Isla Marisol Resort offers scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, beach combing, seafood feasts, and fishing vacations at our private island. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/islamarisol/hotel/380/3/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:51:01 EST Glovers Reef is the smallest of three coral Atolls in Belize. Declared a Heritage Site by United Nations and a National Protected Area by the Government of Belize, Glover's Reef Atoll is located some 35 miles South East of Dangriga Town. It is made up of about five atoll islands, one of them being the family-owned Island of Southwest Caye, home to Isla Marisol Resort. Southwest Caye was bought in 1942 by Mr. Jack Usher whose family has used the island exclusively since that time. The family still owns the whole Island and access to all parts of the Island is available to guests. The resort has been developed in the southern part of the Caye and is close to the private creek that divides the Southwest Caye from a neighbour Island. Glovers Reef is a Managed Resource Area that's part of the National Protected Area System of Belize. It serves the function of wildlife protection, environmental protection, visitation, research and education in addition to allowing controlled extractive use; hence the catch and release policy of fishing. All guests are asked to adhere to the Marine Reserve rules. Wildlife and environmental protection of Glover's Reef are ensured by the Government of Belize in the form of a Fisheries Protection Vessel stationed at Middle Caye. Located to the North East, Middle Caye also has a research station that provides accommodation for non governmental organisations which study the marine life of the Reef. This protection has helped rebuild fish stocks from over fishing. The Marine reserve has also benefited by an increased awareness of the need to protect the reef. This awareness is fostered by the resort staff and guides. All protocols given by staff are so that the pristine nature of the area is maintained for the future. Caring for our environment and ecology is important and essential if these islands are to be maintained for future generations. The waters around the Cayes provides plenty of opportunities to see Turtles, Dolphins, schools of Flying fish and myriad's of sea birds. The Pelican and the Frigate Bird are often seen following the fishing boats into the pier swooping low to see what has been caught. The Island is home to some seagoing Hawks that nest high in the coconut palms. The white sand beaches of the Caribbean are here at the resort. Here you may find conch shells and small pieces of coral. The area has spectacular views of nearby Islands and at night the stars light up the heavens. The moon shines clearly across the open sea and reflects softly on the calm waters. GETTING HERE Location: Belize is an independent country in Central America two hours by plane from Miami Houston or Dallas. You'll fly to Belize City on one of three carriers: Continental, American, or Taca. Dangriga Town is located 90 miles south of Belize City by road, a three hour drive from the international airport or 15 minute flight from the International airport. BOATS TO ISLA MARISOL RESORT, GLOVER'S REEF: Weekly trips leave on the day of your arrival in Belize. Your transfer from Belize City to Dangriga will be organized by us. The costs are included in the package. On the journey, average amounts of luggage plus a small amount of fishing or diving equipment are no problem. There is no food on the boat only water. Bring ready-to-eat snacks. Keep your sunscreen and rain gear handy. The journey by boat usually takes 90 minutes. Consider flying in a day early if you have the time. By building an extra day into your itinerary, you will arrive on time for your trip and will see much more of the country before visiting the Caye. Please ask for our Belize Trips leaflet for activities and accommodation we can arrange for you. AMENITIES: THE CABANAS Our tropical cabaņas are all situated on the white, sand overlooking the reef or creek. Our accommodation features a well-designed cabana for two people sharing with a porch and hammock area. Charming and rustic, each cabaņa includes a private bathroom, hot and cold water and daily housekeeping service. Configurations of beds vary from cabaņa to cabaņa, from singles to doubles and queen beds. Our cabaņas are spaced to offer you peace and quiet. The azure waters of the Caribbean are only a few steps away. You will be close to the creek and pier offering you some of the most wonderful sunrises and sunsets imaginable. THE RESTAURANT AND THE MEALS The restaurant is one focal point, acting also as a leisure area. Our restaurant room provides meals in a wonderful setting. Eating local cuisine with a magnificent view of the waves will help you enjoy our beautiful island. THE FOOD The cuisine at Isla Marisol Resort is said to be some of the best in Belize. