Wednesday, May 22, 2019, marked the start of the BTB Love Belize Sea Challenge. 14 teams departed Punta Gorda at 6 am in the morning and were blessed with good weather.
Let's take a closer look at the paddling race route up the coastline of Belize:
There are five stops in total along the BTB Love Belize Sea Challenge Route not including the start-off point.
Day 1: Punta Gorda Town to Placencia
Punta Gorda (known as P.G) is the capital and largest town of Toledo District in southern Belize. It's a great base for exploring the surrounding Maya villages and a gateway to the remote southern cayes.
Located on a 16-mile long peninsula in southeastern Belize, Placencia boasts miles of golden sand beaches. This laid-back fishing village is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the cultural vibe of the area’s Garifuna and Creole people.
Day 2: Placencia to Dangriga
Dangriga is the second stop on the race route, the hometown to Belize’s Garifuna culture capital. Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated each year on November 19th and marks the arrival of the Garifuna people to the shores of Belize from 1832. Dangriga is also home to Island Expeditions operations base.
Day 3: Dangriga to Belize City
For the third stop, the paddlers will dock at Belize City, home to the St. John’s Cathedral, Museum of Belize and the famous historic site of Baron Bliss Lighthouse. Other must visit sites include The Government House, one of Belize’s most preserved colonial buildings.
Day 4: Belize City to San Pedro
After Belize City, the next stop is San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, the famous La Isla Bonita. San Pedro Town is a popular hub for snorkeling and swimming with nurse sharks.
Day 5: San Pedro to Sarteneja
A less visited town in Northern Belize, the picturesque fishing village of Sarteneja is known as the penultimate stop in the race. Life here is tranquil and the sunsets over the water are otherworldly. It's also a wonderful base to take a boat tour of the nearby Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve.
Day 6: Sarteneja to Corozal Bay
The last stop is Corozal, the northernmost town in Belize and located only nine miles from its neighbouring Mexican border. A hidden gem is the Mayan ruins of Santa Rita located on the outskirts of Corozal.
Planning a Vacation (or Sea Kayak Race) in Belize?
Ready to start planning your Belize adventure vacation? Call 1.800.667.1630 or email info@islandexpeditions.com and one of our trip planners will be happy to help!
