Belize's Off-Grid Adventure

Belize is a tropical paradise, with a diverse landscape of islands, a Caribbean coast with white-sand beaches, and a lush green interior with mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and caves. It's a great place to get off the grid, with plenty of options for those seeking a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.

One such place is Carmelita Gardens in the Cayo District, a riverfront village designed for those who want to live sustainably and be more self-sufficient. The village offers fertile soil, sunshine, and rainwater, allowing residents to grow their own food. Power is generated by the sun, and rainwater is captured for drinking water and garden irrigation through a zero-waste system.

Another option for off-the-grid living is Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, where solar power is a popular choice for those seeking energy independence. The island offers a mix of populated areas and unpopulated land, with marshlands, mangroves, and even jungle in the north.

For those seeking a more remote and secluded vacation experience, the Tranquility Bay Resort on Ambergris Caye offers the ultimate in getting off the grid. The resort is located inside the Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve, about a 40-minute boat ride from the ferry dock, providing incredible views, a laid-back atmosphere, and easy access to snorkelling right from the shore.

With its natural beauty, sustainable communities, and energy independence options, Belize is an ideal destination for those looking to escape the rat race and live a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Ambergris Caye: a 26-mile-long island with mangroves, marshlands, and jungle

Ambergris Caye is the largest of the 200-plus cayes (islands) located off the Belize coast. It is about 25 miles long and 4 miles wide at its widest point. The island is a top destination for scuba divers and snorkelers, with the Belize Barrier Reef—the second-largest coral reef in the world—running parallel along its entire coast.

Much of Ambergris Caye is low mangrove swamp, with a dozen lagoons, a limestone plateau, and sandy ridges. As you move farther north of San Pedro Town, the island's main population centre, the land stretches out from east to west, much of it completely unpopulated, some of it marshlands, mangroves, and even jungle as you approach the Bacalar Chico area in the north.

The Belize Barrier Reef is a major source of seafood, especially lobster and conch, and it has a rich history, too. From around 300 BCE to 900 CE, the Maya people used the reef for fishing and trading, and in the 17th century, English and Scottish pirates began raiding Spanish ships for treasure, hiding out in the reef.

Today, Ambergris Caye is the most popular destination in Belize for expats and travellers, offering a laid-back attitude, friendly folks, and a wide selection of hotels and restaurants. The main form of powered transportation on the island is by golf cart.

Solar power: solar panels are a popular method of electricity generation in Belize

Belize is an ideal location for off-the-grid living. The nation offers many benefits, including an early retirement age of 45, a low cost of living, and a stable government based on the Canadian constitution. English is the official language, making it a favourite among North Americans.

Solar power is a popular method of electricity generation in Belize, with solar panels popping up on roofs everywhere. The government of Belize has also installed solar microgrids and solar-powered streetlights in rural communities not yet connected to the national grid.

The most challenging aspect of off-the-grid living is generating electricity. The most popular method is solar power, which requires a significant upfront investment but ultimately provides free electricity. The cost of solar panels has dropped due to growing popularity and improved technology.

Solar panels on the roof of a house in the San Francisco Bay Area cost US$36,000 in 2006, while a recent quote for a system in Belize, including batteries, was US$21,000. The price varies depending on the chosen batteries, which are essential for storing energy for use at night or when sunlight is insufficient.

Living off the grid in Belize requires three basic components: power/electricity supply, water supply, and waste (sewage) treatment. While solar power is increasingly widespread, going completely off the grid is not possible in many urban locations. Belize experiences frequent power outages, so having a backup power supply is essential.

Belize buys much of its electricity from neighbouring Mexico, making energy imports expensive and unpredictable. Significant portions of the country, including tourist hotspots, are not connected to the national grid and rely on alternative energy sources like solar power.

Belize is developing sustainable energy project policies and investing in domestically produced energy to strengthen its energy sector. The government is eager to enhance energy sustainability and become a net exporter of energy.

Carmelita Gardens, an innovative riverfront village in the Cayo District, is an example of a community in Belize dedicated to off-the-grid living. Residents generate power from the sun and use a zero-waste rainwater system for drinking water and garden sustenance. This balance of community life and privacy makes it a desirable location for those seeking a sustainable lifestyle.

Carmelita Gardens: a riverfront village in the Cayo District with fertile soil, sunshine, and rain

Carmelita Gardens is a sustainable, off-grid riverfront village nestled in the Cayo District of Belize, often referred to as the "Breadbasket of the Caribbean". Founded in 2010 on 98 acres of rich farmland in the Belize River Valley, the community's motto is "Independent Together".

Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability

Carmelita Gardens offers an innovative model of living, where residents can embrace self-sufficiency and sustainability. The village is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including ample sunshine, rainwater, fertile soil, and river frontage.

The homes in Carmelita Gardens are designed to be off-grid, with power generated from solar energy and a system of captured rainwater providing drinking water and garden sustenance through a zero-waste approach. The construction methods demonstrate a commitment to environmental respect, and the community strikes a balance between privacy and a sense of togetherness.

