September a Festive Month- Independence Day and Jump Up Time

Independence Day and Jump Up Time

Belize: Adorned in Red, White, and Blue, the sound of the marching bands and the loud trumpets can be heard, commemorating the history of what has become Belize. Belize is the Land of the Free, and by listening to Belize’s many national, and historical September Celebration songs including Belize’s National Anthem, we can feel the vibration of the drums and the rhythm of the proud patriotic march.

Belize gained its Independence on September 21, 1981 and it was on this day that the Belizean flag was raised, and the Belize’s National Anthem song by all inhabitants, who proudly called themselves: ‘Belizeans’ for the very first time. Today, the entire month of September is packed with events, all aimed at celebrating Belize. This year September celebration theme is “Belize in you, Belize in me, Land of the Free!”

The Celebration began with the National Song Competition that was held on Saturday, August 10. On this day Belizeans gathered to participate in a three-song category competition: Junior, Patriotic, and Carnival. The winning songs will be used extensively throughout this year’s September Celebration.

Other popular historical events that will be taking place this year September includes: Carnival Mass Camp, Queen of the Bay Pageant, Carnival Queen and King Competition, St. George’s Caye citizen parade, Carnival Jouvert, Carnival Road March, and on the 20^th midnight Belize Independence Ceremony and fire works display.

For many and myself included September is one of the best times to celebrate with locals and experience the patriotism of Belizeans. The Belize Carnival is one of the most colorful, energized, and creative, event in September. The soca and punta music on this day will have you shaking your bum as you view the bright, and picturesque costumes.  Plan on visiting Belize this September celebration and experience the festivities on this tropical Caribbean paradise. Be sure to check out the official Calendar of Events click here.

Learn more about Belize by contacting Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com and learn how you can be part of the celebrations!

Belize: Summer in December

Belize - Summer In December

Usually December means winter: one of the coldest seasons of the year. Fortunately this is not true for Belize. Belize is a tropical country all year-round! The average high in Belize during this time is is 80 F. (26 C.) and the average low is 71 F (21 C.).  Belize is the perfect escape from winter as it is a mere 2 hours flight from the United States of America.

Why not take a family winter vacation in the small tropical English-speaking land of Belize?

Who says that you cannot take a family dream winter vacation in the deep blue? The waters in Belize are warm and perfect for snorkeling or diving, even in December. Extend your summer days to December scuba diving, snorkeling, or just relaxing in the inner cayes near Placencia, Belize. Visit Belize’s Great Barrier Reef and the three atolls: Glover’s Reef, Turneffe, and Lighthouse.  You will surely not regret this winter vacation.

Forget about packing your sweaters and coats this winter and bring along your hiking boots or sundresses. Spend time on land exploring the natural beauty of the rainforest, the mysteries of the Mayan Temples, the largest cave system in Central America, and last but not least visiting the only Jaguar reserve in the world. With all the natural wonders found in this tiny country it is not surprising that 80% of the rainforest in Belize is under government protection. Belize is home to a diverse number of animals, birds, and other unique species.

As winter sets in the Northern Hemisphere many species of birds flock to warmer areas such as Belize. Why not join them?  If you enjoy birding I would definitely recommend visiting Belize. Belize covers 44.8% of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor, uniting goals of conservation in the Central America Region and Mexico. Experience more than just the evergreens this winter in Belize.

Start planning your great winter escape today by contacting Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com

Summer in December awaits you in Belize!

Together in Conservation-Splash Dive Center 8th Annual Environmental Day

Splash Dive Center 8^th Annual Environmental Day

The Belize Barrier Reef is known as the longest in both the Northern and Western Hemisphere. As described by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):

“It provides a classic example of the evolutionary history of reefs, contains superlative natural phenomena and areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance, and is one of the most pristine reef ecosystems in the Western hemisphere.”

Diving in the reef: it is no doubt that the beauty is an entirely new world filled with extraordinary habitats.

Charles Darwin in 1842 referred to this beauty as “the most remarkable reef in the West Indies”.  It is not surprising then that there is never a dull moment on the diving tours offered by Splash Dive Center in Placencia Peninsula, Belize.

The locals in Belize have stood their stance and continue to play a great part in the conservation of the reef today. It is for this reason that we can continue to offer the natural wild life beauty found in our Belizean Caribbean Sea. Splash Dive Center also contributes in the conservation of the reef by organizing its annual Environmental Day. This year Splash Dive Center will be hosting its 8^th Annual Beach Cleanup and Lionfish Hunt, where we are expecting over a 100 school kids to participate.

