Belize With Kids: Exploring Nature's Paradise Safely

Belize is a beautiful country with lush jungles, rainforests, white sand beaches, and some of the best diving spots in the world. It is also home to the world's second-largest barrier reef system. The country has a rich history and diverse culture, with Mayans, Creole, Meztisos, and Garinagu being the most common ethnic groups. English is the official language, making communication easy for English speakers.

However, when it comes to safety, there are some concerns. Belize has a high crime rate and serious problems with violent crimes, including sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, which occur even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. The presence of gangs is also a significant issue, with a substantial cartel presence and a structured matrix of organised crime. Belize City, especially the Southside, is considered particularly dangerous, and travellers are advised to exercise caution or avoid the area altogether. The borders with Guatemala and Honduras are also considered unsafe.

In addition, the quality of medical care is a concern, as public health institutions are underfunded and under-equipped. Public transportation is also deemed unsafe and unreliable.

Despite these issues, many travellers with children have reported feeling safe in Belize, especially in tourist areas and when taking common-sense precautions. The friendly and accommodating nature of the locals, especially towards children, is often highlighted. The country offers a range of outdoor activities, unique experiences, and a rich culture that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

So, while there are safety concerns to be aware of, with proper planning and caution, Belize can still be a great destination for families to explore and create lasting memories.

Crime rate and safety

Belize is considered an unsafe country with a high crime rate, gang presence, and serious problems with violent crimes. The US State Department advises citizens to exercise caution when travelling to Belize, especially in the Southside of Belize City, which is a known battlefront for inter-gang conflict. The UK, Canada, and Australia have also issued similar warnings.

Most of the crimes reported in Belize are unresolved or unprosecuted, and tourists are advised to exercise caution and vigilance. The Belize Police Department has over 1000 sworn officers and nearly 150 civilian employees. In the case of an emergency, you can contact the police by dialling 911.

Belize has a rich cultural diversity, with Mayans, Creole, Meztisos, and Garinagu being the most common ethnic groups. The people of Belize are incredibly kind and accommodating, and they love kids. Safety is also a top priority for the country, which means you can focus on having fun and making memories without worrying about safety.

• Avoid travelling alone and travel in groups or with organised tours.
• Stay out of deserted areas, especially in larger cities like Belize City.
• Avoid going out at night.
• Do not display valuables while walking on the street or visiting landmarks.
• Avoid using ATMs at night or in isolated places.
• Do not consume alcohol or acquire illegal substances, as this can put you in contact with local gangs.
• Avoid unauthorised taxis; legitimate taxis have green license plates.
• Be cautious when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempts.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Public transport

Buses

Buses are the cheapest and most efficient way to travel around Belize. Nearly all towns are connected by bus, and the longest trip in the country (Belize City to Punta Gorda) costs only BZ$25. The main towns are served by fast and comfortable express buses, which stop only at the towns' terminals. However, for villages off the main highways, you will have to rely on slower local services, which may only run once a day. These local buses are brightly painted, recycled North American school buses, which will pick up and drop off passengers anywhere along the roadside. The most frequent services operate along the Western and Northern Highways, while the Hummingbird and Southern Highways are less well-served. Tickets are purchased from the conductor.

Taxis

All taxis in Belize are licensed and can be identified by their green license plates. They operate from special ranks in the centre of all mainland towns. There are no meters, so you should establish your fare before getting into the taxi. Within towns, a BZ$8-10 fixed rate should apply. It is also possible to negotiate taxi rides between cities, though this can be quite expensive (US$60-100 per person for a three-hour ride).

Boats

If you plan on visiting the cayes, you will need to travel by boat. Tickets (usually BZ$25-45) cannot be purchased in advance for domestic routes, so it is recommended to arrive at least half an hour before your departure time. Numerous boats run daily between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and Ambergris Caye, and also connect Ambergris Caye with Corozal.

Safety Considerations

When using public transport in Belize, it is important to be vigilant and keep your valuables secure at all times. Theft is common on night buses and in crowded areas, so it is best to avoid these if possible. It is also recommended to avoid travelling by bus at night, and to take a taxi instead.

Alternatives to Public Transport

If you want to avoid public transport altogether, there are several alternative options for getting around Belize. These include renting a car, cycling, or travelling by air. Cycling is a great way to reach more isolated ruins and towns, and bikes are increasingly available for rent in San Ignacio and Placencia. Alternatively, there are several domestic airlines in Belize, such as Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, which offer numerous daily flights to various destinations within the country.

Medical care quality

Belize has a relatively well-established medical care delivery system, with both public and private healthcare options available. However, it is important to note that the quality of medical care in Belize may not meet the standards of North America or the European Union. The country has a small population of around 400,000, with more than half living in poverty, which limits the resources available for healthcare infrastructure and services.

Public Healthcare in Belize

The Ministry of Health (MoH) oversees the public health sector and provides affordable care to the majority of Belizeans. While public healthcare in Belize is available to all, it is underfunded and faces challenges such as equipment problems, medical supply shortages, and operation management issues. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) in Belize City is the largest public healthcare provider and serves as the national and regional referral hospital. There are also seven other public hospitals located in the district capitals, including three regional hospitals: the Southern Regional Hospital in Dangriga, the Northern Regional Hospital in Orange Walk Town, and the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan. In addition, Belize 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, which reduces access to quality care.

