Best Places in the Caribbean - Belize

Where is Belize?

Belize is a small (according to Belize Wikipedia, less than 9,000 square miles and a tiny population of just over 300,000) Central American country found on the east coast between Mexico and Guatemala. For a map showing where Belize is check out my post - Where is Belize

How do I get to Belize?

Although there are no specific Belize Airlines which fly internationally you can still find direct flights  available from major cities in the United States directly into Belize City. It's not a big destination like Mexico so you will find the Belize airfares rarely go on sale. FYI for shopping websites the Belize Airport Code is BZE, If your final destination is some where other than the city there is a shuttle service available. The shuttle buses go everywhere in Belize.

Where to Stay

Belize City is an ideal destination for finding luxury hotels and all inclusive Belize resorts.  Their hospitality is well known and as a result these Belize accommodations attract visitors who return again and again. There is a rich culture which is reflected in the lifestyle of Belizeans. Because the country is small it's easy to learn about the history and culture while  having fun with the local residents. This tropical Caribbean country has abundant opportunities to enjoy nature and adventure including cave diving and tubing. In fact cave tubing is one of the most popular water sports in Belize  and has developed into one of the main attractions for visitors.

Belize Currency

The Belize dollar is the official currency of Belize and the ISO code for the Belize dollar is BZD. Like most countries who use a dollar as their currency the Belize dollar is made up of 100 cents. Although exchanges have varied widely as of late one US Dollar is worth around 2 Belize Dollars.

The Best Belize Beaches

There are numerous beautiful beaches but Palencia is known as the best beach destination in the country. The white sand beaches of Palencia are relaxing and refreshing for body and soul. Palencia Beach is found on the south Caribbean coast of Belize, about 150 miles from Belize City. You can get there by small inter-country airplane, bus or you can rent a car in the City. Whatever your transportation preference its easy to get to this amazing and world renowned beach. If you make your way to Palencia without a car it's possible to rent one there but the town is so small it's really easy to just walk on foot. From Palencia there are numerous natural attractions you can reach within a short walk. These include: Monkey River, Cockscomb Basin and Mayan ruins. You can also kayak through mangrove or paddle to one of the Cayes.

Roberts Grove

If you prefer to stay at a hotel and your looking for Belize 5 Star Resorts which are right on the beach the best option is the 'Inn at Roberts Grove'. At this lovely Inn you'll discover peace, tranquility and a great atmosphere with unparalleled guest service. Roberts Grove offers fine dining right on site plus activities like fishing, scuba and canoeing. They also feature one of the finest spas in Belize. Know too as a major dive resort Roberts is one of just a few who are 5 star rated by PADI. The New York Times says,  "Roberts Groves is home to the most reputable dive shop in Palencia". The location is ideal for anyone who is focused on a great dive vacation. They also include visits to the best diving places in all of Belize. It's not all sales pitch there is good reason they truly offer the best diving that is because they are located right on the edge of the huge barrier reef which runs along the coast of Belize. This vast coral reef has channels that descend from 90 to 110 feet and rise abruptly into shoals and Cayes which offer countless opportunities for scuba diving. There are at least 20 dive sites in the waters of southern Belize and near Roberts Grove. The area is teeming with fish and life that springs up along the coral reef system.

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize. It is larger and has a larger population than Belize's main island. Ambergris Caye also has an interesting history dating back to the Mayan age. Later in history European pirates and Mexican refugees were known to have fled to Ambergris Caye during the Caste War. As a result the majority of the existing native population on the Caye descended from Mexico. At one time the economy was solely dependent on the coconut industry and fishing. But now it is dependent more on tourism and residential tourism. Ambergris Caye is comprised of more than 400 small islands. All of them enjoy the best panoramic views of the entire coast and country. In Ambergris Caye you will find luxury hotels with gourmet restaurants. You wil also enjoy fishing and diving and for nature lovers there is expansive forest land, savannahs and lagoons to explore.  Getting around is easy by   golf cart or bicycle.

In  Belize you can find an abundance of hotels, ins and Belize All Inclusive Resorts from the budget friendly to ultra-extravagant. And all on a coastal island country that is just few miles long. Visting or Retiring to Belize is definitely an experience you will never regret or forget. All you really need is your favorite beach chair, umbrella, perhaps a fishing pole and plenty of sunscreen.

Editors Note: Serious about Belize? Be sure to check out the Special Live and Invest in Belize Kit - Go to this page and scroll down to read all about it.