The Salty Truth Of Belize's Waters

Belize is known for its stunning beaches and water-based activities, from snorkelling to sailing. But how salty is the water? Well, it depends on where you are. In Hopkins, for example, the currents and undertows are generally weak, making it a great place to swim, kayak and snorkel. The water here is salty, and the sun-heated skin of swimmers provides a delightful contrast. Belize's water is also home to a variety of marine life, including stonefish, jellyfish, Portuguese Man-of-War, and stingrays. As such, it's important to be careful when enjoying the water.

Is the water safe to drink?

The answer to this question depends on where you are in Belize. If you're in a major city like Belize City, the tap water will have been treated and is generally considered safe to drink. However, many visitors choose not to drink it due to safety concerns or because they don't like the taste of the chlorine used to treat it. It's recommended that you drink bottled water, which is easily accessible and affordable. Hotels and resorts in Belize typically provide guests with safe drinking water, so take advantage of this and keep your water bottle filled.

When it comes to smaller towns and villages, the water supply may come from untreated sources like wells or rainwater tanks. In these cases, it's best to avoid drinking the tap water and stick to bottled water.

Belize has a tropical climate, so it's important to stay hydrated at all times. Make sure you always have a bottle of water with you when exploring, whether it's shop-bought or filled with water from your hotel.

While the tap water in Belize may not always be safe to drink, it is generally safe for other purposes such as brushing your teeth, cooking, and rinsing food.

Additional Tips for Safe Food and Water Practices in Belize:

• Wash your hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer.
• Avoid street food, especially if it's not selling quickly or isn't hot enough.
• Peel fruits yourself or only eat fruit you trust the preparer of.
• Soak vegetables in microdyne before consumption, even if you plan to peel them.
• Avoid lettuce and salads.
• Stick to well-cooked food and be cautious with seafood, meat, and poultry.
• Avoid tap water outside of major cities, including for brushing your teeth.
• Carry water purification methods like a Steripen or water purification tablets.
• Stay up to date on routine vaccines and consider additional ones like Hep A.

Salty skin and sun tanning

If you're looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the salty water in Belize, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, let's address a common misconception: the notion that salty water makes you tan faster. While many people believe that they tan faster when swimming in the sea, the truth is that the salt in the water has nothing to do with it. In fact, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that saltwater accelerates tanning. The real reason why people tend to tan more at the beach or in the sea is due to the sun's UV rays, particularly UVA and UVB rays, as well as the reflection of light off the water's surface.

So, what does this mean for your salty skin and sun tanning experience in Belize? Well, you can expect to get a tan from spending time in the sun and water, but it's important to be mindful of the sun's rays and take precautions to protect your skin. The water in Belize is generally safe for swimming and watersports, and the currents and undertows are usually weak along the 5-mile stretch of beach in Hopkins. However, it's always a good idea to stay informed about any underwater creatures you may encounter, such as stonefish, jellyfish, Portuguese Man-of-War, and stingrays.

To maximize your tanning potential while in Belize, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Timing is everything: The sun's rays are typically strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If you're looking to tan efficiently, this is the best time to soak up some rays. However, be cautious and remember to use adequate sun protection.
• Use tanning oils or lotions: Tanning oils or lotions can help intensify the sun's effects and promote a deeper tan. Look for products that contain natural ingredients like coconut oil or carrot seed oil.
• Exfoliate your skin: Exfoliating your skin before sun exposure can help remove dead skin cells and create a more even and longer-lasting tan.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial, especially in the hot Belizean sun. Hydration will help keep your skin healthy and promote better tanning results.
• Be mindful of your surroundings: While enjoying the water, be cautious of reflective surfaces like sand and water, as they can increase your exposure to UV rays. Wear sunscreen and reapply it frequently, especially if you're in and out of the water.

Remember, while a sun-kissed glow can be desirable, it's important to prioritize the health and safety of your skin. Always use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wear protective clothing, and limit your direct sun exposure, especially during the hottest parts of the day. By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy the salty water and sun in Belize while achieving a beautiful tan.

Scuba diving and snorkelling

Belize is a small country located between Mexico and Guatemala, known for its world-class snorkelling and scuba diving. The country offers a plethora of exciting activities, including exploring its stunning white sandy beaches, coastline, and the longest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.

Belize is an excellent choice for scuba diving enthusiasts, with clear, warm, and rich marine life-filled waters. The Belize Barrier Reef, a living coral reef, is described as solid mounds of submerged limestone and is the richest and most diverse habitat in the ocean. The country's waters offer great conditions for beginners and thrilling experiences for advanced divers.

One of the best ways to explore Belize's waters is by chartering a sailboat or catamaran. For those on a budget, snorkelling and diving excursions are also available along the beaches of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. These trips usually cost around $35 USD, including snorkel gear, and offer the opportunity to explore popular spots like the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley.

