ABOUT BELIZE
Belize lies on the eastern coastline of Central America, bordered on the north by Mexico, on the west and south by Guatemala, and on the east by the Caribbean Sea. It is separated by sea from its neighbor to the southeast, Honduras.
Independent nation since 1981, member of British Commonwealth of Nations. Parliamentary democracy with two major political parties; the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People’s United Party (PUP). The UDP currently holds power, led by Prime Minister Dean Oliver Barrow who took office February 8, 2008. Belize has a Constitution which includes a Bill of Rights.
Approximately 8,866 square miles, Belize’s mainland is approximately 180 miles long, and up to 68 miles wide. Belize also consists of over 200 cayes (islands) ranging in size from a few hundred square feet to 25 miles long and four miles wide; most of which are located inside the 200 mile Belize Reef. Belize boasts the worlds second largest barrier reef, which is less than one mile off the coast of San Pedro, Belize
The population of Belize is approximately 280,000. There is a great deal of ethnic diversity among Belizeans, who include Hispanic, Creoles (African-European), Mestiz (Spanish-Indian), Mennonite, Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian. The largest single group is Hispanic. English is the official language and is widely spoken, as is Spanish. Other languages include Creole, German, Mayan, and Garifuna.
Belize weather is characterized by two seasons: a rainy and a dry season. Belize annual rainfall, most of which occurs during the period of June to November, can range from 60 inches (1542 mm) in the north to 160 inches (4064 mm) in the south. Average temperatures range from 81 degrees Fahrenheit / 27 degrees Celsius along the coast to 69 degrees Fahrenheit/ 21 degrees Celsius in the hills of the mainland.
Ambergris Caye is the larger Caye in Belize. San Pedro is considered town center on the island, and the island itself is approximately 25 miles long, with most of its inhabitants within a 12 mile by 1/4 mile wide stretch. San Pedro is the largest tourist center as well, as the diving, accommodations, and people are among the best in the world!
Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley is approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) south of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. It is the single most popular day trip from San Pedro, perfect for snorkeling and diving.
The Blue Hole is part of the Lighthouse Reef System, it lies approximately 60 miles off the mainland out of Belize City. It is one of the most astounding dive sites to be found anywhere on earth, right in the center of Lighthouse Reef is a large, almost perfectly circular hole approximately one quarter of a mile (.4 km) across.
The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a huge 300 square mile area that features Caribbean Pine and brackens ferns instead of the typical tropical forests and lianas which cover most of the rest of Belize. The area is also dotted with beautiful waterfalls, streams, and caves that you can walk through. Deep within the reserve is a 1000 footfalls, a spectacular ribbon of water which drops from the pine forest to the tropical forest below. An overlook allows you to see the top part of the falls.
La Isla Bonita
San Pedro, La Isla Bonita!
Ambergris Caye is one of the larger Caye’s in Belize, and is the island on which Romantic Travel Belize is located. San Pedro is considered town center on the island, and the island itself is approx 25 miles long, with most of its inhabitants within a 12 mile by 1/4 mile wide stretch. San Pedro is the largest tourist center as well, as the diving, accommodations and people are among the best in the world! For more pictures, and a sense of life in San Pedro, go to www.tacogirl.com.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Hol Chan Scuba Diving!
Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley is approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) south of San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. It is the single most popular day trip from San Pedro, perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. The reserve was formed primarily as a community-based initiative due to concern over the high level of uncontrolled, often destructive fishing and diving activities in the area. Reserve status was also called for by international organizations such as the New York Zoological Society (NYZS) and Peace Corps, due to the unique formation of the channel, the abundant fishery resources (including conch and lobster) and the feasibility of including an interlinked system of coral reef, seagrass and mangrove habitats in this area.
The Blue Hole
The Blue Hole!!
The Blue Hole is part of the Lighthouse Reef System, it lies approximately 60 miles off the mainland out of Belize City. It is one of the most astounding dive sites to be found anywhere on earth, right in the center of Lighthouse Reef is a large, almost perfectly circular hole approximately one quarter of a mile (.4 km) across.
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Pine Ridge Forest Reserve!
The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a huge 300 square mile area that features Caribbean Pine and brackens ferns instead of the typical tropical forests and lianas which cover most of the rest of Belize. The area is also dotted with beautiful waterfalls, streams and caves tat you can walk through. Deep within the reserve is a 1000 foot falls, a spectacular ribbon of water which drops from the pine forest to the tropical forest below. An overlook allows you to see the top part of the falls.
Xunantunich Maya Ruin
Xunantunich Maya Ruins!
The minor Maya ceremonial center of Xunantunich is spectacularly perched on a hill over looking the Mopan River. Xunantunich, meaning “stone woman” in Maya, has a commanding view of the entire upper Belize River valley. The largest pyramid, El Castillo, rises a towering 130 feet above the main plaza, and more than 250 feet above the river valley below. The main temple is visible from all parts of the valley today.
THE FIRST THING WE RECOMMEND IS TO GO SLOW…
Belize is a very easy country to navigate! So slip on your thongs, sun shades, grab a cool drink and chillaxe. Your in “no worries land” and if you take heed of our simple tips and it will be so groovy. Romantic Travel Belize will help you determine the best ways to get from “Point A to Reef”.
RENTAL CARTS OR CARS
There are several companies who rent golf carts on Ambergris Caye and automobiles on the Mainland.
BUSES
You can get around quite easily by bus in Belize, however, they are irregular, inconsistent and unreliable. For those who like the journey, the bus is a very low cost way to travel.
WATER TAXI
– You can get to Belize directly from Mexico via water taxi to Ambergris Caye. Once in Belize, you can take boats from the Mainland of Belize to the Cayes and between Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Ambergris Caye has a water taxi service that can take you from one part of the island to another.
SHUTTLE SERVICES
There are several shuttle services for both land and sea, allowing for private transportation to suit your needs
AIR
Tropic Air is the preferred carrier of Romantic Travel Belize and can take you just about anywhere in Belize. If Tropic Air can’t take you there, there are Charter Planes and Helicopter services that we’d be happy to arrange for you. Why not just let Romantic Travel Belize be your Belize Travel Planner and make your romantic vacation in Belize easier and waaaaay more relaxed.