Private Healthcare in Belize

The private health sector in Belize serves a smaller portion of the population but offers relatively low-cost services with an emphasis on quality care and improvement. There are three main private hospitals in Belize: La Loma Luz Hospital, Belize Medical Associates, and Universal Health Services. In addition, there are over 50 for-profit clinics and four nonprofit clinics spread throughout the country. Private hospitals and clinics are generally well-staffed and equipped to handle emergency and trauma cases, offering services such as medical imaging, operating theatres, and laboratory services.

Cost of Medical Care in Belize

The cost of medical care in Belize is significantly lower than in North America, with basic medical consultations costing around US$70, including medication. However, specialist care can be relatively expensive, and many locals and expatriates travel to neighbouring countries like Mexico and Guatemala for more affordable medical and dental treatment.

Recommendations for Travellers

Before travelling to Belize, it is recommended that individuals verify their medical coverage, including catastrophic coverage and the cost of medical evacuation. It is also advisable to purchase medical insurance that covers overseas medical care and emergency treatment. Additionally, it is important to ensure that prescriptions are up to date and to bring them along when travelling to Belize.

Natural disasters

Belize is highly susceptible to natural disasters, which affect the country regularly. The country is at risk of hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and drought. The hurricane season runs from June to November, and during this time, infrastructure and economic losses are particularly high, especially in the agricultural sector.

Since 1930, there have been 16 hurricanes in Belize, eight of which were major hurricanes that made landfall or passed close enough to cause damage or loss of life. In addition, 17 systems made landfall as tropical storms. The deadliest hurricane in Belize's history occurred in 1931, when a Category 4 hurricane made landfall in Belize City, killing approximately 2,500 people.

In recent years, Hurricane Dean in 2007 and Hurricane Richard in 2010 caused extensive damage to the country. Hurricane Dean made landfall as a Category 5 storm just north of the Belize-Mexico border, while Hurricane Richard roared into the country with winds of nearly 90 miles per hour, causing widespread damage to homes, trees, and electricity poles.

Belize is also vulnerable to flooding due to its location. For example, the village of Calla Creek, located in the Cayo District near the city of San Ignacio, is vulnerable to flooding as it sits along the banks of the Mopan River. Drought is another natural disaster that frequently affects farmers in Belize, particularly in the northern part of the country.

While Belize is at risk of natural disasters, it is important to note that hurricanes and powerful storms are the only weather events that pose a significant risk. There is no imminent danger from dangerous hurricanes, earthquakes, or tsunamis in Belize. However, it is always essential to stay informed and follow official safety guidelines when travelling to areas prone to natural disasters.

Food and dining

Belize is a melting pot of cultures when it comes to cuisine, so you can expect to sample new taste sensations without repeating menu selections. Here is a guide to food and dining in Belize.

Belize City

Belize City has a variety of restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Some popular options include:

• Celebrity Restaurant, serving Caribbean and Central American cuisine.
• The Little Boar House, a Caribbean barbecue joint.
• Club Calypso Seafood Restaurant, serving Caribbean and South American seafood.
• Sumathi Indian Restaurant.
• Friendship Chinese Restaurant.
• Admiral's Restaurant And Bar, a steakhouse with seafood and fast food options.
• Plaza Diner Restaurant, serving American and Latin food.
• Vino Tinto Restaurant Bar & Grill, serving international and Asian fusion cuisine.
• Bistro at Maya Beach Hotel, an open-air restaurant with sea views, serving passion fruit and snapper ceviche, lobster bread pudding, and rabbit potpie.

San Ignacio

San Ignacio has a variety of dining options, including:

• AJAW, where you can learn how to make drinking chocolate from raw cacao beans.
• The San Ignacio Hotel, which has a conservation project to protect iguanas.
• Cahal Pech ruin, a Mayan archaeological site with a nearby restaurant.
• Chaa Creek, a jungle resort with a Morpho Farm where you can see the mesmerising Morpho Butterfly. The onsite restaurant serves fresh, continental breakfasts.
• Nahil Mayab, a flower-draped courtyard serving the best ceviche in Belize.

Hopkins

Hopkins has a strong Garginua influence in its restaurants and bars. Some options include:

• Chef Rob's Gourmet Café, serving an eclectic blend of seafood, Belizean favourites, and American dishes.
• Tutti Frutti, an Italian gelato shop run by Italian expats.
• Laru Beya Resort, which has a private beach area, room service, and a bar.

Placencia

Placencia is home to the Maya Beach Hotel, which has an open-air restaurant with sea views. The menu includes traditional dishes such as grilled catch of the day, as well as more unexpected options like passion fruit and snapper ceviche, and lobster bread pudding.

San Pedro

San Pedro is a touristy town with a variety of dining options, including:

• Portofino Beach Resort, located a quiet area a short ride from town.
• Midtown Restaurant, with big portions and packed with locals.
• Go Fish Belize, offering fishing excursions.

Frequently asked questions