Belize the Beautiful
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.
Explore the architecture from stilt houses to Colonial buildings left over from the English settlement of the 1500’s. Make sure to stop for some food while out and about. Belize city offers local fare, seafood and international cuisine. Culture, food and even language is varied in this small Caribbean nation. People speak the official language of English, but are also fluent in Creole, Spanish and even 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.
It has all of the same access to the Belize Barrier Reef has as Ambergris Caye as well. The Reef is a must for anyone visiting Belize. One of the most pristine in the world, but it is famous for its Shark Ray Alley. Groups of nurse sharks and manta rays inhabit the reef and if you hire a guide, you will have the chance to swim with them. It has been a protected reef for 12 years and the wildlife and coral is abundant.
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.
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 isn’t Mexico, The Dominican or Jamaica yet, but it won’t be long until everyone starts thinking of Belize as their vacation destination. So what are you waiting for, book your trip today and discover Belize.
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September 22 2009 04:37 am | Destinations