Belize to Celebrate 43 Years of Independence in September

On September 21, 2024, Belize will celebrate 43 years of independence. After centuries as a British colony, Belize became a fully sovereign nation on September 21, 1981, and is today a proud member of the British Commonwealth.

Each year, Belize holds a nationwide contest to choose a theme for the Independence Day celebrations. This year’s winning theme, “A Nation Proud and Free: Belize at 43,” honors the country’s heritage and inspires Belizeans to strive for an even greater future.

September is widely known as “Patriotic Month” in Belize as it is when several key national holidays happen. On September 10, Belizeans celebrate The Battle of St. George’s Caye Day to celebrate a key naval victory by English colonists over a Spanish fleet offshore of the island of St. George’s Caye (islands are called “cayes” in Belize) in 1798. Prior to that date, the British and Spanish had vied for control of the rich logging resources in Belize, but the Battle of St. George’s Caye ensured that Belize would become the only English-speaking colony in Central America.

September is a time when Belizeans from all over the world return home to celebrate the patriotic holidays with friends and family. The streets of every town and village are bedecked in the national colors of red, white, and blue, and each locality holds parades, street dances, musical concerts, and other events. The radio stations play patriotic songs, and there are recitations of patriotic poems and other stirring reminders of the glorious history of Belize.

Falling during the “low season,” September is one of the best times to visit Belize. Travelers can benefit from reduced fares on lodging and organized tours, and there is a lot to see and do all across the country. The weather is almost always cooperative, with trees and flowers blooming seemingly in patriotic support of the historic events that are celebrated all month long. And the September 21 Independence Day festival always culminates in tremendous fireworks shows that simply shouldn’t be missed.

“September really is a great time to visit Belize,” said Larry France, the marketing manager of Chabil Mar. “Everyone is in a great mood due to the patriotic holidays, and it’s really a great time to see parades, street dancing, fairs, and other exciting events.”

Chabil Mar, a luxury resort located on the Caribbean shores of the Placencia Peninsula in southern Belize, is the perfect place to stay for travelers visiting the country in September.

Why I Love Laughing Bird Caye in Belize

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A beautiful and stunning Belizean Isle, Laughing Bird Caye is located 11 miles from Placencia Village in Southern Belize and is an ideal base for snorkeling and scuba diving. In fact, almost all travelers who vacation in Placencia visit this gorgeous piece of paradise for a full day of diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking and even picnicking.

Laughing Bird Caye got its name from the Laughing Gulls – the birds that once used to breed on the Caye, however due to a growing human presence, the colonies moved to a nearby undisturbed Caye for breeding. Presently, the Island is home to a number of exotic birds like the brown pelican, green heron, and melodious blackbird.

See also: 12 Incredible Belize Vacation Photos

The island stands on an elongated ridge of reef known as faro which is an angular atoll on a continental shelf, also known as shelf atoll, and is an important part of the Belize Barrier Reef System.

Last year in August, I stayed at Chabil Mar, a luxurious and elegant resort in Placencia and took a day trip with Splash Belize to explore Laughing Bird Caye.

I departed Placencia Village around 9am and arrived at this beautiful island an hour later to be astonished by the natural beauty of the atoll. I discovered a white sandy beach, scattered coconut trees and mangroves and a number of interesting plants like the spider lily, seaside purslane, morning glory and black mangrove in the 1.4 acre island.

“This reserve was declared a protected area on December 21, 1991 and is managed by the Placencia based community, Friends of Nature,” announced our guide when we were stepping out of the boat.

“It is a snorkeler’s heaven and the uniqueness of its structure contributes to both the abundance and variety of coral habitats and marine life”, he added.

See also: 8 Reasons Why Half Moon Caye is an Amazing Caye in Belize

We learned that the park is divided into three zones – the recreational zone, buffer zone and the preservation zone which is also known as the bird restoration zone. It was also interesting to hear that the laughing gulls have started to return to the island due to the conservation efforts that have been instituted by the park rangers that live onsite.

