A tropical paradise located on the coastline of the Caribbean Sea, Belize remains one of the world's best kept secrets. Home to hundreds of ancient mayan temples, thousands of acres of untouched rainforest, and the northern hemisphere's longest barrier reef; Belize travelers quickly discover that the sky is literally the limit (especially if you enjoy para-sailing) to the number of adventures to chose from. And with a English-speaking population and direct-flights offered from across the United States, there's no reason for vacationers looking to scuba dive, hike, canoe, cave tube, bird watch, kayak or simply relax by pool to pass up this tropical adventurer's paradise.
Below is 2.5 minute preview of the full length presentation called "Be One With Belize" produced by the Belize Tourism Board and Travelbelize.org. Links to the full length movie are also provided and can be viewed as a two part YouTube presentation, and each clip is about 9 minutes long.
Belize's Location:
Belize is situated at the base of the Yucatan Peninsula in Central America and borders Mexico and Guatemala, with the Caribbean Sea to the east.
Ambergris Caye, which is 25 miles long, is Belize's largest and most developed island. Belize borders Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west, the Caribbean Sea to east.
Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, and the main destination for travelers to this western Caribbean nation. San Pedro is the only town on the island. Ambergris Caye has been the hub of Belizean area maritime trade for centuries. Fishing, coconuts, and chicle were historic means of islanders support, but the last thirty years have led to a large growth in both the Belize dive and scuba trade, and ecotourism. The rich variety of things to do in San Pedro Town makes Ambergris Caye the gateway to Belize.
Las Terrazas Resort is located north of the town of San Pedro.
Language:
English is the official language and the one most commonly spoken, but you will hear Creole, Spanish, Garifuna and Mayan as well.
Air Service:
Belize is accessible from North America via Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Miami and Los Angeles. The major airlines servicing Belize are: American Airlines, Continental, Delta Airlines, Grupo TACA and US Airways. All international flights arrive at Philip S W Goldson International Airport (BZE).
Entry Requirements:
At the point of entry U.S., Canadian and Nationals of the European Community do not require visas. Proof of return or onward ticket must be shown as well.
As of January 23, 2007, all travelers entering or re-entering the United States from any destination are required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality.
More information can be found at http://www.travel.state.gov For more information contact:
The Belize Embassy
2535 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest
Washington, D.C 20008 USA
Telephone: (202) 332-9636
Fax: (202) 332-6741
Belize High Commission
Third Floor, 45 Crawford Place
London, United Kingdom
44 (0)20 7723 3603
Currency:
The unit of currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which is fixed against the US$ as BZ$2 = US$1. Most tourist resorts, hotels, restaurants and tour operators accept US currency and travelers checks. Credit cards are also accepted. When using credit cards most establishments will add a 5% service charge to the bill. Always make sure you understand which dollar rate is being quoted, either Belize Dollars or US Dollars.
TimeZone:
Central Standard Time; Belize does not observe daylight-saving time.
Climate:
The climate is sub-tropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees. The Belizean shoreline water temperature averages between 79 to 83 degrees F.
Marine Life:
More than 400 species of fish live in the waters of Belize's 185-mile (298-kilometre) long Barrier Reef; the world's 2nd largest reef.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 110/220 volts, 60Hz.
Transportation in San Pedro:
Golf carts, bicycles and walking are the main mode of transportation on Ambergris Caye. Golf carts & bicycles are available for rent at the resort.
Government:
Belize has been an Independent nation since 1981 and is a Member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Queen Elizabeth II is Head of State. Belize is a parliamentary democracy with two major political parties.
Belize Bytes:
Capital City: Belmopan
Total Land Area: 22,966 sq km (8,867 sq miles)
Population: 301,270
Languages: English (official)
Religion Catholic: (50%) I Protestant (27%)
Currency: Belize Dollar (BZ$)
Electricity: 110/220V 60Hz
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