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Visitors to the Central American tropical nation of Belize soon find themselves getting into the laidback rhythm of the place with bad puns and local sayings about everything running on “Belize time”. There’s just something unique about this tiny country with miles of gorgeous Caribbean coastline that makes for an unforgettable vacation.

“Last year, we were vacationing in Mexico and planned on just spending one day in Belize,” said Curtis Orange of Elmsford, New York. “But the people were so friendly and welcoming that my wife and I ended up staying an entire week. We can’t wait to go back!”

With English as the official language and American dollars accepted everywhere, it’s easy to feel right at home in Belize. But when you’re not sunning yourself on one of the many gorgeous beaches, eating fresh-caught seafood or sipping on a tropical cocktail, there’s plenty to do for the adventure-minded.

One popular inland tour starts at the village of Monkey River in the southern Toledo District. Guests board a boat for a slow cruise up the Monkey River with plenty of wildlife to be seen in all its glory, including the ubiquitous howler monkeys that gave the river its name. A few miles north in Stann Creek District is the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. No staid zoo, this huge reserve is perfect for day or week-long hikes to see tropical birds, tapirs and even jaguars in their natural habitat.

For visitors wanting to get in the water, one of the most unique experiences is scuba diving with whale sharks in the southern half of the Belize Barrier Reef. The largest non-whale marine species in the world’s oceans, whale sharks pose little danger to humans and interacting with these four-ton giants is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Although snorkeling is popular all over Belize, one of the finest spots to see a rainbow of marine flora and fauna is the waters around Laughing Bird Caye. The entire area is a national park named for the local species of “laughing” seagull that uses the tiny island as a breeding zone.

Where to Stay in Belize

One additional benefit of staying in Belize is all the fantastic resorts that offer guests luxurious accommodations elegantly integrated in the beautiful natural environment. One of the finest resorts in the country is Chabil Mar on the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize. From a Maya term meaning “beautiful sea”, this beachfront resort features unique villas, a restaurant and two infinity swimming pools gorgeously ensconced in a lush tropical garden setting.

For information about traveling to 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.

As a country with more than 200 miles of coastline and hundreds of offshore islands, the ocean plays an important role in Belize. This year, Belize celebrated World Oceans Day with a massive clean-up operation.

Oceana Belize, a local NGO, had high praise for the government of Belize for its recent decision to impose a complete moratorium on all offshore drilling and exploitation of petroleum. “2018 is a really good year for Belize to position itself as a global leader in safeguarding ocean resources,” said Janelle Chanona, vice president of Oceana Belize.

Another important step taken to preserve the health and beauty of Belize’s oceans was the recent approval by the Belize Cabinet that will phase out all single-use plastic utensils and Styrofoam products by April 2019. The new law will completely ban plastic shopping bags, Styroam items, and plastic food items such as plates, cups, utensils, and “to-go” plastic packaging. Already, biodegradable alternatives are now on sale in Belize.

Pollution of the ocean is an important issue in Belize. Trash and other debris get washed into the sea both from discarded litter on land as well as waste dumped into the sea by marine vessels. The government of Belize, in coordination with several local NGOs, organizes regular coastal cleanups, hauling in tons of plastic every year. Marine animals, in particular, are sensitive to plastic, which can cause severe problems and even death when consumed by wildlife.

World Oceans Day has been celebrated every year since 2002. Based in the United States, the non-profit Ocean Project coordinates with NGOs and governments around the world, including in Belize, to recognize and honor the importance of keeping the world’s oceans healthy. In 2008, the United Nations declared June 8 to be World Oceans Day.

More than 80% of all the oxygen in the atmosphere is generated by plants and animals that live in the ocean. The oceans also help regulate the climate, clean and purify water, and play an important role in the economy of many countries, including Belize. It is estimated that 25% of all marine life can be found in coral reef systems like the Belize Barrier Reef.

If you’d like to experience the beauty of the sea in Belize, be sure to stay at the Chabil Mar located on the Placencia Peninsula. Chabil Mar is a Belize resort whose name in the local Mayan dialect means “beautiful sea,” an apt description for its lovely beach setting just steps from the Caribbean Sea.