A Blessed Beauty of Belize

A Blessed Beauty of Belize It was 1991 when the first cruise ship dropped anchor in Belize’s waters, since then the industry has established to be greatly beneficial to the country’s tourism. There are approximately 333 cruise calls to Belize annually. This sector continues to see steady investments in infrastructure and quality assurance to meet its growing demands. Formally known as British Honduras, this tiny English-speaking country on the Western edge of the Caribbean Sea is located in Central America, bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. Belize is a diverse country with a mixture of cultures and languages. The country is uniquely half Caribbean and half Spanish, bringing the diverse cultures of Kriols, Garifunas, Mayans and the Spanish people together in one place, resulting in a beautiful culture that will have the visitors enjoy the food, music, and practices of this diverse country even the more. Belize also has the lowest population density in Central America with 35 people per square mile or 14 people per square kilometer. Known for its extreme biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems, Belize has some of the most unspoiled, natural beauty visitors will not find anywhere in the world. On the coast, there is a swampy coastal plain with mangrove swamps. In the south and interior there are hills and low mountains. Most of the land is undeveloped and is forested with hardwoods. It is a part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot and it has many jungles, wildlife reserves, a large variety of different species of flora and fauna and the largest cave system in Central America. Some species of Belize's flora and fauna include the black orchid, the mahogany tree, the toucan, monkeys, tapirs or the elusive jaguar can be found in their protected rainforest, such as Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. Belize is also famous for its largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. The barrier reef provides over 130 miles of protected waters from the ocean swell and a reef full of underwater life. The coral forms colorful landscapes with jutting heads, sand-bottom canyons, arches and spires that offer great snorkeling and diving for both the novice and the more experienced. There are literally hundreds of sun-swept tropical islands to explore, and three major offshore atolls, not to mention, the crystal clear Caribbean Sea. Every experience in Belize is as rewarding as can be, from fishing, diving, snorkeling, or sailing the islands, caving and tubing to climbing Maya sites, cruise-based tours have visitors coming back for more again and again. One of the nicest things about visiting Belize is the weather. With an average yearly temperature of 84° F (29°C), it’s always warm, yet comfortable. Costal sea breezes as well as the jungle and rainforests keep the temperature cool even in the hottest summer months while winters can be cool but never very cold. In short, the climate is pretty much near perfect. Belize’s dry season is between February and May and has significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. When it does rain, it is usually in mild, short bursts. June through December is the wet season, when parts of the country receive up to 150 inches of rain and the heavy, sometimes wild storms associated with the Caribbean occur, usually in the late afternoons. The most frequent rainfall usually happens in June or early July and is punctuated by a break in late July or August known as the \"little dry.\"

Belize Cruise Ports Fort Street Tourism Village Cruise Port Belize’s original cruise port is a tender port– approximately 15 minutes ship to shore. Looking rather like an open air mini-mall, the village has several courtyards, snack bars, and local stores with excellent duty- free shopping. Several restaurants offer authentic Caribbean and international cuisine, and there is often live local entertainment. Harvest Caye Cruise Port This newly opened docking port in southern Stann Creek District currently caters only for Norwegian Cruise Line passengers. Passengers can take a tender for one of the many mainland excursions or enjoy the island, which features a large pool, beach, zip-lining, water sports, an enclosed nature area with birds and butterflies, bars and a variety of eateries. Belize Top Shore Excursions Belize City - First settled by shipwrecked British sailors as far back as 1683, Belize has become a city busy with people and traffic. Old colonial buildings mingled with modern architecture give Old Belize a unique Caribbean charm. Government House, built in 1812, is often called the finest colonial building in Belize. Also visit the Museum, a prison in former times, to see a history of Belize's culture and traditions. Another idea is the zoo, where you'll be introduced to Belize's colorful and interesting animal inhabitants. Starfish Island (old name Bannister Island)- This is a small private island situated 9 miles south east of Belize City. A lovely white sand beach with a good range of facilities, including restaurant, bar, restrooms, and beach hire can easily be found here.. The Lamanai Mayan Ruins – The ruins form the third largest, but perhaps most interesting, archaeological site in Belize. The temple complex sits atop the western bluff of the New River Lagoon and is surrounded by pristine rain-forest. Climb atop the largest temple for wonderful views of the surrounding hills and jungle. The ruins are a long 2 hour coach/boat ride away from the Tourism Village. Caves Branch - After reaching the Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve it will take 30 minutes walk through the Belize Rain Forest and then through a couple dry caves until the opening of the first cave through which the underground Sibun Caves river flows. Jump into the tube and prepare for some very exciting cave tubing. Caves Branch is about 60 miles south west from Belize city. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve - (Hol Chan is Mayan for Little Channel) Situated between Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye on Belize's famous barrier reef, the Reserve has a host of amazing reef life, with

large shoals of jacks, barracuda, groupers, and snappers. Be sure to pick an excursion that includes the short plane flight from Belize to Ambergris Caye, as this is by far the quickest way to reach the Reserve.