Belize City: Adventure, Sun, And Fun

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and the country's former capital. It is a popular point of entry for travellers as it hosts the country's only international airport. The city is known for its rich culture, vibrant history, and diverse natural attractions. From ziplining through the jungle to scuba diving in the Caribbean Sea, Belize City offers a range of thrilling activities. The city also boasts beautiful colonial houses, seaside parks, bustling shopping centres, and great places to eat and stay along Haulover Creek. While the south side of Belize City has a reputation for poverty and crime, tourists are rarely victims of crime, and there are many nice areas to explore, such as the Kings Park neighbourhood. So whether you're looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing beach vacation, Belize City has something to offer everyone.

The city is a hub of culture, commerce and history

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and the country's principal port, financial and industrial hub. It is also the former capital of the country and is often the first point of contact for travellers as it hosts the country's only international airport.

Belize City is a great base for exploring nearby attractions, such as the Belize Zoo, home to rescued and endangered native animals, and Altun Ha, one of Belize's signature Mayan sites. The entire Belize district is also home to a number of wildlife sanctuaries and reserves.

The city has a rich cultural history, with the first inhabitants being the Maya people, who established an extensive trading network and built enormous stone cities. Later, it became a base for English privateers and pirates, and the country fell under British rule. Today, the official language of Belize is English, and the country has a diverse culture with influences from its history, including the Maya, British colonists, and African slaves.

It has the country's only international airport

Belize City is the country's largest city and its centre of commerce. It is the ideal gateway to the rest of Belize, as it is home to the country's only international airport, Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE). Located in Ladyville, a village 10 miles outside of Belize City, the airport is easily accessible for international visitors.

The airport is currently undergoing a $60 million improvement project, which includes infrastructure expansion, a new Eastern Taxiway, a new car park facility, and more. These improvements will ensure that the airport can accommodate the continued growth and development of the industry.

Belize City is also home to the largest concentration of large hotels, conference facilities, and a cruise ship terminal. While the city may not be the ideal base for a long holiday, it is worth exploring for a day or two, especially if you're interested in historical sites like Baron Bliss Lighthouse, Belize's Supreme Court, and St. John's Cathedral.

The city offers a variety of multi-ethnic restaurants, serving dishes from Chinese to Lebanese cuisine, as well as unique local specialties like seaweed shakes and Panty Rippers. The Kings Park neighbourhood, bordering the Caribbean Sea, is a particularly nice area to visit and is also home to the Belize Municipal Airport.

With its convenient international airport and vibrant city life, Belize City is a great starting point for any traveller looking to explore the beauty and adventure that Belize has to offer.

There are plenty of nature and wildlife opportunities

Belize is a nature and wildlife haven, with diverse ecosystems and habitats that host a variety of species, both on land and in the water. The country has enacted several environmental laws to preserve its natural beauty, with approximately 36% of the country under protection and 95 reserves with varying levels of protection.

Within a short drive of Belize City, there are abundant nature and wildlife opportunities. The Belize district is home to several wildlife sanctuaries and reserves, such as Crooked Tree, and the Belize Zoo, which is home to rescued and endangered native animals. Manatee viewing opportunities are also nearby.

Belize is a birder's paradise, with nearly 600 bird species identified in the country. The Keel-Billed Toucan, the country's national bird, is a colourful and social creature, rarely spotted alone. The country also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities at its jungle lodges and Maya ruins.

Inland Belize boasts national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that house many species, including the elusive jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and tapir. Southern Belize is home to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the only jaguar reserve in the world. The country also has spider monkeys and howler monkeys, as well as mammals like the peccary, coatimundi, and gibnut.

Belize is also home to one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, with over 100 types of coral and more than 500 species of fish. It is a popular destination for divers, who can explore underwater caves and the famous Blue Hole. West Indian manatees are common at the mouths of the country's rivers and in coastal lagoons and cayes. Whale sharks and various species of sharks can also be spotted in Belize's waters.

With its accessible tropical wilderness, incredible jungles, and impressive coast, Belize offers a wealth of nature and wildlife experiences for visitors to enjoy and explore.

It's a great base for visiting top attractions

Belize City is the country's former capital and the largest city in Belize. It is the first point of contact for many travellers as it hosts the country's only international airport. Although it is not the ideal base for a long holiday in Belize, it is worth exploring for a day or two and using it as a temporary base for nearby top attractions.

The Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is home to a number of rescued and endangered native animals. It is one of the top attractions in the country. The zoo only has animals that are native to Belize, and they roam "free" in large enclosures that replicate their natural environment.

Museum of Belize

The Museum of Belize is set inside the historic Queen Elizabeth's prison, which was an active and working prison until 2002. It is a great place for anyone interested in learning about Belize's history and culture.

St. John's Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral is Central America's oldest Anglican Church. It is brimming with British colonial architecture and has a special place in the history of Belize.

The Government House

This colonial building once played host to various dignitaries from all over the world. Visitors can catch a glimpse of vintage furniture and photographs.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is one of Belize's signature Mayan sites. It is featured on the national brew, Belikin Beer. The famous Jade Head of the Maya Sun God Kinich Ahau was found here.

Goffs Caye

Goffs Caye is the perfect beach day excursion. Visitors can eat fresh BBQ lobster, conch or fish and drink rum punch. It is also a great spot for snorkelling.

It's home to the Belize Zoo

Belize City is a great destination for those seeking adventure and unique experiences. One of the top attractions in the country is the Belize Zoo, a must-visit for anyone interested in wildlife and nature. Here are some reasons why it's worth planning a trip to Belize just to visit the Belize Zoo:

Conservation and Education

The Belize Zoo is more than just a place to view animals; it's a centre for conservation and education. The zoo was founded by Sharon Matola in 1983 when she was left with a handful of wild animals that had been used in a documentary. Over the years, it has become a world-renowned wildlife education centre, with the goal of connecting visitors to Belize's unique natural heritage. The zoo focuses on educating visitors about the wildlife of Belize, instilling a sense of appreciation and pride, and inspiring a desire to protect and conserve the country's natural resources.

Native Wildlife

The zoo is home to over 150 native wildlife species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Visitors can get up close and personal with Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, and the five wildcat species found in the country: jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis. Other fascinating creatures include various species of monkeys, deer, peccaries, otters, coatis, and more. The zoo also features a wetland aviary with several species of parrots, owls, and raptors.

Immersive Experience

The habitats designed for the animals reflect their natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors. The dense, natural vegetation is left entirely intact and is only separated by gravel trails through the forest. This gives visitors the feeling of being in the wild while safely observing the animals in their habitats.

Accessibility

The Belize Zoo is committed to accessibility for all. It is the first nature destination in Belize that is accessible to persons with physical disabilities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect with the country's amazing wildlife.

Rescue and Rehabilitation

All the animals in the zoo have a story. They were either rescued, confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade, or transferred from other rehabilitation or zoological facilities. The zoo is the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Belize, and its dedication to the well-being of these animals is evident in the care they provide.

So, if you're planning a trip to Belize, be sure to include a visit to the Belize Zoo. It's an excellent way to learn about and support the conservation of the country's diverse and fascinating wildlife.

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