Belize’s Barrier Reef, an Ultimate Diver’s Mecca

Belize Barrier Reef-Placencia

Belize’s amazing Barrier Reef is any avid diver’ or snorkeler’s aquatic playground that provides the ultimate experience. Divers from all over the world are discovering Belize’s exotic marine life and pristine waters and attest to the barrier reef being a colossal aquarium of exotic critters, graceful invertebrates, and colorful sea life. Spanning most of Belize’s coastline with 185 miles, this reef is the longest in the Western Hemisphere.

Belize has a remarkably high concentration of marine life. Schools of exotic fish, colorful coral gardens, grottos and walls lined with sponges appearing to have internal bioluminescence, caverns decorated with stalactites and ocean critters are ever present. More than 50 species of corals and 400 species of fish call these waters home including the horse-eye jack, barracuda, yellowtail snapper, pompano and goliath grouper often seen cruising the reef.

Belize Barrier Reef- Sea Turtle

With spectacular strings of unspoiled islands atop sparkling clear waters and three atolls, Belize is a mecca for divers and a water-borne Garden of Eden for water sports enthusiasts.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve, an offshore caye, is an excellent diving area easily accessed from San Pedro and Caye Caulker – two formerly sleepy fishing villages offshore and now popular tourist destinations and hub for divers. Inside the reef, coral rises to the surface in a long snaking ridge. Outside, the reef gently slopes down to some 40 feet, revealing many shallow water corals and a plethora of gorgonians. The sloping ledge is deeply cut with cracks and crevices winding to the reef’s outer edge where a great wall drops to the depths of the sea.

At Turneffe Islands, Lighthouse Reef and Glover’s Reef, the atolls provide scenic underwater topography and offer excellent variety of diving options. 

Belize Barrier Reef- Conch on Sea-floor

A truly fascinating phenomenon at Lighthouse Reef is the iconic Blue Hole. A titanic cave, once dry as demonstrated by the presence of stalactites, has been submerged since the end of the last Ice Age. A portion of its ceiling collapsed at some point in time, creating a blue hole more than 400 feet deep and nearly 1,000 feet across. At 100 feet, the wall gives way to a deep undercut. At a depth of 130 feet, the softly lit cavern’s 25 feet and upside-down monoliths hang from the ceiling. The sight of stalactites, silhouetted against the blue glow of the filtered light coming from beyond the ledge, is no ordinary experience. Some are so large that five divers side by side would not be enough to encompass them.

For all these reasons, Belize is the ultimate archipelago of natural and unspoiled beauty like a shining gem in the sun and mecca for divers from all over the world. But don’t take our word for it, be on the inside of Belize’s underwater paradise!

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!

Making Earth Day a Reality in Placencia!

Southern Environmental Association (SEA) and Splash Dive Center observed Earth Day, under the theme, Mobilize the Earth: Living Green, at Laughing Bird Caye National Park on April 29, 2012.  More than 120 students from the community schools in Placencia and the surrounding area, friends of Splash volunteers and event organizers visited the World Heritage site for their seventh annual Earth Day Clean Up.

After the warm welcome and brief orientation on house rules, the elated volunteers got busy with their yearly tradition of garbage collection on the picturesque island. Students, teachers, organizers and friends of Splash Dive Center meticulously combed the 1.4 mile long island for garbage while taking in all the sun and sand on the coconut dotted caye.

After garbage collection, earth day observers gathered under the large palapa for cool refreshments, fruits, and a delicious plate of Rice & Beans made available through the kind sponsorship of the local businesses and community. Fellow student peers delivered vibrant presentations on the fascinating history of Laughing Bird Caye, the ecological importance and the social and economic impact this has on the sustainability of Belize’s tourism.

An active day of environmental awareness would not be complete without a delightful swim in the clear waters of the island. Students enjoyed the last segment of day splashing and playing in the magnificent sea.

SEA and Splash Dive Center thanks all those in the community who generously supported the Earth Day Clean Up initiative in making it another year’s successful event.

• ·      Southern Environmental Association
• ·      Splash Dive Center
• ·      Robert's Grove Beach Resort
• ·      Chabil Mar Luxury Resort
• ·      The Placencia Hotel
• ·      Miramar Apartments
• ·      Sea Spray Hotel
• ·      Paradise Resort
• ·      Joy Tours
• ·      Trip & Travel
• ·      Wendy's Restaurant
• ·      Myrtle's Kitchen
• ·      Wallen's Market
• ·      Every Day Super
• ·      Ming's Super Market
• ·      Placencia Producer's Co-op
• ·      Barefoot Rental
• ·      Tipsy Tuna     
• ·      Sunova Gift Shop
• ·      Eworth Garbutt
• ·      Emelina Vernon
• ·      Jeanine Leslie
• ·       David Perez

Efforts like these provides a good opportunity to educate the future of this community on the ecological and economic importance of maintaining and protecting Belize’s natural heritage while actively experiencing the charm of the natural jewel.

