The city's population makes it a commercial center for businesses of all types that market to about 70,000 people… The streets are lined with shops and businesses offering everything from clothing to restaurants that bring people to the city from throughout the country.

Outside Belize City, loggers still harvest tropical hardwoods within the limits imposed by the government's regulations.

The main areas of the economy of northern Belize are sugar cane, livestock, logging, fisheries, tourism and the Corozal Free Zone. Sugar Cane production accounts for 60% of the country's agricultural exports. It is used for sugar production and for ethanol production. Sugar is produced at one factory operated by Belize Sugar Industries Ltd., which is supplied by more than 4,000 cane farmers.

Belize is self-sufficient in beef, pork, poultry and eggs. Beef cattle is important for the economy of the Orange Walk District.

They produce a vast selection of dairy products as well as corn, rice and beans.

Many small farmers grow rice, corn, beans, vegetables, bananas, plantain, citrus, sugarcane and fruit and also raise cattle, pigs and poultry.

Years of logging has reduced the quantity of hardwoods throughout the country. The majority of Belize is forested and most of the country has been logged, but northern Belize protects much of the remaining forests.

Milled lumber is used locally, which includes mahogany, cedar, santa maria and pine. The Mennonites log their trees for the construction and furniture industry.

The fishing industry, which accounts for 7% of the GDP is an important part of the country's economy. Fishing, which was once only a subsistence activity has increased to a commercial activity exporting to the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean (tilapia, lobster and conch are the top exported products).

There are a variety of types of fishing boats throughout the country. Open boats are usually made of wood or fiberglass, having outboard engines. These boats usually work within a one day trip from home.

Sloops are generally wooden, having sails and smaller outboard engines usually for diving for lobsters and conch. You will find these boats throughout the coastal waters of the country.

The fishing requirements and seasons for conch and lobster are as follows:

Conch - The shell length must be longer than seven inches and the market clean weight should be greater than three ounces. The season is closed July 1 to September 30.

Lobster : The minimum cape length must be at least three inches and the minimum tail weight must be four ounces. The season is closed February 15 to June 14.

Tourism in Belize is the largest part of the country's economic growth. Tourism represents 18% of the GDP and 25% of total foreign exchange earnings.  It supports one of every four jobs.

Northern Belize has a great deal to offer such as nature reserves and Maya ruins and a plethora of outdoor activities including bird watching, fishing or horseback riding. In northern Belize you will probably find it less crowded with better prices and a more untouched environment.

The growth of the tourism industry has just started to impact the northern part of Belize.  More recently, the growth of tourism has made the fishing industry less crucial to the local economy. Many who were fishing for a living now utilize their boats for tourism related activities.

New service-related business start ups are being introduced to support the growing tourism industry.  New attractions, cultural productions and accommodations are being added regularly to the industry.

The Commercial Free Zone Act of 1994 established the Commercial Free Zone at Corozal to appeal to foreign business enterprise.

It allows entrepreneurs excellent tax free commercial opportunities. The country's law distinguish a Commercial Free Zone as being "a geographic area in Belize designated outside national customs territory and duly restricted by controlled access, wherein the benefits created shall apply to a complex of industries."

Merchandise stored in the free zone may be sold wholesale or retail:

• To diplomats of other countries

• To ships that dock at ports in Belize

• For direct export whether by sea, air or land

• Entry into national customs territory  

The Corozal Free Zone is located at the border with Mexico. Businesses in the Zone are manufacturing, importing, exporting, retailing and a variety of services to Mexico and international customers.

Belize is known to be one of the world’s leading “ecotourism” destinations. Contained within its borders are untouched rainforest, numerous savannah and mangrove coasts, all containing a great variety of animal habitats north of the Amazon basin. Belize’s coral reef  is the best in the Western Hemisphere, second in size to Great Barrier Reef of Australia, with over 200 small islands. In addition, it contains more than 900 ancient Maya sites.

 Belize offers some of the most pristine and beautiful habitats in the Central America… With a low population density (only about 300,000 people), allows Belize a combination of Government, NGO and private reserves to protect 40%+ of it’s territory.

How can we enjoy this natural beauty without ruining it?

 In the '80s, the Government of Belize recognized that small–scale, low impact tourism was the most ideal way to provide economic growth while still safeguarding the environment. Rather than subscribing to the mass tourism path of Cancún just 250 miles to the north, Belize has decided to follow another road  that would allow as many residents as possible to participate in the tourism industry. 

The development of a small number of up-scale lodges in the magnificent interior of the country has provided a model of sustainable tourism that has developed a group of accommodations to support this growing industry. 

Tourism is the country’s number one source of foreign revenue and with strict guidelines, education and cooperation from international conservation organizations, such as the World Wildlife Fund and The Nature Conservancy creating a bright outlook for both country’s environment and its ecotourism industry.

Lowland Broadleaf Forest

The amount of rainfall is not enough to for the trees to keep their leaves year around.  Within this diverse ecosystem, which includes the mahogany, cedar and sapodilla, you may find enormous trees forming a canopy so thick that only small bands of sunlight shine through to the ground.

Most of the lowland broadleaf forests of northern Belize support a small  population of all five species of wildcat - Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot, Margay and Jaguarundi. The area of northern Belize has possibly the largest wildcat population in Belize probably because the natural prey has not been hunted out. 

ü      Two species of monkey inhabit the broadleaf forests of northern Belize. The howler monkey, a large, relatively heavy set primate (known in Belize as the "baboon") and the spider monkey, (known in Belize as the "monkey"), which also lives in the tree tops, but is much quicker than the howler monkey.

