Any unlucky anglers who haven’t been to Belize? Here is some bait to hook you….

Belize-is where you go catching not just fishing.  This small, yet so big blue Caribbean jewel, is synonymous with exceptional fishing.  Belize has long been recognized as a world-class angling destination, and fishermen from all parts of the world come for great sports fishing.

What makes Belize so appealing is the vast diversity of fishing grounds, of fish species, different types of fishing and the sheer natural beauty of the unique landscape where these grounds are found.  In addition to the endless numbers of cayes, deep blue water and turtle-grass flats, Belize boosts an abundance of rivers, lagoons, and freshwater lakes adding to the proliferation of fishing grounds.

Blogger- Megan Wood Fishing in Belize- http://meganlwood.com/

Make no mistake; Belize is no ordinary fishing spot.  Belize is home to the “Big Three,” where fly fishing enthusiasts have a chance at the revered Grand Slam – a bonefish, tarpon and permit in one day!

Prized for its incredible strength and speed, bonefish may average between 2 – 5 pounds and are caught on Belize’s flats throughout the year. The virgin waters around Placencia offer a fertile ground to sight and catch this top game fish.

Belize offers good fly fishing for tarpons. In fact, a couple hundred square miles of tarpon flats is featured throughout Belize. Tarpons are perhaps some of the strongest, largest (up to a whopping 200 pounds) and most acrobatic fish in saltwater. The best tarpon fishing months are from November through April or May.  Tarpon Caye lies offshore of Placencia.

Belize’s southern waters are not only known for tarpon and bonefish, but also the amazing number of permit that inhabit the long chain of cayes and flats. Also known as “Silver King

Outside of Belize’s magnificent barrier reef, dozens of other species are found in the deep blue sea including wahoo, dolphin fish (also known as dorado or maui-maui), grouper, barracuda, jack crevalle, yellowtail and mutton snapper. The three Atolls – Turneffe Islands, Lighthouse Reef and Glover’s Reef offer good chances of catching the great Blue Marlin.

So for those who like variety to catch their prize fish, Belize is a top flat fishing mecca offering a number of experienced operators and guides with abundant local knowledge. No matter whether you are a veteran or a novice, Belize’s saltwater fishing features exceptional angling prospects.  So pack your fishing gear or use our fishing gear but come to Belize.  In Belize, you’ll experience the difference between “just fishing” and “catching.”

A Family Vacation in Placencia- Monkey River Tour

Choosing a fantastic vacation destination this year was a difficult decision for my family.  My two children Harry and Britney are turning 12 and 15 years respectively this year and we were all in agreement that a destination in the Caribbean and off the beaten path would be a good change from the usual yearly visits to well- known destinations.  After doing a bit of research, we found out about Belize and its many diverse offerings of reef and inland adventures in the tiny but lovely country of Belize which is literally in our backyard just two hours from our home state Florida. Little did we know then that we ever about to venture into of our best vacations ever while creating lifelong memories.

Our days were filled with dive and snorkeling visits to idyllic spots like the famous Blue Hole, Glover’s Atoll and countless inland tours as well as cultural experiences.

One particularly memorable trip was the Monkey River Tour.  This wildlife adventure started with an hour boat ride from Placencia Village on the Peninsula to the mouth of Monkey River where the excitement of the journey continues.  Our knowledgeable guide, a native to Monkey River Village, led our tour group through an interesting lesson on the history of Monkey River Village while he pointed out the surrounding abundant wildlife.

Cruising along Monkey River for approximately 30 minutes and relishing a short inland detour, our tour group was surely in for a real scenic treat in nature.  Lush tropical canopy dominated the river sides with occasional tall trees among the smaller plant life like mangroves, bamboo, palms and swamp cypresses.  The rich forest smell was invigorating and the view of the biologically diverse forest was breath taking. We were so pleased to learn that sixty percent of the country remains covered with such similar tropical ecosystems. Indeed the little Caribbean jewel appears to be serious about environmental protection.

Along the inland trail, Harry and Britney were intrigued by the exotic birds spotted such as the magnificent Osprey eagle, the enormous King Vulture, and even spotted the brilliantly colored Keel Billed Toucan hovering high above the tall empress palms as pointed out by our guide, James. Certainly a naturalist’s paradise, Monkey River was teeming with football-size turtles, crocodiles and many species of lizards such as the ‘Jesus Christ Lizard’ named locally for its ability to run across the water edges using its webbed hind feet. And just when we thought there was nothing more to see, our bodies cringed with goose bumps as a group of boisterous black howler monkeys swept pass a few feet above our heads howling and swinging.  The experience reminded me briefly of a scene in Indiana Jones shot in the depths of a mysterious neo-tropical rainforest. The setting was surely one to ignite the imagination. The path was filled with many exotic orchids in many sizes, shapes and colors.