Splash Dive Center and SEA continues to encourage the community to consider the expansion of this sort of first-hand experience of healthy reefs clean up campaigns to other needed areas. Essentially, Splash Dive Center supports the belief that Earth Day may be observed every day in both small and large ways.

“Living Green,” has never been more important but Earth Day provides an opportunity to take a moment and appreciate its growing importance in sustainability.

More Sun and Fun under the Sun, Lobster Festival 2012

Placencia Lobster Festival, in late June, is one of the most awaited annual events that ushers in the lobster season and the summer with a Belize kaleidoscope of vibrant arts and culture display in Placencia. A variety of finger licking lobster dishes is the special of the day. 

You can also enjoy any of the following at the beach Festival:

• Fishing Tournament
• Bicycle Race
• Arts and Crafts Display
• Live Music
• Water Activities

Lobster Dish

There is no escaping here the irresistible smell of abundant BBQ shell lobster being grilled to perfection in every corner of the sidewalk!

The quaint and narrow walk way in the heart of Placencia Village becomes electrified with colorful paintings, accessories, wood carvings and other items on sale, buzzing with strollers, vendors, musicians and villagers. 

There is no stress at this festival; the only stress is deciding which lobster dish to savor, this event is indeed the perfect chance to savor Belize cuisine. Placencia’s lobster festival is the perfect fun filled day at the beach for families, friends, couples and visitors to soak in the sun and the best of cultural highlights by the warm and bubbly community of the South.

Excitement for the weekend’s activities builds as fishing enthusiasts gear up for the event’s fishing tournament.  The stakes are high and the competition is switched on.  Sport fishing’s most prized catches are the trophies: bone fish, tarpons and permits. Fly fishing mavens challenge each other for the coveted grand slam. The question is always: who will take this year’s prize?

The young and the young at heart relish in bicycle races, tug-o-war, dance and eating competitions all day long. School is out and summer is in. The Harbor is teaming with jolly activities and determined fishing pundits, families are basking on the beach, the young are flaunting their talents, local arts, crafts and music is inspiring and exciting the imagination.  The thrills and excitement at Placencia’s Lobster festival is inexhaustible and certain to please even the most insatiable appetites. There are only three rules at this festival: Enjoy, enjoy and enjoy some more! Mark your calendar on June 22-24.

You can also contact Splash Dive Center for more information via email at patricia@splashbelize.com or visit their web page at www.splashbelize.com 

Belize's Best Whale Shark Diving!!

In Belize’s extraordinarily clear waters of the reef lives an amazing world of colorful limestone corals and incredible variety of fish and sea mammals.  Coral cleaning Rainbow Parrotfish; bashful and brightly colored angel fish; territorial barracuda; lazy nurse sharks; inquisitive Nassau grouper; school of blue stripped grunt; and the ever graceful stingrays, eagle rays and manta rays are often seen. Bottle nosed dolphins, manatee, and sea turtles can also be seen by divers and snorkelers.  The resplendent underwater scenery attracts divers from around the globe to enjoy the multicolor scenery. Consider the following and you’ll understand why Belize is one of the most popular dive destinations – The Belize Barrier Reef, three magnificent atolls, 70 types of hard corals, nearly 500 species of fish and the celebrated Blue Hole.

In terms of diversity, diving far exceeds most destinations. Divers encounter marine life of all shapes, sizes and species.  Subterranean gardens, coral jungles, and encounters with dolphins, morays, turtles, graceful eagle rays and migrating whale sharks, make dive trips irresistible.  Southern Belize harbors whale sharks, the largest fish in the sea, during their migrations in the off-shore area often spotted in the Gladden Spit from March to June.  During these months the gentle giants of the ocean migrate to these corners of the world less than one hour boat ride from Placencia to feed on the spawn during full moon especially from mutton, cubera and dog snappers.

The reef parallels the coast for approximately 185 miles. Like an underwater range of mountains, some peaks rise to the surface.  This uneven range is blessed with almost every type of coral known. Hugging the eastern shore of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, the reef then snakes its way down through open water past Dangriga, Hopkins, Placencia, and north of Punta Gorda. Because of its size, the Belize BarrierReef Reserve System has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site. Lighthouse Reef Atoll encircles the celebrated Blue Hole, a 1,000-foot circular sinkhole 410 feet deep.  Explorer Jacques Cousteau called it “one of the four must-dive locations on this blue planet.”  All three atolls – Turneffe Islands, Lighthouse Reef, and Glover’s Reef – harbor more than 100 great dive and snorkeling sites.

