Belize: One-Way Ticket To Paradise?

Belize is a small country in eastern Central America on the Caribbean Sea, with a climate that can be described as tropical to sub-tropical. It is warm all year round and has two main seasons: the dry season from December to May, and the wet season from June to November.

There are a variety of airlines that offer one-way flights to Belize, including JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines. The cheapest one-way ticket to Belize is $52, with the average price being $130. The best time to book a flight to Belize is in January, February, or August, as these are the cheapest months.

There are two airports in Belize City: Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport and Belize City Municipal Airport. The former is the largest airport in the country and is approximately a 30-minute drive from the Belize City centre. The latter is a smaller airport that serves small, single-engine planes and private jets.

Belize has a lot to offer in terms of attractions, including Mayan ruins, zip-lining, cave exploration, and nature trails. The country is also known for its beautiful beaches, tropical weather, and historic buildings.

Belize City: the nation's main port and a hub for cruise ships

Belize City, located on a peninsula on the east coast of Belize, is the nation's main port. The city is a hub for cruise ships, with cruise passengers using the port as a jumping-off point for excursions to other parts of Belize, including the Cayo District's caves and Maya archaeological sites.

Belize City's cruise port is currently located in the Fort Street Tourism Village, around 2 miles from where cruise ships anchor. From here, it's a 20-minute tender ride for passengers to reach the shore. A new state-of-the-art cruise port, Port Coral, is being developed 4 miles away on Stake Bank Island. This new port will offer natural deep water access, allowing cruise ships to dock rather than tender. It will be able to accommodate four large cruise ships at any one time, with a capacity of over 22,000 cruise passengers per day.

Belize City itself, the country's largest urban centre, is not particularly appealing or safe for tourists to explore on their own. However, there are a few interesting landmarks within walking distance of the cruise terminal, including the Museum of Belize and St John's Cathedral. The city also boasts the world's only manual swing bridge and the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America.

For those looking to venture beyond Belize City, there are plenty of attractions to explore, including Mayan archaeological sites, wildlife adventures in the ocean and tropical forests, and water sports. Popular destinations include Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Lamanai, as well as the Belize Zoo and the Little Guana Caye Bird Sanctuary.

San Pedro: a tourist mecca with great beaches and plenty of dive shops

San Pedro is a popular tourist destination in Belize, known for its beautiful beaches and abundance of dive shops. With crystal-clear turquoise waters and a vibrant coral reef, it's no wonder that San Pedro is a mecca for divers and beachgoers alike.

Belize Pro Dive Center, a 5-star PADI Dive Resort, is one of the most popular dive shops in the area. They offer scuba diving, snorkelling tours, PADI courses, and fishing. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff provide a safe and enjoyable experience for beginners and experienced divers alike. Belize Pro Dive Center also has a full range of boats and new equipment to handle any of your water needs.

In addition to Belize Pro Dive Center, there are several other dive shops in San Pedro that offer scuba diving and snorkelling tours. Scuba School and Family Dive Center Belize is a PADI 5-star training facility with experienced instructors who offer a variety of courses and packages to suit your needs. They are committed to providing quality instruction and ensuring the safety of their guests.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, San Pedro has something to offer. The town is easily accessible by plane, with direct flights from popular US cities like Los Angeles and New York. So if you're looking for a tropical getaway with great beaches and plenty of opportunities to explore the underwater world, San Pedro, Belize is the perfect destination.

With its stunning natural beauty, friendly locals, and abundance of water activities, it's no wonder that San Pedro has become a tourist mecca. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to explore the underwater wonders of Belize!

Placencia: an increasingly popular eco-destination offering outdoor adventure

Placencia, Belize is an increasingly popular eco-destination on the Caribbean coast. Once a sleepy fishing village, Placencia now offers a wide range of outdoor adventures for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Located in the Stann Creek region, Placencia boasts 16 miles of tranquil beaches, with a lagoon to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east. The peninsula is home to a variety of ecosystems, including mountainous rainforests, coral reefs, and Mayan ruins.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, Placencia offers a host of activities. Visitors can go hiking, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, diving, and exploring Mayan ruins. Boat rides to the outer cayes and guided land tours to Mayan ruins are also popular excursions.

