HOW TO GET TO BELIZE
The easiest way to travel to Belize by plane is book a flight to the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (“BZE”) near Belize City. There are five US airlines and six others that fly into Belize.
Airlines that fly into Belize:
· AEROMEXICO - MEXICO CITY
· AIR CANADA - TORONTO
· AMERICAN - MIAMI OR DALLAS
· AVIANCA - SAN SALVADOR
· COPA - PANAMA CITY
· DELTA - ATLANTA OR LA
· SOUTHWEST - HOUSTON, DEN, FT LAUDERDALE
· SUN COUNTRY - MINNEAPOLIS
· TROPIC - CANCUN, ROATAN, SP SULA, FLORES
· UNITED - HOUSTON
· WESTJET - TORONTO OR CALGARY
Coming from Europe?
Depart London Heathrow on American Airlines through Miami then onto Belize City, you’ll have no overnight stay in the US. There are many booking choices on days of the week for your travel plans.
Domestic Flights in Belize
While Belize is a small country, one of the easiest ways to get around is to use one of the two domestic airlines:
Tropic Air
Tropic Air serves 11 domestic destinations within Belize including the two most popular island tourist destinations: San Pedro, Ambergris Caye (SPR) and Caye Caulker (CUK).
Maya Island Air
Maya Island Air also serves 11 destinations in Belize including Caye Caulker (CUK) and San Pedro Town (SPR).
OTHER WAYS TO REACH YOUR JOYFUL ISLAND ADVENTURES
For the budget travelers, both San Pedro, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker can be reached via Ferry from Belize City. The Ferry companies are listed below. Please note the ferries leave from the dock in Belize City proper and the International Airport (BZE) is approximately a 30-minute cab ride away.
Belize Water Taxi
Belize Water Taxi serves 4 destinations in the Caribbean waters off the coast of Belize, with nine or ten departure times daily in each direction.
Ocean Ferry Belize
Ocean Ferry Belize also serves 4 destinations with at least five departures daily.
What to bring TO BELIZE
The first thing people need to know about traveling to Belize is that less is definitely better. Less of everything. This is a place where virtually no one dresses to be seen. Expensive jewelry is rarely worn and will only attract unwanted attention. Most “packing list” travel advice is unnecessary. You’re old, smart, and wise enough to remember to bring your medications, passport, toothpaste, dive equipment, etc. If you have never been to a hot and humid destination, like Belize, you should be more concerned about what NOT to pack. Also, there are grocery, drug, and t-shirt stores almost everywhere if you must get something.
MEN
You’ll need shorts, t-shirts, flip flops, two bathing suits. Bring as few of the clothing articles described above as possible. You can launder to your heart’s content here or farm it out for about US$5. Leave everything else at home. Dress everyday here like it’s Sunday and you’re watching football in the warmth of your basement, and no one else is home.
WOMEN
Shorts, sports bras, t-shirts, tank tops, sun dress, sandals, flip flops (shout out for Oofos brand for both Men and Women), and a few bathing suits.
FOR BOTH TO BRING
A little cash, ATM and credit card, sunglasses, hat, water bottle, and bug spray. Sun tan lotion (if you believe in that), aloe gel in either case. Hiking shoes if you’re going to go on adventures. Rain poncho if you are a pessimist and can’t stand the thought of getting wet in the rain.
FOR BOTH TO LEAVE AT HOME
Denim anything, electric hair care appliances, coats (sport or any kind), magazines, watches, AC power adaptors, non-athletic socks, and beach towels (no need). As an FYI, long pants are rarely seen.
where to stay
Belize is a small nation. For Americans, think New Hampshire. For Brits, think Wales. For Aussies, think Sydney and Melbourne combined.
The northern cayes are Belize's #1 tourist attraction. Hundreds of beautiful islands lie between the mainland and the Meso-American Reef. The reef, which can be seen from many of the cayes, offers some of the world's best water sports including: snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing. The most populated cayes, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, have numerous hotels, small resorts, bars, and restaurants.
