Belize is an exquisite Caribbean nation located in Central America. Bordering on both Mexico to its North and Guatemala on both its West and South sides, this picturesque nation offers a beautiful Caribbean paradise! This tiny English-speaking country is an oasis of biodiversity, boasting rainforest-clad mountains, Mayan ruins, large cave systems, and the second-largest barrier reef on the planet – among much more.
San Ignacio Belize
San Ignacio and Santa Elena serve as cultural and economic hubs in western Belize, featuring an active restaurant and entertainment scene as well as being ideal starting points for exploring Cayo – Belize’s largest region. Hawksworth Bridge connects these two towns via a historic suspension bridge that stands as one of Belize’s only landmarks of this nature. Driving time from Belize City to San Ignacio should take about two hours if there are no miscalculations along the way. San Ignacio offers a selection of hotels, resorts, and jungle lodges that range in price from low-end to luxury options; package rates may be the way to save on accommodation expenses.
Transport in town can be found easily on foot, but for longer stays it may be more suitable to rent a car or take advantage of taxis and public buses on major streets. Ask your hotel concierge for recommendations on what to see in San Ignacio; many tour operators operate day trips from here. From Mayan ruins and hiking or biking tours to snorkeling or diving tours, you will have many tours from which to choose. Travel by bus between Hopkins Village and San Ignacio can be accomplished for under $10 (Belizean dollars). A second-class bus (no air conditioning or luggage space) should take less than 2 1/2 hours, though some bus lines only stop in major towns.
Book a private shuttle through any of the tour companies in San Ignacio or through online agencies – these shuttle services have proven their safety and dependability over time, offering exceptional punctuality and service quality. Tour companies often provide guided day trips to local attractions that you can book through your hotel or travel agency in advance. Tours typically depart early morning and return by late afternoon; to find out which ones are available on any particular day; it is wise to reach out the night before.
Belize City
Belize lies along the Caribbean Coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to its north and Guatemala to its west. Travelers can access Belize by plane, boat, bus, taxi, or shuttle. Belize City serves as both its capital and main port, boasting an active seaside town filled with shops, restaurants, government offices, banks, and other services. There are various means of reaching Belize City from the UK, such as flights from London Heathrow or Manchester as well as international connections in the US, as well as by land travel. Direct flights are generally the cheapest means of travel. Travel to Belize quickly by flying directly from Miami or Houston using one of many airlines like TACA, American, Continental, Delta US Air, or Southwest. Booking an affordable flight from Britain to Belize via a stopover can be accomplished, although this could take at least two hours between flights due to many airlines having to pass through London airports on their journeys into or out of America.
When planning your flight itinerary, try to avoid flights with multiple and close connections as this increases the chance of missing one and arriving late to your gate. Belize’s dry season runs from November to April and offers the ideal conditions for exploration; however, flights may be more costly at this time; therefore, it would be wiser to travel during another time, if possible. If you plan to travel to Belize during the holidays, booking your tickets early could save money as tourist flights are significantly more costly than during dry season and Spring Break travel periods. For your holiday enjoyment in Belize City, enjoy various activities and events throughout the holidays, such as attending an annual festival dedicated to Belikin beer. Visitors should also stop by the Coastal Zone Museum to gain more insight into Belize’s maritime and shipbuilding heritage, and its coral reef ecology.
Ambergris Caye Belize
Ambergris Caye, located off Belize’s Caribbean coast, is an idyllic retreat for lovers of natural beauty. With beautiful beaches for long strolls or building sandcastles and plenty of activities available on land as well as underwater, Ambergris Caye provides visitors with an idyllic getaway that won’t let them get bored easily. The island offers a vibrant community for both residents and visitors to become acquainted. This makes it ideal for both families looking for stability, and single people looking for companionship. To reach Belize Island from Belize City, consider flying Tropic Air or Maya Island Air on short flights that cost roughly $60 each way. Take the ferry to Ambergris Caye for an economical yet slower trip to this island paradise. This will work better when traveling in larger groups. Under normal weather conditions, a boat ride from Belize City to San Pedro should take approximately 90 minutes. However, when conditions become less than ideal, the journey could last much longer or be canceled altogether.
Island offers abundant scuba diving opportunities thanks to the barrier reef that runs along its shoreline and its waters are home to vibrant coral formations and tropical fish species teeming with life. NAUI, PADI, and SSI instructors can teach scuba lessons on-site. There is also a selection of day trips that visit caves and Mayan ruins and wildlife-spotting walks through the jungle. Zip lining through treetops should not be missed either! Ambergris Caye is known for its stunning white sand beaches, making for fantastic snorkeling opportunities and serving as a haven for divers from around the world. Beyond its beautiful beaches, the island is also well-known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and shops. Additionally, it’s an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys live music performances or festivals. The island is also an increasingly popular spot for yoga practice, offering classes at various studios around the island such as Ak’bol Yoga on the north side of town – an especially favored spot.
Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker in Belize is an idyllic Caribbean paradise that makes an excellent location for beach vacations of any kind – be it romantic, fun or even adventurous backpacking trips! This island can provide everything from luxurious romantic escapes to relaxing weekend stays or exciting backpacking excursions. At “Little Place,” it’s all about taking time for yourself and relaxing. Here, you can unplug from everyday life while reconnecting with those you care for – indulging in life slowly – hence why the island has taken to proclaiming, “Take your time & enjoy life slowly.” Caye Caulker offers some wonderful opportunities for snorkeling, with calm waters off of its piers providing ideal conditions. Shallow water areas around the island boast colorful coral gardens and tropical fish alike.
If you prefer diving, try your hand at scuba diving here! Scuba diving offers an incredible opportunity to see marine life up close; PADI certification may also be required before heading out! One must-do when visiting Caye Caulker is visiting the Blue Hole, an impressive natural marine sinkhole. Visitors can either swim through its waters or explore it via boat tour. Renting a kayak allows you to discover the west side of the island. Here you can explore a more secluded part where local children hang out. Make sure you visit Caye Caulker Bakery when visiting the island for some homemade bread and cakes! A favorite among locals, this popular shop opens throughout the day so you can grab something before they sell out.
Make sure you bring cash, as there may be limited ATM availability on the island. Belize dollars may come in handy, enabling you to pay for drinks, food, and souvenirs without using USD as currency. If you’re planning a visit to Caye Caulker, here are essential things to do on the island. From taking in the breathtaking sunset views and swimming in warm crystalline waters to exploring sea life and meeting friendly locals – Caye Caulker will never run out of ways for visitors to have fun!
