What are some "must see or do" locations/activites in Belize?

Question

Serious, knowledgeable, informational answers only, please :-)

Planning a trip to San Pedro, Belize, the end of March '07. If you have been there, any thoughts, advice, etc. of things we should see and do? Best ways to get around ... did you use the water taxi's or small cesna flights? Other info that would be good to know before arriving?

Also, know of any good books that tell about the good, local places to visit? (like the ones made for hawaii that tell you how to find the locals only waterfalls, best non-toursit restaraunts, etc)

Answer 1

Pack light if you plan on traveling around and staying in different parts of the country. I stayed in San Ignacio, Caye Caulker and Belize City. We stayed at a GREAT place in San Ignacio called Martha's Guesthouse, and I will stay there again. Barton's Creek Cave was my 13 year old son's favorite spot and it was fabulous. We spent the entire day there because there is a natural water hole that is beautiful and an outdoor restaurant on stilts serving beer and good food. We took a day trip to Tikal, Guatemala as well. We snorkeled the coral reef off of Caye Caulker. I can't remember where we stayed in Caye Caulker because it was a last minute decision. The water taxi was inexpensive and I did not find it a hassle. The public buses are a cheap way to get around the country and a bit fun if you are adventurous. We stayed in Belize City the last 2 nights at the Princess Hotel. Nice place and a good location. There is a soccer complex right across the street and a bar/ dancehall a few blocks down. Try to catch a dance because the music is jammin. Have a blast!

Answer 2

Hi Denise,

I was born and raised in Belize and better yet I work for a travel operator that specializes in the country, so I know it quite well to say the least. There are many many things to do on the island. Some of the popular activities include diving and fishing, and there are also day trips to some of the attractions on the mainland like maya ruins. Aside from that, other activities include watersports, golf, sunset cruises and the list goes on. As far as getting to the island, you can take a flight straight out of the international airport in Belize City to the island. This is probably your best option. If you want to take the water taxi you have to go into Belize City which can be a bit of a hassle. Getting around San Pedro Town is pretty easy. If your hotel is in town all you really need is your feet. However, bicycles and golf carts are available. As far as restaurants and hot spots in the town itself, I wrote a short shopping, dining & nightlife guide for the company which hasn't been published yet. But i can tell you the best places to eat, drink and even where to catch great sunsets.

As far as "must see or do" really it all depends on what your interests are. If you're a diver "must do" might be the Blue Hole. If you are a fisherman interested in catching permit "must do" might be the saltwater flats off of Placencia. If you just want to relax in a very laid-back place "must see" might be Caye Caulker. So it really all depends on what you are looking for. One of the greatest attractions of Belize is its diversity.

You can give me a call [phone] and I'll answer all the questions you have without any compromise. I'm always eager to help persons who want to explore my beautiful country. If you like, you may take a look at our website, www.DiscoveringBelize.com where we have some packages for San Pedro.

Cheers, Alex

Answer 3

When I was there we took a wonderful high speed motor boat up the river through an animal preserve...and saw the most fantastic monkey families; alligators; rare birds and also manatee. The guide was wonderful and seemed to have a keen eye for when the various animals were out and about and would slow the boat and tell us where to look.

The city of Belize is historical but a bit run down - they are rebuilding though