Belize Excursions: Exploring Nature's Wonders Safely

Belize is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich Mayan history, and diverse wildlife. However, it's important to consider safety when planning excursions in the country. While most tourists have enjoyable and incident-free experiences, it's worth noting that Belize has a high crime rate and issues with gang-related violence, particularly in certain areas such as Southside Belize City.

When participating in excursions in Belize, it's recommended to take some safety precautions. These include travelling in groups, avoiding deserted areas, not going out at night, and being discreet with valuables and expensive items. Additionally, it's advised to use only licensed taxis with green license plates and to stick to reputable tour companies.

Overall, with some vigilance and common sense, excursions in Belize can be enjoyable and safe. The country has much to offer in terms of natural beauty, culture, and adventure activities such as snorkelling, diving, and exploring ancient Mayan sites.

Crime rate and gang activity

Belize has a high crime rate and a serious problem with violent crimes and gang activity. The country has around 40 active gangs, with at least eight of them considered very powerful and dangerous. Most gangs are concentrated in Belize City, the country's principal port and former capital, where it is estimated that 90% of all crimes in the country occur.

The high prevalence of violent crimes in the country is deeply rooted in the substantial cartel presence and a structured and developed matrix of organized crime. Belize's role in the international drug trade has grown, and Central American gangs and Mexican drug trafficking groups have established a presence in the country. Belize is a transit point for the regional arms trade, with traffickers exploiting weak border controls to move weapons into neighbouring countries.

The Belize Police Department has a reputation for being corrupt and inefficient, with officers often poorly trained and underpaid, making them susceptible to accepting bribes. The police force and justice system are widely regarded as corrupt and inefficient, and low levels of public confidence in these institutions mean that crimes often go unreported and perpetrators unpunished.

The US State Department advises American citizens to exercise increased caution when staying in the country due to the high prevalence of crime. The US advisory states that most crimes reported in Belize are either unresolved or unprosecuted, and most are gang-related and occur in Southside Belize City, outside tourist areas. The Government of Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution and avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City. The Australian government also advises a "high degree of caution" when travelling to Belize, due to the high crime rate and significant health risks.

Public transport safety

Public transportation in Belize is generally considered unsafe and unreliable. Here are some tips for staying safe when using different forms of public transport in the country:

Buses

• Pre-plan your departure time and arrive early at the bus station, as buses tend to be untimely and there are usually long lines.
• Aim for express buses, which run early in the morning, at noon, and in the evening.
• Ask the conductors for the estimated time of arrival at your destination and for recommendations on routes.
• Take into account the day of the week, as weekends tend to have less frequent bus routes.
• Avoid the last bus of the day, as it tends to be very crowded and take much longer.

Boats

• Try to sit on the upper deck of commercial boats for the best views and a breezy ride.
• Buy tickets ahead of time, as this will ensure that your luggage is safe and you get a seat.
• Don't forget to bring sunscreen and take lots of photos!

Taxis

• Ask your hotel or travel agent to recommend a trusted taxi driver.
• Haggle rates with taxi drivers, as they will likely cut you a fair deal.
• Tell the driver about your plans, as they may have recommendations on the best times to go and how easy it is to access a location.
• Ask the driver if they would be willing to wait for you if you need a return trip.
• Shop around, as different drivers may offer different prices.

Medical care quality

Belize has a relatively well-established medical care delivery system, with both public and private healthcare options available. However, the quality of medical care in Belize is generally considered poor and does not meet the same standards as those in North America or the European Union. This is mainly due to a lack of adequate funding, which has led to understaffed and under-equipped public health institutions.

Public Healthcare in Belize

Public healthcare in Belize is provided by the Ministry of Health (MoH), which operates hospitals or polyclinics in every major city, town, and village. While public healthcare is available to all citizens at no direct cost, the quality of care can vary significantly between different facilities. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City is considered the premier public healthcare provider in the country. However, due to funding issues, it has faced challenges with equipment problems, medical supply shortages, and operation management issues.