Belize is also known for its fantastic coral gardens, with coral atolls that are considered "the finest structures of their type in the Caribbean Sea". The Turneffe Islands, Lighthouse Reef, and Glover's Reef are some of the most renowned coral atolls in the region, offering diverse marine life and varied features like shallow reefs and wrecks.

When planning a scuba diving trip to Belize, it's important to consider the water temperature, which varies between the cooler months of November to July (around 78°F) and the warmer months of August to October (around 82-84°F). The subtropical climate of the country makes it warm all year round, especially in coastal areas.

Some of the best dive sites in Belize include the Great Blue Hole, Ambergris Caye, and the Atolls. However, there are also lesser-known sites worth exploring. Whether you're an experienced diver or a beginner, Belize has something for everyone.

Sailing trips

Belize is a great destination for sailing trips, with its stunning Caribbean Sea and the world's second-largest barrier reef. The country offers a range of sailing options, from day trips to longer excursions, exploring the southern and northern Cayes. Here is some more information on sailing trips in Belize:

Sailing the Southern Cayes

Leaving from Placencia, this 7-day sailing trip takes you on a journey through a series of marine preserves located behind the protective barrier reefs off the Belizean coast. The islands, known as Cayes, are mostly uninhabited and feature pristine white-sand beaches surrounded by lush mangroves and swaying palm trees. The reefs showcase a kaleidoscope of colours, with shades of brown, orange, green, and blue. The balmy trade winds provide excellent conditions for cruising as you explore the less-travelled charter grounds. This trip is perfect for those who want to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, windsurf, kayak, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets. Some of the places you can visit include Whipray Caye, South Water Caye, Thatch Caye, Lagoon Caye, Ray Cay, and Lark Caye.

Sailing the Northern Cayes

These 4-day, 3-night sailing adventures usually depart from San Pedro and take you to destinations such as Caye Caulker, Turneffe Atoll, the Great Blue Hole, and even Placencia. You can customise your trip to include fishing, diving, snorkelling, swimming, or just enjoying the beaches and waters of the northern Cayes and Atolls.

Overnight Sailing Charter with Snorkelling and Fishing

If you're looking for a fully customisable sailing adventure, this overnight option is perfect. You can choose to just sail, or focus on fishing or snorkelling—the choice is yours!

All-Day Fishing and Snorkelling

The Bacalar Chico all-day adventure is a hidden gem that takes you almost all the way around Ambergris Caye. On this trip, you'll get to experience the true vibe of snorkelling and fishing in Belize, with the opportunity to catch some conch or lobster (when in season). The coral is stunning, and the abundance of fish makes for excellent snorkelling. The water is clear and ranges from 5 to 10 feet deep. You'll also get to explore the mangroves and possibly spot a manatee. After a BBQ lunch, you'll cruise down the west side of the Caye before returning to the reef side docks.

Manatee Watch, Snorkel, and Beach BBQ

Starting from San Pedro, this trip takes you to Swallow Caye, where you can view the endangered West Indian Manatee in their natural habitat. You'll then head to Goff's Caye for some snorkelling on the magical reef. Your guides will prepare a delicious beach BBQ while you relax on the white sandy beaches. After lunch, you'll get to snorkel with sharks and rays. Before returning to San Pedro, you'll make a stop in Caye Caulker for some browsing and shopping.

Evening Dinner Cruises

For a more relaxed sailing experience, evening dinner cruises are available from San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Whether you're looking for a booze cruise with appetizers, a tapas and wine cruise, or a full dinner cruise, there are options for all tastes. You can choose from various boat types, including sailboats and large houseboats.

Watersports

Parasailing is a recreational kiting activity where you are towed behind a boat while attached to a parachute-like canopy wing. The boat then takes off, carrying you into the air. The rider has little control over the parachute, so parasailing is primarily a fun ride with a view. In Belize, parasailing boats can carry two or three people at the same time, and the ride typically lasts 15 minutes, followed by a 45-60 minute boat ride.

Belize is home to over 200 tropical cayes, many of which are uninhabited and can be explored by jet ski. You can also take a kayak to the reef or Chetumal Bay, or simply explore the area around the island. Paddleboarding is becoming increasingly popular, even among fishermen. Wakeboarding and waterskiing are also offered, with professional instructors available for all skill levels.

Scuba diving and snorkelling are also popular in Belize, thanks to its offshore reef. Sea Sports Belize, based in Belize City, offers scuba instruction and equipment sales and services. They also organise diving, snorkelling, fishing, and wildlife tours, including encounters with endangered manatees.

For those who prefer to stay above the water, sailing is another option. Hobie Cat sailboats, for instance, can be sailed by experienced sailors to nearby cayes.

Frequently asked questions