World-class snorkeling and scuba diving are synonymous with Belize. In Belize, there are numerous excellent dive sites. Chartering a sailboat or catamaran to make the most of your available dive time is one of the best ways to explore Belize's waters. Snorkeling and driving excursions can be found along the beaches of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker for those on a tighter budget.

Both the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley are popular day trips. These trips typically cost around $35 USD and include snorkeling equipment. Be aware that foreigners will be charged an additional $10 BZ as a parking tax. This money is used to maintain and protect the reef. Diving excursions to the Blue Hole are also available but expect to pay a lot more for the privilege. The Belize Barrier Reef is a living coral reef described as solid mounds of submerged limestone. It is the ocean's richest and most diverse habitat.

The underwater landscape structure, tropical latitude, and ocean currents make Belize the proud home of the Western Hemisphere's largest living coral reef. Many visitors to Belize's beaches are looking for a one-of-a-kind SCUBA diving or snorkeling adventure. The diverse range of dive and snorkel sites within and outside the Mesoamerican reef provides limitless opportunities for the sport diver seeking a challenging experience, as well as for beginners seeking safe snorkeling or PADI certification, or additional training.

Among the reasons to visit Belize culture is one of them. Belize is rich in cultural diversity, with a vibrant medley of ethnic groups. This melting pot of cultures, from the Maya to the Mestizo, Garifuna, Creole, and Mennonite communities who arrived in Belize in the late 1950s, creates a unique and beautiful cultural landscape. Many Belizeans are multilingual, speaking Creole, Spanish, and Mayan dialects depending on their ancestry. Visit the Museum of Belize in Belize City to learn more. Try to catch a live performance of Garifuna drumming if you can, or even take a lesson at the Warasa Garifuna Drum School in Punta Gorda.

Belizean culture is a melting pot of influences and people from Kriol, Maya, East Indian, Garinagu (also known as Garifuna), Mestizo (a mix of Spanish and Native American), Mennonites of German descent, and many other cultures ranging from Chinese to Lebanese. It is a distinct blend forged by the country's long and occasionally violent history. The legends of La Llorona, Cadejo, the Tata Duende, and X'tabai can be found in Belizean folklore.

The concept of mystical healing and Obeah is prevalent in Belizean legend, and there is still talk of evil shaman practices such as affixing "Obeah" to specific houses. This is known to be accomplished by burying a bottle containing the "evil" under a tree near the house.

Belize has the highest concentration of caves in Central America, so there is a cave experience for everyone. The Rio Frio cave in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve has a yawning 65-foot (20-meter) entrance and is small enough that you won't lose daylight, whereas the vast Actun Tunichil Muknal (or ATM) cave provides a more thrilling adventure. You'll have to swim, scramble, and wade through water for parts of the journey, but it'll be well worth it. The ancient Maya considered caves to be portals to the underworld, and you'll find ritual relics and even skeletons fused into the rocks over thousands of years.

Water sediments began to accrete into the soft mineral limestone millions of years ago. Limestone in the ocean is formed from calcium carbonate, and after storms churned the tropical sea, a unique type of rock known as breccia formed. These limestone rocks were carried upwards by the expanding Maya Mountain range over millions of years, causing calcium-rich water to run off downhill during the Cretaceous Period. When exposed to air, the calcium-rich water is mixed with carbon dioxide, forming a weak acid with decaying organic material. This acid ate into the rock over time, carving out the magnificent caves that exist today.

The Maya sacrificed their rain god, Chac, who was worshiped for bringing life-giving rains to water the fields, in caves. While agricultural foodstuffs were used in many Mayan sacrifices, the Maya also practiced human sacrifice to appease Chac. Visitors can now see the skeletal remains of human sacrifices discovered by modern archeologists in the caves. The evidence uncovered during these important Maya religious ceremonies provides important archeological clues for understanding the ancient Mayan culture.

Belize is a small Central American country with a diverse wildlife population. It was once a part of the Maya Civilization before Europeans arrived. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. The country is located on the Caribbean Sea and shares borders with Mexico and Guatemala to the north and west. Mountains, swamps, and tropical jungle ecosystems dominate the landscape. It's also famous for the magnificent coral reef system just off the coast.

Belize has a plethora of wildlife, all of which is fiercely protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. Birdwatchers can see nearly 600 species, including the keel-billed toucan (Belize's national bird) and the red-footed booby. Underwater, you'll find the Belize Barrier Reef and the world's highest-known density of Antillean manatees. The jungle is home to five species of big cats, including the jaguar, puma, and ocelot, as well as tapirs, rare frogs, and crocodiles. The Belize Zoo, located near Belize City, is a fully accessible destination for viewing all 45 of the country's native species.

