introduction

Belize, formerly the colony of British Honduras, is in Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Guatemala and Mexico. Because Belize was a British colony for more than a century, it is the only officially English speaking country in the region.

history

The first people of Belize were the Maya, over a million people once lived in the area we now call Belize, that can be proved by numerous ruins left after them. Maya's relatively advanced civilization reached its height between AD. 250 and 900. Today a small population still exists in Belize, predominantly in Toledo, the southern-most district.

The first European settlers to Belize were British pirates who used Belize as a base from which they raided Spanish ships (1850's), who used to attack them quite often. Though no Spanish colonies were ever established in the area of Belize, Spain never liked the idea of British squatters in the land and this led to frequent wars between the Spanish and settlers. A decisive victory was won by settlers, with British naval support, in the Battle of St. George's Caye in 1798. After that, British control over the settlement gradually increased.

Emancipation of slaves took place in 1834 and later in 1871 the country was formally declared a British Colony and the Crown Colony System of Government was implemented. The Ministerial System was adopted in 1961, leading to Self Government in 1964. In 1973 Belize changed it's name from British Honduras to Belize.

Full independence of Belize was achieved on September 21, 1981. Belize is now a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, OAS and the Association of Caribbean States.

 

surfing

The Caribbean, she is a harsh mistress. All of the islands in the Greater and Lesser Antilles share at least some aspect towards the North Atlantic and therefore are exposed to any passing fronts that generate of the East American Coast and transit the North Atlantic. These fronts often pass a good way to the north and swell decay can be a problem.

Regular windswell is a constant on the east coast of all of the island groups and hence there is almost always something to keep you occupied and off the rum for a few hours. too much wind can be a bad thing though and onshore days are very common, no matter how early in the morning you manage to peel yourself out of your cot and stumble down to the beach.

The third source of swell in the region are from passing hurricanes. Some of the strongest storm ever recorded on the planet file through here regularly. Technically the season spans June to November with early September being the peak. The ideal scenario is for the hurricane mass to pass clear of any inhabited areas and sit well offshore in the deep Carribean for a few days prior to disipating. The result is typically 3-5 days of western swell that lights up the hidden western points and reefs of the Caribbean. The persistant NE/E trade winds will gently fan these breaks all day long. It is then that some of the rarer points and breaks of Belize come to life. Surf exploration doesent get any better than this.

 

travel

The most popular way of getting to Belize is by air, but it is also possible to get here by road or boat.

International flights to Belize are via Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Miami or Los Angeles. The major airlines servicing Belize are: American Airlines, US Airways, Delta Air Lines, Continental and Grupo TACA. If you are interested in daily flights from Flores or Guatemala (Tikal), then local Airlines will provide that (Maya Island Air, Caribbean Holidays, Tropic Air).

Travelling by road can be a good option as well. Bus travel to Belize from the US border cities via Cancun, Mexico City and Chetumal is comfortable, relatively fast, and inexpensive. Mexican cities are connected by all-weather highways with the border city of Chetumal, from which you can easily catch a bus to Belize City. Buses are regularly-scheduled and stop in the Northern towns of Corozal and Orange Walk.

Again, you can also safely travel by bus from Guatemala City. Bus connections are regular and this option holds special appeal for travelers who want to tour the Peten Region before entering Belize via the Western border, near Benque Viejo del Carmen Town. From there, buses run to San Ignacio, the capital city of Belmopan, and Belize City. From these points, travelers can connect to buses traveling to almost any destination in the country.

While bus, as mentioned above, is a very easy way of travel, driving to Belize can be a challenge. Depending on the route taken, the trip to Belize through Mexico can be anywhere from 1,350-2,000 miles. You will also need a sturdy car, protective insurance and positive determination. If you are driving from Guatemala or Mexico, you will need a temporary importation permit (secured at the point of entry). Permits are valid for one month but can be extended by applying to the Customs Department. To get a permit you have to present your travel documents and identification, vehicle registration, proof of insurance (available from any of the companies at the borders), rental documents (for vehicles rented in Mexico or Guatemala).

The third way to travel would be by water. Small, regularly scheduled water taxis travel between Punta Gorda, in the southern district of Toledo, and Puerto Barrios in Eastern Guatemala.

Maritime ports of entry are Belize City, Corozal, Dangriga, Big Creek, San Pedro, and Punta Gorda. But make sure you report your entry to the police or immigration authorities as soon as possible after entering Belizean territory.

 

where to stay

There is a great range of accommodations in Belize, from 1 room guesthouses to luxury 5-star condominiums. There are also hostels for backpackers, which will provide a bed, shared bathroom facilities, and sometimes kitchen privileges. In BelizeNorth, there are a couple of places that are pretty cheap (Copa Banana, Central Guest House, Paradise Bay Villas, Corozal Bay Inn, Tony’s Inn and Beach Resort, Caribbean Village Resor, Lucero's Corner, Hotel Maya, Hok'ol K'in Guest House, Posada Mama, Las Marvirton Guest House, etc).

.

 

 

what to pack

There is a rainy season from May to October (so take an umbrella and pack accordingly) and a dry season from November to April.The coast is hot all year, so cotton shirts or blouses are best. Make sure you bring plenty of SOCKS! Pack light. Take a good sunscreen (SPF 30+) and a good insect repellent. Hat and natural fabrics (such as cotton or linen) clothes will be very useful. Light coat or sweater can become handy since some nights are fresher or you might get a bad weather. Raincoat and rubberboots with light, long trousers if you plan bushwalking. Waterproof bag will be great for the rainy season.

Make you bring lots of cash...ATMS are hard to find, and many places do not accept credit cards. Disposable cameras (including some underwater ones) can be a good option if you are afraid of ruining your expensive one (cave tubing, etc.).

You won't regret swimming & snorkelling gear and a quick drying towel! And take films and memory cards with you (can be hard to find and expensive). Little swiss knife and a good torch will be useful. Anti-malaria drugs (Aralen) and all the medicines you use on a daily basis.

what to do when it's flat

Belize is a perfect place, a real paradise for those who appreciate the nature. You can walk in the jungle where you wil see a lot of exotic plants and animals; go fishing, swimming, and diving in the sea with attractive reefs; and visit Mayan ruins.

Activities vary from thrilling, high adventure options to tranquil and accessible choices. You can go horseback riding, canoeing, tubing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming, night hiking, and caving or relax while watching the birds and unique flora and fauna of theis beautiful country. 

 

You must be a registered user to comment. Click here to register.