Best Tips For Safe And Relaxing Snorkelling

Belize is known for its beaches and one of the best ways to explore the waters is snorkeling. The Belize Barrier Reef lies just off the coast and provides an underwater adventure with thousands of species of fish and coral to be spotted.

In order to enjoy the experience, however, it is important to have a degree of confidence on a boat and in the water, and the ability to snorkel while being conscious of the surroundings. There are several tips that can help snorkelers get the most out of an expedition rather than becoming waylaid by technical issues and rookie mistakes.

Know yourself before you snorkel

It almost goes without saying, but before you decide you go snorkeling in the ocean it is imperative that you know how to swim, and that you have swum at some point in the past few years at least. Even if you know how to swim, panic can quickly overwhelm your muscle memory if you’re not 100% confident in your abilities. If at all possible you should do a practice dive to familiarise yourself with the equipment or refresh your memory if you haven’t snorkeled for a while.

Practice with fins/flippers

Even if you’re a confident swimmer, using fins or flippers requires a different type of movement and can be more taxing than normal kicking. This advice ties in with tip number one – wearing fins can cause muscle spasms and cramps in the legs and feet, which can send any able swimmer into a state.

• Wear well-fitting gear and use it properly

This is common sense to some extent, but if you are new to snorkelling it’s best to get some pointers as to how your mask and snorkel should fit and what type of gear is appropriate for your planned trip. The mask that fits you best can depend on your face shape. There is usually the option of wearing a lifejacket which would be recommended for less confident swimmers. Learning how to prevent your mask from fogging is a must and using a dry snorkel (preventing water from filling the snorkel when you go under) can prevent a lot of frustration.

• Pack right

Going snorkeling in Belize usually means taking a boat out to whichever part of the reef you want to explore. Booking with a tour group is the best way to go and when you set out you need to pack a few essentials to make your trip the best it can be. It’s a good idea to bring a dry bag that will keep your valuables safe, sunblock with as high an SPF as possible, water, and some dry clothes.

• Respect the ocean; respect the reef

Wherever you go snorkeling it is important to keep one thing clear: you’re a guest in these waters. Just like when you play right here, there are rules to follow. Listen to your guide if you have one, keep your wits about you, and leave the reef as you found it. It is illegal to take parts of coral or disturb the environment deliberately – in Belize, the way is to look, don’t touch.

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Sport In Belize: Passion And Participation

Although Belize has never been a dominant competitor in world sports, it has a long tradition of sporting pursuits and has taken part in multiple Summer Olympic Games. Since the 1968 Games in Mexico City, Belize has been a participant in the worldwide event every year except for 1980 in Moscow.

Apart from their international contributions, Belize has many sporting leagues for regional teams in multiple sports. Its beaches are also a massive tourist attraction and water sports have become well established.

Competing in Olympics: British Honduras to Belize

When Belize first took part in the 1968 Mexico Olympics they were still known as British Honduras; a self-governing colony that had been under total British rule from 1749 to 1964. It was only in 1981 that Belize declared independence, meaning that in the 1972 Olympics in Munich they also took part as British Honduras.

Olympic Disciplines

In the 1968 Games in Mexico City Belize was represented by seven male athletes in several disciplines: 200 m sprint, long jump, track cycling, shooting and weightlifting. Since then, the largest Olympic contingent from Belize has been the 11 representatives in the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles, California.

As in 1968 all the participants were male and took part in the track and road athletic events, boxing, and cycling. In the most recent games, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Belize sent three athletes, none of whom had represented their nation at an Olympic standard so far. Katy Sealy was the only Belizean woman taking part and participated in the 100 m hurdles, while Brandon Jones was picked for the men’s 200 m and Renick James represented the country in Judo.

Popular sports

Within Belize there is a range of sports enjoyed by players and spectators, including football/soccer, basketball, rugby, softball and cricket. Football is by far the biggest attraction for spectators and was established in the Belize Premier Football League (BPFL) – now called the Premier League of Belize. It includes eight teams from seven cities. The second most popular sport is probably basketball, regulated by the Belize Basketball Federation (BBA).

Water sports

Belize’s beautiful beaches and proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef mean that water sports are becoming increasingly popular among locals and tourists alike, and if you want other fun, you can simply signup to play. The Great Blue Hole just off Belize’s coast attracts scuba divers, while the coral reef is also a destination for snorkelers. This area of the ocean is safe with regards to predators and the water is crystal clear.

The waves aren’t great for surfing but many people enjoy windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and wakeboarding. The barrier reef is very close to shore in northern Belize and it is possible to travel there on a stand-up paddle board. One important local sporting event is the Ruta Maya Canoe Race, which is 170 miles long and takes four days to complete. Both professionals and amateurs can participate and the route takes paddlers through the Belize River.

Much to offer

Although Belize hasn’t yet featured on the world stage as a sporting competitor, its love of sports is great and its passion endures.