In the western part of Belize is the Cayo District. It is mountainous and near the Guatemalan border. It is now Belize's second most popular destination. It is the home to what many people consider to be Belize's most beautiful land. It also includes many interesting sights. In this region the limestone geology is replete with numerous caves, underground rivers, and waterfalls. There are many rivers here that are great for swimming and canoeing. This area many unexplored forests, full of wild animals and a myriad of bird species. Nature lovers of all kind will definitely want to visit the Cayo District. It is also home to Belize's most impressive Mayan ruins.
WHERE IS BELIZE?
Belize is northern most country in Central America. Its neighbor to the north is Mexico, Guatemala lies to its west and south. It is the only Central American nation that does not border the Pacific Ocean, bordering only the Caribbean Sea. It is a small nation, only about 9,000 square miles in size. It is the western-most nation in the Caribbean with approximately 240 miles of coastline. One of the attractions of visitors to Belize is its proximity to the Meso-American Reef. Belize shares more coastline with the reef than any other nation.
SAN PEDRO, Ambergris CAYE
Located on Ambergris Caye, San Pedro Town is the center of life for people living on, or visiting, this beautiful part of Belize. Visitors will have decisions to make when considering where to stay. The first thing to consider is what activities you have planned and do you need to be in proximity to your vendors. Next thing to consider is whether you plan on renting a golf cart to get around, for part, or all, of your stay.
Most visitors will consider three main locations: south of town, in-town, or north of town. Each of those options are good choices, but different. Each geography has plenty of things to do, with restaurants, bars, dive shops, and tour operators nearby. Wherever you choose to stay there are many accommodation options, from budget rooms to boutique and resort hotels. There are also many charming rental properties to choose. For the backpackers, you’ll find the hostels are generally located in the in-town area.
In-town offers the most choices of all those things and you can walk everywhere. However, in-town is also the busiest (noisiest?) place of the three. The south and north of town choices are very similar to each other. South of town is a little more eclectic as it began development before the north of town area. Because it is older, it also has more choices than the north. The north of town area still has plenty of bars, and restaurants, and is closer to Secret Beach if that’s on your to-do list!
Just a caution…far south or far north is far! It won’t look like it on a map or by miles. When you’re traveling by golf cart, or bicycle, on roads which may or may not be paved, it’s a long commute into town. So, when you see a hotel or VRBO that’s 8-10 miles away, be forewarned it can be a 60-minute (or more) ride to town for dinner or supplies.
CAYE CAULKER
Caye Caulker offers an endless array of accommodation options. There are two main areas for you to consider: the central and south of town areas.
The majority of the budget-friendly options are in the central area along Front Street. You’ll find places stretching from the water taxi docks all the way up to the Split. There are also midrange options and backpacker options on the less-busy, west side of the Caye.
South of town means south of the cemetery. This area is much quieter. You’ll find fewer people here and plenty of midrange hotel and rental options. The back side on the south is known as “Gringo Heights”. This is where many expats have built houses, some of which are available for rent.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BELIZE
It’s always a good time for a Belize vacation, just ask any Belizean!
HIGH SEASON
The “high season” Belize starts in mid-November and lasts until the end of May. This is when Belize has the most tourist activity. Of course, this period matches up with the coldest weather period in North America and Europe. This can be seen in the number of overnight arrivals by month at the Belize International Airport (BZE). During high season prices are a bit higher for accommodations. However, every business is open, fully staffed, and ready to show you a great time.
LOW SEASON
There are three “slow” months for travelers to Belize, August through October. During this time, there is plenty to do and prices are a bit cheaper than high season. Some local businesses close for renovations, or family vacations, during this slow season. However, there is always a business that is open to meet your needs.
What you need to know about belize
Spending time in Belize is decidedly uncomplicated. This is a simple place, operating at a leisurely pace.
LOCATION
Belize is the northernmost Central American country. It is the only Central American country that does not border the Pacific Ocean. It only borders the Caribbean Sea. Belize’s neighbor to the north is Mexico, Guatemala is its neighbor to the south and west, and to the east is the beautiful Caribbean Sea. It enjoys 174 miles alongside the Meso-American Reef, the longest such neighbor to the reef, a scuba diving and snorkeling paradise. The mainland has lush tropical rainforests and the Ancient Mayan ruins. Between the sea, the mountains, and the Mayan ruins and culture, the adventures are endless. It is a country about the size of New Hampshire, about 1/10th the size of the United Kingdom. Ambergris Caye is approximately 25 miles long by 1 mile wide.
