|
Dive the Paradise in Belize
 
In recent years visitors to Belize have
rated the "marine attractions" as the primary reason for
coming to Belize. With an unrivalled barrier reef in this
hemisphere the marine attractions are as varied as the natural
formations that make up this 176 ml. coastal treasure. Divers
and snorkelers can experience the barrier reef, coral atolls,
fringing reef, patch reefs and faroe, each offering differing
underwater coral formations and a variety of flora, fish and
marine creatures.
 
The "Blue Hole" is located in the center
of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, which is about fifty miles due east
of Belize City. Originally a cave, the roof fell in some
10,000 years ago, as the land receded into the sea. Almost a
perfectly circular hole, it is 1,000 feet in diameter, and it
is 412 feet deep and is visible from outer space.
Popularized by a Jacques Cousteau television special, this has
become the most famous dive site in all Belize. If you are
interested in diving this site, numerous dive operators can
provide day and/or overnight dive trips from Ambergris Caye,
Belize City or various other offshore Cayes and Atolls.
 
 
|
More about the Belize
Belize (formerly known as British
Honduras) is located on Central America's Caribbean coast,
bordering Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea (see map).
Although it is a small country of only about 8,800 square
miles (about the size of New Hampshire), the country has many
beautiful natural venues and interesting historical sites. In
particular, Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the
world, a number of lush tropical rain forests, picturesque
mountains fed by rivers and waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and
many fascinating Maya archeological sites.
 Belize
is unique among the countries of Central America, inasmuch as
the official language is English, rather than Spanish.
Further, Belize's principal ethnic group is black Creole,
rather than Spanish or mestizo. The country has a population
of just over 200,000 - making it the most sparsely populated
country in Central America. The climate is subtropical, with
an annual mean daily temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The
breezes from the Caribbean Sea have a refreshing cooling
effect, and help to offset the humidity - at least in the
coastal areas.
The ancient Maya civilization once lived
in Belize and throughout the Yucatan peninsula area of Mexico.
Belize has hundreds of Maya archaeological sites or ruins -
more than any other country in Central America. Due to
financial constraints, many of these sites have yet to be
excavated. However, numerous sites are open to visitors and
guided tours are available.
The site at the ancient Maya city-state of
Caracol is located in the center of the Chiquibul Rainforest
and is the largest Maya archaeological site in Belize. This
site dates from the classical Maya period (700-900 A.D.) and
has a number of fascinating structures, including five plazas
and several pyramids. The largest of these pyramids, "Caana"
(Sky Place), is about 140 feet high and, to this day, is the
tallest man-made structure in Belize.
The Maya archaeological site called Altun
Ha, located 30 miles north of Belize City, was a Maya
ceremonial and trading center during the period 250-100 A.D.
The site has about 250 structures, including two central
plazas, and a number of interesting temples and residential
buildings. This site became famous as a result of the
discovery in one of the temples of a very large jade head
representing the sun god, Kinich Ahau. This head is now the
national symbol of Belize and is depicted on Belizean paper
currency.
   
Belize is home to an amazing variety of
wildlife - including many rare and endangered species. The
country takes great pride in its wildlife conservation efforts
and there are many sites and venues where visitors can observe
exotic mammals, reptiles and birds.
A popular place to observe wildlife native
to Belize is The Belize Zoo, located 29 miles west of Belize
City. This zoo was established in 1983 to provide shelter for
15 animals left behind by a film crew. Today the zoo is home
to about 150 species of mammals, reptiles and birds - all of
which are indigenous to Belize. Visitors to the zoo are
permitted to view and take photos of jaguars, pumas, ocelots,
tapirs, macaws, jabirus, storks and other wildlife.
   
Another popular wildlife venue is the
Community Baboon Sanctuary, located 30 miles north of Belize
City. This sanctuary was founded in the late 1950s to protect
the black howler monkey ("baboon") from possible extinction.
Visitors to this site may view an educational jungle exhibit.
Hiking trails and guided walking tours allow visitors to view
the monkeys, as well as other wildlife such as anteaters,
armadillos, crocodiles, iguanas and turtles.
Belize is a paradise for birdwatchers.
More than 525 species of birds have been recorded in Belize -
including many rare species. Any of Belize's many national
parks make excellent venues for birdwatching.
Summaries and pictures
courtesy of Expedia.com |
Itinerary
Trip Details
Pricing does not include air-fare, but covers
lodging and breakfast. Please call
us, so we can assist you with flight and travel arrangements.
DATE: No upcoming trips scheduled. Call for info...
DURATION:
PRICE:
DEADLINE:
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DIVERS:
The average air fare from Atlanta, GA is
$450-$650. We are including all lodging (rooms double
occupancy), meals, snacks, beverages and airport
transfer.
How Do I Get There??
Please call us,
so we can assist you with flight and travel arrangements.
Just a Few Suggestions
We suggest a weight limit
of 55 pounds per person because some smaller carriers may apply
excess charges [currently run .50 per pound]. The atmosphere in the
Belize is very informal so it helps to pack lightly. On occasion,
luggage can be delayed and you may wish to include a few personal
items in a small carry-on.
You'll be asked to
complete a history form and to return it to the dive shop. Don't
forget your "C" card. You won't be able to dive without
it.
A valid Passport and
return or ongoing airline ticket is required for all visitors.
Currently, U.S., British and Canadian citizens can use a Birth
Certificate with a raised seal and photo ID as proof of citizenship.
|