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip and Monkey River Village has certainly inspired us to appreciate nature in a differfleadent light. We are also thankful to our tour operator, Splash Dive Center for making all our tour arrangements and for contributing to us having a fabulous time in Belize!

Belize Whales Shark Season is near at Gladden Spit Marine Reserve

Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts anxiously await the whale shark 2013 season at Gladden Spit Marine Reserve from March to June. During these months the gentle giants of the ocean migrate to this corners of the world about an hour boat ride from Placencia, to feed on the spawn especially from mutton, cubera and dog snapper.

Whale Shark

These snappers thrive in the open waters of the marine reserve and are  relatively abundant in Belize where Mother Nature has been generous in her distribution of a vibrant reef system and ecological diversity.  Unlike its Caribbean counterparts whose diminishing fisheries are constrained by commercial exploitation, marine life still flourishes in Belize’s pristine marine reserves. 

Belize Barrier Reef

The spawn from the snapper takes place near the time of the full moon  are an irresistibly rich source of food for the whale sharks. April and May are the best months for sighting whale sharks at Gladden Spit.  The best days for spotting and interacting with the giant yet friendly whale shark are shortly after the full moons. Although neither chasing nor touching is allowed for safety and regulatory purposes, diving or snorkeling with them is an experience to be relished for a lifetime.

A combination of unique dive packages is available with arrangements that include the world famous Blue Hole, atolls, barrier reef marine reserve, and island beach and tropical jungle escapes. The diving experience is remarkable and attracting a growing number to this Caribbean jewel known as Belize.

So for all you diving enthusiasts, treat yourself to the experience of a lifetime in the underwater world of Belize with a break or two to explore the tropical world known as Nature’s Best Kept Secret.  Call  Splash Dive Center at 501 523 3080 or e-mail patricia@splashbelize.com.

“Falling in Love in and With Belize”

Little did I know that twenty years later I would be returning to the tiny paradise of Belize were Mark (my husband) and I spent our honeymoon.  Despite the many changes I see now, mostly for the better, I still remember my first trip back in 1992 as if though it was merely a year ago.  We spent most of that one week vacation in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye at Victoria House.  The entire experience was magical. Coming from Chicago, a honeymoon in the tropics is quite a treat.

I first landed at the San Pedro Airstrip on a small flight from the international airport and was taken aback with the quaint fisherman image of this sleepy town.  I was initially concerned whether the town or the hotel would even have the amenities or facilities it claimed to have. Well, even then, Victoria House exceeded my expectations. Mark and I are as much in love today as we were back then but with the intense butterfly feelings that newlyweds often have. Every moment and every second was glorious. The room was impeccable and elegant. The ocean view was break-taking. The food was exquisite, the indoor dining hall was superbly elegant and private dining on the beach with torch fires was beyond romantic. The service was exceptional and all staff members seem so genuinely happy to be providing a superior service. Going to the outer cayes and snorkeling in Hol Chan Marine Reserve with the overly abundant marine diversity reminded me of Brook Shields in the Blue Lagoon. I could not have been any happier, if I could only hold on forever to that fairylike feeling of overwhelming happiness.  Beyond any doubt, the island represented great memories for Mark and I. So much so, we swore that one day we would bring our kids one day to visit Belize.

This year, my son Andrew completed twelve years and my daughter Jessica will turn 16 and I thought that perhaps this year my family is much deserving of a vacation. Surely enough my husband and I made well on the promise to introduce our kids to Belize- the place where we consummated our marriage. Indeed, twenty years was plenty time to bring about serious changes in a destination we visited two decades ago.  I was elated to note that the country had since grown substantially since our trip in 1992. The small town of San Pedro is now booming with several more resorts, restaurants and even more people.

Placencia was a top priority this time around.  Mark is very fond of sports fishing and my two children are huge diving enthusiast.  Jessica and Andrew took intermediary diving lessons with our local dive and tour operator, Splash Dive Center, who also arranged our family excursions to Caracol Maya, Monkey River, horseback riding and to the Belize zoo.

