| In my travel business, I have noticed a significant | | | | the tip of the peninsula. The city and its nearby |
| increase in people who want to vacation in Belize. | | | | environs are in the midst of a boom, with hotels |
| This little country is located on the east coast of | | | | and condos springing up like weeds in the sand. As |
| Central America facing the Caribbean Sea. Most | | | | one of my clients put it, "Everything is for sale." |
| Belize vacationers are looking for a Caribbean | | | | The Inn at Roberts Grove is my favorite place to |
| beach in a country that's still relatively | | | | send people. It's quiet and features unparalleled |
| undeveloped. But Belize will also satisfy those who | | | | service. You can spend part of your stay on one |
| desire nature or history. | | | | of two cayes. Roberts offers fine dining, fishing, |
| Belize is a small country of 8,868 square miles. | | | | diving, snorkeling and kayaking as well as an |
| For perspective, it's slightly larger than | | | | excellent spa. |
| Massachusetts. Belize's topography is low | | | | Ambergris Caye, a popular beach option, is the |
| compared to other Central American countries. Its | | | | largest and most populous of the more than 400 |
| highest point is 3,687 feet in the Southern Maya | | | | cayes (little islands) off the Belize coast. It's for |
| Mountains. Belize's coastline is typically low plains. | | | | people who want some excitement mixed in with |
| The northern plains are swampy and rise to a | | | | their relaxation. If you want nightlife, Ambergris is |
| slight plateau in the west; and are heavily | | | | pretty much your only option. Ambergris certainly |
| cultivated in sugar cane. Central Belize is | | | | has its share of deluxe hotels and fine restaurants |
| comprised of sandy soil covered with tropical | | | | in San Pedro Town, its only center of population. |
| grassland known as savannahs. Largely uninhabited | | | | Yet less urban activities such as fishing and diving, |
| by humans, the region has an abundance of | | | | plus nature's wonders, including forests, savannahs |
| wildlife. South Belize, the nation's rainiest area, | | | | and lagoons, are here also. You can rent a bicycle |
| supports agricultural products including citrus and | | | | or golf cart to explore the sights. |
| bananas. Almost all of Belize is surrounded and | | | | Caye Caulker is a terrific choice for a beach with |
| protected by the Great Barrier Reef, which spans | | | | peace and quiet. It has some very good hotels |
| 190 miles. | | | | and restaurants, and like Ambergris, a rented |
| The airlines in the U.S. fly to Belize City. If your | | | | bicycle or golf cart is the perfect way to get |
| destination is elsewhere in Belize, Maya Island Air | | | | around. |
| or Tropical Air can shuttle you there. If your | | | | An appealing attribute of both Ambergris and |
| destination is Ambergris Caye (pronounced "key"), | | | | Caye Caulker is the availability of daily boat trips. |
| a more scenic means of transportation is the | | | | You can sail from either island to Hol Chan Marine |
| water taxi, which gets you there in about an hour | | | | Reserve for snorkeling. In fact, you can literally |
| and a half. But take the taxi at your own peril if | | | | swim with the sharks and stingrays in Shark-Ray |
| you tend to become sea sick. | | | | Alley, a sandbar within Hol Chan. Boats also run |
| If you are headed directly to the beach, you will | | | | from both cayes to Caye Chapel, location of an |
| not need to spend time in Belize City, and that's | | | | incredible par-72 golf course opened in 1999. Caye |
| probably for the best. However, if sightseeing | | | | Caulker offers some special treats for nature |
| interests you, Belize City has something | | | | lovers, including bird watching and nature walks. An |
| substantive to offer. You just have to get past | | | | unusual activity that I love is the manatee tour |
| its slummy look and reputation for crime. Beyond | | | | where manatees (or sea cows), which are |
| those things, you will find British culture and | | | | friendly mammals, surface alongside the boat. |
| history, a wide range of dining choices and some | | | | If you are an adventurer, I suggest you go |
| good hotels. Moreover, Belize City is the country's | | | | caving. Belize is literally littered with caves, and |
| center of business. And no matter that the official | | | | some are immense. Cayo in the western area |
| capital was moved inland to the planned city of | | | | near the Guatemala border offers the best cave |
| Belmopan in 1961 after another in a series of | | | | experience for most travelers. The region has |
| earthquakes devastated Belize City. The nation's | | | | numerous caves that are easy to navigate, and |
| politicians and influencers still call Belize City their | | | | guided tours are available. |
| home. | | | | Belize vacations are easy and fun to create at |
| As far as the beach goes, you have a few | | | | GoRoddy.Net. For the best deals, click on "Flight + |
| choices. If you like limited bustle, Palencia is an | | | | Hotel" from our homepage. You'll be on your way |
| excellent beach destination. It's in South Belize on | | | | to paradise. |