Belize's Maya And Reef Hideaways

Belize is a small country known for its stunning beaches and marine life, as well as its rich history and diverse culture. It is a popular destination for divers, snorkelers, and those interested in exploring Mayan ruins.

When it comes to where to stay in Belize, there are several options to choose from, depending on your interests and budget. Here is an introduction to some of the best places to stay in Belize:

- Belize City: The largest city in the country, known for its historical, cultural, and architectural attractions, as well as its vibrant nightlife and delicious food.

- Caye Caulker: A small island located off the coast of Belize, popular with backpackers and budget travellers due to its affordable accommodations and abundance of outdoor activities.

- San Pedro: The main town on Ambergris Caye, offering a laid-back atmosphere, stunning views, and a lively bar and restaurant scene.

- Corozal: A small and friendly town located on the mainland near the Mexican border, featuring Mayan ruins, golden sand beaches, and a variety of dining options.

- San Ignacio: A small town in central Belize, close to the Guatemalan border, known for its proximity to renowned Mayan ruins and outdoor adventures.

Each of these destinations offers a unique experience and provides easy access to some of the best that Belize has to offer. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation, cultural exploration, or outdoor adventures, Belize has something for everyone.

Northern Lagoon

Accommodation

There are a variety of accommodation options available in Northern Lagoon, ranging from vacation rentals to hotels and hostels. Here are some highly-rated options:

• Vacation Rentals: Airbnb offers unique stays such as the Woodpecker House, a birdhouse on the sunset side of the island with nature views, and the Turtleback Hideaway, a set of contemporary villas constructed from Belizean hardwood.
• Hotels: The Fort George Bungalows in Belize City and the Blue Fin Cabanas in the Belize District are both rated highly.
• Hostels: Bellas Backpackers in Caye Caulker is a popular choice for travellers.

Manatee Tours

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from November to April, is the ideal time to visit Northern Lagoon to spot manatees. During this period, the weather is sunny and dry, and the water is clear and calm, making it easier to see the manatees. The wet season, from May to October, is less ideal due to stormy weather and murky waters.

Rules and Guidelines

When participating in manatee tours, it is important to follow rules and guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of these protected animals. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

• Wear appropriate gear, including a mask, snorkel, fins, and a life jacket.
• Avoid wearing sunscreen or insect repellent, as these can harm the manatees' skin.
• Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from the manatees, and do not touch, chase, feed, or harass them.
• Be patient and respectful, allowing the manatees to approach you if they are curious.

Other Activities

In addition to manatee tours, Northern Lagoon offers other exciting activities:

• Snorkelling and Diving: Explore the diverse underwater world of the nearby reef or the famous Great Blue Hole, a giant sinkhole.
• Relaxation: Unwind in a hammock or ride a bike around the island, taking in the beautiful scenery.
• Shopping and Dining: Stroll along the main street to browse local handicrafts, jewellery, and clothing, and enjoy delicious Belizean cuisine at restaurants and street stalls.
• Nightlife: Watch the sunset and experience the vibrant nightlife, including reggae bars, live music, DJs, and fire shows.

Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary

The Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area spanning nearly 9,000 acres, including Swallow Caye and parts of nearby Drowned Caye. The ocean floor is covered with turtle-grass beds, which support a small population of West Indian manatees. It is one of the best spots to see manatees in Belize and is located about 11 to 19 kilometres from Belize City.

The sanctuary was established in 2002 by a local conservationist named Chocolate Heredia, who dedicated his life to protecting the manatees. Swimming with manatees is forbidden by the Belizean authorities, and education programs are in place to dissuade boat operators from using their motors near the manatees or speeding through the area. Propeller injuries are one of the chief causes of manatee deaths.

Boat trips to Swallow Caye are highly regulated to ensure the manatees are not disturbed or hurt, and visitors must join a tour to visit the manatee habitat. Most tours depart from Caye Caulker, though some may be available from Belize City. Tours typically include snorkelling and offer the chance to see manatees in their natural environment.