ü      The keel billed toucan, Belize's national bird can usually be heard in the thick of the forest.

 Pine Ridge and Savanna

For many, the best way to experience the savanna is on a hike during the early morning and late afternoon. Bring a pair of binoculars. Walk slowly and stop frequently to listen. The sounds of insects and birds will carry a great distance. You can also walk through the savanna… the soil will be coarse, made up of quartz and gravel with clusters of grass and sedges.

The savanna also includes shrubs, trees and palms, but it never forms a continuous canopy. This occurs throughout northern Belize and is associated with low nutrient soils. The name for this habitat is "Pine Ridge" as the pine trees are often the most noticeable large trees visible. This ecosystem is often water-logged during the rainy season and completely dried out during the dry season.  Most of the vegetation is a resilient type that can withstand the extremes of drought and being submersed by water. The savanna supports a variety mammals, reptiles, and birds.

 ü      You’ll see birds in the savanna such as the king vulture, yellow-headed parrot and jabiru stork.

  Freshwater Rivers, Lagoons, Wetlands and Swamps

The rivers, lagoons and wetlands of Belize provide drainage from the occasional rains, as well as  transportation for wildlife and nutrients from the interior to the sea.

The forest along the rivers is called riverine or riparian forest. This vegetation plays a important role in preventing erosion of river and lagoon banks as the dense roots of bamboo and other shrubs hold soil in place and prevent water from washing away the river banks.

If you are adventurous, you may enjoy exploring the edges of the lagoons, which are are loaded with invertebrates, fish and wildlife... You can also explore the lagoons by canoe, quietly, either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. 

 Mangrove and Coastal Lagoons

              The mangrove and coastal lagoons are home to a rich variety of marine species.. These are some of the most important ecosystems for the continuity of the marine coastal zone.  The animals that inhabit these underwater areas must be able to stand a wide and often sudden change in salinity. The birds, reptiles and mammals also take advantage of the protection of the mangrove trees and vegetation while the rich food source provides a perfect location for reproduction. 

ü      Many waterfowl such as heron and egret, ibis, spoonbills and white-crowned pigeons use the mangrove for nesting. These birds feed on the shrimp, crabs, worms, small fish and insects which live in and around the mud and leaf debris.

ü      Below the water, invertebrates include sponges, tunicates, anemones, oysters and barnacles supported by the red mangrove roots.

ü      Snapper, grouper, lobster and crabs begin their life in the mangrove root system before moving to deeper waters.  

Mangrove species in Belize include:

ü    Red mangrove, which can withstand salt water these best.  The roots are usually found halfway submerged along most of the shoreline of Belize.

ü      Black mangrove, which is a transition plant between land and water. The distinguishing feature is the thin root extensions, which come out of the mud.

ü      White mangrove, which grows further inland.

… In all of North America and Mexico there are about 650 species. If you compare both numbers, you would understand why Belize is known as a bird watcher's paradise since Belize is a country approximately the size of Massachusetts.

ü      If you have a strong interest in birding, go birding in the early morning and late evening.

ü      Depending on where in Belize you are, you’ll be in the proximity of the following common species of birds: 

      Coastal areas:  brown pelicans, frigate birds, laughing gulls, osprey, seagulls

      Broad leaf forests - blue crowned mot mot, great tinamou, the country's national bird - keel-billed toucan

     Wetlands - spoonbills, egrets, green and blue herons, northern jacana, and the Jabiru Stork

      Grasslands and savannahs - the fork-tailed flycatcher, vermilion flycatcher, roadside hawk.

Belize is excellent for birding because of its rich diversity of ecosystems containing forests, rivers, savanna and jungle… the birds are everywhere:  by the cayes, on the coastline, on the mainland along the rivers, within the bush and in the mountains. Birds from up north visit Belize during the winter months and birds from down south visit Belize during the summer months.

 Great opportunities for sightings are offered within the country's national parks and reserves which include:

ü      Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (Belize District)

ü       Community Baboon Sanctuary (Belize District)

ü       Manatee Hall and Swallow Caye (Belize District)

ü       Five Blues Lake National Park (Cayo District)

ü       St. Hermans Blue Hole National Park (Cayo District)

ü       Mountain Pine Ridge (Cayo District)

ü       Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary (Stann Creek District)

ü       Mayflower Bocawina National Park (Stann Creek District)

ü       The Guanacaste National Park

ü       Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve

ü       Monkey Bay Wildlife Sanctuary

ü      Shipstern Wildlife Reserve

ü      The Rio Bravo Conservation Area

ü      The Lamanai Archaeological Reserve

The reserve has also had a positive effect on other wildlife including the iguana, jaguar, ocelot, puma and the endangered Central American river turtle that's making a comeback here.

The sanctuary is well known for the 200 species of birds that can be spotted at various times of the year. Permanent residents include parakeets, toucans, tanagers and parrots that live in and around the roughly 100 different species of trees that also host colorful orchids and bromeliads.

Swallow Caye is one of Belize's newest protected areas and is the home for a relatively large population of the manatees, so chances of seeing the manatee is almost 100 percent.

 … Manatees are curious animals and most of the times they come right next to the boat good for excellent close up pictures. Manatees are also called sea cows and long ago were once believed, by sailors, to be mermaids.

