No Shirt, No Shoes...No Problem you`ll see this sign everywhere in Belize, but no place is it more apt than Caye Caulker. Indeed nothing seems to be a problem on this tiny island, where mangy dogs nap in the middle of the dirt road and suntanned cyclists pedal around them. The only traffic sign on the island instructs golf carts and bicycles to go slow a directive that is taken seriously.
The one thousand or so residents have traditionally made their living from the sea, specifically from the spiny lobsters and red snapper that inhabit its warm waters. In recent years, the economy has been shifting, as tourists of all ages and incomes are beginning to appreciate the island`s unique atmosphere. On Caye Caulker, there are no cars, no fumes and no hassles, just white sandy beaches, balmy breezes, fresh seafood, azure waters and a fantastic barrier reef at its doorstep.
Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Just a short boat ride from Ambergris Caye, Hol Chan-Mayan for a small channel in the reef is the most popular spot for diving and snorkeling. The longest-established marine reserve in Belize, it encompasses 13 sq km-5 sq mi, and is dotted with coral formations and a splendid array of fish.
Divers should first make their way to the Hol Chan Cut, which boasts many steep-sided caves and swim-throughs and an abundance of marine life. Inshore from the cut is a lagoon area with sea-grass beds and coral outcrops housing a multitude of juvenile fish species. Not far from the cut and also in the reserve is the famous Shark Ray Alley a marine experience not to be missed.
Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. Quite possibly one of the best birding areas in Belize, perhaps even all of Central America, the sanctuary isn`t merely a park for nature enthusiasts, but a living community of about 900 folks, mostly of Creoles descent, who were farming and fishing the area long before the word ‘ecotourism` was ever coined. It is well worth a visit for anyone who loves nature or fancies experiencing a peaceful rural community with an interesting history and a beautiful setting. It`s best to stay the night so you can be here at dawn, when the birds are most active. The village has several midrange and budget accommodations.
Belize City. A fair percentage of tourists in Belize choose to spend as little time as possible in Belize City, the country`s only major urban area. This may be explained by the fact that, on the whole, the country`s main attractions are natural and nautical, making any kind of prolonged visit to its only metropolis superfluous. Belize City is still the historical capital of the nation, making it an interesting place to spend a day or two for those interested in the nation`s history and culture. Its ramshackle streets are alive with colorful characters who represent every facet of Belize`s ethnic variety, especially the Creoles. The urban scenery encompasses not just malodorous canals and grungy slums, but also handsome colonial houses, seaside parks, bustling shopping areas and sailboats bobbing at the mouth of Haulover Creek.
Dangriga is the largest town in southern Belize, and the spiritual capital of the country`s Garifuna people. Stretching along the coast, Dangriga has a funky vibe about it, tumbledown and mildly untidy and for this reason it isn`t a major stopover point for most tourists. Dangriga is generally a safe place to explore and has a good deal of cultural cachet with which to entice visitors to stay an extra day. It`s a proud, festive town, one that does its best to make the most of its vibrant Garifuna heritage.
Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose to stay in an intimate and luxurious hotel, an isolated nature lodge in the heart of the Mundo Maya, or a tent on your own desert island. Or you can sample all three. The best part about all these world-class places and experiences is that Belize`s compact size makes it easy to sample a wide range of them in a short period of time.