Month: February 2021

Are you looking for a tropical vacation that includes amazing adventures, cascading waterfalls, warm people and lots of local history? Look no further than the Mayflower Bocawina National Park in east-central Belize, Central America.

Established in 2001, the Mayflower Bocawina National Park is situated on over 7,000 acres of lowlands and highlands. The park’s ecosystems serve as the bridge between the Mayan Mountains to the east and the coastal regions in the west. It is easily accessed from Belize City or Dangriga to the north or from Placencia in the south. The mission of the park is to conserve the integrity of Belize’s diverse ecosystems while educating the public. Your visit to the Mayflower Bocawina National Park helps fund research opportunities and helps ensure that its existence is sustainable for future generations.

There are many ways to explore the park on your own, as part of a tour, or with a guide. A hike is a good way to explore the forest and its vast array of mammal wildlife, such as howler monkeys, ocelots, deer, and foxes. The forest is also home to several species of bats, several endangered animals, and the near-threatened jaguar. If you’re an avid bird-watcher or new to the hobby, you will appreciate birding with an experienced guide. Bird enthusiasts have identified over 200 different bird species in the park, including toucans, oreoles, woodpeckers, and the rarely-seen spectacled owl. Many tour operators offer day and night tours.

The park has three waterfalls known collectively as the Three Sisters Waterfalls. You can access the lower and upper Bocawina falls by a short hike on a well-maintained trail. Your trek to the upper falls is rewarded by a dip in the cool pool at the base of the 50-foot falls. The more intrepid hikers can continue to the 100-foot Antelope Falls, the top of which allows for stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. You can find a tour guide that will provide safe and professional rappelling activities at each of the three waterfalls for every skill level. For a more exciting experience, you and your family can try exploring the forest with the longest zipline course in Belize.

During your hikes through the lush rainforest, you will see Maya ruins, unexcavated Maya temples, and other Maya sites that have yet to be explored. Once excavations are completed, scientists believe that the ruins will represent one of the largest Mayan ruins sites in the country. The park includes a teaching center displaying numerous artifacts found within the park’s boundaries, exhibits about the history of the Maya people in the region, and interactive activities for young visitors.

Although the park does not have overnight accommodations other than camping, there are several hotels nearby. Located approximately eight miles south of the park in the laid-back village of Placencia, Chabil Mar is a full-service luxury beach resort. Access to on-site concierge and beach captain services are included in your stay. Enjoy activities such as swimming in the infinity pools, biking along the beach, and dining at the resort’s restaurant. You are minutes away from shopping, listening to music, or sightseeing in the nearby village.

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on southern Belize, and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize vacation.

Belize has a wonderful variety of native birds, mammals, sea creatures and reptiles. One of the best-known residents of the Belize Barrier Reef is the octopus, which some call the “brains of the sea.” Learn more about this crafty creature.

Introducing the Octopus

The word octopus comes from a Greek word meaning “eight feet,” and it refers to the animal’s eight legs. The plural of octopus is octopuses.

Did you know there are more than 300 species of octopus? Most octopi live in coral reefs, which is why the huge, protected reef in Belize is a favorite haunt of these beasts.

The Smarty Pants of the Sea

Octopuses are extremely intelligent. Researchers have documented them showing complex problem-solving skills, outstanding memories and complex social structures. Biologists have even seen them using tools. Only chimpanzees, crows and dolphins show the same ability to solve problems and use tools.

In 2009, a marine biologist in Australia discovered an octopus that was using old coconut shells as a mobile home. The octoopus carried the shells across the floor of the sea and used them when he needed shelter.

Because of their brainpower, octopuses are considered the most intelligent of all invertebrates. You could call them the brains of the barrier reef or the smarty pants of the sea.

They Can Suffer From Stress and Depression

People have discovered that octopuses in captivity can easily become bored if they’re not kept in the right environment. This is probably because of their superior intelligence. If an octopus doesn’t have stimulating, colorful surroundings, he’ll respond by eating his own legs.

It’s a good thing the waters of Belize have enough colorful fish, coral and other sea life to keep every octopus entertained.

They Enjoy Shellfish

Octopuses get plenty to eat among the mollusks, crabs, lobsters and other fish that populate Belize’s warm tropical waters. When an octopus is hungry, she waves the tip of one leg to make it look like a worm. When a fish bites the worm, the octopus squeezes the fish and injects it with a deadly venom.

Octopuses are harmless to us. Only the blue-ringed octopus, which lives in Australia, has venom that’s poisonous to humans.

They Have Strong Family Values

Octopuses mate for life. Female octopuses give birth to thousands of eggs during their yearly mating season. Many females die after giving birth. When this happens, the males do not mate again.

Visit the Belize Barrier Reef While You’re at Chabil Mar

If you want to see all of Belize’s exotic, intriguing sea creatures, stay at Chabil Mar in Placencia Belize . Our award winning Belize resort is on the gorgeous beachfront of Placencia Village. Contact us today to learn more about Belize!

If you long to breathe fresh air and get close to nature, start planning your trip to Belize. This small country gives you many big reasons to spend time outdoors.

Belize Recognizes the Importance of Conservation

Belize has taken conservation seriously. About 40% of the country is in a nature preserve, marine reserve, national park or wildlife sanctuary.

This has paid off in several ways. Sustainable farming and fishing have allowed these trades to flourish without depleting the land or water. Belize’s first marine reserve, Hol Chan, began as a community effort to preserve fishing stocks around the Belize Barrier Reef.

It’s a Magnet for Eco-Tourism

The emphasis on conservation has made Belize a magnet for eco-tourism, which is the biggest travel trend. People interested in sustainable tourism and agricultural tourism find Belize the perfect destination.

Belizeans are proud of the beauty of their country. They recognize the importance of its delicate land and marine ecosystems. When you visit Belize, show the same respect by using sustainable practices, wearing reef-safe sunscreen and using eco-friendly bug spray.

Belize Is a Birder’s Paradise

Birders have long known that Belize is the perfect place to spot rare, colorful birds. There are over 600 bird species in Belize. With a diverse mix of ecosystems, you can spot every type of bird here.

Tropical birds include the keel-billed toucan, Belize’s national bird, and scarlet macaws, who have safe nesting sites in Belize. Birders have spotted hundreds of hummingbird species all over Belize. Belize has created safe havens for birds that are endangered elsewhere, including the red-footed booby, jabiru stork and golden-cheeked warbler.

Belize has shorebirds, raptors, owls, fish-eating birds, cuckoos, pigeons, geese, doves and dozens of hummingbird species.

Marine Life and Mammals

Belize is home to Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar preserve. A community monkey sanctuary helps preserve its impressive howler monkeys. Another community effort helps preserve iguanas.

It’s also home to unusual mammals like the mountain tapir, Belize’s national animal, the gibnut and the coatimundi. Fish, sea turtles, manatees and sharks are abundant in Belize’s pristine waters.

Get Away From It All In Belize

If you want a magical destination where you can see rare, colorful animals in an unspoiled natural setting, head for Belize. Walk on the beach. Hike up an ancient Maya temple. Spot jaguar tracks while you’re hiking. You can do all that and more in this wonderful country.

Visit our website chabilmarvillas.com for more information on Belize and don’t hesitate to send us an email, or call US/CAN Toll Free: 1-866-417-2377, Local: (011-501) 523-3606, if you have questions or need help in planning a Belize Vacation.