                  … Turtle Grass is what attracts these ungainly yet graceful mammals to these two locations, which they feed on almost exclusively. Manatee are inquisitive animals, yet easily intimidated…

Situated in St. Margaret’s Village in the Cayo District, at the Eastern boundary at mile 32 on the Hummingbird Highway, Five Blue Lake it was established in 1992.

The lake was formed from a collapsed cave system known as a cenote or blue hole, which runs 200 feet deep over about 10 acres.

                 Swimming is permitted and there are. There is a visitor's center with maps, picnic tables and bathrooms by the park entrance.

Blue Hole National Park (the inland Blue Hole) is located about 12 miles southeast of Belmopan on the Hummingbird Highway.

The Blue Hole itself is a sinkhole filled with water that is part of the underground Caves Branch Creek tributary, which then disappears below the surface as it flows to the Sibun River.

                The collapsed karst sinkhole is about 25 feet deep and roughly 300 feet in diameter with stunning turquoise water. The main enticements are the underground streams, rivers, sinkholes and the underground caves.

Mountain Pine Ridge is a 300 square mile forest reserve, South of the Western Highway in the Cayo District.

Some of the features include the Hidden Valley Falls (1,000 Foot-Falls), the Rio On River, the Rio On Pools, the Rio Frio Cave and Nature Trail, and many waterfalls and streams.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a world-renowned sanctuary, a haven for many rare and endangered species such as puma, ocelot, margay, tapir, otter and scarlet macaw.

Established in 1984 as a small forest reserve, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary soon evolved into a reserve of over 100,000 acres (40,500 hectares), and made famous by the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Alan Rabinowitz’s study of jaguars.

             Lodging facilities are available at the park administration center and well-maintained trails are constantly being expanded.

            Cockscomb’s network of well-marked and maintained trails offer the chance of spotting some of the sanctuary’s wildlife, whilst taking in its scenic beauties, such as delicate waterfalls spraying in the pristine jungle.

             There are short walks of less than an hour, and long hikes of several days. For the best views of the basin, follow the muscle-building Bluff Trail (a 2½-mile hike to the top of a forested ridge) to get a wholesome view of the entire Cockscomb basin.

             Many of the park rangers are from nearby Maya Center, which has a community guest project, medicinal plant trail and crafts shop, while villagers act as nature guides and porters for expedition trips…

The Guanacaste National Park is spectacular… With its huge specimen of guanacaste or tubroos tree, ceiba, cohune palms, mammee apple, mahogany, quamwood, and other trees, the Guanacaste National Park packs a lot in a mere 56 acres…

ü      Over 100 species of birds have been spotted in the park as well as agouti, armadillo, coati, deer, iguana, jaguarondi and kinkajou.

ü      Not too far away is the famous old guanacaste tree, over 25 feet in diameter and 100 plus years old. The spectacular tree is home to more than 35 species of exotic flora, including orchids, bromeliads, ferns, philodendrons and cacti.

ü      Just past the tree, continue your journey on the trail and you will encounter the shore of Roaring Creek, the westernmost boundary of the park. Follow the trail and you will also see birds, delicate ferns, flowers and long parades of wiwi ants (clutters).

ü      Another hot spot to look for is steps that lead down to the Belize River, to the right of the entrance. The amate fig grows plentifully on the water’s edge; it provides food for the howler monkey and, waiting patiently in the water, the tuba fish.

The Guanacaste National Park is located just off mile marker 47 on the North side of the Western Highway where it meets the Hummingbird Highway,

The Guanacaste National Park  it is sponsored by the Belize Audobon Society, MacArthur Foundation, World Wildlife Fund, and the Belizean Government.

The park hours are 8AM until 4PM. The resident blue-crowned motmots were among the rarer animals observed at Guanacaste. Hourly tours start at 8:30AM to 3:30PM.

Monkey Bay is located in Central Belize and is bordered by the Sibun River that flows from the Maya Mountains through the coastal savanna on its path to the Caribbean Sea.

It is an environmental education center that offers experiential learning programs and training opportunities while serving as a model of conservation land stewardship. The Sanctuary consists of 1,070 acres of tropical forest, riverine and savanna habitats.

Specialized in hosting study abroad student groups, Monkey Bay offers a variety of experiential learning programs that are designed to meet your interests, budget and academic requirements:

ü       Environmental and cultural learning programs

ü       Tropical watershed ecology field courses

ü       A field research station and lodging facilities

ü       Individual internships and volunteer programs

ü       Village homestays and community service projects

Because of its central location and diverse habitats, Monkey Bay is home for a wide variety of flora and fauna.

ü      The 3300 acre protected area is home to a large number of exotic mammal species, including tapir, puma, jaguar, and Morelet's crocodile.

ü      Over 250 species of birds have been recorded.

 Monkey Bay offers accommodations, fresh-prepared meals and a range of learning and adventure activities throughout Belize.

In 1983 upon completion of a film called "Path of the Rain Gods," the movie's production assistant, Sharon Matola, found herself with quite a few nearly tame animals that the movie had featured. Fearing they were no longer capable of surviving the wilds, Sharon set about arranging other accommodations for them… she hung signs beside the cages soliciting funds to buy feed… she visited schools around the country to raise awareness about the wealth of Belizean wildlife and its deteriorating habitat… she went outside Belize to raise many from the environmental groups….  that was happened in 1983…

                      From these humble beginnings, Matola and her staff have built a world-class zoo that is thought to be the best of its kind in the Americas, outside the U.S. Now, The Belize Zoo is probably the finest zoo in the Americas, south of the U.S. and is well known for its phenomenal conservation achievement.