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, offering a variety of local cuisine. The evening meal is served to you in the restaurant -- perhaps seasonal conch, lobster, chicken or pork. All of our meals are prepared with seasonally available fresh fruits and vegetables from our family farms and gardens around the country. The meals include dishes from Belize, and the Caribbean. Our food is all prepared and cooked daily in our kitchen and served straight from the oven. We have an all-day supply of iced water and freshly brewed coffee, along with a selection of teas and juice for your refreshment and convenience. We endeavor to accommodate any special dietary needs. Belizean Menus are proposed. Seasonal foods will be offered. Special dietary needs can be accommodated with advanced warning. Information on menus can be e-mailed on request. THE OVER THE WATER BAR Relaxing with a soda or a Belizean beer in our bar is one way of spending early evenings with friends or family. The bar offers a wide variety of beverages, along with happy hour snacks. The close proximity of the beach will allow you to benefit from the propane-powered refrigeration unit that keeps the beer and soda cold! ACTIVITIES: We believe that the experience of traveling to a new and exotic country is enhanced by participating in an action-oriented itinerary; so allow our staff to pamper you. By focusing on service we have created an environment that will suit whatever pastime you choose. The opportunity to try out new activities, in this spectacular setting, and our professional staff of instructors and guides all combine to make our tours the most exciting trip in Belize today! SNORKELING Many sites around the Caye can be used by beginners to learn the art of snorkeling. Within and on the edge of the reef provide a huge range of beautiful places where surface snorkeling and dives can be made. A short boat ride takes us through the shallow turquoise waters of the reef for the darker blues of the Caribbean. Anchoring off the reef we can descend for surface dives around the reef. Over the reef is a pristine white sandy floor up to a depth of forty feet. On the western side of the Caye the coral shelf drops away, passing over colonies of garden eels; we leave the white sands for towering coral formations along the edge of the 2600 foot vertical wall, where schools of brilliantly colored fish drift over the vast depths below. SCUBA DIVING The reef that surrounds the five atolls that make up the Glovers Reef Cayes is a Marine Nature Reserve. The clarity of the waters that surround Glovers makes it the premier diving base in the country. We do not know of any other comparable facility in Belize because private islands are becoming more developed and less available to the traveler. Scuba Diving is available at the resort and we offer each guest 15-17 dives per week per person to explore the beauty that awaits you just minutes away from the island. Each of the 15 dive sites are famous for their different coral formations and marine life. Each dive lasts roughly 45 minutes after which we return to the island for meals or simply to gather our breath for the next dive. Our boat Captain and Dive Master will guide you through a maze of corals along the vertical wall which makes up the Atoll. We do have available an instructor who can certify non divers upon request. We provide safe and enjoyable experience each time you dive. The cost of these dives will be added to the basic package arranged at your time of booking. Certification of non divers is at an additional cost. FISHING Guests interested in sport fishing will not be disappointed. The bone fishing here is superb, and it is common to pull in up to a dozen Bonefish per session. Permit, Jack, and Wahoo, Barracuda, Bone Fish, Tarpon, Kingfish, Trigger Fish, Grouper, Rock Fish and Bonito also provide great action for the sea fisherman. FLY-FISHING Fly-fishermen should bring their own equipment. We recommend 8-weight rod, 9-foot length, use a floating line. For reels use any saltwater compatible, with plenty of backing (200+ feet.) Flies that might do well are McCrab, Clouser, Crazy Charlies. For fly-fishing use of polarized sunglasses is advised because of the glare of the water. Fly-Fishermen should bring casting gear and a lot of lures because they may get caught on coral or lost to big fish. Fishermen may easily fish off our pier or in any of the shallow waters near our shore or close to the reef. DEEP SEA-FISHING If a sea fishing is desired, we offer the following package. Guides will jointly negotiate start times and duration of trips. Local advice on fishing will be provided to assist with the wishes of customers who are looking to catch a particular fish. Equipment can either be hired or you can bring your own. The number of day or half day fishing trips must be requested at the time of booking. KAYAKING This popular sport can be arranged if you are interested. Isla Marisol resort can hire for you single or double Kayaks that can be paddled around the reef in comparative safety. We will ensure you have adequate instruction and a guide if required. Please enquire at time of booking if you would like to hire the equipment. If you wish to bring your own Kayaks to Belize please advise us in advance so that arrangements can be made to transport it to the Caye. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Vacation Rental Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Belize/islamarisol/hotel/380/3/ Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:51:01 EST