Belize

The smallest country in Central America after El Salvador, Belize has the longest barrier reef in the hemisphere, three coral atolls, faro reefs and more marine life than people. From the high-profile formations and nurse shark and stingray encounters off Ambergris Caye, to remote, virgin sites off the atolls, to the whale sharks that frequent the waters off southern Belize to the Mayan ruins still being unearthed in the West, Belize is one of the best-kept secrets in diving

Water Temperatures - Range from the high 70Fs in winter to the mid-80Fs in summer. Many divers wear a full 3mm wetsuit from late fall to early spring, while a Lycra skin or neoprene shorty may suffice in July and August.

Visibility - Water clarity often reaches 100 feet or more out on the barrier reef and around the atolls, while it can drop to 50 to 75 feet inside the reef.

Climate - Subtropical, which means pretty warm year-round. The coast, cayes and atolls, however, enjoy a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean, which moderates the heat. It can get cool in the interior highlands, especially on a winter night.

Live-Aboards - Explore many of Belize's atolls and much of its immense barrier reef on a live-aboard. Several large live-aboard companies are represented here, including the Aggressor Fleet, Peter Hughes Diving and Nekton Diving Cruises.

Documents - Passport and proof of return is required, as well as a valid U.S. or Canadian driver's license if you plan on renting a car. There is a BZ$22.50 departure tax.

Money Matters - The currency is the Belize dollar (BZ$), which trades at BZ$2 to the US$1. Credit cards and traveler's checks are accepted throughout the country, but bring enough cash to get by in the more remote areas. Don't always count on being able to find an ATM machine.

Electricity - The same as in the U.S. and Canada-110 volts, 60 cycles-and the country uses the North American-style 2-pin plug.

Health Matters - Drink purified water, and eat only cooked vegetables and fruit that can be peeled. If you're going to be spending a lot of time in the rain forest, consider an anti-malarial prophylactic.

Getting There - American flies from Dallas (3 hrs.) and Miami (2 hrs.) to Belize City; Continental from Houston (3 hrs.); TACA from Houston, New Orleans (3 1/2 hrs.), Miami, Los Angeles (8 hrs.), New York Kennedy (5 hrs.) and Washington Dulles (4 1/2 hrs.)

Getting Around - The local airlines are relatively inexpensive, safe and dependable. From the municipal airport in Belize City, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air fly three times daily to Ambergris Caye and offer scheduled flights to Placencia and other outlying districts. The resorts out on the atolls normally run twice-weekly boat trips from Belize City (approx. 1 1/2 hrs.).

Phone: 630-941-0355 · FAX 630-359-4024
e-mail: lisa@changeofscene.com