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Situated in the Caribbean, Belize is the perfect destination for those seeking sun, warmth, and the clear blue sea. On top of those attractions, it also boasts a rich ecosystem, the only jaguar nature reserve on the planet, hundreds of Mayan ruins, and a melting pot of cultures, languages, and food. We have compiled a short list of dos and don’ts to bear in mind when planning your trip that can hopefully make your travels more enjoyable.

Do: check your passport and visa requirements

Although Belize does not require visas for most foreign visitors it is always the first step in preparing for your trip. What is important is that your passport is up to date and valid for more than six months.

Don’t: limit yourself to one beach

Belize’s shoreline is made up of a whole sequence of beautiful beaches, each one with its own charms and delights. Going a bit further afield, visiting the various cayes is a must, as each one offers its own swimming spots as well as opportunities to dive and snorkel. It might take a bit more organising and the expense of boat trips, but the natural beauty is well worth it. Also, don’t focus solely on the Blue Hole if you plan on scuba diving: there are plenty of other spots to explore.

Do: research COVID regulations

This is non-negotiable. Belize opened for tourists on 1 October 2020, but there are many regulations to adhere to. Visitors may only enter if they have booked with Gold Standard hotels and tour operators, arrive via the international airport and take a COVID test before arrival.

Don’t: purchase or take coral

It is illegal to remove coral from the Belize Barrier Reef and surrounding areas but there are some people who will sell coral – this is legal if licensed by the Belizean government. It is better to avoid it entirely, however, as buying it will ultimately contribute to more coral being removed from the reef.

Do: use insect repellent

Belize is thankfully not a malaria area, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t be bothered by insects. A relaxing holiday can be ruined if you’re nursing a swollen bug bite or sleep deprived after spending the night fending off mosquitoes.

Don’t: rely on cards instead of cash

Although many places in Belize will accept credit or debit cards, street vendors and smaller markets may not. Part of the enjoyment in visiting Belize is experiencing authentic culture and food, which will not be available to those relying on plastic.

Do: leave tips

Some countries have unwritten rules about leaving tips and Belize is one of them. While it’s not compulsory to tip waiters and other service staff, it’s considered basic good manners and will make your interactions that much more pleasant. If you need extra money for tips, visit this website.

And don’t forget…

That you’re a guest in a country with its own complex political and cultural history, as well as a fragile ecosystem. It’s not hard to respect your surroundings while still having a good time, so treat the environment with care.

Finding The Perfect (Street) Food In Belize

When you visit a foreign country it’s important to try the local dishes. In Belize this rings true, as they have a huge variety of traditional dishes. Amazingly, it also has no fast food chains – all “fast food” can be bought from street vendors.

There are a number of cultures co-existing in Belize and each one has contributed to the wide variety of dishes specific to the country. Below are some examples of the most delicious local dishes on offer.

Fry Jacks

Fry Jacks are a breakfast food: small, deep-fried bread cakes that can be stuffed with a variety of fillings. Although they are a traditional Belizean food, they also exist elsewhere in some form or another – one example is New Orleans’ beignets. Fry Jacks can be round or triangular in shape and enjoyed with a side of cheese and refried beans, or topped with jam and cheese. These can be bought both in restaurants and from street vendors.

Salbutes

Salbutes are a staple food in Belize and, like Fry Jacks, are deep fried. The name comes from the Yucatec Maya language – a combination of zaal, meaning light, and but, meaning stuffed. It is a small deep fried corn tortilla with a topping: lettuce, pickled onion, beans, cheese, jalapenos, avocado and tomato are a few examples. Like Fry Jacks, this local specialty can be found in eateries and on street corners.

Hudut

This dish belongs to the Garifuna culture; a community of people descended from the Afro-indigenous community who initially lived on St Vincent. Hudut is quite a simple meal but definitely nothing like stereotypical “fast food”. It consists of mashed green and ripe plantains (Fu-fu) and a stew made with fish and coconut milk – the Fu-fu is served on the side.

Classic rice and beans

Many countries have some variant on rice and beans as one of their staple foods and Belize is no exception. Beans and rice are cooked together with a mixture of spices and sometimes hot sauce, and the dish can also be served with meat or potato salad.

Johnny Cakes

Also called Journey Cakes, Johnny Cakes are another breakfast food that can serve as a vessel for butter, cheese, beans or meat. They are made of flour and coconut milk – a common ingredient in many Belizean dishes – and traditionally cooked in a fire hearth. These bread-like buns actually originated in North America but are now enjoyed in Belize as a popular local snack or meal.

Ceviche

Like some other foods, Ceviche may have originated elsewhere in South America but are considered a local specialty. It contains fresh raw fish marinated in citrus juice (lime, for example), as well as tomatoes, onion, pepper, chillies and coriander. Usually served as an appetiser, it is important to eat it straight after preparation to avoid food poisoning.

A taste of everything

These are only a few examples of delicacies found in Belize, and they’re all as good as online signup bonuses. If you don’t sample the local fare then you end up missing out on one of the best parts of travelling – experiencing the culture as more than just an onlooker.

