Belize City is known as one of the most dangerous towns in Central America, according to some guide books. Most people use it as a quick stop before heading off to the beaches, or cruise passengers simply spend their time shopping in the terminal or heading off on an organized tour.
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 is steadily growing as a popular stop for Cruise liners. The terminal is one of the nicest buildings in the city filled with shops and eateries. Passengers rarely leave here unless they are running off on a tour to see the sites. It is too bad for Cruisers, they never really see the real Caribbean cities that they visit. Each Terminal looks and feels like the last and yet to walk around the downtown area, you will find a unique energy and vibe.
Belize has an eclectic mix of architecture. In the 16th century it was settled by the English and the buildings reflect that era. There is your typical colonial architecture, you will see churches and modern buildings are starting to crop up. There is a wide variety in Language as well. The official language is English, but if you listen to conversations, people speak with a mix of Creole. They also speak Spanish, Mayan and German.
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.
Far less developed and existing quietly with nature, Caye Caulker is a nice alternative to the busy and touristy Ambergris Caye. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island and thankfully there aren't any plans for resort development in its future. Rates are still quite reasonable and you will enjoy relaxing the day away.
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.
Many divers in the world travel to Belize for one reason only, and that is to dive the famous Blue Hole. Jaques Cousteau introduced it to the world and it is an awesome site. A collapsed cave in the middle of the sea attracts divers that want to go deep. Drop down to 150 feet and dive under overhangs as hammerhead and reef sharks swim in the chummed waters above. This dive is not for new divers.
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.
Dining is high on everyone's list when traveling and Caye Caulker has its fair share of restaurants. There is jerk chicken, fresh seafood and western flare. After dinner stop in at a beach bar and enjoy a cocktail as you look out over the Caribbean Sea. You won't find crazy nightclubs, but you will find a great bar to listen to music while you relax in the islands.
Belize is certainly full of many more sights. It boasts rainforest's and islands, and the largest cave system in Central America. It is teeming with wildlife from Howler Monkeys to Jaguars. Like its surrounding neighbors, it has Mayan Ruins scattered throughout the country for you to enjoy and beautiful beaches can be found everywhere, the best being in Placencia 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. - 29892
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 is steadily growing as a popular stop for Cruise liners. The terminal is one of the nicest buildings in the city filled with shops and eateries. Passengers rarely leave here unless they are running off on a tour to see the sites. It is too bad for Cruisers, they never really see the real Caribbean cities that they visit. Each Terminal looks and feels like the last and yet to walk around the downtown area, you will find a unique energy and vibe.
Belize has an eclectic mix of architecture. In the 16th century it was settled by the English and the buildings reflect that era. There is your typical colonial architecture, you will see churches and modern buildings are starting to crop up. There is a wide variety in Language as well. The official language is English, but if you listen to conversations, people speak with a mix of Creole. They also speak Spanish, Mayan and German.
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.
Far less developed and existing quietly with nature, Caye Caulker is a nice alternative to the busy and touristy Ambergris Caye. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the island and thankfully there aren't any plans for resort development in its future. Rates are still quite reasonable and you will enjoy relaxing the day away.
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.
Many divers in the world travel to Belize for one reason only, and that is to dive the famous Blue Hole. Jaques Cousteau introduced it to the world and it is an awesome site. A collapsed cave in the middle of the sea attracts divers that want to go deep. Drop down to 150 feet and dive under overhangs as hammerhead and reef sharks swim in the chummed waters above. This dive is not for new divers.
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.
Dining is high on everyone's list when traveling and Caye Caulker has its fair share of restaurants. There is jerk chicken, fresh seafood and western flare. After dinner stop in at a beach bar and enjoy a cocktail as you look out over the Caribbean Sea. You won't find crazy nightclubs, but you will find a great bar to listen to music while you relax in the islands.
Belize is certainly full of many more sights. It boasts rainforest's and islands, and the largest cave system in Central America. It is teeming with wildlife from Howler Monkeys to Jaguars. Like its surrounding neighbors, it has Mayan Ruins scattered throughout the country for you to enjoy and beautiful beaches can be found everywhere, the best being in Placencia 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. - 29892
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 view their photography gallery from their world adventures click on picturetheplanet.com