LANGUAGE
Belizeans are warm and friendly people, virtually all of whom are multi-lingual. It is often described as an “English is the first language” country. That’s not quite true. Nearly all Belizeans speak Spanish at home with their families and (fluent) English with tourists. Many Belizeans also speak Kriol and Garifuna, but that’s for another day.
CURRENCY
The US dollar is permanently pegged to the Belize dollar at 2:1. That means that two $BZ can be exchanged for one $US, making it easy to understand pricing. Almost everything everywhere is priced in $BZ. So, for example, a t-shirt marked for sale at $20 can be purchased with a BZ$20 or a US$10 bill. Note: there may be a few resort hotels that may price their menus in $US.
PAYING FOR STUFF
Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country (in almost all places that have doors). A few places may add a charge for accepting credit cards, say 2.5%. As you might expect, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in more places than American Express and Discover. American dollars are universally accepted.
GETTING CASH
Don’t worry about running short. There’s plenty of places that have ATM’s. We’d suggest finding one early that accepts your card, get a little cash, and return as needed. There’s little sense in having too much cash on your person or in your room.
POWER AND INTERNET
Belize uses the same voltage and plugs as the US and Canada. You will not need a power adaptor unless you’re coming from Europe or Asia. The internet is generally fast in most tourist areas. Almost every restaurant, bar, hotel, and coffee shop offer free wi-fi. You’ll never be out of touch, unless you choose to be, which we strongly recommend.
GETTING AROUND
On island Belize, the most popular methods of getting around are walking, biking, scooters, and golf carts. Water taxis and ground taxis are widely available. Whether you need to rent a bike or a golf cart will be “driven” by how far you are located from the major activities that you plan on doing. Golf cart rentals and bicycle rentals are available by the hour, day, week, or month.
On mainland Belize, you’ll likely be in a car, or a bus, if you are traveling to another destination.
PERSONAL SECURITY
We have never felt unsafe in Belize. To be sure, there is crime in this country, some of it violent. This is true of almost every country in the world today. Here, tourists are largely the victims of crimes of opportunity. Want to avoid those?
Consider the following:
Nothing good happens after midnight (after a long day in the sun, this is hard to do).
Don’t leave any of your possessions unattended. Leaving sunglasses or hats on your golf cart is an invitation to be relieved of them.
Avoid bringing unnecessary attention to yourself and your companions (ex., leave jewelry at home).
Just like at home, know your surroundings. Ask other travelers, hotel staff, and expats. Everyone is happy to help keep you safe.
Getting married in belize
Belize has become a very popular wedding destination for those looking for an exotic Caribbean style, English-speaking, location. Imagine a wedding in the rainforest, or near a jungle waterfall, a beautiful garden, or a pristine Caribbean beachfront.
Here’s what US CITIZENS need
According to the US Embassy, couples getting married must reside in Belize for at least three days prior to their license application being processed. Applications must be made with the Registrar General’s Office in Belize City. The Vital Statistics Office’s phone number is (011) 501-223-5625. Their fax number is (011) 501-223-5635.
Proof of citizenship is required (i.e. valid passport).
If applicable, a certified copy or an original copy of your divorce decree or a death certificate is required in the event that one of the partners getting married is a widow or widower.
The cost of the license is USD$100 or BZD$200 per couple, plus an administrative fee of USD$5 or BZD$10. Licenses can be obtained within two days.
A blood test is not required.
Consent from a parent is not required, if both partners are over 18 years of age.
Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony.
If one party of the marriage is not an American citizen, please refer to Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The marriage must be registered with the Belize Registry Department after the marriage ceremony has been completed.
BELIZE FEstivals
Ambergris Caye is the most popular vacation destination in Belize and one of its most beautiful islands. It is also home to many of the most exciting festivals in the country (for a countrywide list click here). San Pedro Town, on Ambergris Caye, has a reputation as the party capital of Belize. There’s never a better time to partake in the fun than visiting during one of the many festivals over the course of the year.
