Pack Your Shorts, Sun Shades and a Camera for the Warm Winter!

Warm coats and heaters are never an option in Belize.  In fact, all you need in this sub-tropical paradise is a pair of shorts, t-shirts, a pair of sandals, sun shades, sun block and a cold beer.  Belize is the place where coconut palms and white sand beaches were born: where mother nature smiles happily after seeing her glorious creation of exquisite oceans, barrier reefs, atolls and rich rainforest. Belize is the place where the great Maya Civilization built their magnificent pyramids and where the Clovis Culture roamed more than 12,000 years ago according to archeologists.

Not far from the equator, the Caribbean jewel enjoys summer year round. As the t-shirt reads, “No Shirt – no problem; no shoes - no problem,” is quite fitting.  Belize is the place where the human spirit reaches new dimensions. This is the place where the concept of love and romance were invented. With only 320 000 souls wandering this 8 800 square miles of tropical wonders, everyone can find their personal piece of paradise.  A multitude of colorful birds call Belize their home and schools of whale sharks travel half way around the world to feed here.  Noah’s Ark must have landed in Belize after the great flood explaining the great diversity in wildlife. Here, flowering flora pushes new frontiers in botanical evolution. A splash of Central American, a splash of the Caribbean, and a sprinkle of neither, the flavors of Belize is elusive and yet lures cultures from every corner of the world to call their home.

Warm winters are a promise in sub-tropical Belize. Flat fishing, dipping into a jungle waterfall pool, snorkeling or diving, BBQ on a private island, exploring mysterious temples and caves, zip-lining across dense rainforest canopies or just   Sipping a glass of wine on a secluded beach are best during Belizean winters. Choose your adventure.  There are enough adventures to fill an entire month’s itinerary.  No need to quiver in the cold of the north or stay indoors when you can be having fun in the sun of the south. Belize welcomes you.

School is Out – Belize Summer Travels Offers a Journey through Time

Island Life

School is out and Belize’s Summer Travel is hotter than ever. Anyone who has travelled can attest to the gazillion charms that Belize has to offer from reefs to ruins, birds to blue holes, Belize adventures awaits you.

Like no other journey you have ever encountered, Belize is truly a journey through time.  Mark my word, Belize is no ordinary place! Often, we hear the expression, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” On this journey, it will take a thousand pictures to say one word – Belize.

First-time visitors will want to enjoy discovering Belize’s array of natural land and sea wonders. Expect the unexpected and pack accordingly. Savvy travelers will enjoy their stay more. Pack your cameras, film, diving, snorkeling, and fishing equipment, sunscreens, repellents and appropriate clothing for sub-tropical climate – serious adventure awaits the curious and brave of heart in Belize.

Like a mighty sun perched high on a mesmerizing sunset, Belize shines brightly over the completion.  She is colorful, vibrant and very exciting.  One look will never satisfy your curiosity. She must be scrutinized and explored from every corner to really appreciate her beauty.

Her highest point towers some 4,000 feet above sea level, where she watches over the majestic Maya Mountains. As one foot huddles in the warm sand of the coastal beaches, the other rests gently on the proud barrier reef. Her arms stretch out and embrace more than 8,000 square miles of unharmed natural beauty. You have seen no paradise more lovely. She is picture-perfect.

In fact, this rare gem called Belize is an endless voyage through snapshots and feelings. It’s an intimate date with Mother Nature that promises an experience oozing with excitement, adventure and memories. She is close, yet so far – old, yet so new. In every way, she is a trip one never forgets.

Lobster in its Barrier Reef Home

Visitors from all over the world find it wonderful, magical and beautiful, in a very natural way. Belize is the last outpost. It’s on the edge of the world.  It’s where the old world of the Maya, Garifuna, Creole and Mestizo meets the new and emerges into the cultural melting pot it is today. Simply put, she is splendid.

If Belize is famous for anything, it would be diving along its outer cayes and ecotourism inland. Belize is home of the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Diving is unquestionably outstanding. The cayes along the reef are picturesque – white sandy beaches and coconut palms. No footprints allowed here, except yours of course. So pack your bags, camera and film, Belize welcomes you!

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!

“Even Jacques-Yves Cousteau Admits that Belize Contains Top Ten Scuba Diving Sites in the World!”

Many people spend the better part of our lives working hard to survive and to save a bit more for the amenities needed in life. When we take a moment to think of all the great things around us that is available for consumption and pleasure, we realize how seldom we take advantage of them. It is not often that we appreciate our families, the good friendships and relationships we enjoy nor the many countless gifts that Mother Nature has bestowed people with to appreciate, protect and utterly enjoy. Belize is one such destination, where apparently Mother Nature favored a notch above many others. This tiny Caribbean tropical jewel, although only 8,866 sq. miles with roughly 318,000 people boosts the hemisphere’s largest barrier reef, three out of four atolls, an abundance of natural wealth of rich biodiversity from reef to rainforest and a multi-ethnic society of fascinating cultural heritage. Belize is the Maya heartland where three Maya ethnicities continue to flourish in their traditional ways. And if this were not enough evidence, the tiny bio-mass continues to unveil the discovery of oil deposits in commercial quantity across the country further affirming that Mother Nature offered this secret Caribbean getaway an unparalleled mix of natural riches.

This Caribbean gem with a barrier reef spanning across most its offshore, three atolls, hundreds of white sand beach and mangrove islands, pristine waters, thriving reef systems that includes the iconic Blue Hole are the perfect ingredients for superb sports fishing and diving. It is no surprise that informed travellers come from all corners of the globe for world class sports fishing and diving in Belize and appreciate why renowned diver, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, regarded some sites in Belize among his favorites in the world.

There are many must-see diving and fishing hot spots, but Glovers Atolls must be highlighted. This reef ecosystem, of ring corals 54 miles in circumference, offers spectacular diving and snorkeling experiences.  The southern end of Glover’s Atoll, also recognized as a UN World Heritage Site in 1997, is national marine reserve.

Just one hour south of Glover’s Atoll is Gladden Spit where the world’s largest fish - the whale sharks gather to feed during the months of March to May. During these months there are high chances for divers and snorkelers to see these amazingly passive sea mammoths. These gentle giants of the sea may grow up to 65 feet and weigh several tons are seen near the full moons feeding on the spawn from dog snappers. Splash Dive Center holds the gold standard in customized services to divers and snorkelers in a variety of diving options and locations for an optimal experience in Belize’s very best dive packages available.

Life is easy in Belize! So whether you are looking for a unique adventure, or exceptional fishing or diving, a close encounter with wildlife, an unforgettable cultural exchange or utter pampering and relaxation at a resort  – chances  you may very well get more that what you bargained for!  Life is short, there is just too much to be enjoyed in Belize! Call Splash Dive Center today, Belize’s premier Destination Management Company, to start planning your dream vacation. If you can conceive it, we can make it a reality. Live a bit, live a lot in Belize!