The dry season from November to April is the best time for viewing manatees, as the water is clearer and calmer. It is recommended to avoid the rainiest months of September and October, as the seawater can turn murky after rainstorms, making manatees harder to see.

Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary

The Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Southern Lagoon, just off the southern coast of Belize District. The sanctuary is part of a complex matrix of creeks, mangroves, mudflats, and brackish lagoons, and includes the Southern, Sapodilla, Western, and Quashie Trap Lagoons, as well as a portion of the Manatee River. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, hosting a diverse array of species, including fish, mammals, reptiles, and birds.

The primary purpose of the Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary is the protection of the endangered Antillean manatees, which are a subspecies of the West Indian manatee. Manatees are large, gentle, slow-moving aquatic mammals that feed on plants and are sometimes called sea cows due to their herbivorous diet. They can grow up to 4 meters in length and weigh up to 590-600 kilograms. In addition to manatees, the sanctuary is also home to other endangered species such as the Central American river turtle and the Goliath grouper.

The village of Gales Point Manatee, located within the sanctuary, offers tourists the opportunity to observe manatees in their natural habitat. The village operates the Manatee Lodge, which provides organised tours by boat to the Placencia Lagoon and other areas where manatees congregate. Visitors are advised to keep a respectful distance from the manatees and refrain from touching them, as human activities such as boat strikes and pollution pose significant threats to their survival.

In addition to manatee spotting, the Gales Point Manatee Wildlife Sanctuary offers a range of other activities for visitors. The village of Gales Point Manatee is known for its cultural heritage, with traditions and practices influenced by its history as a settlement for escaped slaves, or maroons. Visitors can experience the local culture through traditional dishes such as fish seré, a coconut-milk soup made with fish and ground foods, and homemade wines made from local berries and cashews. The village also has a rich musical tradition, with the Sambai rhythm being a unique aspect of Kriol culture.

Caye Caulker

Belize is home to the largest population of manatees in Central America, and Caye Caulker is one of the best places to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Manatees are herbivorous mammals that can grow up to 13 feet (4 meters) in length and weigh up to 1,300 pounds (590 kilograms). They spend their time resting in shallow waters and slowly swimming in search of food. While they can be spotted year-round, the dry season from November to April is the best time to increase your chances of seeing them.

There are several tour companies in Caye Caulker that offer manatee-spotting tours. These tours usually involve a boat ride to the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the three protected manatee areas in Belize. The sanctuary is located about seven miles from Belize City and is a dedicated conservation area for manatees. The boat tours give visitors the opportunity to observe manatees in their natural environment and, in some cases, even swim with them. It's important to note that manatees are a protected species, so always follow the guidelines and instructions provided by your tour guide to ensure their safety.

In addition to manatee tours, Caye Caulker offers a range of other activities for visitors. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkelling and diving, with the famous Great Blue Hole located nearby. You can also explore the island by bike, relax in a hammock, enjoy local cuisine and shop at the markets. The island also has a vibrant nightlife, with reggae bars and sunset cruises to keep you entertained.

For accommodation, Caye Caulker has options to suit different budgets and preferences. Bellas Backpackers is a popular choice for travellers, offering both dorm rooms and private rooms at affordable prices. For a more comfortable stay, you can consider options like the Sea and Sun Guesthouse or the Blue Wave Guesthouse.

Ambergris Caye

The island has three distinct parts, with only one town, San Pedro, located on the east side of the island. San Pedro has a lively, energetic downtown area with shops, bars, restaurants, water taxi stops, docks, and beach bars. Golf carts are the main mode of transportation on the island, and the preferred method of transport for tourists and expats.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Secret Beach on the west side of the island offers calm, crystal-clear waters. This once-secluded spot has now become a bustling destination with beach bars and restaurants.

The cost of living on Ambergris Caye is higher than in most other regions of Belize, except for Placencia and Hopkins. A couple can expect to spend around $2,900 per month if living a simple lifestyle. Renting a two-bedroom condo on the beach, dining at high-end restaurants, and using air conditioning can increase expenses to $3,000 or more per month.

Frequently asked questions