Belize – Things to know before visiting Belize, a distinctive fusion of Caribbean coastlines and Central American culture, has a lot …
Belize, a distinctive fusion of Caribbean coastlines and Central American culture, has a lot to offer tourists and the chance to use those famous puns. It’s understandable why people have been flocking to the tiny nation, which is about the size of Massachusetts, both for overnight trips and cruises.
There is an incredible variety of things to do, with tranquil islands, lush jungles, archaeological wonders, and gorgeous wildlife on land and in the water. Welcome back to the official Travel Guide Channel. In this video, we will take you through – the things You should know before you go to Belize:
Attractions, language, accommodations, crime rate, and more, so make sure you stay with us till the end!
1. Snorkeling and diving are some of the best in the world. Belize has some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world, which may be the primary reason the country is on your bucket list.
Coral and marine life is rich and diverse since it is home to the second-longest barrier reef in the world (after the one in Australia). Off the coast, there is a gigantic circular sinkhole known as The Great Blue Hole that is 354 feet (108 meters) deep and 984 feet (300 meters) broad.
Although it’s intended for seasoned divers, beginners can reserve a helicopter trip for an incredible aerial view. Travel guide recommends you visit the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where nurse sharks, stingrays, tropical fish, hawksbill turtles, and sponges are also quite popular.
2. English is the official language.
Travelers might be shocked to learn that even though Mexico and Guatemala border Belize, English is the nation’s official language. It is due to its past as a British colony before gaining independence in 1981 under British Honduras. Spanish and Belizean Creole (Kriol) is still widely spoken, although those who only speak
English will find it very simple to communicate and navigate the nation.
3. Staying on a cayes can be expensive. A caye (pronounced key) is a small, low-elevation island on the surface of a coral reef, where tourists can stay for a beach vacation or in the rainforest for a lush jungle experience.
Both are excellent and worthwhile ways to see Belize’s breathtaking scenery, but the latter will be a little more expensive. Since they import almost everything on the islands, this isn’t surprising, but visitors hoping to find cheap food everywhere will be disappointed.
Ambergris Caye is a little more expensive than the nearby island of Caye Caulker, which is popular with backpackers and has inexpensive hostels.
4. Cash is King The official currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD), the same as the US dollar. In essence, 1 USD is equivalent to 2 BZD.
As a result, you don’t have to be concerned about conversion rates. It is best to carry cash with you because almost all hotels, restaurants, shops, tour operators, and taxis accept US dollars. Some may even accept Visa and Mastercard. You can locate ATMs accepting foreign credit cards in major cities and islands.Remember
That we transcribe the Belize Dollar as BZ$ or $, which can occasionally be confusing because it exactly resembles the USD sign. While tour firms utilize US money, most eateries write their food cost in Belizean dollars. Ask if you need clarification on whether the price stated is in Belizean or American dollars.
5. Belize City has a shockingly high crime rate. With slightly over 335,000, Belize has an unusually high murder rate of 40 killings per 100,000 residents. It consistently places it in the top 10 (ranking third in 2016) of nations with the highest rate of homicides per person.
Travelers should be aware that in Belize City, most, if not all, are connected to drug trafficking and gang violence. Travel guides advise travelers and ex-pats should always exercise their best judgment and stay away from specific locations, especially at night, as the Overseas Security Advisory Council does warn about pickpockets and frauds.
6. You’re on island time. The island’s motto, “Go Slow,” is an excellent representation of Belize’s carefree attitude and Caribbean-like character. It is a warning to anyone traveling to Belize expecting timely service and detailed schedules: island time still exists. You can choose your seat in many restaurants before asking a server for a menu.
Additionally, the turnaround time between placing your order and receiving your food will be more significant than at your local restaurant. Have you scheduled a snorkeling trip? If your party leaves 20 minutes later than expected, feel free. Remember that you’re on vacation and intend to take advantage of the laid-back atmosphere.
7. It matters which tour group you choose. When making a reservation for a snorkeling, Mayan ruin, cave tubing, or zip-lining excursion, there are many tour groups from which to select. Even if they may provide the same rates and packages under a new name, check for some variances before purchasing.
For instance, the staff, boats, and environment differed significantly across the several snorkeling tour providers in Caye Caulker, even though prices and amenities are the same. While Carlos Tours is suitable for senior couples who don’t necessarily want to end their day with rum shots, Raggamuffin Tours is likely to appeal to young vacationers searching
For a joyful and party-infused atmosphere. While you’re in Belize, make sure to meet locals and other tourists. There’s usually little urgency because day trips are generally scheduled a day or two in advance.
8. Mayan ruins are abundant. Regarding excursions, tourists interested in archaeology or history will undoubtedly
Like visits to the numerous Mayan ruins spread around the nation. At least a million Maya people lived in Belize in the past, and now you can still see their beautiful buildings, hidden graves, and offerings. The most well-liked destinations are Altun Ha, Caracol, Lamanai, and Xunantunich.
However, the ideal choice will depend on the time travelers have available and whether they wish to add cave tubing or zip lining.
9. You Don’t Need a Visa to Visit Belize. You don’t need a visa to visit Belize if you’re an American, British, Canadian, Australian,
Or member of the EU, but you will need one if you want to remain for more than 180 days. Despite not needing a tourist visa, you must enter the country with a passport at least six months old and one blank page for access.
You might also be required to present your return ticket and evidence of adequate cash for your anticipated stay.
10. When to Travel to Belize The dry season, which lasts from late November to mid-April, is the ideal time of year to visit Belize. Remember that December and January are the busiest months.
Visit Belize in February if you want to avoid the crowds. You’ll enjoy warm temperatures, clear skies, and easy access to the main attractions. In February and March, you can see migratory birds from North America wintering in Belize. The wet season lasts from May to December; you should avoid traveling when temperatures
And humidity are high in May and June.
11. Accommodations in Belize Most likely, you’ll land in Belize City, where your journey around the nation will begin. Belize City doesn’t have a limited amount to offer, but it might serve as an excellent base if you have an early or late flight.
Additionally, you may take various tours from Belize City to see the Altun Ha Ruins and the Lamanai Temples and go cave tubing in the wilderness. The islands of Belize are the most well-liked accommodations. Don’t forget that Belize is the ideal location for scuba diving and snorkeling, as it is
Home to the second-largest Barrier Reef in the world. Only one hour by boat separates Belize City from the little island of Caye Caulker. Backpackers visit this island in large numbers. For every price range, there are several accommodations. The largest city on Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, is also the most visited place in Belize.
Hotels, pubs, restaurants, and cafes are all plentiful. For divers, San Pedro may make an excellent home base. Make San Ignacio, commonly known as Cayo, your home base if you intend to stay on the mainland and explore the nation’s Mayan sites and cave systems.
Sandal beaches and Mayan ruins are in Corozal, a town on the mainland near the Mexican border.
12. Activities and Tours in Belize Adventurers, wildlife lovers, and scuba divers should all visit Belize. Snorkeling and scuba diving are two top things to do in Belize.
There are possibilities to swim alongside sharks, stingrays, turtles, dolphins, and even manatees in the clear, warm seas. Swim in the second-largest barrier reef while participating in a 2-tank scuba diving tour. You can go on a snorkeling excursion that stops at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark
Ray Alley if you aren’t a diver but still wants to swim with sharks. Several cultural and adventurous activities and tours are available in addition to water sports, such as zip-lining and viewing Mayan ruins. That’s all YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU GO TO BELIZE. Have you visited Belize before?
Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments area. Don’t forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more Travel Recommendations. TRAVEL GUIDE CHANNEL MAKES YOUR TRAVEL EASY!