• Event: 8^th Annual Environmental Day
• Venue: Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Placencia
• Date: July 13, 2013
• Register/volunteer: contact Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com

Thanks to the strong support of both locals and visitors we can continue to give all our divers a natural untouched scuba diving experience in the Belize Barrier Reef. Through our beach cleanup and Lionfish hunt we aim at not only cleaning the environment, but also at teaching the community and children the impact of reef trash and the threat of the Lionfish to our reef. The kids will also have the opportunity to learn more on Belize’s marine life during a special presentation done by the senior members of the Splash Kids Club. In addition, they will have a moment to enjoy time at the National Park, a World Heritage Site

The beauty of natural wildlife is evident. As you head out on many of our snorkeling and diving tours you may spot the graceful and intelligent Bottlenose Dolphins. Belize is certainly an unspoiled beauty! Help us to keep our Caribbean Sea intact.

Contact Patty to book your tour at patricia@splashbelize.com or visit us at www.splashbelize.com to learn more about our diving tours. 

15th Annual Placencia Lobsterfest- It is Time for a Beach Party

It is Time for a Beach Party

Beach party, who called a beach party?

In celebration of the opening of the lobster season in Belize, the Placencia Peninsula will be having its 15^th annual Placencia Lobsterfest. The first Placencia Lobsterfest was in June 1998, it celebrated both the opening of the lobster season and the Placencia Fishermen’s Cooperative’s celebration of Fishermen’s Day. The Belize Tourism Board selected Placencia’s Lobsterfest as Belize Festival Of The Year For 2012!  Today, the celebration continues and has developed into an extravagant event that promotes food - a lobster galore, music, games, prizes, as well as a Lionfish tournament, in an effort to minimize the impact of Lionfish.

You do not want to miss out on an enticing local experience in the tranquil village-paradise of Belize!  On June 28 to June 30 the beach party commences at the beach front in Placencia village.  Culturally diverse dishes all containing lobster will be on sale and will be eligible to enter the Best Lobster Dish Competition. The savory taste of a diverse array of dishes is certainly a treat. Don’t worry if you are not into the taste of lobster, on sale will also be fish, shrimp, chicken, steak, pork and vegan dishes.   

Relax on the beach and sip on the local beer of Belize, Belikin, as you enjoy the sound of local DJ’s and musicians. It is time to kick back and relax on Belize’s #1 Beach Destination, Placencia!

It is time for a beach party! 

To get more information on Lobsterfest and other events be sure to visit www.splashbelize.com

7 Going on 8: Wonders of the World “The Great Blue Hole”

Vote for the Great Blue Hole as the 8^th Wonder of the World

History has it that the seven wonders of the ancient world were chosen by the Greek historian, Herodotus some 2000 years ago and consisted of man’s greatest creation. In 1997 CNN listed their seven natural wonders of the world, which included aquatic, geological, and astrophysical sites. Then followed the seven wonders of the modern world that was announced in 2007 including manmade structures around the world. Recently, it was announced by VirtualToursit.com that an eight wonder would be added to the seven wonders of the modern world. On the list of nominees for the eight wonder of the modern world is no other thanBelize’s Great Blue Hole, a diving mecca.

The Great Blue Hole is located only 65 nautical miles northeast of Placencia and easily accessible by boat. According to the Biography Channel, Jacques Cousteau, the most famous undersea explorer of the 20^th Century, visited Belize’s Great Blue Hole aboard the Calypso. He was determined to explore the bottomless pit of the Blue Hole, and the magic of the undersea world! According to Jacques Cousteau the Great Blue Hole is one of the top-ten scuba diving sites in the world.  We think it is number one!

The Great Blue Hole is extraordinary and truly a natural creation. This natural creation is said to have formed after the collapse of an underground cavern and cave system. It is a large strikingly circular sinkhole 1000 feet in diameter and over 400 feet deep. Diving the Great Blue Hole is anything but ordinary. The beauty is stunning as huge stalactites can be found at depths starting around 100 feet hanging from the ceiling of caves.

So why is it that Belize’s Great Blue Hole is not the 8^th Wonder of the World?

The Blue Hole is not only the most amazing natural creation; it is also part of Belize’s Great Barrier Reef System, the largest Barrier Reef of the Western Hemisphere. In order to protect this natural beauty and to preserve the experience given to each diver that attempts to explore the Great Blue Hole, it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

So be a part of naming Belize’s Great Blue Hole the 8^th Wonder of the World and visit http://bit.ly/18IZppZ to vote every day!

Interested in diving the Great Blue Hole? Contact Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com   to learn more.

Belize A Tropical Rainforest-

Top 5 Jungle Expeditions

Planning my trip to Belize took a bit of research. Many of my close friends and family didn’t know much about Belize and questioned my vacation plans to visit a small unknown country. However, Belize was exactly what I needed. Belize is certainly a natural beauty with its untouched tropical rainforest. As with many developed countries roads and skyscrapers have taken the beauty of nature away from us, the natural habitat of many animals and plants has been destroyed. Belize is distinct! It is known that 75% of Belize is covered in tropical forest, the colors, and shapes of many species of animals and birds that are found in Belize’s rainforest are extraordinary.

Belize is like no other. My adventurous side got the best of me as I learned about the top 5 jungle expeditions that I had to experience. I highly recommend that if you are planning your vacation to Belize you must take the tour of at least one of these jungle expeditions.

