GENERAL INFORMATION
WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE IN BELIZE ?
English is the official language and is widely spoken, as is Spanish and Creole
CLIMATE
Belize has a sub-tropical climte, a dry season from late Febuary to May, a wet season from june to November and another dry season Auguest t September, The mane temperature varies from 81 degrees F/27 C along the coast in the hills, Trades winds blow onshore most of the yearand from Sepember to December northerly winds bring cooler, drier air.
TIME ZONE
Belize is on GMT-6, or US Central Standard Time throughout the year, with no daylight saving time changes.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Belize dollar. US$1 is equivalent to BZ$2 and does not fluctuate. U.S. currency and credit cards (mainly Visa and Mastercard) are readily accepted throughout the country. ATMs are located in the main cities and towns and most allow cash withdrawals via credit card.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Belize’s electrical system is the same as in North America: 110 volts AC power is provided throughout the country.
WATER
Belize tap water is treated in the cities and towns. Tap water and ice in beverages are generally safe to consume, but bottled water is also available throughout the country.
What to Bring / CLOTHING
Pack light, casual clothing made of natural fabrics for general activities, and consult with your travel agent for appropriate attire for adventure activities.
HOSPITALS
There are public and/or private hospitals in urban areas. Clinics and nurse practitioners can be found in rural areas.
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Police Emergency: 911 • Fire or Medical: 90
FEES AND TAXES
Hotel room tax – 9%
Sales tax on goods and services – 12.5%
Airport Departure Fee – US$39.25
Overland Border Exit Fee – US$18.75
GETTING TO BELIZE
BY AIR
All international commercial airlines land at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Ladyville, 10 miles north of Belize City. Private aircraft must be cleared through the Belize Airport Authority and Civil Aviation Department at the PGIA.
ISLANDS, BEACHES AND REEF
Belize’s tropical islands are known as Cayes, offer plenty of different activities for people of all ages. You can snorkel for an exciting glimpse into our magnificent underwater world, or dive, sail, kayak, and fish, or just relax on the white sand.
SNORKELING
Even if you’ve never snorkeled before, our knowledgeable licensed guides will help you explore the kaleidoscope of color found in hard and soft corals, sponges and over 500 species of fish. There are many snorkeling sites of varying depths along the Belize Barrier Reef. From schools of fish, to turtles, to the occasional barracuda, there’s a constantly changing scene underwater.
SWIMMING
You don’t have to use an air tank or snorkel to enjoy our waters, take a dip anytime. The reef forms a protective barrier from the surf creating a calm swimming environment ideal for people of all ages.
FISHING
From spin to fly to trolling, our abundance of game fish guarantees excellent sport fishing all year round. Since many rivers empty into the Caribbean Sea, you are practically guaranteed a daily catch. Experienced licensed guides may even share their own “secret” spots with guests. Turneffe Atoll provides some of the most desirable areas in the world for fly fishing. In Belize you can fish a Grand Slam— bonefish, permit and tarpon all in the same day. As the leaders in catch-and-release, all three sport fishes are protected by law.
KAYAKING Kayaks are a great way to explore the waters of Belize. With clear skies overhead and surrounded by clear waters, you can enjoy watching the birds, the colorful fish, and even dolphins. Coastal and island resorts offer kayaks for short excursions along the coast or around the islands. Professional kayak outfitters offer multiday packages which operate either from a single base camp or as an island hopping tour.
Belize Reef and Atolls:
Belize Reef is biggest reef system in the Western Hemisphere, It includes seven marine reserves, ove a hundred cays andthree caral atolls to theeast of te Barrier Reef,The reefs clear water are a heaven for SCUBA divers and snorkers are attracted by over five hunder species of fish. seventy hard coral and thirty-six soft coral species, as well as turtels. dolphins and manates. Divers and snorkels find some unique experiences in thees waters.
The BIGGEST REEF SYSTEM IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE The Belize section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretches 185 miles along the country’s coastline. It includes seven marine reserves, over a hundred cayes and three coral atolls. The reef’s clear waters are a haven for SCUBA divers and snorkelers are attracted by the over five hundred species of fish, seventy hard coral and thirty-six soft coral species, as well as turtles, dolphins and manatees