Our guide concluded his presentation of the national park and we then headed to snorkel around the shallow waters of the island.

Sea turtles, sting rays, barracudas, moray eels, black groupers, grunts, lobsters, crabs and snappers were just a few of the many fascinating marine creatures that we encountered.

We were also amazed at the profusion of color and life that exists in the underwater world of the Belize Barrier Reef.

Many of our wedding and honeymoon couples visit Laughing Bird Caye for a beautiful and romantic adventure. Chabil Mar offers concierge services to reserve the adventures of Belize on your behalf.

Fall is Fabulous in Belize

Autumn may mean chilly nights and trees changing colors in North America, but it’s the perfect time to visit balmy Belize. The sun is shining with temperatures in the high 80s, ideal for enjoying one of the many fabulous activities in Belize like snorkeling and scuba diving the offshore reef, horse back riding through the jungle, or climbing to the top of an ancient Maya pyramid.

Best of all, autumn is part of the “low season” in Belize, meaning there are fewer tourists and great discounts on lodging and organized tours. And there are plenty of colorful national events to enjoy in fall such as St. George’s Caye Day (September 10), Independence Day (September 21), and Garifuna Settlement Day (November 19).

Here are four other great reasons to visit Belize in the fall:

Seafood

With beautiful, pristine rivers and the spectacular Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the waters of Belize are a rich source of fish and seafood. Few experiences can compare to a meal of fresh-caught snapper, shrimp ceviche, or delicious lobster.

Nature


A vast unspoiled wilderness measuring 150 square miles (400 square kilometers) in size, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect place for a day hike or a multi-day expedition. With mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and a coastal area brimming with wildlife, the Cockscomb Basin Sanctuary is also home to the world’s first jaguar preservation site where scientists study some of Central America’s last remaining big cat populations.Other popular activities include boat safaris up the well-named Monkey River, learning about the vast cornucopia of indigenous plants that are still used to make traditional medicines as well as stopping off at a riverside village to enjoy a home-cooked meal.

Ancient Maya

Once the heartland of the vast Maya civilization, Belize has more ancient Maya sites than anywhere else on the planet. Popular destinations include the giant palaces of Caracol, the legendary lost city of Xunantunich, and the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a spooky underground labyrinth once used by Maya priests to perform human sacrifices.

The Belize Barrier Reef

 

With hundreds of gorgeous islands, the Belize Barrier Reef is a mecca for snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, and fishing.

Chabil Mar is currently offering several special offers for travelers who visit Belize this fall.

For more information about visiting Belize this fall, feel free to chat with our Concierge at: concierge@chabilmarvillas.com or contact our Reservations Manager at: reservations@chabilmarvillas.com. Or perhaps you would like to call toll free from the US or Canada: 1-866-417-2377.

Establish Your Zipline Credentials While Visiting Southern Belize

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Dreams come true for those eager to zipline rainforest canopies, which is why the popularity of this experience alone brings many people to Belize. Select Chabil Mar  as your base and enjoy some peace and tranquility before you test your mettle at any of the extreme sport trips Chabil Mar offers.

Just in case someone asks, here’s a little history to pass along: Alberto Santos-Dumont invented the zipline rig in 1906 to help transport goods over long distances and unforgiving terrains, but these days, if you look up, you’ll see guys and girls zipping by instead of boxes and bags. To make sure your Chabil Mar visit includes all the thrills you seek, ask your hosts to book one or all of these excursions during your stay:

-The Bocawina Zipline Experience invites you to see what it’s like to tackle the longest zip line distance in Belize, but only if you’re up for the challenge. If not, there are eight shorter runs interspersed by 12 platforms that provide opportunities for you to catch your breath and decide if you’d like to keep going. Gather bragging rights as you traverse 2.5 miles in total, but it’s the 2,300-foot single run that offers the most exciting memories.