When you visit this historic animal habitat you get the chance to see native animals of Belize at close quarters, housed in spacious enclosures identical to their natural environment.

The zoo’s theme, “a walk through Belize,” contains a trail that takes you into the pine ridge, the forest edge, the rainforest, the lagoons and the river forest. From pinelands to the forest ridge, the rainforest, lagoons, river forest and the forest edge, visitors are able to see the animals housed in expansive enclosures that emulate their natural habitats.

ü      The most famous inhabitant is a Baird’s tapir, April, locally known as a mountain cow.

ü      All the native Belizean cats are represented, included a rarer melanistic (black) jaguar.

ü      The existing birds include toucans, macaws, parrots, jabirus, storks, a spectacled owl and several vultures. Additional spectacular animals include deer, spider and howler monkeys, peccaries, agouti (sometimes known as “gibnut” on menus), crocodiles and snakes.

Actively involved in conservation and preservation, the zoo also features a Tropical Education Center that offers schools and college groups various learning programs. The center has trails, observation decks, classroom facilities, a library and dormitory facilities for those on extended stays.

The Belize Zoo is open daily between 8:30AM - 5PM and costs US$7.50 for adults and US$3.75 for children.

In 1981, the Switzerland-based International Tropical Conservation Foundation established the area as a nature reserve and named it after the abandoned fishing village of Shipstern once located on the reserve's south side.

Separating the forest from the lagoon, vast belts of savannah, mudflats, and limestone hills dotted with palm trees house almost every mammal species found in Belize (save monkeys due to the reduction of large trees via storm activity).

                   Shipstern is also home to the Butterfly Breeding Center at the reserve's headquarters. The Breeding Center has supplied Great Britain, United States, Japan, and Singapore with pupae for their own man-made butterfly habitats.

ü      Over 200 species of butterfly accompany the 200+ species of birds swarming the skies above the Shipstern Lagoon and beyond. Many of these birds migrate from North America during the winter. Of the long list of aviators, the five species of parrot and flamboyant toucans that reside within the area often receive the most attention from visitors.

ü      The Butterfly Breeding Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours along the trails are $12.50 for groups up to four, and an additional $2.50 for each extra person. Belizeans receive a 50% discount.

ü      Night tours into the jungle can be arranged with guides in Sarteneja, but a permit from the reserve's management is needed if the trip crosses the reserve's boundaries.

          … If you wonder how to get here, to the Shipstern Lagoon, here are some tips:

ü      A bus departs at noon from Belize City for the three-hour trip to Sarteneja Village. The bus stops in Orange Walk Town on the way, so travelers can also access the Village by picking up the bus there. A direct bus from Orange Walk departs at 6 p.m. The bus returns at 3, 4, and 6 p.m.

ü      Travelers can also visit Shipstern via car by driving one hour from Orange Walk Town or two hours from Belize City. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended, as the roads are often muddy. On the way, you'll pass through San Estevan and turn right en route to Little Belize, a small Mennonite community. Continue on to Chunox and Sarteneja; the reserve is three miles before Sarteneja.

ü      Although more expensive, visitors can charter a private boat to the reserve from Corozal Town, Ambergris Caye, or Consejo Shores

Now managed by the Belize Audubon Society, Shipstern Wildlife Reserve protects Belize's largest and most pristine tract of northern hardwood forest and mangrove shoreline.

The Belize Audubon Society hopes to create a successful, self-supporting conservation area through low-impact tourism and the controlled production of natural products, i.e. butterflies.

          The Society continues to educate local residents, especially children, in conservative practices in an effort to replace age-old destructive habits with a sustainable land use mentality. 

Officially opened in August 1996, and comprises a 15,000-acre marine reserve and 12,000 acres of terrestrial reserve,  Bacalar Chico has been named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It sits at the northern tip of Ambergris Caye overlooking the Bay of Chetumal and Mexico….

ü      Much of Bacalar Chico's wildlife resembles Yucatan endemics. At least 187 species of bird, forty mammal (including all five of Belize's cats), fifty-eight reptile, and twenty-two amphibian species inhabit the area.

ü      Bacalar Chico sits upon the limestone remains of coral reefs that once thrived in the area during times of higher sea level. Throughout the area, remnants of this reef foundation stick out, most notably at Rocky Point, where the old reef crest and back reef are exposed.

ü      Aside from an abundance of wildlife, numerous Mayan sites lie within the area….

During the height of the Mayan culture, the area served as an indispensable trans-shipment point. Merchants would paddle down from the heavily populated river valley cities inland en route to the sea beyond. Upon reaching the coast, people and goods would transfer to larger boats more seaworthy for the long trips ahead. An ancient sea wall clearly visible beneath the surface at the site of San Juan near the northwest corner of Ambergris Caye takes visitors back to a time when the beach bustled with activity. Thousands of pottery shards still litter the beach. Mayans dug out and cleared the area now known as the Bacalar Chico channel to avoid the long journey around the southern tip of the caye…

The Belize Fisheries Department's ranger station is located amidst the ruins of Chac-balam, another important Maya trading center fifteen hundred years ago.

Thanks to the foresight and management of the Programme for Belize, the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, a 250,000-acre tract of subtropical broadleaf forest, has become a national example of sustained forestry development and conservation.

ü      The Programme for Belize is a private, non-profit, Belize-based organization dedicated to the preservation and management of Belize's natural resources, namely the Rio Bravo area.