My family and I spent the final two days of our vacation in Toledo District at Machaca Hills lodge.  The property itself is rustically divine and chic. The view from the exquisite and award winning restaurant perched on a hill top was just stunning.  Mark and I made much use of the sunsets and sunrise from the balconies of our private cottages looking at the dense Machaca Forest hills and the sea in the backdrop. It was the perfect setting for us to re-commit our vows to each other and we did!

These are memories that my family and I will cherish forever. I am very happy that we decide to visit Belize a second time and I know that every member of my family has gained so much more from the experience. Thank you Belize for a wonderful time, it truly was a perfect and indelible family vacation! 

You Better Belize it! Paradise Is Here

Just 22 miles off the coast of Placencia, in the Central part of Belize’s Barrier Reef, lay three tiny picturesque islands – Silk Cayes with white sand beach, swaying coconut trees and crystal clear emerald seas.  These Silk Cayes, also known as Queen Cayes, are the perfect postcard images that lure thousands of visitors each year for stunning snorkeling and sunning.

Silk Cayes, along with the Gladden Spit, was declared as a Marine Reserve in May 2000. Since 2003, this reserve has been established as a no take zone, a conch restoration zone, a whale shark and reef – fish spawning conservation zone and a general use zone.

Whalesharks, in the nearby Gladden Spit coming to feed on the spawning eggs between March and June, are seen in the large numbers. The reserve undoubtedly contains some of the healthiest parts of the reef due to its relative elevation and superior water quality. This reserve falls under the auspices of the Government’s Fisheries Department but managed by a community based organization – Southern Environmental Association (SEA).

With all these regulations and smart reef management practices, it is easy to see why the zone continues to enjoy abundant diversity of reef fish species. So whether you come to this postcard island to soak all the fun in the sun, B-B-Q on the beach, explore the marvel under the great reef,  watch the stunning whale sharks, or explore Belize’s vibrant culture, you will  experience a unique Paradise – Belizean style!

For a totally enhanced experience, Splash Dive Center offers guests upon request at this Island Snorkeling tour an exhilarating performance by Garifuna Dancers with heart-pounding drum rhythm while enjoying their exquisite BBQ. 

Belize Peace Corp Volunteers.

Natalie Macias, Shaz Davison, Warren Garbutt (Instructor) & Michelle Thompson.

Splash had the privilege of working with three wonderful Peace Corp Volunteers, who wanted to get their open water certification. We want to congratulate Natalie Macias, Shaz Davison & Michelle Thompson.

Learning to assemble the diving gear BCD, Dive tank, and regulator and checkin the BCD

Shaz having a great time being underwater.

Again congrats guys on doing this... we are ever so happy you choose Splash Dive Center. 

We hope to see you all very soon, and we look forward to our next Earth Day event, with you and maybe other volunteers joining in to lend a helping hand.

Splash Dive Center grounds has its own little flora & fauna.

The term "flora" comes from Latin language Flora, the goddess of plants, flowers, and fertility in Roman mythology. The corresponding term for animal life is fauna.

Photo by: James Cleeve Westby - Yellow Bell

Everyday I sit back and enjoy the beauty of our garden that surround our center. We have so many different types of plants and flowers. My favourite are the hibiscus plants at least that what I think we call them... there are so many colors, We have a yellow bell, a pink bell and of course the red bell, which the cinnamon humming birds seem to like very much. I love that they zoom in and out from my window next to my desk. Hovering over the flower drinking it sweet nectar.

Photo was taken by: James Cleeve Westby - Cinnamon Humming Bird

Then there is the somewhat red, with highlight of orange and yellow, a family to the birds of paradise plant. So beautiful. It blends in with the sunset every evening. I can see little lizard in and out of the tall stems, especially the geckos. They are so cute playing and running about, and catching flies with the long tongue. Its amazing what you will see if you stand there long enough and watch with patient eyes.

Photo by: James Cleeve Westby

And every now and then you will see and iguana pop out from no where, and take a sun bath on our dock. As if this say this is my spot so get over it. (laughing to my self). 

Its so nice to the see the life that all around the garden at our center, and as it grow I am sure we will see a hole lot more. The relaxing ambiance is soothing. the four palapas are great for sitting down and just let time roll by. Taking it all in, its our very own little flora & fauna.