In the shallows between mainland and the reef, boats reach hundreds of dive sites in a short time, including tiny islands. Coral patterns and patches decorate the sand like gardens in a yard. Outside the ridge, the reef slopes and reveals shallow corals and gorgonians.

Scuba divers need certification, but no such requirement applies to snorkelers, who can jump right in and witness the spectacle.  Protected Hol Chan Marine Reserve, between Ambergris and Caye Caulker, makes a popular spot both for snorkeling and for learning how to dive.  Beginners enjoy South Water Caye and Glover’s Reef Atoll because they offer beautiful sea life with minimal currents.

Scout as many dive and snorkel sites as possible, because no two are alike.  Vibrant fish and fragile coral still thrive at these sites because visitors help to protect them.  It is critical not to touch, bump, or kick sand on the reefs, because doing so could destroy them.  Call Splash Dive Center today and book your favorite whale shark tour or any combination of dive package available.

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!

Maya’s ‘Time of No Time’: A Call for a New World Age or a New World Fake?

On March 20 2012, the sun will be directly above the earth’s equator making the length of day almost equal to that of night. This occurrence is referred to as the March Equinox.  For many of us, day and night usually evoke certain feelings and affects our behaviors and activities.  For example, most people sleep at night time.  So by extension, it is possible that other astrological conditions perhaps have an unrecognized effect on our moods, or even on our evolutionary processes as human beings?

Splash Dive Center Maya Logo

These are indeed interesting questions to ponder on and the concept of ‘Time of No Time,’ really challenges us to think about the realm of possibilities.  In Maya Prophecy, the Time of No Time began in 1992 and ends December 2012.  According to the Maya this 20 year (Katun), is a period of enlightenment that humanity prepares to enter a Golden Age of higher consciousness and harmony with all that surrounds us as planet earth, within our solar system, is about to complete a galactic day (26,625 years). Just as earth rotates on its axis around the sun in a 365 days cycle, the Mayas discovered that our solar system similarly rotates within its ellipse around the center of the grand galaxy completing one cycle in 26, 625 years.  On this day, the earth aligns with the center of our solar system and with the center of the galaxy.  This must be an immensely important time that ushers in an equally important evolutionary process from the perspective of the infinite universe.

Maya Prophecy claims that the center of our Milky Way Galaxy beams a powerful source of light every 5,125 years allowing for greater synchrony and evolutionary processes among the stars and planetary systems contained within.  They believe, that this beam of a powerful source causes our sun to respond with intense solar winds affecting earth’s magnetic fields triggering a series of changes that impacts humanity’s evolution on earth.

Xunantunich-Belize

Consequently, the concept of Maya 2012, tells us that as our solar system prepares to complete this cycle around the galaxy, that a New Age or a new World Order is about to be unveiled. In this enlightenment, people will recognize their deep interconnectivity with all that exists in his environment forming a minute part of the massive cosmic universe.  The Maya claim that in this progressive state, the people will better appreciate the important role they must play in maintaining and preserving the delicate ecological balance of mother earth before continuing as the dominant specie.  The people will rid themselves of destructive behaviors: obsession with worldly possessions, destruction of the environment and of the human spirit. It is in this context that the Maya belief that the newly naturally selected stewards of earth will evolve to higher levels of consciousness where respect for all, peace and harmony prevail.  So in essence, the Maya’s ‘Time of No Time’ is a colossally important transitory period to usher in a new age of positivity among mankind.

Maya Temple Lamanai-Belize

Either way, humanity is at important crossroads in its development especially noting critical changes in the climate, global economic landscape, technology, warfare, world views and paradigm shifts in power structures.  These global trends are timely and important reminders that the powerful messages from the Maya in relation to 2012 are worth listening to.

Regardless of what we choose to believe from the Maya, science is now affirming astounding discoveries shared thousands of years ago by this astronomically astute civilization that far exceeds any other.  Belize is very proud to be home to this mystical and advanced civilization that is now causing heightened global attention.  Most recently, the tiny Caribbean jewel hosted Prince Henry of Wales for a personalized tour of one of Belize’s foremost archeological sites.

Splash Dive Center, your personalized destination management company, invites everyone to witness first-hand the magic of Maya culture as well as Belize’s other unique and mesmerizing experiences and adventures.