Most people have heard of Belize, a small third world country in Central America, but it is not common to consider Belize as a major tourist destination. Belize is not a tourist destination that most people would place on their list of the best tropical options. Perhaps a closer look at Belize will reveal a hidden gem in the maze of all the various tropical opportunities available.

Most people looking for a tropical experience think first of the Caribbean islands from the Virgin Islands to Argentina, the Hawaiian Islands, the other Pacific islands, or the other more notable islands that are catered to by the mainstream of tropical adventurers. . Belizean locals will let you know that their tropical paradise is second to none.

If you’re looking to enjoy a tropical experience and want to save a little on the cost of a typical tropical adventure, consider Belize. This is not to say that Belize is a second class destination, but Belize is a very overlooked place. If you travel to Belize you will have endless travel options and for sure you will not be disappointed if you decide to go there, and you may be really surprised. However, if you do go, always consider asking a Belizean local and travel like a local.

Belize is a tropical country located on the east coast of Central America. You will find Belize just below Mexico facing the Caribbean Sea. Belize has the second longest barrier reef in the world. Belize’s reef is second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Belize’s magnificent barrier reef creates some of the best deep sea fishing, diving and snorkeling in the world. Its continental lands consist of tropical rivers and exotic jungles.

One of the great attractions of Belize is that the local language is English, despite the fact that the country is located in Spanish Central America. Once a British colony, Belize gained its independence in 1964 from Great Britain. Belize is also extremely close for most Americans, compared to other tropical destinations. Belize is approximately a two-hour flight from Houston, and Belize City is served by several major international airlines. Belize is also a relatively short boat ride south of Mexico and Cancun, Mexico. Many of the Belizean locals actually travel by boat or car to southern Mexico regularly to shop and trade.

Belize has much more territory for the average tourist to cover on a short vacation than they will find on most tropical islands. The mainland has the capital, Belize City, an international seaport. Belize City is actually about the size of a medium-sized city in the United States, with considerable poverty and crime. Belize City does not have much to offer a traveler. Most travelers will need to travel to Belize City first, as Belize City is the point of entry into Belize. South of Belize City lies the mainland made up of small tropical towns, and along the eastern coast of the Caribbean you’ll find quaint seaside towns and quiet beaches. The hinterland offers tropical jungles and prehistoric Mayan ruins, and adventurers can find many caves, tropical rivers, exotic animals, and quaint towns to explore throughout the continent.

For the typical tropical island experience, most travelers head directly from Belize City to one of the cays (small islands) just off Belize’s eastern borders in the Caribbean Sea. These small keys can be reached by boat or by plane. The trip is a one-hour boat ride from Belize City or a twenty-minute plane ride in a small plane. These small cays are the base for most travelers who come to Belize to snorkel or enjoy some great deep-sea fishing, as the barrier reef is in plain sight off the shores of these small island cays.

The two main cays along the barrier reef are Caye Caulker, a quaint little island with modest accommodation and modest cafes. The main cay that most tourists end up settling on is called Ambergris Caye. San Pedro is the main and only town on Ambergris Cay, and actually San Pedro is the largest part of the island. On Ambergris Cay you can find the full range of accommodations, from a very affordable small hotel right on the ocean, to luxury resorts and condominiums, as well as restaurants and cafes. Being somewhat different from most tropical islands, most accommodation in the keys is right on the ocean. The beaches are lined with quaint bars and nice cafes offering very good food at reasonable prices. There is always a local live band nearby every night. Everything is very close and very easy to reach. Locals and tourists travel mostly in golf carts along the narrow, sandy roads.

If you base yourself on one of the two cays mentioned, you’re probably planning to spend some time fishing, snorkeling, or scuba diving. Going to Belize and not spending some time exploring Belize’s magnificent barrier reef would really be a huge missed opportunity. In the town of San Pedro you will find a number of charter operations that will take you out to the barrier reef for scuba diving, snorkeling or deep sea fishing. Depending on your budget, prices are more than reasonable even for top class charters and unbelievably low for lower end charters, who can just pick you up in a twelve foot boat.

Belize has a lot to offer a tropical adventurer. Whether you just want to relax and enjoy the sun and surf, or you traveled there to conquer the magnificent barrier reef and catch the big marlin, Belize is cheap, the locals speak English and are friendly. Belize is a short flight from the mainland and life is easy. If you go, just remember to ask a local tour guide first.

If you are planning an ant trip be sure to check out this website, it can make the trip the best you have ever had. Just go to: http://www.travelaskthelocals.yolasite.com. Smooth sailing. D. Burlison, JD, traveler from Belize.

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