Belize tourist information with details about
travel to and around the country. Where to stay and what to see is made easier with
insider tips and hand-selected Belize links, by dedicated editors and visitors to
TravelNotes.org - The Online Guide to Travel.
Belize was part of the Mayan territory long before the arrival of the
Spanish and British.
Countries neighbouring Belize are: Guatemala and Mexico.
Belize was included in the viceroyalty of Nuevo Espaņa in the
1500's. Then in 1683 English lumbermen from Jamaica settled on
the Belize River.
Spain failed to remove the British during the wars between the two
countries in the 1700s.
After the liberty of Central America from Spanish rule in 1836, the
British claimed the right to administer the region.
It was declared an independent crown colony in 1884, after two years
as a British colony subordinate to Jamaica.
Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize gained full
independence in 1981.
The People of Belize:
The people of Belize are of mixed racial and ethnic descent, but proud to be Belizean
first.
Weather in Belize
View a graphical weather forecast for the week ahead in places around
Belize.
Belize
City Weather, Belmopan
Weather, Corozal
Weather, Dangriga
Weather, Turneffe
Island Weather.
Most people arrive in Belize on direct
flights from the United States.
Airlines: (All flights take less
than two hours)
From Houston, Texas:
Continental Airlines or Taca.
From New Orleans, Louisiana: Taca.
From Miami, Florida: American Airlines or Taca.
There are also flights from Cancun, Mexico.
Bonanza Airlines from Cancun to Belize is an hour flight.
AeroCaribe flies from Cancun to Belize on Tuesday, Thursday and
Sundays.
Overland From Mexico
Take a first class bus to Chetumal, on the Mexico-Belize border, and
then board a premier class Batty Bus from Chetumal to Belize City.
Total travelling time is around 8 hours and return-fare bus tickets
cost approximately $50.
Getting to Belize From Guatemala
Aerovias from Guatemala City to Belize City (Monday, Wednesday and
Fridays). Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes.
Maya Island Air from Tikal/Flores (Guatemala),
to Belize City. Two flights daily.
From Southern Guatemala
Take a ferry or boat from Puerto Barrios or Livingston (Guatemala) to
Punta Gorda (Belize), from where you can fly Maya Island Air; north, to your destination
in Belize.
Getting to Belize From Honduras
From Roatan, Bay Islands with Caribbean Air - Saturdays only.
From San Pedro Sula with Taca.
Taca also flys from La Ceiba and Tegucigalpa, north to Belize.
Around Belize by Air
Flying is the easiest, most economical and time efficient method
of travel in Belize.
Maya Island Air services
most major cities, Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) and Caye Caulker. The airline is also
available for charter flights within Belize and neighbouring countries.
Blancaneaux
Lodge, Laminai Outpost, Lighthouse Reef and Chan Chich all have landing strips.
Around Belize by Road
Driving around Belize is easy, if not sometimes bumpy when
journeying off-road.
Be sure to book your four-wheel drive vehicle with a reputable
company. Most rental companies will not allow you to cross the border into Guatemala or
Mexico, so ask before you rent.
Taxis, shuttles and public buses service most of the country.
Belize
Bus Schedules:
Belize has an inexpensive and reliable bus service between all the major towns. Almost
every day, buses leave Belize City every hour for towns to the north and west. Towns to
the south, like Dangriga and Placencia, are limited to a few runs each day. The buses are
comfortable and safe... and the views are spectacular.
Although most of these items are available in Belize, you may be
staying at a lodge far from town and supplies, so be sure to bring along:
A flashlight and spare batteries; camera, spare film (or memory card)
and batteries; Ziploc plastic bags for camera, documents, money and medicine; personal
medication and basic first aid kit; lightweight rain poncho; Bandana hat; sunscreen and
insect repellent.
You may also want to bring bird books, binoculars and a Swiss army
knife.
Keep in mind that your clothes could get wet in the rainy season
so bring extras.
You'll also need shoes with a good sole for the bush; sandals for the
beach and caye; sunglasses; small backpack for day trips; and of course, a water bottle.
Belize Guide:
Comprehensive guide to Belize with useful information to help you plan your Belize
vacation.
Belize Tourist Board:
The official guide to tourism in Belize is rather basic, with all the general information
hyperlinked on a coral green background.
Belizean CyberWeb:
Tune into this one. A site where you might like to have your speakers turned on initially.
The Animated GIF in the top frame is also amusing; for a while.
Belize by Naturalight:
The consummate website for all things Belize.
Belize is sub-tropical and has the Caribbean
at its door.
With the longest coral in the western hemisphere, Belize attracts many
diving enthusiasts to its shores.
Even with a snorkel and flippers it's like swimming in a giant
aquarium. The waters around here are some of the clearest you'll ever see, and the fish
offer a true kaleidoscope to bewilder even the most jaded traveller.
Diving in Belize:
Belize is a paradise for divers as it claims the second largest barrier reef in the world,
with stunning islands nearby.
Ambergis Caye is a 15-minute flight from Belize City, or you could
skim over the sea in a water taxi.
    
Banana Beach
Resort: Coconut Drive, San Pedro.
Located on the Caribbean shores of Belize's Ambergris Caye and resting gracefully on the
finest beach; just far enough south of San Pedro Town for real tranquility.
