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A First-Timer's Guide to Visiting Belize in the Summer

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Most visitors to Belize come in the winter to escape the cold, but there are many reasons why a vacation to Belize during the summer months is a great option as well. You can enjoy many cultural festivals, experience amazing bird viewing and take advantage of great savings and few crowds since this is low season. 


What Will the Weather be Like in Belize During the Summer?


Summer in Belize is from mid-May to mid-November. It is the rainy season, so there will be periodic tropical rain showers. Average daytime temperatures during the summer months range from highs of 86°F (30°C) to lows of 79°F (26°C) 


Hurricane season is historically most likely to occur between August and October in Belize. With the latest technology, hurricane storms can be tracked and predicted, which enables the areas to be affected ample time to prepare for the storm. During those months it's important to keep an eye on the weather situation before leaving on your Belize vacation. We suggest always having trip cancellation insurance, should your Belize vacation need to be rescheduled. 


There is so much to do in Belize, that it can be hard to know where to start. 


Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of a summer vacation to Belize:


Immerse Yourself in the Culture of Belize at One of the Summer Festivals


How about some lobster? Each year, June 15th marks the opening day of the lobster harvesting season. June is a great time to visit Belize and experience everything lobster. Indulge in this delicious seafood delicacy at one of the lobster festivals. Placencia, San Pedro and Caye Caulker all put on fun festivals filled with music, dancing, fun competitions and of course lobster served in all sorts of tasty ways. We’ve even got a great recipe for you to check out from Chef Rob's Gourmet Cafe in Hopkins here.


The International Costa Maya Festival celebrates the ancient Mayan heritage on Ambergris Caye each August with dancing, music and parades. It is one of the biggest festivals in Belize and this week-long celebration brings musical groups, artists and beauty queens from the neighbouring countries of Guatemala, Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador and Costa Rica together. 


On November 19th each year, Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated. This holiday showcases the unique culture of the Garifuna people. It’s a wonderful time to visit Belize and is celebrated for the entire week throughout Belize but especially in Dangriga, where the first Garifuna people landed.  The celebrations include parades, live music, drumming, dancing and prayers.  


International Costa Maya Festival 
 


Go Birding in the Belize Rainforest this Summer


Head inland and cool off in the rainforest. Experienced birders know the best time of day for bird watching is at the first light of the day. Walk on the local trails and discover quintessential tropical species like the Keel-Billed Toucan, or its smaller cousin the Collared Aracari.

 

Belize is home to over 600 species of birds and you are likely to see something new and exciting each step of the way. Bocawina Rainforest Resort & Adventures eco-lodge is a birder’s paradise, right in the heart of the Belizean jungle, where you can enjoy the relaxing sounds of songbirds and nature. There was even a rare sighting of a Harpy Eagle at Bocawina Rainforest Resort in December 2016.  


Bird Watching at Bocawina Rainforest Resort
 


Paddle and Explore the Belize Barrier Reef


One of the best places in Belize to explore the Barrier Reef during the summer is on the tiny 5-acre tropical island of Tobacco Caye. It’s easily accessible via a 30-minute water taxi ride from the shore of Dangriga in central Belize. 


We suggest staying at the 6 cabin Tobacco Caye Paradise Lodge . The rustic cabanas feature your own private deck overlooking the warm turquoise tropical seas, complete with a hammock to relax in. This is simple living and you will be surrounded by tropical fish and exotic birdlife. Spend days snorkelling or use the sea kayaks and SUP available at the lodge to explore the reef.  Watch the Belizean sunset each evening with an ice cold Belikin beer. 


Beautiful Belize featuring Tobacco Caye


If you go:


Our Belize Rainforest & Reef Explorer trip combines the best of both worlds, all in one vacation package.  This all inclusive trip includes staying 3 nights at the Bocawina Rainforest Resort in the heart of the Mayflower Bocawina National Park and 3 nights at Tobacco Caye Paradise on the Belize Barrier Reef.   


This summer is a great time to fly to Belize and enjoy a special offer on the 6-night Rainforest & Reef Explorer trip. Book any departure before December 15th, 2017 and save $500 per couple. Offer is available until August 15th, 2017.

Contact us at 1-800-667-1630 or email: info@islandexpeditions.com for more details.


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