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-Go night flying at Bocawina. If you thought only bats owned the night, join these nocturnal creatures by requesting a zipline ride that won’t start until after the sun goes down and the stars come out. The jungle at night is a magical place filled with sights and sounds visitors miss during the day, so if your heart is healthy, you need an adrenaline rush—and particularly if the moon is full—don’t leave Belize without taking this excursion under the tutelage of guides who know the ins and outs of this fun experience.

-Rappel Bocawina Falls. The place that sent your heart racing as you zipped along at top speed is also a neighbor of one of Belize’s top rapelling locations: Bocawina Falls. Whether this is your first or your fifth repelling attempt, the jump will be unique as you drop 100-feet into the abyss in synch with waterfalls, landing in the beautiful pools at the base. You’ve earned swim or float time in these lush pools to celebrate your rappelling accomplishment.

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-Rappel Antelope Falls. Are you eager to try the biggest challenge of all? Take a literal leap of faith by repelling down a waterfall that’s 1,000 feet high. If you plan to do this alone, your tour guide will arrange for a partner since the minimum number of participants for this activity is two. Not quite ready to attempt this height? Try the 500-foot drop first to be sure you’re ready for the big one. In either case, you’ll be escorted every step of the way by licensed guides, so put yourself into their hands for the time of your life.

This menu of adventures is not for the faint of heart, but it’s likely to offer the biggest and most thrilling vacation highlights if adrenaline rushes are your thing. Just in case you’re super-charged and have no desire to hit the beach, Chabil Mar is happy to arrange for bird watching, scuba diving, snorkeling, nature and archaeological tours.

Nobody goes hungry on these excursions, by the way. From Chabil Mar’s onsite restaurant to picnics packed for your day trips, no detail is ignored. After this much adventure, Chabil Mar will be happy to deliver you to your return flight both blissed out and eager to return.

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.

Belize in August

August is a really great time to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in Belize. When heatwaves and record temperatures are found all across North America, Belize enjoys lovely weather in August with daytime highs of just 86F (30C) and nighttime lows at a perfect 78F (26C).

August falls during the “low season” when fewer tourists visit Belize, making it the perfect time to take advantages of discounts up to 40% on lodging, transportation, and tours of the top sites in the country. August is also the month when westerly winds begin to replace offshore breezes, a period known locally as the “Little Dry” with reduced precipitation and abundant sunshine.

August is also a month where families, honeymooners, and adventure travelers can enjoy great celebrations and festivities such as:

International Costa Maya Festival

The biggest festival of the year in the country, the Costa Maya International Festival is a three-day affair held in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye. Originally designed to showcase Maya heritage, the festival is now known for its beauty pageant, street parades, games, and live music from some of the top names in the region.

Tres Pescados Fishing Tournament

Anglers from around the world compete to finish a Grand Slam – landing the three fish (“tres pescados” is Spanish for three fish) species of bonefish, tarpon, and permit fish.

Placencia

The Placencia Peninsula is a 16-mile strip of golden beaches located on the Caribbean coast of southern Belize. Placencia is renowned for its laid back charm and “barefoot ready” motto, an eco-friendly part of the country where bicycles and golf carts are the preferred method of transportation.

Placencia is also the gateway to the southern Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of hundreds of islands strung along the second-biggest barrier reef on the planet. The southern part of the reef is a top destination for visitors to enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, and sailing.

Placencia is also strategically positioned close to the top visitor destinations on the mainland including the enormous Cockscomb Basin Nature Reserve (home to the world’s only jaguar reserve), boat safaris on the Monkey River, and ancient Maya ruins like Nim Li Punit and Lubantuum.

Chabil Mar

Chabil Mar is a luxury beachfront resort located on the Placencia Peninsula. With a lush tropical garden, 2 swimming pools, and elegantly appointed villas, Chabil Mar is the perfect place to enjoy a great vacation in Belize in August.

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