Your Top 3 ‘Must Visit’ Islands in Belize

Belize is a natural beauty filled with an array of diversity. In Belize islands are commonly called ‘cayes’, pronounced ‘keys’. This tiny English speaking country is certainly blessed with many beautiful and immaculate islands, which are but only a short distance away from one another. My top three must visit islands are: San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Laughing Bird Caye National Park.

San Pedro Ambergris Caye is known to be the largest of Belize’s offshore islands and the most developed island- here you can dive the Christ of the Abyss.  The town, San Pedro, is where you will find the most populated part of the island, equipped with an array of lodging, dining, shopping, and nightlife. The island is known as ‘La Isla Bonita’, translated in English as, ‘The Beautiful Island’, a nickname given by Madonna’s hit song, ‘La Isla Bonita’. Tours and activities on the island range from easy, moderate, to strenuous. Choose your adventure: have a relaxing sunset cruise with your loved one, or take a short boat ride out to the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, to snorkel or dive.  San Pedro is said to have been a Maya Trading Post, and the evidence of this exist today, be sure to visit the Marco Gonzalez Maya Site, and unfold the mysteries of the Mayas. With all this said, sure enough it is no surprise that this island has been rated the #1 Island in the world on TripAdvisor.

Take it easy and simply ‘Go Slow’ visiting Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is located nearby to San Pedro Ambergris Caye, but it is a distinctive atmosphere to San Pedro- here be sure to dive the Hol Chan Marine Reserve for a great reef experience. Looking for paved roads? This cannot be found in Caye Caulker! Kick off your shoes and experience the island life, strolling on the sandy streets. This island has a laid back Caribbean vibe and is popular amongst backpackers, budget travelers and lately even honeymooners, looking for an island escape.  The friendly people of Caye Caulker gives Caye Caulker the nickname, ‘La Isla Carinosa’, translated in English as, ‘Charming Island’, and charming it is. Many locals as well as visitors enjoy the entertainment and swimming at ‘The Split Beach’, a narrow channel that has divided the Island in two. I definitely recommend experiencing the true meaning of Caye Caulker’s motto, “Go Slow”.

This upcoming ‘must visit’ island takes you to Southern Belize. Laughing Bird Caye National Park is located approximately eleven miles off the coast of Placencia Village, Stann Creek District. What is most unique about this island is that it stands on an elongated ridge of reef (faro). Due to its location and form it attracts an abundance and variety of coral habitats and marine life. Unlike, San Pedro Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, this island is secluded, and uninhabited by humans. Laughing Bird Caye is a protected area and is also listed as a World Heritage Site. Diving, fishing, and snorkeling in this area, is a true natural marine experience that can easily be arranged through licensed tour operators such as: Splash Dive Center Belize.

Belize is a natural beauty and is filled hundreds of picturesque islands. However, if you are planning to experience Belize we do recommend visiting these top three ‘must visit’ islands.

Needing more information on Belize and its Islands be sure to contact Patty patricia@splashbelize.com  or visit us at www.splashbelize.com

Scuba Diving Magazine Recognizes Splash Dive Center as Sea Hero of the Month

In its June 2012 publication, Scuba Diving magazine featured Splash Dive Center as a Sea Hero recognizing the many efforts that the dive center has contributed to community building and awareness of the marine environment.

Since 2005, Splash Dive Center has organized and led the Splash Kids Club which has engaged, over the years, about 70 young persons in the protection of Belize’s irreplaceable marine resources.  These youths have benefited from free Open Water Diver certification and continuing education.  Several have achieved Divemaster status, which as the first professional scuba diving level, puts them on the path to a career in diving and tourism.  All become committed to the vital importance of the marine environment and its relevance to the community’s tourism, economy and sustainability.

As an environmentally responsible player in the conservation of Belize’s natural and invaluable assets, Splash Dive Center organizes an annual cleanup and education day at Laughing Bird National Park, a world heritage site.  Each year on Earth Day, children from the communities on the Placencia Peninsula participate in a cleanup of the Park, supported by many local businesses, the Southern Environmental Association and the schools.  A highlight of the cleanup day is the presentations on environmental issues by members of the Splash Kids Club.  Children to children presentations are very effective ways to educate our future citizens on the sensitivity and importance of the environment to the way we interact with Mother Nature.

Not only is Splash Dive Center enhancing positive youth development and environmental awareness but also playing an active role in environmental protection as member of the Placencia Mooring Masters.   Through its membership, Splash Dive Center is the proud sponsor of two mooring buoys installations to protect the reef at popular dive sites - Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Silk Cayes.

Splash Dive Center recognizes and accepts its shared responsibility of preserving the environmental integrity of Belize’s priceless marine resources and even more so in the advent of the challenges of climate change.   A leader by example, Splash stands tall in supporting community initiatives that promotes marine education, appreciation and protection.  For all these responses to sustainability in tourism, Splash Dive Center was humbled and honored to be featured as Scuba Diving magazine as Sea Hero of the Month. 

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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