Belize is one of the last remaining ‘undiscovered’ gems of the Caribbean and we think it’s time you discovered it! It’s situated in Central America, neighboring Mexico, and Guatemala and English is the official language. Belize is blessed with some of the friendliest people on the planet, with a rich cultural heritage from multi ethnic groups. Much of the cuisine and music is unique to the region.
Not only that, it harbours one of the last unspoiled marine and rainforest environments and offers some of the most exciting adventure travel anywhere.
Here’s some amazing facts about the beautiful country we are based in;
- Belize is home to the world's second largest barrier reef, which runs for 186 miles down the length of the coastline, a short boat ride from the shore. Teaming with life, it offers spectacular scuba diving and snorkelling.
- The reef is littered with 450 islands, called Cayes, which offer visitors a tropical paradise to explore, with some offering guests overnight accommodation and over-water bars. We frequently take boat trips to the beautiful Silk Caye and Moho Caye, off the coast of Placencia.
- Inland Belize is home to the Maya Mountain Range, a dense mountainous jungle area, steeped in wildlife, with numerous national parks.
- The country has a rich history and was the cornerstone of the Mayan Civilisation, evidence of which can be found across mayan archaeological sites which litter the country. Belize has around 900 Mayan sites.
- Belize currency exchange is extremely easy for American visitors. The Belize dollar is tied to the US dollar at $2 Belize = $1 USD.
- In 1840, Belize became a “Colony of British Honduras” and in 1862, it became a crown colony. For one hundred years after that, Belize was a representative government of England but in January 1964, full self government with a ministerial system was granted.
- There are less than 400,000 people in the entire country, the Belizean people are made up of Maya, Mestizo, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese.
- Belize has the only Jaguar reserve in the world, otherwise known as Cockscomb Basin Wildlife sanctuary. We offer excursions out to this amazing place each month!
- Despite English being the ‘official language’, you will still hear a mixture of Creole, Spanish, Garifuna and Mayan languages being spoken on the street.
- The Great Blue Hole, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Belize, famous around the world for its breath-taking beauty and fantastic diving opportunities. It is a World Heritage Site, more than 100m deep and is home to several shark species including Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, hammerheads, bull sharks, and black tip sharks.
- Belize has the lowest population density in Central America, of just 15 persons per square kilometer. You’ll notice how it feels like there’s so much space here, it’s wonderful.
- Belize’s national animal is the tapir; it looks like a giant Guinea pig, weighing over 500 pounds!
Belize is easy to get to, with direct flights from 11 US cities, why don’t you take the leap and find out for yourself just why this place is so incredible?