Many of Belize's cayes (islands) are tiny, uninhabited dots of white sand, while others, such as the much larger Ambergris Caye, are bustling hubs with hotels, bars, and restaurants. Caye Caulker is a slower-paced island with a relaxed backpacker vibe and excellent snorkeling; additionally, the entire island is car-free, allowing you to amble and enjoy island life. Head to King Lewey Island near Placencia for a thrilling day out. The entire island is a pirate-themed bar-resort, with a few private cabanas for visitors who have had too much local rum or want to continue the party.

Belize has over 450 islands, which are spread out around the beautiful Belize Barrier Reef and reach out to the borders with Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. With so many options and 240 miles (386 kilometers) of coastline, which Belize island should you choose for your tropical sand and sea adventure? Northern Belize and the country's most popular islands, such as Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and South Water Caye, are ideal for a tropical getaway with plenty of options for wining, dining, and exploring.

If you feel the need to unwind and relax, a wellness vacation to Belize could be just what you're looking for. Aside from the warm weather, this beautiful Central American country has a variety of activities that can help you feel refreshed. Belize's pristine sandy beaches are ideal for lying back and relaxing. If you're thirsty, you can even partake in a fruity cocktail while you're at it. Though it is nearly impossible to find a beach destination that you will not adore, Placencia and Ambergris Caye are among the best in the country.

Of course, if you prefer to be immersed in greenery rather than sand and water, you can always visit one of Belize's many lush jungles. There, you can explore your surroundings, find a cascading waterfall, and observe Belize's native animals in their natural habitat. The Belizean jungles are home to a variety of fascinating and unusual animals, including keel-billed toucans, tapirs, and black howler monkeys.

After you've had your fill of the wilderness, you can return to civilization and enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at one of Belize's many world-class establishments. Whether you want a full-body massage or just a facial, you're sure to find something that works for you. Of course, no matter what else you do during your trip to Belize, you will need to eat. Fortunately, the country is brimming with fantastic restaurants and street vendors serving up delicious, often organic, Belizean fare. You simply must try the stew chicken or ceviche before leaving Belize.

Trying new foods like these is a great way to learn more about Belize's diverse cultures. Of course, you can try speaking with locals to learn more about their daily lives. You should try to learn as much as you can about the Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, and Maya cultures in particular. A great place to stay is essential for any wellness vacation. Fortunately, Cahal Pech Village Resort has everything you'll need for your stay in Belize. This lovely resort in San Ignacio Town offers affordable palm-thatched accommodations, panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and all the amenities you could want.

When people plan their Belize vacation, they frequently overlook one of the most important attractions: Belizean food. The cuisine of Belize reflects the country's multiethnic society and rich history. When you combine the various elements in Belizean cooking—from early Maya civilizations to British colonists, vibrant African influences, attempted Spanish conquests, Mennonite farming communities, and the more recent arrival of many other cultures—you have a recipe for something truly extraordinary.

Meals with a history as long as Belize is still served today. Tamales, for example, and the savory pibil style of cooking meats have their origins in the earliest Maya cuisine. The Belizean barbecues are a throwback to the days of pirates drinking ale or rum and trading stories around the cooking meat. Is there much of a difference? Arawak cooking, combined with African influences, is still practiced in Garifuna cuisine today. Meals like sere, fufu, cassava bread, and hudut have earned their place on the Belizean culinary honor roll.

Much of the spices have Spanish influences, and the British palate has a taste for bread, beer styles, cheeses, and other staples. The term "melting pot" refers to both the kitchen and the people. This is one of the reasons to visit Belize.

One of the best aspects of visiting Belize is how much of the country you can see in a short period of time, as well as how simple it is to do so. The country is slightly larger than the state of New Jersey (roughly the size of Israel or Wales) and can be driven across in about a half-day. Even the cayes are easily accessible; flights to San Pedro or Caye Caulker take ten to fifteen minutes, and the boat ride takes less than two hours. The major highways in Belize are easy to navigate and well-maintained, in addition to having manageable distances. Just keep an eye out for speed bumps!

However, there are some areas of Belize that are more difficult or time-consuming to reach but are well worth the effort. The Toledo District of southern Belize has a rich cultural diversity, ancient Maya sites, beaches, rainforest, and more. The Caracol ruins are at the end of a two-hour bumpy dirt road, but they are not to be missed. And the more remote your island, the more likely it is that you will have the entire island to yourself.