ü      Programme for Belize hopes to eventually incorporate the nearby Maya Biosphere Reserve in Guatamala and Mexico's Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in a tri-national "Maya Peace Park"…

The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest in the world and the largest coral reef ecosystem in this Hemisphere for its size. Aesthetically and ecologically, its integrity is virtually unharmed.

Forming a nearly continuous fortification for 150 miles along the continental shelf edge, the Belize Barrier Reef provides life and security to all of Belize. The Belize Barrier Reef ecosystem has remained pristine because the small, subsistence-level population has not stressed it unduly, keeping it a diver's dream.

ü      Thousands of fish and reef creatures mingle amongst the coral cities and brazenly approach divers and snorkelers: the reef spans Belize’s coastline and is covered with numerous coral species and wonderfully colored fish. Around many of the keys of Belize you will find mangroves that act as a "nursery of the Caribbean.”: you will find barracuda, snapper, tarpon, bonefish and many other species primarily found in the deeper waters of Belize’s coastline.

ü      Every species of Caribbean coral grows in its offshore waters: elkhorn, staghorn, pillar, brain, and lettuce leaf coral to name a few.

While most diving in northern Belize is based on either Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, snorkeling at Bacalar Chico is easily done out of Sarteneja or Corozal. The following are only some of the many popular dive sites in the area:

ü      In Central Belize you will find Rendevous Caye, and Goff’s Caye.

ü      In Northern Belize has Shark Ray Alley, Sting ray flats, The Wall, Mata Rocks, and Hol Chan.

ü      In Southern Belize you will find South Watered Caye Marine Reserve, Tobacco Caye, Silk Cayes, Sapodilla Cayes and Laughingbird Caye.

The almost perfectly round "Blue Hole" of Belize, in the center of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, is one of the world’s most intriguing dive destinations.

Used to be a cave that rested atop the sea, the „ Blue Hole” was made famous by Jacques Cousteau in the 1970s. Melting ice from the end of the last Ice Age engulfed the cave, which now delves 480 feet into the sea…

Why a coral reef is so spectacular? …Short lesson of a reef anatomy …

The structural framework of a coral reef is limestone. Upon this, billions of individual coral polyps form colonies, connected by living tissue.

ü      Each coral polyp essentially consists of a set of tentacles, a mouth, and a gut perched atop a limestone skeleton. The polyps have special cells on the outside of their bodies that secrete calcium carbonate.

ü      As the colony grows, polyps build their skeletons from beneath, pushing themselves up or out into a myriad of sizes and shapes. Growth rates vary with different specie sand different conditions, but coral reefs in warm, topical waters, grow only about 5 inches every century…

ü      A coral reef, then, is actually a thin layer of life on top of ever-growing pieces of limestone. When an inattentive swimmer or errant boat hits or brushes against a piece of coral, the damaged piece of coral may allow disease or infection to develop. And since the entire colony is connected by living tissue, a small, seemingly inconsequential injury may eventually kill a whole colony that might have taken thousands of years to grow to its present size.

ü      Other coral groups have forsaken a hard shell for more flexible, internal skeleton. These “soft” corals come in a range of hues – yellows, to reds, and purples – and their trunks and branches create colorful underwater forests.

On the other hand, coral reefs do not exist in isolation… Mangroves line much of the Belizean coastline, the cayes and lower reaches of the rivers. Seagrass beds their blade swaying in the current like prairie meadows, blanket the sea bottom between reef and shore… The quiet, protected water of the mangrove roots and grass blades provides plentiful food and shelter for countless juvenile marine organisms…

 … The Coral Atolls…

There is not one, but three offshore coral atolls within Belize waters…

The Lighthouse Reef Atoll is Belize's dive Shangri-La.

ü      It offers the best and most diverse marine life in the world.

ü      It is the outermost of the three atolls (45 to 50 miles east of Belize City) and is a universe of diving in itself; it is undoubtedly the richest and most diverse of the three atolls of Belize…

ü      The Atoll has six cayes and more than 40 incredible dive sites.

      Set at the Southern end of Lighthouse Reef, is the famous island known as Half Moon Caye. This Belize Natural Monument is preserved and protected by the Belize Audubon Society, and home to the only nesting site of the Red-Footed Booby Bird in Belize. Half Moon Caye also has a 24-hour a day manned solar lighthouse.

      To the north of the island of Long Caye there is a great diversity of corals, all in extremely clear water.

      The visibility off Long Caye and throughout Lighthouse Reef is spectacular and just West of the island there are outstanding wall dive sites.

      Silver Caves, for instance, is one of the best with its black coral, orange sponges and marine life.

ü      There are also several shipwrecks throughout the Atoll, with many believed to have lost pirate treasures.

The Turneffe Islands Atoll is the largest and closest to shore.

ü      Sponges of every shape and color are intertwined with Black Coral dominating the scenery with schools of snapper, grunts, spadefish and jacks milling about.

ü      It is also possible to encounter hundreds of groupers.

Glover’s Reef is South of both Turneffe Atoll and Lighthouse Reef.  Glover's Reef is not the farthest atoll from shore but it is the farthest (70 miles) from Belize City.

ü      The scenery above and below the sea is simply spectacular. It’s diameter is approximately 40 miles and has hundreds of shallow patch reefs in its interior. 

ü      The dive sites of Glover’s Reef include Parrot Fish Falls, Shark Point, Hole In The Wall, Manta Reef, Turtle Tavern, Octopus Alley, Dolphin Dance, and Gorgonia Galley. 

Many of Belize’s marine eco-systems are protected under the category of World Heritage Sites, which means these areas and their inhabitants cannot be harmed in any way.  Divers may not touch corals or increase sedimentation onto the coral.