APRIL - SAN PEDRO LAGOON REEF ECO CHALLENGE
This unique competition is for anyone who loves sea kayaking. It goes for two days and spans 42 miles. It begins in the main lagoon of Ambergris Caye, passes through many lagoons of Northern Ambergris Caye, moves all the way up to Bacalar Chico on the Mexican border and ends with a great celebration in downtown San Pedro.
JUNE - SAN PEDRO LOBSTERFEST
San Pedro Belize holds a huge festival every year to celebrate the beginning of lobster season. Lasting an entire week, many fun events are held, culminating with a restaurants chefs competing for the best lobster dishes.
WEBSITE
JUNE - DIA DE SAN PEDRO
The community celebrates the island’s patron saint, Peter, with a fair that includes cultural dances, plenty of lavish parties, and fishing tournaments.
AUGUST - THE INTERNATIONAL COSTA MAYA FESTIVAL
This is the most popular festival in all of Belize. Costa Maya attracts visitors from around the country and the world. The highlight attraction may very well be the beauty pageant. This pageant features local competitors and others from around Central America. The festival also includes a wide variety of food events, celebrities from around the world and features lots of live music.
AUGUST - TRES PESCADOS SLAM TOURNAMENT
The largest fly-fishing competition in Belize takes place every summer in Ambergris Caye. It is Belize’s only catch and release fly-fishing tournament. Typically, over 20 teams of anglers and guides compete for cash prizes, fishing equipment and bragging rights. A fun time is had by all and great causes are supported, such as the Bonefish Tarpon Trust, Oceana, Green Reef, and the Ocean Academy.
WEBSITE
RENTING A GOLF CART
CART RENTALS
There may be no more a competitive business in San Pedro than the golf cart rental business. Carts can be rented by the hour, day, week, month, or more! You can rent a 2-seat cart with a utility bed, a 4-passenger cart, or a 6-passenger cart. Most people rent a 4-passenger cart to get around. It is the most common and easiest to park. Always look for a cart that is well equipped. You should check out the whole cart, from front to back. Making sure your headlights and tail lights work. Making sure you have a lock and key. Also, you want to make sure that the company you choose from will offer assistance at anytime just in case you have a battery that dies? A tire that goes flat? Or any other maintenance issue you may have. Get their business card and local phone number. We know the best providers and can recommend without hesitation to the first time visitor.
Coconut Carts Belize
Coconut Carts offers the most stylish golf carts in San Pedro, Belize with the highest level of service. Combine that with our low prices & you have a winning combination. Order your cart and have it delivered to you when you arrive at the airport or water taxi or anywhere in San Pedro. Your cart will be delivered with cold hand towels and even colder beers! When it’s time to go home, returning the cart and getting on your way is made simple.
Isla Bonita Golf Carts
Are you ready to explore Ambergris Caye in style? Rent a golf cart with Isla Bonita Golf Carts and begin your journey! With a fleet of over 50 golf carts and a team with over 20 years of combined experience, it’s no surprise that we are the largest golf cart rental agency in Belize. Operating since 2010, Isla Bonita Golf Carts has a dedicated garage and a team of knowledgeable golf cart technicians.
TAXI|FERRY|WATER TAXI
Getting around San Pedro and Caye Caulker is easy. If your preference is to let others do the work, taxis and water taxis are readily available. Taxis are available at the airport or by phone. Water taxis can be used on the reef side of the island to get from your resort to downtown San Pedro. Do you want to get to Caye Caulker or the Mainland? Ferry boats run regular schedules and are typically much cheaper than local airlines.
TAXI’S
Taxi service is available from the airport to any destination on Ambergris Caye. Taxi fare is charged according to the number of persons and how far you wanted to be transported. Don’t be surprised if you have an extra guest as local drivers are known to have a family member or two along for the ride.
Ferries
Another option is the Ferry from Belize City to Caye Caulker and San Pedro. The ferry holds roughly 50 people and will take you 75-90 minutes. If you are trying to save a few bucks, this is a great way to enjoy the Caribbean Sea, if time is your friend. Otherwise, we suggest a 20 minute flight… Just sayin
WATER TAXI
Water Taxis are available to take you between San Pedro and North Ambergris Caye, typically $5-10, depending how far north you have to go. The further from downtown you are staying, the bumpier the roads making the water taxi a smooth ride and a great choice if you are having the local rum!