Gladden Spit & Silk Caye Marine Reserve

Posted on March 6, 2023

Explore the Natural Wonders of Gladden Spit & Silk Caye Marine Reserve

The waters off of the coast of Placencia in southeastern Belize were declared a marine reserve in 2001 to protect the rich bio-diversity of hundreds of species of sharks and tropical fish that inhabit the area. The lunar cycles of the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve bring enormous schools of fish to the area to spawn, releasing enormous clouds of eggs that attract top predators like whale sharks.

Although fishing is heavily restricted in the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, visitors to the spectacular blue waters are permitted to engage in one of the most thrilling underwater experiences in Belize – diving with the whale sharks. Being filter feeders, whale sharks pose little danger to humans, allowing divers to interact and play with these beautiful creatures of the deep.

Whale sharks can grow up to 12 meters (41 feet) long, and weigh up to 66,000 pounds, making them the largest-known species of fish on the planet. Feeding on fish eggs, tiny plankton and microscopic shrimp known as krill, whale sharks have no teeth, which is why they can be approached by humans with minimal risk. Whale sharks are curious and playful animals, often approaching and interacting with divers. Because experiencing whale sharks is such a popular attraction, only licensed tour operators can bring divers to the area, arranging tours at specific times to get the best chance of spotting the sharks as they come close to the surface to feed.

Complete Guided Whale Shark Diving Package

If you’d like to swim with the sharks, Chabil Mar is now offering a special whale shark package that includes a guided diving experience with these amazing marine creatures. Located in the beautiful Placencia Village of southeastern Belize, Chabil Mar offer luxury accommodation at affordable prices, with gorgeously-appointed beachfront suites that face the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

For more information about diving with whale sharks in Belize, 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.

The Famous “Bamboo Chicken” of Belize

Posted on October 19, 2022

Belizeans are known for having a colorful sense of humor which is why the local nickname for the green iguana is “bamboo chicken”. The largest species of lizard in the country, an adult bamboo chicken can measure nearly seven feet in length, although most of the length comes from its enormous tail. The flesh of the “bamboo chicken” is popular in Belize and used for many local recipes. Even more popular are the creamy eggs of the green iguana which are considered a true delicacy by local gourmands.

Once heavily hunted for its eggs and meat, today the green iguana is protected by law and the Belize Zoo now organizes several captive breeding programs throughout the country. The native habitat of the green iguana is on tree branches overlooking a river as the lizard will dive into the water when it is startled or threatened by predators.

Juvenile green iguanas spend a lot of time on the floor of the rainforests of Belize, hunting for insects, snails, worms and grubs. Once they’ve matured, adult green iguanas start climbing higher in the branches of trees to eat berries, fruits and leaves. On occasion, green iguanas will eat small mammals and birds.

For information about Belize’s flora and fauna , 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.

10 Stunning Photos from the Belize Barrier Reef

Posted on September 21, 2022

A few years ago, we had the pleasure of hosting James, the travel blogger behind the website www.escapingabroad.com. If you visit the about section of his site, you will find out that his favorite country in the world is Belize. We here at Chabil Mar do not blame him for that because we understand and appreciate the beautiful things that Belize offers to its 400,000 inhabitants as well as the thousands of travelers who visit the country each year.

One of those beautiful things in Belize that locals and visitors enjoy is the colorful and Great Barrier Reef. Even Charles Darwin, the world-renowned Naturalist loved it that in 1842, he described it as the “most remarkable reef in the west indies.”The Belize Reef not only provides succulent sea food to our people but is also ideal for snorkeling and diving.

In this blog post, we share ten jaw-dropping underwater photos from the Belize Barrier reef. All photos courtesy of www.escapingabroad.com.

Colorful Reef’s

Diving near the atolls and reefs in the Southern area of Belize are some of the most colorful I’ve seen yet.

Visiting Belize in 2023? Here’s what you need to know

Posted on July 10, 2022

Visit Belize in 2023

Belize is a small country, a virtual hybrid of Central American and Caribbean cultures. Located just south of Mexico, Belize was once an isolated country difficult to get to. But now thanks to non-stop flights from all the biggest airlines in North America, more and more people are getting the chance to visit this nation dubbed “Mother Nature’s Best-kept Secret.”

