Out to the Sea.... When traveling in Belize there is no shortage of things to do. A wide array of vacation activities is available in this country, both in the coastal areas and inland regions. Bordered to the east by the Caribbean Sea and home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize is particularly a great place to get involved in water-related sports and activities. Kayaking and snorkelling, for example, are just two ways for vacationers to get out and enjoy the coastal scenery while also getting a great taste of fun and adventure.
Kayaking on a Belize Vacation
The numerous Cayes (islands) located offshore provide protected waters where kayakers can peacefully explore the stunning sights. While navigating your kayak it's not unusual to catch sight of colourful tropical fish, stingrays, and even the occasional dolphin. For a more close-up view of the underwater environment in Belize, popular vacation activities include snorkeling and scuba diving. In fact, the Belize Barrier Reef and the famous Blue Hole offer some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. While the types of marine life likely to be seen during snorkeling and scuba diving excursions will vary from site to site, some of the most commonly seen fish and other forms of aquatic life include angelfish, groupers, parrotfish, sea turtles, coral and anemones. It's also possible to swim amongst stingrays and sharks on the outer atolls. Of course, with such an abundance of marine life it's not surprising that fishing is also a popular Belize vacation activity. Great fishing destinations are located all along the country's coast and there are many opportunities for fly fishing, spin casting and deep-sea fishing. While Belize's inlets and estuaries are known for species such as tarpon and snooks, the lagoons are home to bonefish and permit. Out amongst the coral reefs, catches are likely to include grouper and snappers while Belize's deeper waters are known for species such as sailfish, marlin and pompano. Another popular water-based Belize activity is canoeing or kayaking one of the many inland rivers in the jungle and rainforest. With an impressive river network, Belize offers many scenic and thrilling paddling routes for the adventurous vacationer. While some rivers are only suitable for experienced and advanced paddlers, there are other routes which are suitable for beginners as well, including the Moho River. No matter what a vacationer's experience and skill level may be, traveling along Belize's network of rivers provides a unique and memorable way to take in the stunning natural environment of this biologically and geographically diverse Central American country. Into the Jungle... For vacationers interested in land-based activities, there are many options to choose from. The incredible biodiversity of Belize makes this country a particularly excellent destination for those interested in bird watching and photography. From the rainforests to the swamps and coastal habitats, there are numerous great birding sites throughout the country, offering vacationers the opportunity to see beautiful and sometimes rare avian species. For example, Belize is home to twenty-two species of hummingbirds as well as numerous species of parrots, cuckoos, hawks, eagles, owls, kingfishers, woodpeckers, toucans and many other birds. In fact, the incredible diversity of birds and birding sites in Belize makes this country a veritable birder's paradise.
Caving in Belize while on vacation
While there is much to see and do above ground in Belize as a result of the beautiful scenery and remarkable biodiversity, this Central American country also offers the opportunity for underground adventure as well. With amazing cave formations to explore, caving is becoming more and more popular with Belize vacationers and several tour operators offer guided excursions into the vast underground cave system. While awe-inspiring sights are abundant, many of Belize's caves are also of archaeological significance, having been used by the ancient Maya as campsites, burial sites and altars. Actun Tunichil Muknal is probably Belize’s most popular caving trip, with a chamber filled with ancient pottery shards, obsidian blades, and even remains from human sacrifice. In other words, venturing beneath the ground of this beautiful country can be just as exciting and memorable as exploring its land and waters.
