Travel to Belize
Belize is located in Central America – about 125 miles directly south of Cancun & Cozumel. Belize is bordered by Mexico in the north, Guatemala to the south and west and the Western Caribbean Sea in the east. The mainland of Belize is approximately the size of Massachusetts. More than 200 islands are sprinkled along the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere – the Great Belize Barrier Reef. Ambergris Caye is the largest of these islands.
| What is the official language? | English is most common. In some parts of the country you will find Spanish, Creole or Maya spoken. |
| What about the government? | Belize is an independent nation (since 1981) and a member of the British Commonwealth. The current Prime Minister is Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow. Belize has enjoyed a stable political climate for many years. |
| What about electricity? | Same voltage as the U.S. – 120 v. |
| What time zone is Belize? | Belize observes Central Standard Time year round. We do not observe Daylight Savings Time. Note: When you visit a tropical destination, you probably won’t care what time it is! |
| What to bring? | A passport is required for all visitors from the U.S. – no visa required for U.S. citizens. Other countries should check with the Belize Embassy. Otherwise, bring shorts, swimsuits, and cool shirts. The atmosphere on the island gives new meaning to the term “laid back.” If you are visiting in December and January, a sweater or sweatshirt may be comfortable at night. We have some restaurants where you might want to dress up a little bit – casual dresses, khakis, etc. is as formal as it gets. You can go barefoot anytime, anywhere. Sandals and beach footwear is always advisable when walking the beach or the streets. Also bring plenty of sunscreen lotion. You’ll need it. Avoid mid-day sun or wear something to block the tropical sun. We advise that you bring lightweight cotton long pants and long sleeve shirts for fishing and snorkeling trips or if you should get burned. |
| What is the currency in Belize? | The Belize Dollar. The exchange rate is fairly constant at $2 Belize to $1 U.S. Dollar. U.S. cash and travelers checks are accepted everywhere. Most restaurants accept credit cards. |
| Where is Caribbean Villas Hotel located? | 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. |
The Perceptions and Realities of a Belizean Summer
| Many people have the wrong idea what life could be like on Ambergris Caye in the summer time. Some of our best diving and fishing weather is in June, July and August and what most people don’t realize that if you are sitting in the shade under a palapa or a coconut tree our trade winds will keep you cool. Our average daytime temperature in the summer is around 87 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Temperatures | Perception The temperatures are higher in Belize than in the US during the summer months.Reality: In Belize, temperatures are comparable to many places in the USA during the summer months.
Ocean trade breezes and the shade of the coconut trees offer refuge and comfort along coastal areas. Inland, the jungle canopy, rolling hills and fresh water rivers and waterfalls provide relief from the heat. We frequently have guests visit us from Texas.
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| Rainy Season | Perception: It is “Rainy Season” and it will be raining all the time!Reality: Belize has two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season is in the summer months, and rainfall varies significantly by location within the country. Periodic showers, usually at night, also make this the “green season”. Rain showers during the day are usually brief and intermittent and normally do not hamper outdoor activities. |
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| Hurricanes | Perception: It is hurricane season and travelers should avoid coming to Belize during these months.Reality: Yes, it is hurricane season from June until mid-November. However, historically, most hurricanes occur between August and October in Belize. Hurricanes form over a period of several days and even weeks. The path of the storm is tracked and predicted using the latest technology which enables the areas to be affected ample time to prepare for the storm. Thanks to NEMO (National Emergency Management Organization), Belize has a thorough emergency plan ready to be enacted in the event of a hurricane. Should you visit us during hurricane season, we advise that you purchase travel insurance. |
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| Crowds | Perception: Since it is summer, there will be crowds, lines and lots of people. Reality: Contrary to the US and other parts of the world, Belize is not crowded during the summer months. Actually, with a population of only 333,200 (2009) people it is never crowded, even with tourists! The “high-season” for travelers in Belize is during winter and spring months, when it is cold in the north. |
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