 Belize
By Greg Shea
Adventure Kayak Magazine
November to February 2001 issue
Belize a small Central American Country on
the Caribbean sea hidden in the world's grandeur, is becoming
a traveler's hotspot. Extensive coral, reefs, unbelievable
tracks of rainforest, ancient Mayan ruins, boggling biodiversity
and limestone caves littler the landscape. Add to theses natural
wonders friendly English speaking people a comfortable climate,
fresh back country once know as British Honduras, contains
all the ingredients of an adventure Mecca.
Belize has the second longest barrier reef
in the world extending 165 miles from Mexico to Honduras.
The reef creates a unique costal environment offering protected
waters from the Caribbean Sea with many small cays- low banks
of sand- lying between the reef and mainland. The life that
exists on the cays gives you a glimpse into what the Caribbean
is all about. Go island hopping and you'll see small fishing
communities with local fisherman at work on the sea or relaxing
under the shade of a coconut palm. The waters of the inner
reef offer abundance and diversity. Created over millions
of years the reef offers an amazing opportunity to enter into
the realm below the waterline. Snorkeling is a must. The corals
and marine life thriving on the reef are a national treasure
worth viewing in their natural habitat. Read up on your tropical
marine ecology before entering the water, as many marine animals
need their space, especially the corals.
Paddlers embarking on self- guided expedition
style trips should be well versed in travel in tropical waters
and awareness of tropical hazards with regards to weather,
navigation and natural history. For someone of little experience
on the tropical blue the best way to experience Belize is
to leave it to the professionals and travel with a guided
group. Guides know the region, understand local hazards have
the equipment and use local people to show you around Belize.
IF YOU GO
WHEN TO GO
The best months for travel in Belize are between January and
June with February and March being the most comfortable as
far as heat, weather and bugs.
FLIGHTS
Canada to Belize
International flight carriers- American Airlines, Continental
Airlines, TACA. Flights from Canada to Belize approx. $700-
$1000 return with international flights flying into Belize
City. A departure tax of $11.25 US is charged when leaving
the country.
Domestic Flights
Belize has an excellent domestic airline service. Maya Air
and Tropic Air offer scheduled flights throughout Belize.
Flights are reasonably priced and one of the easiest ways
to get around the country.
COMPANIES OFFERING PADDLING TRIPS
Island Expeditions
Vancouver, BC
1-800-667-1630
www.islandexpeditions.com
MONEY
Belize has it's own currency fixed against the US dollar at
a rate of $2 Belize for $1 US. Us cash is accepted everywhere
and travelers checks and credit cards are widely accepted.
ACCOMIDATIONS
Great Accommodations exist throughout the country. Check out
the listings provided at belizenet.com and travelbelize.org.
All price ranges available but expect to pay
$25 to $50 US for something half decent.
Travel Info.
Belize Tourism Board
PO Box 325
Belize City, Belize, CA
Toll free 1-800-625-0686
www.travelbelize.org
HEALTH
Malaria is present in some areas. Talk with a travel health
clinic to be up to date but generally hepatitis A& B and
tetanus are all that is advised.
WEBSITES
www.belizenet.com
www.travelbelize.org
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Explore Mayan ruins, river raft, snorkel, dive, cave, mountain
bike, or go birding, fishing, or rainforest hiking.
QUICK FACTS
Size: 9000 sq Miles
Population: 220,000 Made up of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo,
Maya, European, and Asian.
Government: Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth
with a stable democratic government.
Language: English is the official language. Spanish, Creole,
Garifuna And Mayan are also spoken.
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