Photo by: James Cleeve Westby

Photo by: James Cleeve Westby

Photo by: James Cleeve Westby

Photo by: James Cleeve Westby

Spotlight on Dianni's Guesthouse in Placencia

Dianni's Guesthouse Placencia Village

Every now and then we like to put a spot light on folks we work with in Placencia, and today that Business is no other than Dianni’s Guesthouse.
Dianni’s Guest House is located on the southern shores of the Placencia Peninsula, which offers visitors to Placencia quiet, comfortable, affordable accommodations with spacious verandas overlooking lush gardens.
Inside the guest house you will find everything you need for your overnight visit, long weekend, or extended stay.
Dianni’s is located within minutes’ walk to local restaurants, stores and other amenities. Our guest house is the perfect place to stay for any visitors looking for affordable, quiet, safe and relaxing environment while in Placencia.
http://www.diannisplacencia.com/

Patience, Team Work and Determination.

There is a lot that Splash Dive Center does in and around Placencia Village but to name one that is close to Patty’s heart and to Splash Dive Instructor Team is the Juniors Club. Patty founded the Splash Kids Club, which helps kids from the local community to get certified as PADI Junior Open Water divers. “Not only does this help the kids enjoy the rewards of scuba diving, but it gets them started on a potential career as a local guide or PADI Instructor, and more importantly educates them about the importance of long term environmental conservation and even better as the classes are free.” says Patty.

So with that said Splash Dive Center is very proud to congratulate and announce its first Dive Master Graduates, Norman & Edwin Leslie. They are the first graduates of the Junior Club and are now Certified Dive Master.  Their Patience, along with team work of the instructors and their determination they did it.  The Instructors (Mark Castillo, Sean Faux, and Warren Garbutt) were very pleased with the outcome of they’re performance.

Norman, (Proud Momma) Jodie, and Edwin Leslie

Norman and Edwin started off in 2005, when they were just in Standard 5, attending St. John’s Memorial Primary School; doing the PADI Junior Open Water. After graduating in 2006 the boy moved to Florida, Miami Dade County, where they started High School. Returning home for summer vacation in 2007, they continued with their Advance Open Water Certification, and in 2009 they finished off with their Emergency Frist Response & their Rescue Diver Certification… Both boys did not want to stop there they had to top that by taking it to the next level, in diving and becoming a Dive Master, getting certified this year in August. If you look at the time frame and wonder why the years gaps in between certification, the boys used this times to practice their skills, and make up their dives, before advancing on to the next stage. This is good practice.

Mrs. Jodie Leslie, is proud momma of both boys, and was with them every step of the way, lending her helping hand. She could not be more proud of the boys. When I asked her for a message for the boys or what she thinks of them for becoming dive masters she said… “I am very proud of my boys and thankful to Patty for giving them this unique opportunity for keeping them in tuned with what they like doing and that’s being on the sea. The boys took a spark to diving and realizing that diving and snorkeling is a part of the living environment in Placencia. I am so proud of them for taking it to the next level. I have always encouraged my boys to do their best at what they do and I can see them as future guides and dive instruction in Placencia or anywhere in the world.”

Norman & Edwin Leslie

Splash encourages all young teenagers to join the Juniors Club. They can choose to do the classes during the school year on Saturdays or during the summer on their free time. Teenager must come in with a parent and sit down with Patty to discuss class & time frame and parent must give their consent allowing their child to take the classes. For more information on the Juniors Club give us a call at 523-3080 or 523-3058, or e-mail Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com

Splash would also like to thank the sponsors for making the Juniors Club a success, without your financial support we would not be able to give these kids a chance.

Welcome to Splash Dive Center & Destinatin Management Company

Splash Dive Center is located in the sleepy yet vibrant community of Placencia Village on the pristine peninsula of southern Belize. Since 2000, Splash Dive Center has grown from a small operation focusing on scuba instruction, to a community driven PADI resort facility that not only provides dive and snorkeling packages, instruction courses and inland tours but a host of full fledge services that makes the dive center today a successful destination management company.
 

Our team of Belize specialists stands ready to offer all guests a complete package of all your travel logistics and needs in country from entering into the airport to returning to the airport and beyond for a lifetime experience comparable to no other. Splash Dive Center Destination Management Company has an established network of relationships with key operators and service providers throughout Belize and offers the following services:

1. Hotel booking for accommodations of preferred choice to suit a wide range of budgets or conveniences.

2. Airport or any country entry point coiffeur services to your destination and between destinations.

3. Booking of any aquatic, inland tours or special requests at any destination or point of interest in country.

4. Professional consultation and arrangements for the maximum experience of best available and affordable tours, activities, events, restaurants, shops or any special interest across all destinations at any time of the year.

5. Connections and further travel arrangements to specific destinations in Mexico or Guatemala.

The local team of destination experts at Splash Dive Center is able to offer its customers specially tailored packages that meets and/or exceeds their Belize travel expectations for the ultimate Belize experience!