Belize Land And Sea Adventures

With 240 miles of coastline facing the Western hemisphere's longest barrier reef and three of the Caribbean's only coral atolls just offshore, great diving is a given in Belize. Avid aquatic enthusiasts can spend entire vacations exploring these waters and still have plenty left to discover the next time. But even the most die-hard divers must surface at some point, and when they do, there are plenty of discoveries and adventures awaiting.

Belize offers a diversity of landscapes from mangrove forests and coastal lowlands to rolling hills, rainforests, jungle rivers and mountains riddled with caves. Vast swaths of the country remain in a natural state, creating a pristine playground for nature lovers and eco adventurers. Because Belize is one of the smallest countries in the Western hemisphere, all these features are packed into an area just a bit bigger than the state of New Jersey. As a result, getting from here to there usually takes hours rather than days.

Above the waves, the Belize coastline offers an inviting labyrinth of small islands, sandbars and tidal creeks begging for exploration by kayakers and stand-up paddle board enthusiasts. Some 20 miles east of the mainland, Turneffe Atoll provides more chances for discovery as paddlers can skirt barrier reefs or navigate mangrove tidal channels to enter into the shallow waters of the inner lagoon where calm waters reveal tropical fish and turtles swimming just below the surface.

A short air hop or a taxi boat ride away from the Cays, Belize City is the starting point for trips into the jungles and wooded highlands that stretch westward to the Guatemalan border. Naturalists and birders flock to the pristine expanses of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. More than 300 species of birds inhabit the tropical broadleaf forests that are home to Central America's largest population of jaguars.

Equally pristine are the Mayan Mountains, where tropical pine forests cover slopes and hidden rivers flow through caverns formed by the patient forces of wind and water. Cave tubing is considered a must-do adventure in this region. Guided trips transit subterranean water-filled passages decorated in elaborate formations of limestone stalagmites and stalactites. Dry caves offer more chances for adventure, as some contain sacred artifacts and other evidence of pre-historic civilizations.

A bigger thrill for history buffs are trips to archeological sites to view lost temples and cities of the ancient Mayans. Just west of the town of San Ignacio, a hand-cranked cable ferry crossing of the Mopan River brings explorers to the stone city and hidden tombs of Xunantunich. Rediscovered by archaeologists more than 100 years ago, this hilltop site is dominated by the pyramid of El Castillo, where an ascent of 13 flights of hand-carved steps rewards with panoramic views stretching to the Guatemalan border.

Twenty five miles south of San Ignacio, Belize's largest archaeological site sits deep in the heart of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. In the height of its power, the Mayan city of Caracol covered twice the area of Manhattan and was home to more than 100,000 people.  Excavation of this massive site began in 1985 and is ongoing. To date archeologists have uncovered five large plazas, ball courts, 24 religious altars and a collection of hieroglyphic stela. A visit to Caracol begins with a three-hour drive on over mountain roads that is an adventure in itself.

As would be expected from a destination billed as an eco-adventure capital, Belize offers a wide range of additional outdoor pursuits. Miles of hiking and horseback trails fan outward from jungle lodges, sometimes following streams that lead to waterfall pools, other times ascending to ridge top viewpoints. Zip lines crisscross forest canopies while mountain bikers follow historic logging roads or set out on challenging single-track routes.

This will is a special interest blog with information on Belize, however Caradonna does not offer all these activities, based on your resort location,  we can match you with activities that are available to meet your interests. Caradonna can create a custom land-and-sea itinerary to suit your personal schedule, interests and budget.  To learn more, give one of our expert agents a call at 800-330-6611, or send a note to sales@caradonna.com.

Ramon’s Village Resort — This long-time Ambergris Caye favorite provides an oceanfront oasis of relaxation, with private cabanas nestled among coconut palms, flamboyant trees and gardens of bougainvillea and hibiscus. Guests are within walking distance of downtown San Pedro and the on-site dive center visits dozens of sites on the Belize Barrier Reef, some just minutes from the dock.

Blackbird Caye Dive Resort — Sitting on a private island on the east side of Turneffe Atoll, Blackbird Caye is a boutique property set on a white-sand beach that is just minutes from dive sites on the great Mesoamerican barrier reef. Though off-grid, the resort provides a full range of creature comforts including air conditioning, hot showers, an oceanside infinity pool, two beach bars, screened balconies and WiFi connectivity.

Turneffe Island Resort — Rooms and villas showcasing rich mahogany and teak woodwork create a “rustic chic” vibe at this private island resort on Turneffe Atoll. Guests enjoy modern comforts such as air conditioning, an on-site spa and a restaurant providing five-star culinary experiences. Turneffe Island Resort gives divers access to one of the Caribbean's only true coral atolls.

Alaia Belize Autograph Collection — The first Marriott property in Belize combines upscale amenities with locally-inspired Caribbean living. Guests have exclusive access to a boutique, full-service spa, six restaurants, four bars, and three pools, including Belize’s first-ever suspended rooftop pool and lounge. Alaia Belize sits on 1,000 feet of Mar de Tumbo beach, just 600 yards from the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve.

SunBreeze Hotel — Located on the waterfront in the heart of the beachfront town of San Pedro on Ambergris Cay, this hotel offers 43 spacious, air-conditioned rooms. Amenities include a freshwater pool, property-wide WiFi, waterfront restaurant, bar and massage studio. On-site Ambergris Divers is a PADI 5 Star facility providing daily trips to local sites and all-day excursion to Turneffe Atoll, Lighthouse Reef and the Belize Blue Hole.
 

SunBreeze Suites — Divers enjoy the comforts of home in one-bedroom suites with fully-equipped kitchens, living and dining rooms, and private balcony with an ocean view. Resort amenities include a pool and sundeck, massage studio, and the Jambel Jerk Pit Restaurant & Bar. Diving services are provided by Ambergris Divers, with daily pickups at the resort dock for access to local sites, plus day trips to the outer atolls.