PLANNING YOUR TRIP to BELIZE

Belize travel is so easy and inexpensive. The beautiful country of Belize is paradise on Earth. From the magnificent beaches and islands to the lush jungles and mountain forests, Belize is always memorable and an excellent vacation destination. You can just relax and soak up the sun or go on one of the many adventures that await you: Sailing, fishing, snorkeling, horseback riding, scuba diving, cave tubing, zip lining and so much more.

See here for directions.

Central America is where Belize is located – almost 120 miles due south of Cancun. Belize shares borders with Mexico to the north, Guatemala is west and south and the beautiful Caribbean Sea is to the east. Mainland Belize is about the same size as Massachusetts. There are over 210 islands sprinkled about the largest known barrier reef in all of the Western Hemisphere. The island of Ambergris Caye is by far the largest of all of these islands. See Map.

Belize has been an independent country (since 1981) and is also a member of the British Commonwealth. Belize has experienced a stable political climate for over 20 years, which makes it perfect for travel to Belize.

English is widely spoken. In various parts you will find Creole, Spanish, or Maya spoken.

Central Standard Time (CST) is observed year round. Daylight Savings Time is not observed. Note: When you arrive, take off your watch and experience Belizean time!

Belize has 120 volts, the same voltage as in the USA.

Bring swimsuits, shorts, sandals and cool shirts. The atmosphere is “laid back.” If you are traveling to Belize in December and January, a sweatshirt may come in handy at night. There are a few restaurants where you may wish to dress up a bit – khakis, casual dresses, etc. is usually as formal as it will get. Footwear is sandals and often barefoot. Always remember to wear lots of sunscreen, and you should probably bring some bug spray in case the mosquitos are out.

The Belize Dollar. The exchange rate is a constant $2 Belize to $1 U.S. Dollar. Credit cards and U.S. cash are accepted everywhere. ATM machines are sometimes difficult to find so plan ahead.

Caribbean Villas Hotel is located on the island of Ambergris Caye. It is about a 15-minute walk south along the beach from the town of San Pedro. San Pedro has gift shops, restaurants, street vendors and bars with entertainment. The local airport and water taxi terminals are located in the center of San Pedro.

It seems people have gotten the wrong idea about what life is like on Ambergris Caye Island during the summer time. We experience some of the very best fishing and diving weather June through August. Most people probably do not realize that when you are in the shade of a coconut tree or a palapa, the trade winds will often keep you cool. The daytime average temperature during the summer is almost 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Perception: Temperatures are much hotter in Belize than the US during the summer months.

Reality: Temperatures in Belize are equal to many locations in the U.S. in the summer months. Ocean breezes and the cool shade of the palapa offer a bit of comfort all along the coast. Inland, the rolling hills, jungle canopy and cool, fresh water rivers and gorgeous waterfalls can give some relief from the summer heat.

Perception: “Rainy Season” means it is raining all the time!

Reality: Occasional rain during the day is often brief and sporadic and almost never hinders outdoor activities.

Perception: Hurricane season means I should avoid traveling to Belize.

Reality: Hurricane season is from June through mid-November. Hurricanes usually develop over several days and sometimes weeks giving you ample warning for your Belize trip. If you are vacationing here during hurricane season, be sure to purchase Belize travel insurance.

Perception: In the summer it is crowded with lots of people.

Reality: With a total population of nearly 415,790 (2024) people it never gets crowded, even when you add in the tourists! The busy season for travel to Belize are the winter and spring months, when the north is cold.