Belize’s magnificent barrier reef creates some of the best deep sea fishing, diving and snorkeling in the world. Its continental lands consist of tropical rivers and exotic jungles.
One of the great attractions of Belize is that the local language is English, even though the country is located in Spanish Central America. Once a British colony, Belize gained its independence in 1964 from Great Britain. Belize is also extremely close for most Americans, compared to other tropical destinations. Belize is approximately a two-hour flight from Houston, and Belize City is served by several major international airlines. Belize is also a relatively short boat ride south from Mexico and Cancun, Mexico. Many of Belize’s locals actually travel by boat or car to southern Mexico on a regular basis to shop and trade.
Belize has much more territory for the average tourist to cover on a short vacation than you’ll find on most tropical islands. The mainland has the capital, Belize City, an international seaport. Belize City is actually the size of a medium-sized city in the United States, with considerable poverty and crime. Belize City does not have much to offer a traveler. Most travelers will need to travel to Belize City first, as Belize City is the point of entry into Belize. South of Belize City is the mainland consisting of small tropical towns, and along the eastern Caribbean coast you’ll find quaint seaside towns and quiet beaches. The interior offers tropical jungles and prehistoric Mayan ruins, and adventurers can find plenty of caves, tropical rivers, exotic animals, and quaint towns to explore throughout the continent.
For the typical tropical island experience, most travelers head directly from Belize City to one of the cays (small islands) just off Belize’s eastern borders in the Caribbean Sea. These small keys can be reached by boat or plane. The trip is a one-hour boat ride from Belize City or a twenty-minute plane ride in a small plane. These small cays are the base for most travelers who come to Belize to dive or enjoy the great deep sea fishing, as the barrier reef is in sight off the shores of these small island cays.
The two main cays along the barrier reef are Caye Caulker, a quaint little island with modest accommodation and unassuming cafes. The main key that most tourists end up settling on is called Ambergris Caye. San Pedro is the main and only town on Ambergris Cay, and San Pedro is actually the largest part of the island. On Ambergris Cay you can find the full range of accommodations, from a small very cheap hotel right on the ocean, to luxury resorts and condominiums, as well as restaurants and cafes. Being something different than most tropical islands, most of the accommodations in the keys are right on the ocean. The beaches are full of quaint bars and friendly cafes offering very good food at reasonable prices. There is always a live local band nearby every night. Everything is very close and very easy to reach. Locals and tourists mostly travel by golf cart along the narrow sandy roads.
If you make your base on one of the two cays mentioned, you’re probably planning to spend some time fishing, snorkeling, or snorkeling. Going to Belize and not spending some time exploring Belize’s magnificent barrier reef would truly be a huge missed opportunity. In the town of San Pedro you will find a number of charter operations that will take you to the barrier reef for diving, snorkeling or deep sea fishing. Depending on your budget, prices are more than reasonable even for first-class charters and incredibly low for lower-end charters, which can simply pick you up in a twelve-foot boat.
Belize has much to offer a tropical adventurer. Whether you just want to kick back and enjoy the sun and surf, or you traveled there to conquer the magnificent Barrier Reef and catch big marlin, Belize is affordable, the locals speak English and are friendly. Belize is a short flight from the mainland and life is easy. If you go, just remember to ask a local tour guide first.
If you are planning an ant trip be sure to visit this website, it can make the trip the best one you have ever had. Simply go to: http://www.travelaskthelocals.yolasite.com. Smooth sailing. D. Burlison, JD, traveler from Belize.