The protected marine areas of Belize include:

ü      The Belize Barrier Reef

ü      Glover’s Reef

ü      Bacalar Chico National Park Marine Reserve

ü      South Water Caye Marine Reserve

ü      Blue Hole National Park

ü      Hol Chan Marine Reserve

ü      Laughing Bird Caye

ü      Sapodilla Caye

ü      Port Honduras

ü      Half Moon Caye

 … A Secret Bay….

Jewels of evolution are continually being found…. Scientists from Smithsonian Institution’s marine lab on Carrie Bow Caye recently stumbled upon a tiny bay that may be unique not only in Caribbean, but in the world: a quirk of nature allows mangrove to grow on edge of a series of deep sink holes.

Healthy colonies of lettuce coral carpet the steep slopes of the depressions. As the slopes rise into shallow water, the scene explodes into activity, with bright oranges and reds, deep purples and blues streaming past; crionoid arms perform silent ballets between 3-ft high loggerhead sponges; star and brain corals flourish among seagrasses and mangrove trunks. Sponges, anemones and tiny barrel – shaped sea squirts cling to the prop roots, competing for the limited amount of space. The researchers have identified 43 different sea squirts in this one location, more than was previously known throughout the entire Caribbean. The fish are so abundant that they form layers, with the smaller fry near the surface, the larger ones a level down, and the fat-bodied herrings blanketing the carpet of lettuce coral.

The location of this bay will stay a secret until scientists, the government and conservation groups within Belize can agree on the proper management of this area…

 Sergeant's Caye, Goff's Caye, English Caye, and Rendezvous Caye: four of the most important islands for diving and snorkeling (close to Belize City)… 

Palm trees, white sand beaches, and the closeness to the Barrier reef make these islands the ideal site for day diving. There are dive sites galore to be found and enjoyed.

On the other hand, if you do not dive and you want to enjoy the marine life, these islands are excellent for those snorkeling adventurers who want to see the reef fish and add to their life lists of fish.

üSnorkeling can be just as exhilarating as diving: snorkel in shallow water with brilliantly colored coral or over the deep ocean waters beyond the reef and experience the finest aquatic paradise in this hemisphere.

ü      Going at night is a good way to see a variety of nocturnal sea creatures that are entirely different than those seen during the day.

Caye Caulker snorkeling is world class!  Right off Caye Caulker you can snorkel in the world's second longest barrier reef. Or, you can chose Coral Garden snorkeling where you can see some many fish and beautiful colorful corals.. It's a once in a lifetime experience!

 … Diving courses… Dive certification is available for PADI, NAUII and in some areas NITROX diving.

There are different levels including

ü      refresher courses,

ü      open water diving, and

ü      advanced open water diving.

… There are many dive shops that have all the gear you will need, which can be purchased or rented.

In case of a dive emergency there is a hyperbaric chamber located in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Phone: 226-2851

 Many dive operators can arrange trips to the Belize Barrier Reef and the atolls.

The Belizean guides are trained to protect the corals, which are delicate, vulnerable living organisms. Please follow their instructions and do not touch, stand or walk on the coral!

… Be careful of your fins so you do not kick the coral or stir up too much sand...

            …Belize protected coast, its Barrier Reef, three Atoll and numerous Cayes….making it the a great place to enjoy the latest water sports such as windsurfing, kiteboarding, jet skiing,  parasailing, and aqua biking…

                For most of the year, Belize has a robust east wind blowing, making it an ideal place for wind surfing. The constant trade winds, along with the variety of flat-water locations and challenging wave conditions, have made Belize one of the most popular spots on earth for windsurfers and kitesurfers…

               Kitesurf on flat water or wave spots! Learn new tricks or enjoy an unforgettable wave riding downwind trip! …  The Belizean Barrier Reef itself is a magic place for kiteboarders of any level: from beginners to advanced riders. Many different kiteboarding spots, warm but refreshing water with that very special and rear turquoise color and mostly side-onshore wind…

                Belize offers novice windsurfers and kitesurfers to take advantage of the gentler winds, abundance of rental equipment and instructors along the islands’ shore… A large number of avid wind-surfers have arranged their lives to spend several weeks or months here each year... But either an novice or an expert, you have a choice of any number of prime locations along the Barrier Reef Coast..

              Sea kayaks are available for daily rentals, especially on Caye Caulker.

 … However, if you want to sail, it’s easier for you to rent equipment from most dive operators or hotels.

ü      Be sure to have updated and detailed charts, a GPS, proper communications and a depth finder!

ü      All sailors must be aware of the fact that there are numerous shallows throughout the waters of Belize and care must always be taken! That’s why you don’t many sailboats with deep draft keels in the waters of Belize …

ü      Tours can be prearranged with local guides…

ü      Or, you may come with your own vessel… You can fuel up at any of the ports of entry... Belize City, San Pedro, Dangriga, Punta Gorda and Big Creek…. But be aware: fuel docks may not be accessible at all locations by keelboats having a deep draft.

 All vessels coming into the country must check in with the Belize Port Authority in Belize City.

Even the technique changed over the years, the passion for fishing remains the same!.. Bait fishing, once the most popular, has to some extent given way to fly fishing… a result of the fever that has taken hold of sport – fishers throughout the world… Fly fishers describe their technique as an art rather than a skill… they consider themselves to be conservationist as well as sportsmen.  They argue in favor of preserving both the fish and their natural habitats in order to ensure healthy populations in the future...

