My Fist Dives in the Indigo Blue Waters of the Caribbean….

My boyfriend Tony, at the time, has always been a diving enthusiast and had tried to convince me to take a few dive courses so I can join him in his underwater adventures. Just the thought of going in the ocean filled with sharks and other unknown scary marine creatures, while carrying on your back heavy tanks, was not particularly exciting to me at first. Now, our yearly vacation trip to a new destination was coming up and we were doing a little online research to see where we would go next.  A friend of ours had just visited Belize, a tiny country in Central America facing the Caribbean Sea.  He kept raving about his amazing experience in Belize and all the great dives it offered.  So Tony and I looked it up.  Impressed by what we read, we decided to give it a shot.  Being afraid of water, I was interested in all the charms that a beach destination has to offer but diving. However, Tony was persistent that I took some diving lessons.

Before I knew it, I was already going on a sixty five feet boat to Glover’s Reef in Belize for my first diving course. I felt nervous and tried to focus on all the skills learned and practiced in the pool at the resort.  I was thankful that my instructor at Splash Dive Center in Placencia was very knowledge and patient during my training and practice exercises.  Now at Glover’s Atoll, I kept reminding myself to keep calm, control my breathing, hold nose and blow and so forth. Once there, the views were comforting too. Looking at the nearby great coral ridges, with some rising dramatically and plunging into the ocean into the clear water made me mysteriously excited of what lies beyond this intense surface. 

As nervous as I was inside the sea hearing my own heavy breathing, I was taken aback by what I saw. Words alone can describe what utter excitement it was to be for a moment in a different and strange world.  An ecosphere so close yet so foreign and mysterious strives beneath.  Although terrified, I was in awe of the fish swimming around me.  I saw an intimidating barracuda and schools of yellow tail snappers.  A green moray eel, with a head larger than mine, was looking on curiously from underneath two overlapping rocks. Every coral head held its own surprise. I saw Baby angelfishes, damselfish and tiny arrow crabs and even small worms like the “Christmas tree” and “Feather dusters” which retracted back into their hard shells whenever they sensed danger.  Even the sand held its own wonders. I saw a Green Razor fish hovered over the sand and dived into the sand whenever it felt threatened.  A number of rays, fishes, and eels crawled under the sand as if though playing a game of checkers for their own amusement.

To my surprise, I was also tuned into the sounds around and above.  I could hear the subtle crackling sound of the corals, the crash of the waves against the reef and the feel of the surge.

Belize Barrier Reef

My first experience was both exhilarating and additive. I had forgotten about Tony who was far lost in the gigantic aquarium of Belize’smarine biodiversity.  Unsuspectingly, I discovered a new sport and I was eager to do more dives.

Next we did the open water dive at the Gladden Spit in hope to see the great giant of the Ocean. I was equally astounded here.  Unfortunately, after an hours dive, I did not see a single whale shark until the second dive. Just as we were getting ready to leave, in the distant blue of the sea, a silhouette of a large fish was making itself more visible revealing all the white spots on its body as it swam towards me.  This was indeed a moment.  Diving just 25 feet under water on a late afternoon of a second full moon, had reached its climax with this large breath-taking but curious sea giant coming right up to me. It swam around me for a brief second just to see who I was and swam out of sight into the depths of the ocean.  Although this magical experience lasted less than ten seconds and I ended up swallowing plankton and seawater, it was all worth seeing. I would do it all over again upon an eye’s blink.

Whale Shark

Since these dives, I am a converted diver and a certified dive  master too. If I was told that on the first dive, I would have called it their bluff!  Now Tony and I can enjoy exceptional honeymoons in each dive destination we visit. We have been married now for fifteen years and our love is still going strong and enjoying many similar hobbies and interests like diving! 

If you are interested in learning how to dive you can contact Patricia Ramirez at patricia@splashbelize.com or visit www.splashbelize.com for more information. She will make your diving experience memorable! 

Embrace the Kind of the Jungle in the World’s first designated Jaguar Preserve

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, named after its cockscomb appearance within the Maya Mountain in Southern Belize, was the world’s first jaguar reserve and is a protected subtropical rainforest.  More than two decades after its creation, the sanctuary remains a model for wildlife conservation and a point of pride for Belizeans. This jaguar reserve, where a viable population still strives today, is a most critical part of a larger jaguar corridor system where the wild and magnificent jaguar roams throughout two continents from Northern Mexico to Northern Argentina.

Of the five native species big felines prowling the Belizean jungle, it is the elusive and magnificent jaguar that everyone visiting Belize wants to see. It is only a lucky few who have actually seen any of these beautiful apex predators – the real king of the Belizean jungle and the undisputed super power of the new world continents.

Belize’s grasslands, wetlands and lush rainforests, nestled in the Maya Mountains, provide the perfect backdrop for these magnificent big cats which are the most powerful predators in Central America.  Inside Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, visitors may not see the nocturnal king of the rainforest during the day but will get a taste of the area’s bio-diversity, impressive scenic views, serious birding opportunities, jungle flora and fauna and may have the opportunity to swim in a pool below a glorious cascading waterfall.

