Belize
The small country of Belize is an outstanding destination when you only have a week or two and want to relax and play in the sun. Famous for its 200-mile long barrier reef, diving in Belize is excellent. Exploring the reefs here is a must but it would be a pity if you had to skip the green tropical forests, Mayan ruins and fun river rafting – all these are first-class adventures not to be missed. Belize has an eccentric mixture of cultures from predominantly indigenous inland to Caribbean-African coastal areas giving you more variety than you would ever expect from a small country.
There are white-sanded small tropical islands for your land-based diving trip. The largest of them, Ambergris Caye, is a laid-back community with few cars and many beachside restaurants where neither shoes nor shirts are required. San Pedro is the only town on Ambergris and a 20-minute flight or 1 ½ hour ferry ride from Belize City. Ambergris Caye has been the hub of Belizean area maritime trade for centuries. Fishing, chicle and coconut farming were the historic means of the islanders’ support. The last thirty years have made Ambergris a leading destination for scuba divers, snorkelers and ecotourism. There are just a few cars on the island and most people get around by walking, biking, or on a golf cart or scooter. The friendly little town of San Pedro offers ample opportunities for shopping in small stores and art galleries, and good food and drinks in local restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bars.
Other smaller islands and atolls are located right on the reef and cater to divers who prefer to stay on firm land but concentrate on getting the best of out of the underwater Belize.