… There is great fishing year round. The cost for chartering fishing boats will vary, but it would usually be about U.S.$100 to U.S.$200 a day per person, which would usually include a meal, drinks, bait and tackle, trip to a reef and deep sea.

ü      The inlets, estuaries and deltas to the rivers are known for their jacks, tarpon and snook.

ü      The lagoons and grass flats are popular fishing grounds for bonefish and barracuda.

ü      The coral reefs support snapper, jacks, grouper and barracuda.

ü      Deep sea fishing offers large game such as sailfish, bonito, pompano and marlin.

The coast of Belize near Belize City is a complex system of river mouths, creeks, lagoons, flats, small cayes, mangrove islands, and of course the Barrier Reef. The eco-system that exists here supports millions of crabs, shrimp, bait fish, and other aquatic life, which is why there is an abundance of game fish; Permit, Bonefish, Tarpon, Snook, Snappers, Jacks, Groupers, Cobia, and Barracudas, to name a few.

It is unusual to fish for very long without seeing signs of life… Fish will often be present almost always,  in the margin of the sea,  particularly at dawn and dusk…. The Reef boasts a extensive assortment of catches such as grouper, cobia, tarpon, barracuda, bonefish, triggerfish, rainbow runners, snapper, sailfish, marlin, mackerel, bonito, pompano, blue fin, and tuna.

ü      Most of the largest individuals of countrywide species swim in the Northern waterways: barracuda, rainbow runners, triggerfish, snappers, grouper, cobia, and tarpon frequent the waters of the barrier reef and its outer atolls.

ü      The deeper waters beyond the reef sport sailfish, marlin, wahoo, mackerel, bonito, pompano, blue fin, black fin, and albacore tuna.

According to the moon and the season, certain fish can be found in greater abundance at certain localities.

Spin fishing, fly fishing and trolling may be experienced throughout the year, and because of the abundance of game fish it promises to be an excellent sport.

ü      If you're looking for real excitement, check out big game fishing... Several hotels offer deep-sea fishing and the country has several tournaments annually.

ü      Just outside the Lighthouse Reef Atoll is some of the best deep sea game fishing in the Hemisphere.

Much of Belize's marine system, from North to South, is protected, with many areas designated as World Heritage Sites. These areas and their inhabitants cannot be destroyed or harmed in any way and are protected by UN funding and regular monitoring.

 Most guides enforce catch and release fishing and stress low-impact fishing practices in all areas.

Check with your guide to see if the area you are fishing in has particular guidelines or restrictions that may apply to you.

… A wide deep channel, The Manatee River connects the Northeast corner of the Southern Lagoon to the Caribbean Sea and it’s the ideal place to find game fish such as tarpon and snook.

          But pay attention! Sometimes here are a few crocodiles basking in the sun on the muddy banks of the mangroves in Southern Belize!

The Sibun is one of Belize's major river systems and, along with the Caves Branch River and Dry Creek, drains a large portion of the Northeastern section of the Maya Mountains.

ü      Though the river travels a little over 50 miles from source to mouth, the many twists and turns translates into over 100 miles of actual river.

ü      The Sibun ends its journey to the sea just south of Belize City.

ü      The mouth of the Sibun is heavily mined for sand and dominated by mangroves… Local sailboats called "sand lighters" set out each day from Belize City for the short ride to the mouth of the river. Then anchoring the larger boats offshore, the men take smaller boats called "dories" to shore and fill the dories with sand. The dories return to the larger sailboats again and again unloading the sand. Finally as evening draws near, the sand lighters set sail for Belize City, unloading their cargo on the front streets of the city where anyone needing sand can purchase it.

ü      This is one of the largest nesting grounds for loggerhead, hawksbill, and green turtles in the Caribbean. The turtle nesting- hatching time starts in May and continues through October.

A boat trip through the back swamps of the Belize River Delta it’s the best place to explore the Magnificent Frigate Birds fly overhead … Turkey vultures and  Pelicans…

To arrive at the destination – the Belize River Delta – you have to navigate the arrow-straight Burdon Canal, built in the 1920s as an inland waterway for cargo traveling to and from the South.

The Southern Lagoon is fed fresh waters from the west by the Manatee River, Soldiers Creek and Cornhouse Creek.

Salt waters flow in from the Caribbean Sea by way of the Bar River to the east of the Lagoon.

The Manatee River and Soldiers Creek are navigable by canoe and over a view of overhanging jungle, giant bamboo and numerous tropical hardwoods.

Belize has 20 major river systems and smaller streams which provide great experiences for the adventurers that want to explore these natural waterways by canoe or kayak. It’s an excellent way to enjoy bird watching, the flora and fauna and do some fishing.  

The following is a list of rivers within the country:

ü       Belize River

ü       New River

ü       Macal River

ü       Mopan River

ü       Sibun River

ü       Caves Branch River

ü       Monkey River

ü       Cockscomb River Basin

ü       Moho River

Belize hosts the La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge annually in March.

ü      The four day race follows the same route the Mayans followed from San Ignacio to Belize City and attracts many Belizeans as well as visitors from all parts of the world.

ü      The canoe race competition is open to of all ages and skill levels.

ü      It’s a great experience to watch from the banks of the Belize River and provides great photo opportunities.  

 Slickrock is the only outfitter in the country running such adventurous trips.

 Be sure to contact them ahead of time as these trips are not run year-round because the water level drops during certain months!

The Macal River of the Cayo District goes through the Mountain Pine Ridge….

