Introducing Belize
With one foot planted in the Central American jungles and the other dipped in the Caribbean Sea, Belize blends the best of both worlds. Offshore, kayakers glide from one sandy, palm-dotted islet to another, while snorkelers swim through translucent seas, gazing at a kaleidoscope of coral, fish, dolphins and turtles. Inland, explorers investigate ruins of ancient civilizations, and birders aim their binoculars at some 570 species. Between national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves, more than 40% of the country’s area is protected in one form or another, creating a haven for countless creatures of land, sea and sky.
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Belize attracts more than 850,000 annual visitors eager to explore the mysteries of Maya sites such as Altun Ha or Lamanai, spot a toucan in the bird-watcher's paradise that is Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, snorkel the reef off Caye Caulker or the Northern Cayes, and otherwise partake of paradise. Tourism is the country’s top source of employment and investment. The irony is that it is also the country’s biggest environmental threat.
Belize does not yet have the infrastructure to support the massive numbers of tourists that arrive, especially by way of cruise ships. It does not have the resources to truly protect its sanctuaries and reserves and their inhabitants. And it does not have the political will to stop the rampant coastal development, which would mean turning down millions in investment dollars. According to sources such as Tropical Conservation Science, as much as 80% of coastal land has already been sold to foreign interests with the intention of building condos and resorts.
Fortunately, Belizeans are environmentally aware and indefatigably active. Thanks to a progressive populace, Belize offers myriad ways for travelers to tread lightly, from beach resorts powered by solar energy to jungle lodges built from reclaimed hardwoods. Licensed guides not only direct, but also educate their clients – about the fragility of the reef, the medicinal uses of flora and the threats to the jaguar’s habitat.
It’s never easy to maintain the delicate balance between preserving natural resources and cashing in on economic opportunity. But most Belizeans are proud of their natural heritage and they recognize that the goals of environmental conservation and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive. This is the enlightened approach that has earned Belize its reputation as a paradigm of ecotourism.
Sub Umbra Florero reads the motto on the Belizean flag. It refers to the mighty mahogany tree, and it means ‘Under the shade, I flourish.’ The mahogany may not be as prevalent as it once was, but with its loss has come an understanding of its value. Belizeans recognize that their country’s greatest asset must be respected and protected, and that tourists have an important role to play.
It’s no wonder that Belizeans extend such a warm welcome to travelers. These easy-going people are eager to share – the staggering scenery, the bountiful biodiversity, all that exists in the shade of the mahogany tree.
Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:
- Search for paradise on a Mayan encounter
- Make your way to the Lamanai ruins
Want more? Browse through more recommended Belize tours
Last updated: Jan 19, 2012
Tips & articles
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Journey into the Maya underworld
31 January 2012
Belize’s forest-clad highlands sit atop Central America’s most extensive cave system, containing some of the largest subterranean passageways and chamber...
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Papayas and piety in Belize
27 January 2012
Belize may be small, but it is not homogenous. With a population around 321,000, the tiny country enjoys a diversity...
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Globetrotting for chocoholics
19 January 2012
Love chocolate? Discover how to feel full of beans on this non-stop choc-focused tour of the planet.Flanders, BelgiumBelgians love chocolate...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Central America Itinerary - For 6 months+
by SoloHobo 15 September 2011
The normal route, from people starting with a cheap flight to Cancun, is to explore the Yucatan, then head to Belize, then to Guatamala…
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RE: santo tomas guatemala and Belize City
by misterbee 14 September 2011
I've lived in Belize City, and have been to the Tourist Village many times. There are lots of taxi drivers & tour guides -- you should…
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RE: santo tomas guatemala and Belize City
by LanSluder 14 September 2011
I'm not sure about Guatemala, but keep in mind that in Belize you'll come ashore in tenders, and usually those on ship's tours get some…
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Belize
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Belize
Things to do
- All things to do (213)
- Activities (45)
- Entertainment (31)
- Restaurants (70)
- Shopping (18)
- Sights (37)
- Tours (12)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Belize
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1 Caye Caulker
The ultimate chill-out destination with a laidback village vibe and easy access to the sea
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2 Hol Chan Marine Reserve
An underwater ecosystem where divers and snorkelers have face-to-face meetings with sharks and rays
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3 Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
A village rich in Creole culture and a reserve bountiful with bird life
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4 Belize City
A gritty city awash with colors and cultures
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5 Dangriga
The birthplace of punta rock and the spiritual home of the Garifuna people
Fast Facts about Belize
- GDP per person
BZ$15, 600
- Native orchid species
304
- Resident & migratory bird species
570
- Other tourists per annum
251, 650
- Cruise-ship tourists per annum
624, 530
- Population density
34 people per sq mile
- Unemployment rate
9.4%
- Inflation
2.8%
- Population
294, 400
- Species of hard & soft coral
110
- HIV prevalence rate
2.4%
- Literacy
77%
Our favourite Belize Blogs (beta)
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Cart Around Belize
Blog: Brilliant Tips Travel Blog - 6 January 2012
While you won’t see any golf courses on Belize’s Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, you will see plenty of golf carts. That’s because in Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, electric and gas powered golf carts are the primary mode of transportation. Visitors can rent a cart by simply showing a valid driver’s license. We ended [...]
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Virgin in the Dive Zone
Blog: Snarky Tofu - 23 November 2011
For much of my life I've been frightened of open water. If I can see land, I can usually keep fear in check. Once I'm in a spot with nothing but water all around, I get a bit...panicked.Earlier this year, Demian Solano, Publisher of Destination Belize, asked me to write a story for his magazine on a suitable subject. I thought about it for a bit, and decided that the theme of Conquering Fear in Belize had a nice ring to it. I sent a pitch to Demian, and we hashed it over a bit.
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Belize Briefs: Tips, Quirks & Foibles After 2.5 Months in Belize
Blog: Trans-Americas Journey - 14 September 2011
We spent a total of 78 days traveling 1,540 miles through just about every inch of Belize (an impressive feat since driving from the northernmost point to the southernmost point in this tiny country is only 286 miles).
