Sights in Southern Belize
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Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary
This is Belize's most famous, and one of its biggest, protected areas - the huge swath of tropical forest became the world's first jaguar sanctuary in 1984. Today it's home to an estimated 40 to 50 jaguars and a vast array of wildlife. Visits are restricted to an eastern pocket where there's an information center, accomodation and walking trails.
Cockscomb became a forest reserve and no-hunting area in 1984. A small part of it was given sanctuary status in 1986, and the rest followed in 1990. The people of the Mayan village of Quan Bank were compulsorily relocated - many now live in Maya Center and make a living from the sanctuary.
The sanctuary itself is not big enough t…
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St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park
The 575-acre St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park contains one of the few caves in Belize that you can visit independently. The visitors center (where flashlights can be rented for BZ$5) is 11 miles along the Hummingbird Hwy from Belmopan. From here a 500yd trail leads to St Herman’s Cave. A path leads 300yd into the cave alongside an underground river. To explore deeper in the extensive cave system, with its huge caverns and classic Maya ceremonial chambers containing calcified skeletons and artifacts, you must have a guide. Ask at the visitors center.
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Gulisi Garifuna Museum
This museum, operated by the National Garifuna Council (NGC), is a must for anyone interested in the vibrant Garifuna people. The museum is 2 miles out of town, but is easily reached by bicycle. It brings together artifacts, pictures and documents on Garifuna history and culture, including film of the original punta rockers, Pen Cayetano and the Turtle Shell Band, in Dangriga back in 1983. The museum hosts exhibitions, workshops and Garifuna language courses, schedules for which can be obtained at its musical website.
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Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods
Habanero peppers, purchased from local farmers, are turned into the super-hot bottled sauces that adorn tables all over Belize and beyond at Marie Sharp’s Fine Foods, 8 miles northwest of town on Melinda Rd. Casual tours, often led by Marie herself, are offered during business hours, and the factory shop sells hot sauces and jams at outlet prices
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Laughing Bird Caye National Park
There are some great snorkeling and diving opportunities at Laughing Bird Caye. While the coral has suffered damage from hurricanes and careless snorkelers, there's plenty of marine life - from stoplight and queen parrotfish to spotted eagle rays to the semi-tame lemon sharks that feed off barbeque leftovers turfed into the sea by the inebriated.
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Gladden Spit
The Elbow at Gladden Spit is a magical place. For up to 10 days after the full moon, from March to June, awesome but gentle whale sharks (the world's largest fish - up to 18m/60ft long) gather to feast on the eggs of cubera snapper and other fish that spawn in huge quantities at these times. Prepare for a jaw-droppingly brilliant experience.
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Tobacco Caye
Tiny Tobacco Caye is 183m (600ft) long and 91m (300ft) wide, and sits right on the barrier reef. With half a dozen places to stay, you can enjoy snorkeling, diving, fishing or snoring in a hammock. Just west is Man-O'-War Caye, an important nesting site for the brown booby and magnificent frigate bird. Both islands are World Heritage listed.
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Benjamin Nicholas' Studio
Nicholas' bright, primitivist scenes of wildlife, landscapes and Garifuna history and folklore have made him one of Belize's best-known painters - his art hangs in banks, hotels and public buildings throughout the country. He also lives and works in Dangriga. Stop by the studio to witness his work in progress - visitors are usually welcome.
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Rosalie’s Tortilla Factory
Though there’s no indoor seating, you can come to Rosalie’s Tortilla Factory, on the outskirts of Dangriga, to watch corn and flour tortillas being made and take a dozen of them to eat on the fly. The best time to get the freshest tortillas is between 9am and noon.
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