Belize is a country where nature is king. You won’t find any high-rise shopping malls or traffic jams here. Instead, you’ll find a natural wonderland filled with lush rainforests, verdant jungles, and gorgeous sugar sand white beaches. All this plus more ancient Maya cities than anywhere else on the planet, and it’s easy to see why Belize is such a popular travel destination.

For Canadians, Air Canada and WestJet now fly non-stop to Belize from Toronto and Calgary. Americans have even more options, as Southwest, American, United, Sun Country, and Delta all offer non-stop flights from a dozen major cities across the country, including Atlanta, Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas. In just 2-5 hours, you can be enjoying the fabulous sunny skies and warm temperatures that bless Belize all year-round.

Exciting festivals and events to see include the Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival, a celebration of local artisans and artists, the renowned Placencia Lobsterfest to herald the opening of the lobster season, and the delicious Chocolate Festival that uses locally grown cacao beans to create a wide variety of sumptuous treats.

Activities to enjoy in Belize in 2023 include snorkeling or scuba diving with whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean, bird watching (over 500 species have been recorded in the country), hiking through a national park, or visiting ancient Maya cities such as Lubantuum, Xunantunich, and Nim Li Punit.

If that’s not enough, you can also enjoy world-class sailing, fishing, snorkeling, and scuba diving along the Belize Barrier Reef, second only in size to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Belize has hundreds of tropical islands and atolls, and few experiences can compare to watching the sun rise over the waters of the Caribbean.

No matter when you decide to visit, you’ll be sure to have a great time. All you’ll need is a T-shirt, shorts, sandals. Oh, and your passport, of course!

Mark your calendar now and make 2023 the year you visit Belize! Stay at the luxurious Chabil Mar resort in beautiful southern Belize. Chabil Mar offers travelers Belize jungle and sea packages to enjoy the best of both worlds.

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.

5 Things To Do in Placencia Village, Belize

Posted on July 10, 2022

A beachfront paradise that offers a breathtaking view of the enchanting cayes and the immensely beautiful barrier reef, Placencia Village is a unique gateway to explore exotic Belize adventures.

If you are looking for ideas on what to do in Placencia, here are 5 tours we highly recommend.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the biggest rainforest parks in Belize and offer visitors unforgettable attractions of impressive waterfalls, rushing rapids, unique wildlife, and lush vegetation. It is also home to the world’s first jaguar preserve and chances of seeing a jaguar here are slight at best.

Large cat tracks in the Cockscomb Basin Nature Preserve in Belize. Photo by @theplanit

Laughing Bird Caye
This destination takes a boat to get to, but the bright turquoise waters washing up on the white sand beaches look absolutely great from any view. The Caye is perfect for snorkeling and beachcombing.

The immaculate beauty of Laughing Bird Caye. Photo by @Jeff Monuszko

Scuba Diving with Whale Sharks
Scuba diving or snorkeling with whale sharks is by far the most exciting and unique experience you will ever have in your life.

Prepare for a jaw-droppingly brilliant experience at Gladden Spit.

Fishing in the Belize Barrier Reef
Placencia’s location makes it an absolutely fantastic place to come for a Belize fishing vacation.

Placencia Village is home to some of the best fishing in the world.

Monkey River Tour
Monkey River Tour is one of the best inland tours to do from Placencia and is not just a village or town, but also home to the Black Howler Monkey, which are also known in Belize as the “baboon”. They are also the largest monkey in the country and one of the largest in the Americas.

Monkey River is the ultimate nature tour from Placencia Village

For more information about traveling to Placencia, 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.

Author: Administrator

Gladden Spit & Silk Caye Marine Reserve

The Famous “Bamboo Chicken” of Belize

10 Stunning Photos from the Belize Barrier Reef

Visiting Belize in 2023? Here’s what you need to know

Visit Belize in 2023

5 Things To Do in Placencia Village, Belize

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