Outside of Belize City, there are seven additional public hospitals located within the capitals of each of the other seven districts. These include three regional hospitals: the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga, the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town, and the Western Regional Hospital in the nation's capital, Belmopan. These regional hospitals provide a wider range of services than the capital hospitals of Corozal and Toledo District.

In addition to the hospitals, Belize also has a network of approximately 60 public health clinics that provide primary medical and dental care to rural areas. However, these clinics often suffer from inadequate staffing, lack of financial resources, and a lack of equipment and medicine, leading to reduced access to quality care.

Private Healthcare in Belize

The private healthcare sector in Belize provides care to a smaller portion of the population but offers similar low-cost services with an emphasis on quality. There are three main private hospitals in Belize: La Loma Luz Hospital, Belize Medical Associates, and Universal Health Services. Belize Medical Associates is a 25-bed private hospital that offers radiology and neurological services, while Universal Health Services is another private healthcare facility in Belize City. Altogether, there are about 100 private hospital beds in the country.

Private hospitals and clinics in Belize are typically well-staffed and equipped to handle emergency and trauma cases. Most expatriates tend to favour private hospitals for their superior and more comprehensive medical care. The cost of medical care in the private sector is still well below that of North America, with a visit to a medical practitioner for basic ailments costing around US$70, including medication.

Overall Assessment of Medical Care Quality

While medical care in Belize has been steadily improving, there is still a need for more healthcare facilities, specialized physicians and staff, and better equipment. The public health sector, in particular, struggles with underfunding and a lack of resources, which can impact the quality of care provided. As a result, many locals and expatriates seek medical treatment in nearby countries like Mexico, Guatemala, or the United States for more complicated or specialised procedures.

Natural disasters

Belize is highly susceptible to natural disasters, including hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and drought. These disasters affect the country regularly and have a significant impact on infrastructure and the economy, particularly during the hurricane season from June to November. While there is no imminent danger from natural disasters, there is a small chance of earthquakes, bigger storms, flooding, and wind damage.

Belize is hit by an average of seven hurricanes each year, though most of them are weak and do not cause significant damage. However, the country has experienced several major hurricanes, including:

• Hurricane Janet in 1955, which brought winds of up to 175 mph and caused massive flooding in the northern districts.
• Hurricane Dean in 2007, which made landfall as a Category 5 storm.
• Hurricane Iris in 2001, which caused major damage to nearly 95% of buildings in Placencia.
• Hurricane Hattie, which led to the relocation of the capital city from Belize City to Belmopan.

In addition to hurricanes, Belize has also experienced other tropical storms and depressions that have caused flooding and damage to infrastructure and agriculture. Examples include Tropical Storm Chantal in 2001 and Tropical Depression #16 in 2008.

To stay safe during a hurricane or tropical storm, it is important to follow official updates and recommendations. Designated hurricane shelters are available for evacuated individuals from major tourist areas.

Violent crimes and sexual assault

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Violent crimes, including armed robbery, shootings, domestic abuse, and sexual assault are also prevalent. Tourists are advised to exercise caution, especially when travelling to the south side of Belize City, where gang-related violence is more frequent.

Sexual assault and other violent crimes are a concern in Belize, with tourists advised to be vigilant and take precautions to reduce their risk. While tourists are not usually the targets of gang violence, anyone in the vicinity of an incident could be affected. It is recommended that tourists follow the advice of local authorities, be aware of their surroundings, and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewellery or watches.

In addition, local police lack the resources and training to effectively respond to serious criminal incidents, and most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. As a result, it is advised that tourists report any incidents to the police but not expect a swift resolution.

To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of violent crime or sexual assault, tourists should consider the following:

• Avoid walking or driving at night.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempts.
• Be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business.
• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Use a qualified guide for trips off the beaten track.
• Only use established and reputable accommodation and campgrounds.

By following these precautions, tourists can reduce their risk of becoming victims of violent crimes or sexual assault while visiting Belize.

Frequently asked questions