People who are looking for a complete vacation experience with authentic culture, amazing food, and breathtaking sites should consider a Belize vacation. Situated along the second longest barrier reef in the world, Belize is a small paradise that is a short flight for many North American travelers. Whether you are look to explore the world second longest coral and surrounding islands, swimming with whale sharks, snorkeling with sting rays or having an ecotourism adventure in one of the most preserved jungles in the world, Belize vacations offers the complete package for all tastes.
With a distinct cultural blend of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and Mayan, Belize is a truly unique country in terms of cultural and language. While all of its neighbors speak Spanish, Belize is the only country in the region to have English as its official language. This makes Belize the ideal destination for travelers who are looking to communicate directly with the population, without the use of guides or translators.
One of the advantages that Belize offers over other tourist destinations is the amount of activities that you can do. Whether you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy an all inclusive vacation or a young traveller looking for a great backpacking experience, there is an adventure that is awaiting everyone. The key to planning a good Belize vacation is know what you want to do beforehand. Make sure you carefully plan out your entire itinerary so you will have enough time to get everything done. Don’t worry if you can’t fit everything into one vacation because it will give you an excuse to go back to Belize.
The Belize Barrier Reef
One of the main treasures that lie within this tiny country is the Belize barrier reef. Being the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second longest in the world, visiting the reef is a must for underwater lovers. Even if you aren’t a seasoned diver, the barrier reef offers plenty of fun and excitement to people who are looking to discover the joys of underwater exploration. Some of the best views can be had snorkeling through the vibrant coral and spotting tropical species of fish. If you have never snorkeled a reef before, this place is second to none in terms of diversity and visibility.
There are a number of activities you can do in and around the Belize barrier reef. One of the most popular activities that many cruise ship tourists take advantage of is the snorkeling with the sting rays and swimming with sharks. While this might sound like a dangerous activity, expert guides are there with you to ensure you don’t have any problems in the water. Between the months of March – June you can swim with whale sharks on guided tours. Being the largest fish in the ocean, this is truly a magical experience that you will never forget.
Great Blue Hole
Another treasure that has made Belize famous around the world is the Great Blue Hole, a large underwater sink hole, which is situated 70 kilometers of the mainland of Belize. Located directly in the center of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, it is one of the most spectacular diving sites in the world. People come from all over the world to dive the Great Blue Hole and the surrounding Atoll. Due to its uniquely symmetrical shape, it is often referred to as one of the most amazing natural landscapes in the world.
Besides the pure aesthetics of the hole itself, the diving in and around the hole is world class. If you are a diver that likes to dive in crystal clear water with an enormous amount of biodiversity, this is the place to go. Among some of the fish species that is often seen in the Great Blue Hole are groupers, nurse sharks, and other species of sharks. The average dive trip to the Great Blue Hole will last a full day which includes a dive in the Hole and other dives located outside of the Blue Hole.
Island Adventures
For many tourists who are looking to get away from the mainland of Belize, the numerous island resorts and towns are the best option. The two largest and most popular islands off the coast of Belize are Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. If you are planning on enjoying a holiday snorkeling a short distance from your hotel room, the islands are an excellent option. Ambergris Caye is the larger of the two islands and tends to cater to high end tourists, while Caye Caulker is very popular among the backpackers.
Other islands around Belize include Caye Chapel and a number of private islands. The private islands often have their own resorts and cater to different types of tourists. If you are looking to book a private island there are a number of places that allow you to rent out an entire island for the week. Prices for renting an island can be expensive, so be prepared to pay.
Belize Mayan Ruins
If warm water and hot beaches aren’t enough to tickle your fancy, the Mayan ruins located in Belize will surely stimulate your imagination. Scattered throughout Belize, there are a number of well preserved Mayan ruins that date back around 300-900 AD. During this period the ancient Mayans were at the height of their civilization in terms of population and cultural developments.
The largest and most popular of the Mayan ruins located in Belize is Caracol. Carocal was once at the center of the largest Mayan kingdom that was around. Today, it has thousands of structures that still remain from the old city that used to be. It played an important role in some of the political struggles that occurred in the southern Maya lowlands. This run is located on the west of Belize near the border of Guatemala. There are a number of other ruins that are located in other parts of Belize.
If you are interested in seeing one of the Mayan ruins you can either go in an organized tour or you can rent a vehicle and explore the locations yourself. This will often depend if you prefer to venture off and discover the ruins for yourself or you like to have someone explaining them to you.
Belize All Inclusive Resorts
For the tourist that simply likes to relax and enjoy the sand of the water breaking against the beach, all inclusive vacations are often the best solution. These resorts offer everything from food and beverages to nightly entertainment. If you are looking for a great place to spend your holidays relaxing and enjoying the sunshine, these vacations packages will do the trick.
Most of the all inclusive resorts that are located in Belize are situated on the surrounding islands of Belize. People who are keen on finding a good all inclusive vacation to Belize should look for vacation packages that can cater to their needs. Most of the packages will offer options to take tours and do other activities throughout the day.
Ecotourism Belize
With the growing trend towards sustainability and green living, it is not surprising that ecotourism has taken hold in Belize. If you are looking to travel to a protected area of Belize with minimal impact to the surrounding environment, there are a number of options at your disposal.
A great example of an ecotourism resort in Belize is Jungle Camp which is located in the south of Belize in the Toledo district. This camp is situated deep in the jungle that is only accessible by boat. This particular resort offers a traditional Mayan experience with locally sourced food and a number of activities that will keep you wanting more.
Choose the Right Belize Vacation
When it comes to selecting a vacation, it all comes down to your personal preferences. Proper trip planning is essential for ensuring that you see and do everything that you want to. People who have never experienced the jungle before should consider spending a few days in an ecotourism resort to truly get in touch with nature. Conversely, if you are the type of person that enjoys your time snorkeling and scuba diving, the vast coral reefs and surrounding islands will ensure that you are never bored with underwater exploration. All in all, Belize is a country that will offer something for everyone. You just need to take the time to find out what you are looking for when planning your Belize vacation.
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