Exploring Belize's Panorama: A Tropical Paradise

Belize is a country rich in natural beauty and historical significance, offering a plethora of panoramic views and experiences. From the ancient Mayan city ruins of Altun Ha to the vibrant Belize City Port, the country boasts a diverse range of landscapes. The Belize River, with its floating logs and easy coastal access, was once a hub for shipping logwood and mahogany to England during the mid-17th century. Today, Belize continues to captivate with its panoramic views, including the Caribbean Sea, tropical rainforests, and archaeological sites.

Belize City's port

Cruise ships do not dock at the port due to shallow waters. Instead, they anchor a few miles away and passengers are tendered to the port, usually within 20 minutes. The port is located in the Fort Street Tourism Village, a safe but small area, just a stone's throw from the historic centre of Belize City. The village features shops, restaurants and bars, offering a true taste of Belize for those who wish to linger.

The port itself does not have much to offer in terms of attractions. However, it serves as a gateway to the city and beyond. Belize City is within walking distance, but it is not particularly appealing or safe for exploration on foot. The Museum of Belize and St. John's Cathedral are two landmarks that can be reached on foot, but they are on opposite sides of the river.

For those wishing to explore further, shore excursions are abundant and varied. Mayan ruins, including Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Lamanai, are popular attractions, as are cave tubing, snorkelling, and exploring wildlife sanctuaries. The Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest in the world, is a short distance from the port and offers snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.

The Caribbean beach

Belize, nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, boasts a diverse landscape that includes not only its famous beaches but also lush rainforests, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant cities. The country's rich history and culture add to the allure of its natural beauty, attracting visitors from around the world.

One of the unique features of the Caribbean beach in Belize is the presence of a diverse range of wildlife. The coastal areas are home to a variety of bird species, including herons, that gracefully dot the skies and mangroves. Beneath the crystal clear waters lies a vibrant underwater world, teeming with colourful fish and coral reefs that attract snorkelers and divers alike.

The beach also offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. From kayaking and windsurfing to exploring the ancient ruins of the Mayan civilization, there is something for everyone. The beachside towns and villages provide a glimpse into the local culture and hospitality, with their colourful houses, traditional huts, and lively markets.

The panoramic views of the Caribbean beach in Belize are truly awe-inspiring, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and dynamic coastal landscapes. It is a place where one can truly immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, relax, and create lasting memories.

Haulover Creek

The creek's name is believed to derive from cattlemen who had to "haul" their cattle over the creek with ropes before the construction of the swing bridge in 1922. The bridge was built to allow sailing fishing boats with tall masts to pass through and provide supplies and services to the city. The swing bridge is now a tourist destination and historical landmark, being one of the few manually operated swing bridges in the world still in use. It is hand-cranked by a minimum of four men until it is perpendicular to the creek, allowing boat traffic to pass.

The creek passes through mangrove swamps, and during the vibrant month of March, it comes alive with the southeasters driving the sea up the creek. The usually drab brown water takes on a greenish tinge, and the wind whips up ripples on the surface, carrying the scent of salt in the air. This transformation attracts sea birds like gulls and pelicans, who fish the river during this time.

Altun Ha Mayan ruins

The Altun Ha Mayan ruins are the remains of an ancient Maya city in Belize, located in the Belize District about 50 kilometres (31 miles) north of Belize City and 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) west of the Caribbean Sea. The site covers an area of about 8 square kilometres (5 square miles) and is the closest archaeological site to Belize City.

Altun Ha was first inhabited around 250–900 BC during the Pre-Classic Period and was a major Maya culture ceremonial centre and trading link between the Caribbean coast and Maya centres inland. The site features two main plazas and 13 structures, including the Temple of Masonry Altars, which is 16 metres (52–55 feet) high and the largest of its kind at Altun Ha. The site also includes a Maya-constructed water reservoir lined with clay to prevent water from escaping.

Altun Ha is unique among Maya sites for the absence of carved stelae, and instead, its most notable artifact is a large jade carving of the Maya sun god "Kinich Ahau", discovered in the Temple of Masonry Altars. Weighing almost 10 pounds and with a circumference of 45.9 cm, it is the largest carved jade object found in any Maya community in the region. A replica is on display at the Central Bank of Belize, and its likeness is watermarked on all Belizean currency.

Altun Ha is open year-round and can be reached by a bumpy, two-mile drive down an unpaved road from Rockstone Pond Road. Visitors can climb the temples and explore the surrounding wildlife, which includes over 200 species of birds, as well as bats, foxes, white-tail deer, tapir, and armadillos.

Baron Bliss Lighthouse

The Baron Bliss Lighthouse is a Belize City landmark and tourist attraction. It was established in 1885 on the former site of a Spanish fortress, which was damaged in the Battle of St. George's Caye in 1798. The lighthouse is named after Baron Bliss, a member of the English aristocracy and avid yachtsman and fisherman, who is known for his philanthropy in Belize.

Baron Bliss, whose full name was Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss, arrived in Belize in early 1926. Despite never setting foot on the Belizean mainland, he interacted with local fishermen and became enamoured with their culture and the beauty of Belize. Bliss was a paraplegic and used a wheelchair, but this did not stop him from pursuing his passions. He sailed and fished from a specially designed boat.

On March 9, 1926, Baron Bliss passed away, leaving instructions in his will for his burial. He requested to be buried in a granite tomb near the sea, enclosed by an iron fence, with a lighthouse built nearby. This is the reason for the construction of the Baron Bliss Lighthouse in Belize City. The lighthouse stands at 50 feet tall and is painted white and red. It serves as a warning for boats travelling nearby and has been featured on billboards and promotional items for Belikin's "Lighthouse Lager".

In addition to his burial requests, Baron Bliss left his fortune to the citizens of Belize in the form of a charitable trust worth two million pounds. This trust continues to finance schools, arts centres, roads, and theatres in Belize. Baron Bliss also stipulated that the money could only be used for certain purposes, such as agricultural and vocational schools, and could not be used for churches or dance halls.

The lighthouse is not just a memorial to Baron Bliss but also a symbol of his love for the Belizean people and an architectural curiosity. It is located near the Belize sign and the harbour, making it a convenient stop for tourists looking to take photos and learn about the history of Belize.

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