Community Life

Community is at the heart of Carmelita Gardens. Residents embrace a simpler and slower pace of life, knowing their neighbours and looking out for one another. The village fosters a sense of belonging, where people farm and shop together, supporting each other in their pursuit of a sustainable lifestyle.

Custom-Built Homes

The village offers a range of lot sizes, from 1/8 acre to 1/2 acre, including coveted riverfront options, with prices starting at $39,000. Residents have the freedom to build their dream homes when they are ready, with custom designs that prioritise their individual needs and preferences. The homes are carefully crafted, taking into account the local climate, breeze, and sunlight, to maximise the efficiency of off-grid living in a tropical country.

Nearby Amenities

Located just 10 minutes away from the charming town of San Ignacio, residents of Carmelita Gardens have easy access to essential amenities, including grocery stores, eateries, bars, and various services. The village is also within close proximity to natural attractions, offering the best of both worlds—a tight-knit community surrounded by lush natural beauty.

Carmelita Gardens presents a unique opportunity for those seeking a self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle in a supportive and like-minded community. With its blend of natural resources, innovative infrastructure, and a sense of togetherness, Carmelita Gardens embodies the essence of "Independent Together".

Water supply: rainwater is collected in cisterns or wells

Belize has a good supply of water, with many rivers and lakes, as well as groundwater. However, the country is facing challenges in water resources management, including a lack of coordinated policies and institutions, and increasing demand due to population growth, economic development, and agricultural expansion.

In response to these challenges, various organizations are working to improve water supply and management in Belize. The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) is responsible for maintaining and developing waterworks, increasing and improving the water supply, and promoting water conservation. Belize Water Services provides potable water to all major towns and cities.

In addition, off-grid communities in Belize, such as those in the Cayo District, have adopted sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting. For example, in the Carmelita Gardens community, a system of captured rainwater provides drinking water and garden sustenance through a zero-waste system. Similarly, in Ambergris Caye, rainwater is collected in a 5000-gallon water tank, supplying all the water needs of the residents.

Furthermore, non-profit organizations like Hope Springs Water are working to improve access to clean water in rural areas of Belize. They have rehabilitated over 50 wells in villages in the Toledo District, providing cleaner and safer water for the communities.

San Pedro: a charming town with grocery stores, eateries, and bars

San Pedro is a charming town in Belize, offering a range of grocery stores, eateries, and bars to explore. The town is located on Ambergris Caye, an island that stretches out with a mix of unpopulated areas, marshlands, mangroves, and even jungle in the north. San Pedro itself is a bustling hub, with a variety of shops and restaurants to discover.

Grocery Stores

San Pedro has a variety of grocery stores to choose from, offering both local and imported goods. Here are some popular options:

• Super Buy Supermarket: Located on Angel Coral Street (Back Street), this supermarket is known for its lavender building and offers lower prices and a varied selection.
• Richie's Supermarket: Located on Pescador Drive, Richie's offers a wide range of wines, beers, local rums, and liquors. They provide free delivery within the town.
• Caye Mart: One of the more popular markets in San Pedro, located across the road from Richie's.
• San Pedro Supermarket: Popularly known for its bright orange exterior, this store offers supplies and also provides golf cart rentals.
• Mata Grande Grocery Store: A quaint house with a bright blue door, located north of San Pedro and closest to Indigo Beach. It is a full-service grocery store that offers online ordering and delivery to vacation rentals.
• Mermaid’s: Located on Coconut Drive, offering fresh dairy products, quality meat, and familiar American products like Captain Crunch and Starbucks iced coffee.
• Maria's Fruits & Vegetables: A one-stop island shop for fresh fruit, vegetables, and local tropical juices, located across from the Yacht Club on Coconut Drive.
• La Divina Providence Grocery: A small grocery store and restaurant located on Flamboyant Street, offering some of the best prices on the island for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Island City Supermarket: The largest supermarket in town, located half a mile south of the airport, with a wide selection of products not found elsewhere.

Eateries and Bars

In addition to grocery stores, San Pedro also boasts a variety of eateries and bars:

• Greenhouse: Located on Middle Street, Greenhouse is a popular market offering a wide range of local and imported items, homemade pies, local spices, and excellent fresh fruit. They also have a selection of frozen seafood and Sausage Factory products.
• Brooklyn Brothers Bagels: Located south of San Pedro town, offering freshly made bagels and weekly specials like meatball subs and lasagne.
• Annie's: A bakery with a variety of breads, snacks, cakes, pies, and savoury options like stuffed jalapenos and ham sandwiches.
• French-Croissant Bakery: A great place for baguettes, croissants, and sandwiches, located in the heart of San Pedro Town.
• Delices de France: An authentic French boulangerie, known for its traditional French chocolate croissants, baguettes, pastries, and ready-to-go baguette sandwiches.
• Various Street Vendors: San Pedro has street vendors on every corner, offering budget-friendly options for a quick bite.
• Bars and Beach Bars: San Pedro also has an ample choice of beach bars and other drinking establishments, perfect for enjoying the local rum and Belikin beer.

Frequently asked questions