Not only are jaguars among the most beautiful animals but among the most powerful stealth predators that use stealth and surprise as key techniques to catch its prey.  The elusive jaguar seems to prefer peccaries, but would also take monkeys, agoutis, deer, armadillos, birds and other animals. Before the kill, the mysterious Central American carnivore stocks the herd, and creeps ever closer to its prey. With a single powerful bite at the prey’s jugulars, the rainforest master finally conquers its prey.

Below where you see the jaguar is where you can find the Reserve. 

Jaguars have been in the Americas before the native Maya of Belize.  The locals still speak of the big cat with reverence.  For thousands of years the people of the Americas have revered him.  To the indigenous Maya the jaguar is simply called baalum, meaning “king”.  The Mayas considered the jaguar a deity – a symbol of leadership and a creature that walks between worlds. Today, the powerful jaguar remains as the apex predator of the new world jungle kingdom.

Belize leads jaguar preservation efforts in the world.  Although hunters and deforestation have reduced the jaguar population, these animals continue to thrive in the jaguar preserves and reserves and interconnecting corridors of Belize. As humans continue to encroach on the once sovereign kingdoms of the big cat in Belize, NGO’s such as Audubon Society and Wildlife Conservation Society continue to engage the local communities, including the park rangers, ranchers, and Mayan leaders in dialogue and mutually beneficial efforts towards jaguar preservation sustainable community development. Indeed, “When people are informed and engaged, healthy societies and renewable natural resources thrive”.  

If you would like to visit "The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary" whilst in Belize, Splash Dive Center offers daily tours to the nature reserve and is a perfect family tour. Contact Patricia Ramirez at patricia@splashbelize.com to make your reservation. Visit www.splashbelize.com for other tours.  


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Oh Girls Just Wanna Have Fun…..? Then Belize is your playground….

There is no travel destination more exciting for girls to be themselves and share quality time with their girl buddies than in Belize! If you don’t see yourselves lounging on the beach in the Caribbean or relaxing in a hammock on the beach under swaying coconut palms with a pinacolada  or sun tanning by the poolside or exploring the glorious pyramids of the ancient and mysterious Mayas amidst the lush rainforest, then Belize is not the place for you.

Dozens of private and public white sand beaches, with the magnificent barrier reef only a stone throw away, eagerly wait to be relished. Chic beach and rainforest resorts await the curious for the most breath-taking views of sunsets and tropical landscapes, to luxuriate the body and mind with full service salons and massages.

For the adventurous ladies, take a dive at the iconic BlueHole, or swim with the whale sharks of Gladden Spit. For the more daring, plunge into the deep blue Caribbean from high above the sky.  If not up for much adrenaline rush, take a tour to Hol Chan Marine Reserve for a scenic underwater tour snorkeling in a colossal aquarium of the world’s second largest barrier reef vibrant with corals, sponges and abundance of colorful aquatic life.

Ladies beware of the islands of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker and Placencia. The quaint feel of the picturesque islands that spoils visitors with a range of exquisite accommodations, food and water sports, a melting pot of cultures and friendly people will steal your hearts!...You may never leave Las Islas Bonitas…


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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.

Belize: Costa Maya Festivities on La Isla Bonita

Mark your Calendars on August 2, 2012 for a Week of Costa Maya Festivities on La Isla Bonita

Belize’s number one tourist destination explodes with an exuberance of culture, dances, music, food and concerts with a number of local and international artists on August 2 for the grand opening of the San Pedro International Costa Maya Festival.

A regional pageantry of beauty ambassadors from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Panama, Costa Rica and Mexico mark the grand opening of this year’s 21^st anniversary. Miss Belize along with the Central American beauties and Miss Mexico vie for the coveted title of “La Reina De La Costa Maya” which translates into “Queen of the Mundo Maya.”  Like any other great festival, so too has this festival evolved from a local event to massive national and even international event for salt, sea, and cultural “fiestarama.”  Besides the festival’s first day’s pageantry morphing into an international pageant with full representation from Central America and Mexico, even the name has since changed from Sea and Air Festival to its present name. Mind you, even today many still refer to one of San Pedro’s oldest celebrations as such!

La Isla Bonita’s Costa Maya International Festival is a four day event packed with exciting and fun filled activities. The second day is Gala Night with full entertainment by Soca artist, from Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, Kevin Lyttle and Belize’s very own Berne Vasquez. Government Officials, ambassadors and other dignitaries are always in attendance for this cultural extravaganza.

Saturday night is Noche International (International Night) and for good reasons. Perhaps this third night is the climaxes of the festivities as local and international artist take center stage for an explosion of music and entertainment. A collage of diverse cultures and ethnicities, of rich and poor, locals and visitors, of mainland and local islanders come together to celebrate and appreciate the many expressions of cultural multiplicities in food, music and folklore dances. All this on one island. It’s not just any island, its “Temptation Island.” The salty sea breeze carries the acoustic tunes of reggae, punta, steel pan, salsa, marimba and Mariachi music across the island paradise. Your hair is down; you are enjoying a cold Belikin beer, good company and the international entertainment. This is island life in “La Isla Bonita.”

As the iconic festival approaches closure, the fourth and final day ends with a final leg of cultural performances showcasing the very best of the participating countries. Featuring this summer is Ballet Camara De QROO from Mexico.

While on the beach, it is party time – sail race, beach volleyball, greasy pole and party with the DJ’s in island style! See the reef from the beach. Feel the sand between your toes. This is San Pedro. No shirt, no problem. No shoes, no problem!

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