ECO-ADVENTURES
With only 200,000 inhabitants, Belize still has plenty of wilderness regions for wildlife
and the country's delicate eco-system. In the past decade many enlightened Belizeans,
working with several worldwife environment organizations, have joined together in an
inspiring effort to insure the survival of Belize's unique flora and fauna for future
generations. The result has been the founding of 18 important wildlife sanctuaries,
national marine reserves and natural monuments.
LANGUAGE
English is the official language of Belize. However, Spanish is used especially in the
areas near Mexico. Creole, Garifuna and Mayan are also spoken in different parts of
Belize. You should not have any problems by using English in most situations.
MONEY
The currency in Belize is fixed at 2 Belizean dollars for one U.S. dollar. U.S. currency
is readably acceptable as well as travelers checks. If paying with a credit card you
sometimes will be penalized by a tacked on service charge.
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Philip S. W. Goldson International, Belize City (BZE), 10 miles from city center.
TRANSPORTATION
Taxis: Plentiful at airport and at Belize City hotels. Taxis are identified only by green
license plate.
ELECTRICITY
110 volts, 60 cycles, 2-prong plug adaptor often needed for US mades appliances.
WEATHER
Subtropical, usually tempered by regular Caribbean trade winds. Summer temperatures rarely
exceed 95F. Rainy season is normally June-July. Cooler temperatures prevail in mountain
pine country at elevations reaching 3,000 ft.
FOOD AND DRINK
Excellent seafood is highlighted by fresh lobster and fish. Local dishes include meals of
rice, beans, and tamales (cornmeal with fish wrapped and baked in banana leaves). A local
country favorite is Cow Foot Soup. The national drink is rum, which is excellent, as is
the locally brewed Beliken Beer.
DIVING
Belize is a world-class dive destination with great underwater adventures all along the
country's 185 miles coastal barrier reef. Diving ranges from beginning snorkeling to
daring descents into sites like the famed 480 ft deep Blue Hole. Here, at depths below 80
ft, one enters forest of black coral, and at the reef's very edge and beyond "out in
the blue" encounters with large marine life are common. Diving in Belize today is
divided into three main categories: live-aboard dive vessels, offshore cays and atolls,
and mainland dive camps. Dive operators offer a wide range of packages.
WATER SPORTS
In addition to diving, all water sports are offered all along the coastal reef and upon
mainland rivers and lagoons. Sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, and jet ski equipment are
all available for rental at major resorts. Canoeing, kayaking, and tube floating trips are
offeres on major mainland rivers.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Miles of wilderness trails are now being discovered by bikers in the Maya mountain region
of Belize. The annual Hike and Bike for the Rain Forest is held every October in Belize
and attracts local and international bikers who compete for the benefit if the rain
forest.
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