Belize’s Best Beaches And Beauty Spots Along The Coast

Belize’s location in the Caribbean makes it the perfect spot for visitors hoping to enjoy time on the beach. Whether you like swimming or sunbathing this small nation has something to offer to everyone – pristine stretches of sand and crystal clear water as a start. Other than swimming there are ample opportunities for windsurfing and kayaking. We’ve put together a short list of Belize’s best beaches and cayes that are not to be missed.

Placencia Peninsula

Placencia’s biggest drawcard is its sheer expansiveness – the peninsula stretches for an impressive 16 miles (about 25 km). This includes a number of smaller beaches and villages such as Maya Beach, Placencia Village, and Seine Bight.

Luckily all the swimming spots along this peninsula are public and if you’re planning on a leisurely expedition there are many restaurants, hotels, and amazing bars to fill in the hours away from the beach. This stretch of coastline is covered with a fine white carpet of sand and is secluded enough for a peaceful swim.

Ambergris Caye

This small island-type peninsula is roughly 50 km to the northeast of Belize’s most populous city – Belize City. Users of TripAdvisor have rated this as the most popular caye which also provides visitors with a view of the Mesoamerican Reef; the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. Unfortunately this site can be negatively impacted by over-tourism, but when visitors behave appropriately and leave things as they found them, the sights can be enjoyed responsibly. There is an abundance of marine life to be seen if you’re able to dive or snorkel, as well as the relatively close C58 shipwreck – deliberately sunk in the 80s to serve as an artificial reef.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is the perfect spot to lay back and absorb the natural beauty of the area, in between dips into the clear water. Located south of Ambergris Caye, this small island is a place where you can escape the everyday stresses of work: there are no cars or roads on Caye Caulker and it can only be accessed by water taxi or ferry from Belize City, about 33 km to the south.

Silk Caye (Queen Caye)

If you’re looking for an even more private destination, Silk Caye (also known as Queen Caye) is the spot for you. This tiny island is uninhabited and only accessible via a charter boat – unfortunately there is no option to stay overnight. This is a magnificent diving and snorkelling spot, with a great variety of marine life hidden beneath the crystal clear waters.

Hopkins Village Beach

This beach is a combination of swimming, chilling in hammocks, fishing, and lapping up the local culture from restaurants and other attractions. A specialty is hudut, a coconut fish stew with mashed plantains – traditional Garifuna fare.

Perfect getaway

These are only a handful of Belize’s most breath-taking beaches, each one offering a unique experience not to be missed. They’re all as good as mega bonus games and have something special to offer. If ever you plan to see the Caribbean, a visit to Belize’s beaches is a must.

The Wonder of Belize’s Barrier Reef

The small nation of Belize is home to a wide range of cultures, customs, plants, and wildlife. On top of this, it is the location of the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System (BBRRS or just Belize Barrier Reef) is off Belize’s east coast and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Below the waves, there is a fascinating world filled with a huge variety of species – and better still, it is thought that only 10% of that flora and fauna have been discovered.

At a glance

A barrier reef is an underwater structure made of coral and lying roughly parallel to a coastline, separated from land by a body of water. The Belize Barrier Reef lies just off the coast of Belize, with the distance between land and reef ranging from 300 m to 40 km. It is a section of the larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef – the largest reef system in the western hemisphere and second only to the Australian Great Barrier Reef in the world. The Belize Barrier Reef itself is about 300 km in length while the entire Mesoamerican Reef System is 900 km.

Marine life

So far there have been 70 hard coral species, 36 soft coral, hundreds of invertebrates and 500 fish species discovered in the reef, but it is thought that this only accounts for 10% of the flora and fauna varieties living there. A few animals that can be found in the reef and surrounding areas include different types of shark, West Indian manatee, American marine crocodile, loggerhead turtle and hawksbill turtle. There are also lobster and conch around the reef which have often been caught and exported.

Endangered status

The Belize Barrier Reef falls within a number of protected areas, including Glover’s Reef Marine Reserve, South Water Caye Marine Reserve and Hol Chan Marine Reserve. In 1996 the reef was designated a World Heritage site due to its unique biodiversity and the fact that it was home to many endangered species – the hawksbill turtle, several shark species and manatees are some examples. In 2009 it was declared endangered, one of the reasons being urban development’s encroachment into mangrove groves. There was also concern about potential offshore oil drilling and how devastating an impact that would have on all marine life in the area.

Conservation

Unlike some countries with endangered natural sites, Belize has managed to steer their barrier reef back into a state of health. Through petitions where you could register online and under global pressure, Belize’s government took steps to repair the damage to the reef and surrounds: all potential oil drilling was halted and eventually banned outright, while there have been efforts to protect growing mangroves and cut down on commercial fishing. The result: in 2018 the Belize Barrier Reef was removed from UNESCO’s list of endangered world heritage sites.

More to discover

As we know, researchers believe that 90% of the marine inhabitants of the barrier reef still remain undiscovered. In 2017 a new species of shark was discovered in Belize waters and scientists expect more to come.