Ambergris Caye: La Isla Bonita

Ambergris Caye, surrounded by a crystalline blue sea, is a real Island experience with the main attraction being the Barrier reef.

On the outskirts of San Pedro the resorts offer the seclusion and tranquility of an island escape; in town itself, experience the vibrant laid back lifestyle of beach cafes, docksided bars, and sea view restaurants.

Visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the first marine protected area in Belize and nearby Caye Caulker that offers an even slower island pace. Enjoy from diving the Blue Hole, the unique Atolls, and barrier reef, watch for manatees grazing the sea grass, and the nurse sharks and southerns rays at Shark Ray Ally. Snorkel, kayak, wind surf, swim or simply relax in hammocks and watch the world go by. For a change in scenery, day trips to the rainforest and the ruins of Altun Ha and Lamanai are a welcome option.

 

Belize City: Colonial Charm

The main attraction is either business, shopping or inquisitive exploration of a historic city with its own unique charm. Downtown you will find the oldest Anglican Church in Central America, the Government House Museum, the Court House, Baron Bliss Cultural Institute and the Fort George Lighthouse.

During the evenings there are  restaurants offering a wide variety of traditional dishes, seafood specialitites and American crusine;   popular night spots for cocktails, long cool drinks, live local music and " Punta Rock" dancing.

As the primary commuincation hub, with easy connections to the interior, coastline and the Cayes of Belize the opportunities for day excursions are plentiful. Explore the Mountain Pine Ridge, inland Blue Hole and Caves Branch, the Community Baboon Sanctuary, the Belize Zoo and Mayan sites of Lamanai and Caracol. Dive unique Turneffe atoll and the historic offshore Cayes, fish the reef, flats, deep sea and rivers, or snorkel along the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere.

Caye Caulker: The Go Slow Island

A 45 minute boat ride from Belize City or a 7 minute flight from the international airport will take you to this sandy limestone coral island, filled with vibrant colorful homes and businesses that adds to the charm of the friendly villagers. You can get around this island either by bicycle, golf cart or by foot, as the island is only 5 miles long.

Caye Caulker is best known for having a laid back feel and although a small island in comparison to it's neighbor Ambergris Caye; Caye Caulker has so much to offer to it's visitors. One of the main attractions is the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, with it's prestine waters that is home to large masses of untouched coral, school of fishes, nurse sharks,  eagle spotted sting rays, turtles as well as the moray eels.  Activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, jet skiing, kiteboarding, diving expedtions, Island hopping tours, sailing and much more can be done on this remote and calm island.

After a day with fun filled activities in the sun you can simmer down at the split. The split is known for it's name due to the island is split in the middle. There are theories as to why this occured. From a hurricane that passed through and divided the island or from a dredging that occured years ago. No one will tell you the history better than the locals on this small yet peaceful island.
 

The North: New mixed with old

The northern districts of Corozal and Orange Walk are characterized  by sprawling sugar cane plantations, pristine rainforest, and a plethora of wetlands. Sparsely populated, small sleepy villages are a cultural mix of Maya and Mestizo, with a distinct Spanish flavour. Mennonite community mix the new with the old, with horse drawn buggies casually stop in at their modern day supermarkets for supplies.

Ancient archaeological and history takes centerstage reflecting the past turmoil between the Maya and the Spanish and later the Caste War across the border in nearby Yucatan.

Corozal Town is the principal hub of the far north, but with its mixture of Caribbean and Mexican architecture overlooking the calm, emerald waters of Corozal Bay it retains an air of traquility and a unique seaside feel.

Within the area itself enjoy a snippet into the past by visiting the impressive Mayan sites of Lamanai and Cerros , and the ruins of sugar mills. Experience nature at its best at the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area and Shipstern Nature Reserve and The Butterfly Farm.

The South: Sunshine and Serenity

The sand, sea and culture is the most popular attraction for house venturing south to Placencia. This is complemented by the easy access by sea to a jungle river trip experience and inland rainforest, forming the backdrop to the southern highway. The offshore Cayes and sheltered lagoon to the back of the peninsula offers excellent birding and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Day trips are predominantly focused on snorkeling, diving and watersports related opportunities to Tobacco Reef (From Dangriga), the Silk Cayes and Laughing Bird Caye National Park. Exploration of the Monkey River and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the first jaguar preserve in the world, providing a glimpse into the natural histories of Belize's endangered species the Black Howler Monkey and jaguar, among a whole catalogue of intriguing wildlife.

The West: Rainforest, ruins, and relaxation

Experience nature, adventure, and tranquil therapeutic moments either star gazing, relaxing in natural pools or simply wandering through the rainforest is what Western Belize is about. Whether you are an avid naturalist or an ethnic explorer, the natural history of the area and its exotic flora and fauna is certain to provide a facination and intriguing introduction towards the web of life illustrated in the rainforest ecosystems. Nature's playground offers activities such as tubing down rivers and through caves, kayaking, horseback riding, and hiking to the tops of Mayan temples for magnificent vistas of the forest canopy.

Popular day tours are visits to the Mountain Pine Ridge, with its 1000 foot falls, Rio Frio Cave and Rio on Pools; the Maya ruins of Caracol, Xuantunich and Cahal Pech; medicine trails through the bush; Chaa Creek natural History Museums and Butterfly Farm; the Belize Zoo; the inland Blue Hole; Che Chem Ha caves; and caving at Caves branch. A border crossing across the spectacular ruin of Tikal in Guatemala is no problem, and a breathaking expedition.