Unbelizeable Belize
Our family’s recent trip to San Pedro, Belize was one of firsts. For starters, it was our first time flying on a prop plane (to reach Ambergris Caye from Belize city). It was also our first time: relying on golf carts as our mode of transportation, cave tubing, exploring Mayan ruins, speaking English in a Central American country (oh how we missed you, Spanish), and outrunning a category four hurricane!
While we felt like novice travelers due to these many firsts, we did experience the wonder of the Belizean waters through fresh eyes as a result. The barrier reef that protects the Cayes from the surge is both helpful and breathtaking. We saw, hands-down, the most biodiversity of any other snorkeling tour around the world (granted, we haven’t yet experienced Australia’s Great Barrier Reef). We didn’t just see fish. Kids and adults alike were able to pet stingrays, search for lobsters, and feed Nurse “Fish.” (Yes, we asked the guides to use that term instead of the more menacing one, “shark.” For the sake of the kids, of course). For our snorkeling tour, we were conveniently picked up from the dock of our beautiful 6-bedroom vacation rental’s private beach. And even better, it only took five minutes to ferry to the reef!
The highlight of the trip was a day spent exploring the mainland—we visited Mayan ruins, ziplined through the jungle, and then floated through a gigantic underground cave system. The tubing made us feel like explorers, as if we were discovering the limestone caverns for the first time in human history. And, with the headlamps on each of our foreheads, no one was afraid of the dark!
There are a few things that travelers to Belize should keep in mind—you know, “the more you know” and all. First, the slice of Belize we experienced isn’t really a beachy kind of place. Sure, it’s on the coast and the numerous islands, or cayes, offer plenty of waterfront access; however, Turtle grass growing in the shallower waters means that you’ll have to paddle (or float) out several hundred feet to reach the famous aqua water. (One exception—Secret Beach seems to be rid of the Turtle grass and offers loads of table service in the water!) No big deal, but don’t expect body surfing on beaches, either. The beautiful 180-mile-long reef cuts down the power of the waves.
We were there in the wet season. That meant more mosquitos and “no-see-ums” (midge-like tiny flying pests that you definitely feel biting you, even if you can’t see the little buggers). I can’t stress enough how terrible the bugs can be, so take good repellent, lather up with baby oil, and just be prepared. These little winged demons pests seem to go with the territory.
Finally, one thing to remember—Belize isn’t a fully developed nation. Not quite yet, in my humble opinion. The infrastructure on Ambergris Caye is partially set, but the main road you’ll be golf carting along proves pretty bumpy, both in paved and unpaved stretches. You can’t throw your wastepaper in the toilet, and you can’t drink the water. There are many gorgeous resorts in San Pedro, along with high-end dining options. Mixed between, though, I observed garbage, debris, and half-completed concrete buildings—probably the sign of future development. And, while you’d expect to spend less in this environment, the prices for food and supplies are nearly double what we are used to paying in California. Just be prepared…and don’t let it rattle your cage. Oh, and one pro tip—be sure to check the expiration date on packaged goods. The limited shelf supply means that some items wear out their welcome.
The juxtaposition—of luxury and modest living, new complexes and old shacks, ex-pats and diverse locals, Latin culture and Caribbean vibes—offered in this intriguing country is definitely worth experiencing! Oh, and be sure to taste the creamy jerk shrimp with coconut rice! It’s to die for!
Would I go back again? Sure, but I think I’d leave the kiddos at home so I could experience a bit more of the downtown night life on the water—and I’d stay at Alaiah Resort. It looked amazing!
If you’d like support as you plan your next trip to Belize, please let us know! We’d be happy to use our first-hand experience to ensure your vacation is just right! www.intomotiontravel.com/planning-services