First, Belize is known for its archeology and ancient history of the Mayas. Throughout Belize they are many different Maya expeditions that are worth experiencing. Indulge yourself in culture and history walking the paths of the Mayas amongst the many ancient Maya ceremonial temples.   

Second, Belize is proud to house one the first and largest jaguar preserve in the world, The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve. While visiting this unique sanctuary be on the look out for jaguars.

Third, caving in Belize is more than limestone formations. Belize is known to have the most extensive cave systems in the world. Experience the underworld of the Mayas and witness the authentic Maya artifacts that remain in the caves today. The most advanced cave, which was featured in National Geography ‘Top 10 Sacred Caves’, is Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Stone Sepulchre).  Actun Tunichil Muknal involves hiking, wading, and underwater swimming.

Fourth, walking amongst Belize’s tropical rainforest you are bound to hear the prominent and distinct sound of the howler monkeys. Visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary or take a boat ride up Monkey River, and get a chance of a lifetime to view the black howler monkeys enjoying their natural habitat.

Fifth, Belize has many natural jungle trails found across the country that are safe to explore alone or with a licensed tour guide.       Take a walk through a medicinal trail and learn about the many plants and herbs that are often used by locals for healing. Hiking, horseback riding, mounting biking, and canoeing down a river are only a few of the many ways to enjoy the diverse flora and fauna in Belize’s tropical rainforest.

If you would like to learn more about Belize’s tropical rainforest contact Patricia Ramirez at patricia@splashbelize.com

Top Reasons to Visit Belize

Need a reason to visit Belize? How about 5?

My husband, Ben and I vacationed in Belize for a week and if you ask me to give you one good reason to visit Belize, I honestly cannot! I simply cannot state one good reason, as there are many. Belize may be a small country but it is unique and exotic! I may not be able to give you ONE reason to visit Belize but I have narrowed them down to FIVE! They are just some things worth experiencing before leaving Belize.

1.      Quick and Easy Travels                          

Getting to Belize is no mystery and no hassle! Belize is only a two hours flight from the United States. My husband and I flew out of Miami and we were surprised of the short distance. Approximately two hours after takeoff and we had landed on earth’s paradise.

Although Belize is in Central America, surrounded by Spanish speaking countries, it is actually an English speaking country. Without the language barrier it was easy to communicate with the locals and learn a lot more about Belize.

American dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize and the exchange rate is  $1.00 USD to $2.00 BZD; it is a convenient and stable currency exchange rate that allows for a profitable return.

Did I mention that Belize is a small country filled with great adventures? In addition to it being small it is easy to explore, as most of the destinations are only a short drive or flight away from each other. Imagine exploring wildlife and marine life all in one day!

2.      Marine Life   

Belize may have been known as “mother nature’s best kept secret” but with such great wonders such as having the longest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere, it can no longer be called a secret. The Barrier Reef of Belize is home to a vast array of marine life. Over 60 different types of corals, soft and hard, can be found on the reefs near Placencia, Belize.

When in Belize be sure to visit the Great Blue Hole. The Blue Hole is a natural wonder and a must for all divers and snorkelers. Ben and I had the most amazing time flying over the Great Blue Hole. The view up on top was as stunning as diving amidst the multitude of sea creatures and corals. 

Similar to the Caribbean islands, Belize has its fair share of island life. Relax on the beach and take in the beauty of the Caribbean Sea.

3.      Jungle Adventure

Belize’s natural jungle is full of ultimate adventures from kayaking, zip lining, caving, cave tubing, rappelling, and birding, to name a few. Ben and I got an adrenaline rush as we soared through the treetops in the jungle. After zip lining we got a chance to take it easy by cave tubing in the dark mysterious cave, where we saw and learned a lot about limestone formations.

Belize is also known to house the world’s only Jaguar preserve, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve.  The Belize’s Jungle unspoiled nature is definitely worth exploring.

4.      Culture

Cultural diversity in Belize is  amazing. It certainly took me by surprise when I learned that they are  eight ethnic groups living harmoniously in Belize: Mayas, Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, East Indian, Asians, Caucasians, and Mennonites. This cultural diversity not only makes Belize unique, but also, rich in culture. The food, dance, and traditions continue to be appreciated and practiced throughout the year in Belize.

                         

5.  History & Archaeology

Belize’s history is evident in each district with the presence of ancient Mayan temples and tombs. The Mayan civilization was one of great mystery. The Mayan built great structures using nothing more than  stone and wooden tools in the Classic period. To be able to view and even climb these ancient temples today  is a momentous experience.

Our vacation to Belize was more than a single adventure. It was many adventures and life experiences packed in one week of pure delight. If anyone should ask for one good reason to visit Belize, I can only answer with 5 good reasons!

Book your adventure today by contacting Patty at patricia@splashbelize.com

           

“Discover how to be”