Search Results for: monkey river

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.

National Geographic, the world’s oldest and most respected travel publication, recently began a campaign called “Planet or Plastic,” challenging themselves and their readers to enjoy traveling without relying on single-use plastics.

In order to test their commitment to this idea, they sent Marie McGrory, an experienced travel producer, to Belize. They chose Belize because it is a developing country that relies on eco-tourism for a significant portion of its economy. Belize has also recently pledged to ban the sale and use of single-use plastic by April 2019, and its offshore reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was recently removed from the list of endangered areas thanks to strong conservation efforts by the government and local NGOs.

With more than 200 miles of coastline and the largest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere, pollution from single-use plastic is an important issue for the people of Belize. After a referendum was overwhelmingly approved by voters, the government of Belize imposed a complete ban on all offshore drilling. More than half of Belize’s territory is a protected conservation area, and the government has strongly committed to preserving the health and diversity of the environment.

After spending more than a week in Belize, National Geographic travel producer Marie McGrory calculated that she had successfully avoided 79 pieces of single-use plastic while in Belize. Her greatest challenge, ironically, was on the flight over to Belize as drinks and snacks served onboard were only available in single-use plastic options.

McGrory advised travelers coming to Belize to pack a few handy items to make avoiding single-use plastic much easier such as a reusable shopping bag, toiletries and sunscreen in reusable containers, a few collapsible containers for snacks, a glass or metal straw, and one or two reusable water bottles. Tap water is not recommended for visitors, but most lodges, hotels, and resorts have purified water available so you can refill your bottles.

If you’d like to enjoy a great vacation in Belize, be sure to stay at Chabil Mar Resort located on the stunningly beautiful Placencia Peninsula. This luxury beachfront resort has its own tropical garden, two infinity swimming pools, and a seafront pier where you can enjoy gourmet meals and delicious cocktails made from fresh, local ingredients.

Chabil Mar offers eco-friendly tours such as scuba diving and snorkeling on the reef, hiking trips to the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, boat tours of the well-named Monkey River, and trips to explore ancient Maya ruins.

Just a few hours’ flying time from the United States, the tropical nation of Belize is the perfect place to host an unforgettably beautiful beach wedding and enjoy a fun-filled exotic honeymoon.

Getting married in Belize is fun, simple and available even to people from other countries. Local regulations require that the couple be in the country for a minimum of three days and then apply for a wedding license. The fee is just $105 U.S. and the process takes one day. After that, a Senior Justice of the Peace or a registered minister of a Belizean church can marry you! You’ll be required to show your passport, birth certificate, any other related documents (like a divorcee decree) and have at least one male and one female witness.

Once you’ve tied the knot, countless adventures await you, including:

– Scuba Diving and Snorkeling:

The beautiful Belize Barrier Reef is home to an amazing abundance of colorful marine fauna and flora, making it an ideal place for snorkeling and scuba diving. The Placencia Peninsula is just a few miles from some of the best atolls and islands to see coral, sea turtles, sharks, and a wide array of aquatic life, including Laughing Bird Caye National Park and Silk Caye.

– The Rainforest:

Whether you’re interested in seeing jaguars in their native habitat in the Cockscomb Basin Nature Preserve, bird watching, taking a boat ride up the Monkey River, or sailing through the jungle canopy, the pristine rainforests of Belize are bursting with life.

– Maya Ruins:

Belize was once the home of the mighty Maya Empire. Today, visitors can explore lost cities in the jungle like Xunantunich, Caracol and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Tikal just over the border in neighboring Guatemala.

Chabil Mar on the beautiful Placencia Peninsula is the ideal destination for an exotic tropical wedding or honeymoon. With gorgeously appointed villas facing the Caribbean Sea, Chabil Mar is a great place to host your dream wedding and enjoy an intimate honeymoon.

Chabil Mar offers complete Belize wedding packages to make sure that your special day goes off without a hitch and honeymoon packages for the perfect beginning to your new life.

Chabil Mar also offers comprehensive jungle and sea vacations for couples wanting to mix the best elements of the reef and rainforest as well as Belize and Guatemala vacation packages to continue your fun Central American vacation.