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

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.”

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.