Belize

This beautiful country on the Caribbean coast borders Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south. The lush tropical rainforest and hundreds of Mayan ruins make Belize a top destination for bird watchers and eco tourists. But it is the barrier reef, a true paradise for snorkelers and divers, the reason we and most go.

Ambergris Caye is the most visited location, being San Pedro the only town on the island. The barrier reef is so close to the island that you can see the boats anchored from ashore. After a short 10 minute boat trip, we were able to see the most beautiful sea bottom and creatures. Having visited the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, I found Belize’s reef as interesting while being easier to get to and less crowded. A few more minutes of boat and we were taken to another location where we swam among tiger sharks and sting rays. What an amazing experience, and it was just the local guide feeding the sharks and 3 of us keeping some distance! The famous “blue hole” is in the area and manatee sanctuaries can be reached by boat.

The more secluded north part of the island is home to some very fancy resorts. The southern part is busier with good restaurants and shops. Barefoot and shorts are fine. Belizeans are very friendly and speak fluently both English and Spanish. Most people who visit Belize fall in love with the reef, the coastline, the laid back atmosphere, and keep going back year after year...

Click here to see a sample of our Belize pictures