In addition, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to the world's first jaguar reserve, offers jungle trails for trekking and wildlife viewing.

With its diverse natural attractions and abundance of outdoor activities, Placencia has become a sought-after destination for those seeking eco-friendly adventures and a unique Caribbean experience.

Belmopan: a modest capital city surrounded by stunning scenery and wildlife

Belmopan, the capital of Belize, is a small and intimate city nestled in the country's geographic centre. Established after Hurricane Hattie devastated Belize City in 1961, Belmopan offers a safer inland location away from the low-lying coastline. This charming capital boasts bustling market squares, picturesque parks, and unique natural attractions, making it a must-visit destination in Belize.

Exploring Belmopan's City Centre

Belmopan's city centre is a vibrant hub of activity, featuring the lively Market Square and the picturesque Independence Plaza. Independence Plaza is home to the prime minister's offices and the National Assembly Building, a striking structure designed to resemble a Mayan temple. The city is easily navigable on foot, allowing visitors to explore the nearby neighbourhoods, market plazas, and pedestrian pathways at their leisure.

Natural Wonders and Outdoor Adventures

Belmopan is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and wildlife experiences. Just outside the city lies the spectacular Guancaste Park and the famous Hummingbird Highway, offering a scenic drive with amazing views around every turn. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Blue Hole National Park is a must-visit destination, featuring the stunning St. Herman's Cave and Crystal Cave. Adventure seekers can also enjoy cave tubing, zip-lining, and kayaking at Caves Branch.

Cultural Experiences and Wildlife Encounters

Belmopan offers a variety of cultural and wildlife experiences. The Art Box, a local art gallery, provides a great opportunity to explore Belizean art and crafts. The Belize Zoo, located just outside the city, showcases over 100 native animal species, all rescued or born in the zoo, providing an up-close experience with Belize's rich wildlife.

Dining and Accommodations

Belmopan has a diverse food scene, with many Chinese-owned restaurants serving delicious Belizean cuisine. The Yim Saan restaurant, a 4-star establishment, is highly recommended for its food and accommodation. For a unique jungle experience, the Banana Bank Lodge offers horseback riding and comfortable cabanas by the Belize River.

Accessibility and Transportation

Belmopan is easily accessible via two major highways, the Hummingbird Highway and the George Price Highway. Travel to and from Belize City is convenient and affordable, with bus fares costing less than BZ$12 per person. The city's bus terminal is located on the corner of Constitution Drive and Bliss Parade, providing easy access to public transportation.

Dangriga: a quieter base for exploring the Stann Creek district

Dangriga, formerly known as "Stann Creek Town", is the capital of the Stann Creek District in Belize. With a population of around 9,000, it is a quieter alternative to busier destinations such as San Pedro Town and Placencia. The town is divided into two land areas by the Stann Creek, which empties into the Caribbean Sea.

Dangriga is often referred to as the "culture capital of Belize", with a rich blend of English and Garifuna culture. The Garifuna people are direct descendants of a group of African slaves who escaped from two shipwrecked Spanish slave ships near St. Vincent in 1635. They celebrate a diverse culture that blends African traditions of music and dance with Native American farming, hunting, and fishing techniques, as well as French and Arawak-influenced language.

The town is served by commuter flights and has an airstrip, with a 20-minute plane ride from Belize City. It can also be accessed by road via the Hummingbird and Southern Highways, or the Manatee Highway, which is located at Milepost 30.5 on the Western Highway.

Dangriga is a convenient base for visits to the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve, nearby villages, and cayes. The Stann Creek district is also a major producer of bananas, citrus fruits, and other agricultural products, with improvements having been made to the deep-water port at Big Creek in recent years.

The town offers a unique cultural blend of Garifuna art, music, and cuisine, and modern Punta Rock and reggae. Traditional groups such as the Turtle Shell Band and the Waribagaba Dancers perform in Dangriga, and the town is also home to a recording studio run by Bredda David and the Tribal Vibes, famous for their Kriol music.

Dangriga is known for its cassava, cashew wine, and fish cooked in coconut milk, served with a side of mashed plantain, called hudut. The town is also a popular area for expats, with lower prices for beachfront property compared to Ambergris Caye or Placencia.

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