Coconuts Caribbean Hotel:
Located right on the beach of Ambergris Caye, just south of San Pedro Town, the Coconuts
Caribbean Hotel offers 18 beautiful rooms looking out on the private courtyard garden and
pool; with incredible views of the Caribbean.
Settled by British adventurers in the early 17th century, Belize
City became the capital of British Honduras in 1884.
The low-lying coastal city is vulnerable to hurricanes and has been
devastated three times this century: 1931, 1961, and 1978.
Most people use Belize City as their base for exploring the crystal
clear ocean and coastal lagoons, and may not be aware that the present day capital of
Belmopan is in the interior, on the way to Guatemala.
Belize City:
Some old colonial houses can still be found, with their distinct red roofs and wooden
walls. Unfortunately wood doesn't stand up well to hurricanes; probably why the early
Mayans used stone.
Situated on the Belize River, about 80 km from the Gulf of
Honduras.
Belmopan's protected inland site made it the ideal choice as the new
capital of Belize, after coastal Belize City was devastated by another hurricane in 1961.
Banana Bank
Lodge: Mile 47 Western Highway, Belmopan.
Just two miles from Belmopan, Banana Bank Lodge has 16 rooms, a restaurant/bar and
swimming pool. As Belize's premiere equestrian centre, you can also go on horse-rides
through 4,000 acres of mostly prime jungle vegetation.
The island of Caye Caulker is located 18 miles north-east of
Belize City.
There are regular flights from Belize International Airport (Goldson)
and water taxis from Belize City marine terminal arrive at the pier.
Caye
Caulker Water Taxi Association:
As well as a regular scheduled service between Belize City, Caye Caulker and San Pedro
charters are available for those who prefer to be on their own.
Cyber Caye Caulker:
Colourful directory of business services on Caye Caulker.
Go Caye Caulker:
The official website of the Caye Caulker Belize Tourism Industry Association.
Caye Caulker Accommodation
Auxillou Beach
Suites: 
Individual one-bedroom suites, tastefully decorated to blend in with the island
atmosphere. Each fully air-conditioned unit features a king-sized bed, private bath,
hot/cold water, living room area, cable tv, kitchenette, and its own spacious deck space.
Diane's Beach
House:
A fully furnished island home, located on the beach, in Caye Caulker. Both upper and lower
levels are fully furnished independent suites with ceramic tiled floors, A/C, cable tv,
hot and cold bath, full kitchen, living room and porch - with a spectacular view of the
Caribbean Sea and Reef.
Lazy Iguana:
Enjoy bed and breakfast in this unique 4-story, secluded house with a 360-degree panoramic
view of the beautiful island of Caye Caulker and the Caribbean. Each of the four elegant,
spacious guest rooms offer all the amenities of home including private bath and air
conditioning.
Morning Star
Guesthouse:
A quiet, secure and very private guesthouse located approximately 300 feet from the beach
and within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants.
Tree Tops Guesthouse:
Tree Top’s beach front location gives visitors unspoiled views of the sea and reef.
Caye Caulker Activities
Paradise Down:
Dives at all the popular dive sites, including the famous Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye and
Long Caye.
Raggamuffin
Tours:
Offers a variety of packages from one day snorkelling to sunset cruises and overnight
sailing/camping adventures to the outer atolls and Cayes that have made Belize famous. In
addition there's a selection of fishing tours available from deep sea, to trawling and fly
fishing.
Hotels
in Belize:
Find hotels in Belize with special online rates.
Sort Belize Hotels by: Hotel
Price, Hotel
Rating, Hotel
Name.
Blancaneaux
Lodge:
Located outside of San Ignacio, in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve; a
300-square-mile national wildlife reserve in the Maya Mountains. Each bungalow features a
soaring hand-woven thatched roof, artisan-crafted and antique colonial furnishings and a
luxurious Japanese bath with views of the jungle sky.
Chan Chich Lodge:
The lodge is located in the lower plaza of an ancient Maya city and is in a private nature
reserve of over 250,000 acres. The 12 thatched-roof cabanas surround two central buildings
that contain the reception desk, restaurant, bar, gift shop, and library.
Hickatee Cottages:
emorable, comfortable and affordable accommodation for nature and adventure holidays in
Southern Belize.
Laminai Outpost Lodge:
Adjacent to the spectacular Maya ruins of the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, The Outpost
is one of Belize's special places where adventure, education, and leisure come together in
a magical blend.
Lighthouse Reef:
Ideal for divers, this is the only resort on Lighthouse Reef atoll. The accommodation is
in private cabanas and colonial-style villas and suites, with 24-hour electricity and
private baths. Seven nights, twenty meals, seventeen dives (weather permitting), two air
transfers from Belize International, and one great vacation for a single package price.
Turtle Inn:
Located on the southern coast of Belize, just outside the town of Placencia. Charming
cabanas of bleached thatch and native wood mingle with the beach’s palm and sea
grape. Each Balinese-inspired cabana has artisan-crafted furnishings, a luxury private
bath and a panoramic view of the sea.
Mayan Ruins:
Hidden in the jungle for centuries, the Mayan ruins make for interesting journey.
Nabitunich:
Comfortable and Friendly Eco Lodge surrounded by Mayan Ruins and beautiful natural
landscape. Located on the Western Highway, 71 miles from Belize City and 3 miles from the
Guatemalan border.
50% off accommodation for Travel Notes members.
Books
on Belize Travel:
Browse Amazon's best-selling list of books on travel in Belize.
|
