Kayaking To Basil Jones Cut: Belize Adventure

Kayaking is a popular activity in Ambergris Caye, Belize, with many tourists opting to kayak to the reef and snorkel. While it is possible to kayak to the reef in some areas, it is important to note that there is boat traffic to consider. Some resorts, such as Las Terrazas, offer kayaks for rent and have buoys to tie them up while snorkelling. Tranquility Bay Resort, located in the north of Ambergris Caye, is another resort that offers snorkelling within swimming distance from the shore. The Basil Jones Cut, located within the Tranquility Bay Resort, is known for its abundance of marine life, including manatees and various fish species.

Kayaking to snorkel in Ambergris Caye, Belize

Some resorts, such as Las Terrazas, provide buoys for kayakers to tie up their kayaks before jumping off to snorkel. The water is shallow, about knee-deep, and you will need to navigate your way around the coral, but the effort is well worth it. You can expect to see a variety of fish, manta rays, nurse sharks, and colourful coral.

Another great spot for kayaking and snorkelling is the Basil Jones Cut within the Tranquility Bay Resort. This area is known for its abundance of marine life, including manatees and a variety of fish. The coral here has been recovering from a heatwave in 1997, and it is worth noting that some sources mention the presence of crocodiles in the area, although others dispute this claim.

If you are staying in town, the reef is about a mile away, and kayaking to the reef is a popular option for those who want to snorkel. There are also places where you can rent kayaks if your resort does not provide them. Remember to always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings when kayaking and snorkelling, especially if there are boat traffic or potential wildlife hazards.

Overall, kayaking to snorkel in Ambergris Caye, Belize, is a fantastic way to explore the diverse marine life and experience the beauty of the reef up close. With a variety of resorts offering kayak rentals and convenient access to the reef, you're sure to have a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Basil Jones Cut: a great spot for snorkelling

Basil Jones Cut is a great spot for snorkelling, located in Ambergris Caye, Belize. With the reef quite close by in the north, it is easily accessible by kayak or even by swimming. While the coral inside the reef in the north may be mostly dead, the cuts in the reef often offer great conditions for snorkelling. This means that you can still enjoy luxuriant hard and soft corals, big schools of fish, turtles, rays, and more.

In a review of snorkelling spots in Belize, one experienced snorkeler mentions that the cuts in the reef in the north, such as Hol Chan, Tres Cocos, and Mexico Rocks, offer a great snorkelling experience. They also mention that there are many more good spots to explore, and it is worth working with a boat operator to find less crowded locations.

The Basil Jones area, located within the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, has unfortunately seen significant coral die-off due to coral diseases and other factors. However, there is still some good coral and marine life in the Basil Jones channel, and it can be a rewarding snorkelling location when the weather cooperates.

If you're looking for a more secluded snorkelling experience in Belize, consider the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve section of the reef, which offers excellent snorkelling conditions without the crowds of some other popular spots.

So, whether you're an experienced snorkeler or a beginner, Basil Jones Cut and the surrounding areas in Ambergris Caye offer a range of snorkelling opportunities to suit your interests. Don't forget to work with local boat operators to find the best spots and to respect the marine environment as you explore.

Basil Jones Beach is now defunct

Basil Jones Beach in Ambergris Caye, Belize, is now defunct. The beach was once a popular spot, known for its tranquil setting and beautiful Caribbean Sea views. It was located about twenty miles north of San Pedro Town and was a great place to enjoy the sea and sun.

However, in 2000, Hurricane Keith hit the area. With gusts of up to 155 MPH and sustained winds over 125 MPH, the slow-moving storm caused significant damage to the region. Basil Jones Beach bore the brunt of the hurricane's force, and it is likely that the beach's infrastructure was severely impacted.

The aftermath of Hurricane Keith left the beach in a state of disrepair, and it is unclear if any reconstruction or rehabilitation efforts were undertaken. Over time, the once-vibrant beach fell into disuse and became defunct.

Today, Basil Jones Beach remains a distant memory, and it is uncertain if there are any plans for its revival. While the physical remnants of the beach may still exist, the lack of recent information suggests that it is no longer a functional or popular destination for visitors or locals. The passing of time and potential lack of maintenance have likely transformed the once-lively beach into a faded remnant of the past.

The Basil Jones Resort project

The Hol Chan Reef Resort Villas in Basil Jones, Belize, is a hotel that can be found and booked online. This may be the resort that was the subject of the message board discussion, but it is unclear from the sources what the current status of the project is, or whether it is still operational.

The Basil Jones Resort & Club is also mentioned on a timeshare resale rentals website, indicating that the project may have progressed to some degree, but it is uncertain if it is still active.

While the exact details of the Basil Jones Resort project remain obscure, it appears that there has been interest and potential development occurring over the years, with varying levels of success and uncertainty expressed by those involved or familiar with the venture.

Overall, the limited information available paints a picture of a potential resort development in Basil Jones, Belize, that has faced some challenges and uncertainties, with varying levels of engagement and faith from different individuals.

The Efrain Guerrero International Airport project

The Government of Belize signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Airport Alliance Belize Limited (IAA) for the construction of a multi-million-dollar international airport in northern Ambergris Caye. The airport, named the Efrain Guerrero International Airport, will be Belize's second international airport. It is expected to cost over $100 million and will be located at Basil Jones, approximately 11 miles north of San Pedro Town. The airport will include a terminal building, runway, taxiway, apron, and other ancillary facilities. It is expected to accommodate about 12 wide-bodied aircraft and will significantly increase tourist arrivals to Belize, particularly Ambergris Caye. The airport will create approximately 181 jobs and is expected to bring long-term socio-economic benefits to the country.

The MoU was signed on December 12, 2017, and is set for a duration of 12 months, during which the IAA will finalise logistics in terms of land, finances, and environmental assessments. Construction is expected to begin in early 2019 if everything goes according to plan. The project has been endorsed by Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr., who stated that the airport will enhance the island's reputation and development.

However, the project has also faced scrutiny and controversy. The developer of the airport, Jorge Abraham Jaen, has been accused of fraud and making false representations to obtain loans. He was arrested in 2006 on charges of fraud and has a previous conviction for conspiracy to commit extortion and voter fraud. Despite these accusations, the IAA has defended Jaen and stated their commitment to the project. There have also been concerns raised by residents of Ambergris Caye, who believe that the money would be better spent on much-needed infrastructure on the island, such as proper streets, sewage, a hospital, and adequate housing.

Despite the controversies and concerns, the project is moving forward, and it remains to be seen whether the Efrain Guerrero International Airport will become a reality in the coming years. The airport has the potential to bring significant benefits to Belize, but it is essential to carefully consider the potential impacts and address any issues that may arise.

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