When it comes to reasons to visit Belize, can't help but mention Mayan ruins. For over 1,000 years, up to 2 million Maya lived, prayed, and worked in what is now the modern country of Belize. The ancient Maya civilization built hundreds of stone cities strategically located along several key trade routes, resulting in Belize having the most Maya ruins of any country. While no one knows what caused the Mayan Empire to fall around the year 1200 A.D., visitors can now explore a rich legacy of palaces, temples, monuments, and pyramids. There's bound to be a ruin site within an easy drive no matter where you go in Belize.

Caracol, a large complex deep in Belize's western wilderness, is one of the most impressive sites. It takes about two hours of bumpy, dirt-road driving from San Ignacio, the nearest city of any size, but the effort is well worth it. Caracol contains the ruins of one of the most important Classic Period sites. Caana, one of the buildings, is still the tallest man-made structure in the country, and from its higher reaches, you can see Guatemala.

If you enjoy bird watching, April is an excellent time to visit Belize. From April 1 to 30, 2018, the Belize Bird Conservancy is hosting its 6th Annual Lodge Bird-a-thon, where you can enjoy some of the best birding in Central America. The Audubon Society has a strong presence in Belize due to the unique environment that supports a wide range of avian species. Belize has officially documented over 580 different species, including 110 that migrate to the country from North America. Belize's diverse habitats and pristine nature are ideal for birds, and new species are constantly being discovered, including the spot-breasted oriole, crested caracara, and Canadian geese.

Belize is divided into six different birding hotspots known as Important Bird Areas by the Audubon Society. The Audubon Society owns or manages some of these habitats, while others are located within national parks, nature reserves, and the offshore islands of the Belize Barrier Reef. Whether deep in a tropical rainforest or hiking through the coastal plains, Belize's landscape is a bird watcher's dream.

One of the many advantages of bird watching in Belize is that it is the only country in the region where English is the official language. This allows visitors to easily converse with local guides and birding experts while enjoying the wondrous panoramas of nature throughout the country.

Another reason to visit Belize for your next international trip is the country's low cost of living. Because overhead costs are low in Belize compared to many other tropical destinations, you can get a lot for your money. This does not imply that all of the accommodations are inexpensive. Instead, it means that you can upgrade your experience without breaking the bank.

Coming from the land of US$14 salads and US$6 waters in almost every airport in America, Belize is a revelation. While you can certainly splurge and spend as much as you want on luxury accommodations, you can feed and house two adults for less than US$100 per day. Add in a few activities and big-ticket items like a Jeep rental, and it's STILL cheaper than staying at home in most American cities. Given the variety of activities and breathtaking scenery, it's difficult to imagine another country that offers better value for your tourist dollar. Regardless of the level of amenities you seek, you can be certain that you have never been better cared for at that price point.

Belize is an excellent destination for day trips and sightseeing excursions. Although a guided tour in Florida can quickly become expensive, it will be much, much cheaper in a place like Belize. Because the Belizean currency is pegged to the US dollar, most visitors find that they get more bang for their buck in Belize.

Whether you want a spa vacation or a stay in a luxurious suite, Belize can provide both at a much lower cost than you might expect. You might even decide to stay a few extra days to see more of this incredible country with all the money you save.

Unfortunately, in many developing destinations (including some in the Caribbean), the locals can be less than welcoming to some tourists. In reality, there will always be a mix of friendly, welcoming locals who host and provide services to tourists and visitors, as well as a few bad apples who will spoil your impression of a new place.

Some places are known for their hospitality more than others. For a variety of reasons, Belize is rapidly gaining traction in the tourism industry. The hospitality shown by the Belizean people to all visitors to this tropical getaway is possibly the most important aspect of the tourism industry in Belize. There are numerous travel websites and publications that will simply mention "friendly locals" in their reviews of destinations, sometimes trivializing the experience that the people there can provide to tourists.

Belize has a long history of multiculturalism. Belize's population is made up of people from various backgrounds, and this is no different when it comes to expats and tourists. Because of the growing expat population, you might think Belize is one of those places where the locals harbor resentment, fear, or other opposition to the newcomers to their country. Please do not fall for this kind of false reality about Belize's amazing people if you are thinking that.

The people here truly welcome anyone and everyone. This is true for Belizeans of all socioeconomic backgrounds and occupations. It doesn't take long to be accepted as a fellow Belizean and considered a local. This is not only part of the culture of island life, but also of tourism culture. The people here understand that tourism drives their economy by providing goods and services to an expanding population with fine tastes, high demand, and funding to support new businesses. As a result, new businesses, new residents, and new products and services are not only common, but also the norm with each passing season.