The river houses many endangered species such as tapirs, jaguars and numerous birds.

At certain points the river is fast and deep enough to be considered Class III through V for whitewater rafting.

Researchers Howard Hunt and Jim Tamarack have recorded 124 species of birds, 23 species of mammals and 14 species of reptiles.

ü      Jabiru storks - the largest flying birds in the Americas - wade in the marsh;

ü      Black howler monkeys roar from the tress;

ü      Baird's tapir graze in the lagoon.

ü      Routinely jaguars leave tracks on the road and call from the nearby forests.

ü      And there are crocodiles! At nights, point a light at them and their eyes fire up the dark. During dry season when fish concentrate, it is common to see them.

This is one of the best natural wildlife viewing areas in Belize.

Pay attention to the guide advices! … Water depth in Cox Lagoon itself varies as much as eight feet between dry and wet seasons.

A small boathouse along the shore has canoes, oars, and life jackets for rent.

 The fifteen-minute ride to Laguna Verde from Chan Chich passes through fields of sugar cane and a dense tropical forest.

Visitors can access the waterway along the banks of the New River Lagoon.

The entrance to the narrow creek sits only 150 yards from Lamanai Outpost Lodge.

Within Fish Creek in Blue Creek Village you may see: the great blue heron, anhinga, green heron, bromeliad flycatcher, red winged blackbird, night heron, pigeon, cormorant, reddish egret, kingfisher, tiger heron, agaumi heron, pygmy kingfisher, boat billed heron, social flycatcher, amazon kingfisher, and fruit bat…

If you are going to do some swimming and snorkeling, don't forget your mask and snorkel!

If you are going to go for sunbathing, then remember that the tropical sun is very strong… you’ll need some sunscreen lotions…

And first, be sure to obtain permission from the owner of the pier!

Hikers must register with the Belize Audubon Society.

For short walks, you may use the self-guiding maps which are available at the visitors’center….

Although the trails are well – marked, for longer walks is more suitable to hire a local guide! He will know what to do if you get in trouble…. they know how to build a temporary overnight shelters with a sleeping platform off the ground; they know jungle remedies in case of an accident…

ü      Plentiful creek water en route is drinkable, but is wiser to filter it, using water-bottles with build-in filters, which are commercially available from specialist stockists. 

ü      Pack suitable footware and clothing: comfortable hiking boots, lightweight, fast-drying clothes are best as you’ll get wet a lot; tight – fitting shorts – like those worn by cyclists – have been recommended, as they also prevent chafing.

ü      Do not forget to bring insect repellent and a camera.

The best time to climb Victoria Peak is in the dry season, from January to May. 

There are many hiking trails through Belize. Trails can be found in Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks and archeological sites throughout the country.

Some trails are through jungles of hardwood and soft tropical foliage, and some are through caves, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, villages and Mayan ruins. 

There are also knowledgeable and experienced guides to show you many of the areas.

Some of the popular places to hike include Mountain Pine Ridge, El Pilar, Blue Hole National Park, Five Blues Lake National Park and Caracol. 

You will regularly see horses around Belize. The horses in Belize are typically small, but strong.

ü      The Mennonites of Blue Creek offer a unique horseback experience;

ü      Rides to nearby Mayan ruins or more distant sites (e.g. Puntal de Cacao) can be arranged. Most rides last approximately two hours, but longer rides with a pack lunch are also available;

ü      The Chan Chich area has guided horseback rides that depart daily from the Gallon Jug stables. Trained horses lead visitors through the Gallon Jug farm area, forest roads and/or adjacent jungle trails.

Within the area there are many miles of magnificent trails having views of some of the most exotic flora in Belize. 

Going further down through the dirt road past Clarissa Falls you can enjoy some beautiful scenic views of the Mopan River.   An unusual suspension bridge gives pedestrians access to the small village located at the other side of the river…

 … Consider staying at a campground or eco-tourism lodge!...

Belize is deeply committed to eco-tourism…. Belize has thousands of acres of beautiful protected areas, from rainforests to marine and wildlife preserves, and travelers looking to explore the natural side of Belize have plenty of options.

          Campgrounds may be a little harder to find than you might expect, but camping is widely allowed. Overall, camping is so widely accepted that some travelers even find places to camp in small towns in the countryside.

Much of the camping you'll find will be available for tent campers.

Some of the National Parks and preserve areas allow camping, as do many hotels. Here is a list of some campsites. Additionally some other hotels and lodges not listed will usually allow camping..

ü       Lagoon Campground, north of Corozal Town

ü       Caribbean Campground, in Corozal Town

ü       The Trek Stop, near San Ignacio, Cayo

ü       Jungle Drift Lodge, Bermudian Landing

ü       Cosmos, San Ignacio

ü       Chaa Creek, San Ignacio

ü       Mountain Equestrian Trails, Pine Ridge

ü       Clive's Campground, Placencia

Here are some park areas which allow camping. At some other parks, camping is permitted with prior permission.

ü       Cockscomb Preserve, Stann Creek

ü       Community Baboon Sanctuary

ü       Five Blues Lake, near Belmopan

ü       Bocatura Bank, on the Sittee River

ü       Douglas De Silva in the Pine Ridge

The Belize Eco-Tourism Association (BETA) is associated with the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) and encourages government programs that support environmentally-conscious tourism.

As a part of BTIA, BETA has the support and cooperation of the Ministry of Tourism and the Environment, the Belize Tourist Board, the Belize Audubon Society, the Belize Zoo, Center for Environmental Studies, and Programme for Belize.