GroversIslandBelize_sunset2.jpg Belize is very old it was once a part of the Maya kingdom before being colonized by the Spanish and the British. Today, it offers visitors the very best combination of the Central American and Caribbean worlds. Belize is on the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic 3,675 foot mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences beyond compare. In a single day you can go from tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. On the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula, it's a holiday destination whose tropical treasures have yet to be discovered by mass tourism. Whether you're searching for the sun, nature, adventure or history - or all four - you'll find them in Belize. The world's second-longest reef (the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia is the largest), its breakwater effect provides superb diving, ensures calm, clear waters for sailors and snorkelers and protects the country's vast, unspoiled beaches for swimmers and sun worshippers. Ambergis Cay, the largest of Belize's many offshore resort islands, is 25 miles long and less than a mile wide (40km by 2km). It has 40 diving sites, including wrecks and coral. In Shark-Ray Alley, you'll see sharks and stingrays in less than eight feet of water. For the outdoor enthusiast and adventure traveler, Belize presents unlimited opportunities. You might say that Belize is the outdoors. You may not find a lot of big nightclubs, expensive shopping, or fancy restaurants. You will find diving, snorkeling, fishing, hiking, birdwatching and exploring nature at its best. The least expensive way to get around Belize on a day to day basis is by bus. Buses run regular schedules and by other Central American standards, Belizean buses are clean, roomy and efficient. No reservations are required though often recommended as some bus routes fill up quickly and completely. Otherwise, you can rent a car or take taxi. Presently, you'll find that Belize has a travel infrastructure that's improving but still far from polished: Some areas are difficult and/or expensive to get to, and conventional resort amenities such as golf courses and tennis courts are few and far between. We find these to be rather minor drawbacks, however. A bit of rawness just seems fitting for a place that caters to adventurous travelers. This being said, accommodations in Belize range from luxury 5-star condominiums to 1 room guesthouses. blackhowlermonkey-Belize.jpg LOCATION: Bordered by Mexico to the North, Guatemala on the west and South, and the Caribbean Sea on the East. Belize is approximately the same size as New Hampshire. Belize City is 30'N 88 11'W. SIZE: 180 miles long and up to 68 miles wide, Belize is approximately 8,866 square miles. Belize also has over 200 Cayes (Islands) most of which are located inside the 200 mile barrier reef. POPULATION: The population of Belize is approximately 235,000. Belize is a multicultural society consisting of Creoles, Mestizos, Garifuna, Maya, Mennonite, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian. CLIMATE: Belize is sub tropical with a mean annual temperature of 80 degrees F. Winter in Belize the temperature can get as low as the 60's the summer months can be in the 90"s. Trade winds blow along the coast and Cayes most of the year keeping temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months. The dry season is from January thru May and the rainy season is from June thru December. LANGUAGE: English is the official language of Belize. Spanish is widely spoken also as is Creole, Mayan, Garifuna and German. CURRENCY: The currency exchange in Belize is $2.00 Belize to $1.00 U.S. dollar. All businesses accept U.S. currency. Some smaller places don't accept credit cards so bring travelers checks or cash. TIME: Belize operates on Central Standard Time all year. No Daylight Savings Time is observed. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Belize/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:44:54 EST Belize, previously known as British Honduras, is located in Central America. Belize is bordered on the North by Mexico, South and West by Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea seals its 174 mile coastline to the East. Geographically Belize is located between 15° 52' 9" and 18° 29' 55" North Latitude, and 87° 28" and 89° 13' 67" West Longitude with an area of 8,866 sq. miles including 266 sq. miles of islands. The cayes (pronounced keys), the atolls, and the barrier reef are the main attractions in Belize. The barrier reef, which is approx. 185 miles long, is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. The reef runs from Cancun/Cozumel down to The Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras. The cayes are islands and/or mangrove outcroppings, that are located between the mainland and the barrier reef. The area of the Belize mainland and cayes is 8,867 square miles. The country's greatest length from north to south is 174 miles and its greatest width is 68 miles. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/Belize/ Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:44:54 EST Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May). The climate is sub-tropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees. Winter storms may bring the temperature down to the low 60's and it can reach the mid-90's on the mainland in the hottest part of summer. Trade winds blow along the coast and on the cayes most of the year, keeping temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months, except for a few weeks, generally around mid-August. The dry season generally lasts from November through May; the rainy season is typically June-November. Hurricanes occasionally occur; they are most likely to hit in August and September. Rainfall is heaviest in the south and the jungle areas, lightest in the north and on the Cayes. Water temperature averages between 79 and 83 degrees F. The best time to travel is the dry season from November to May, but this is also the busy winter tourist season, when prices rise and hotels fill up. It's cheaper to travel in summer (July to November), but keep in mind that this is hurricane season. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/weather/Belize/ Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:44:54 EST Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, like the United States. For the most part it is safe to drive in Belize and the main roads are fairly well kept - but keep your eyes on the road. The main roads are paved but pay attention to the secondary roads as often these side roads can be a pothole heaven. There are three main highways in Belize: The Northern Highway, from Belize City north to Corozal and the Mexican border; The Western Highway, from Belize City west, passing by Belmopan, through San Ignacio, and on to Benque Viejo del Carmen and the Guatemalan Border; and the Hummingbird Highway, which starts near Belmopan and runs south to Dangriga. These roads are all paved. Fill your gas tank whenever possible. Avoid driving at night if possible as roadways are not marked and lighted like U.S. roads. You might seriously consider a four wheel drive vehicle. Belize road report: http://www.belizefirst.com/bfroads.html http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/car_rentals/Belize/ Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:44:54 EST Restaurants and Dining: http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/restaurants/Belize/ Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:44:54 EST