Belize’s Seven Regions Offer It All Northern
North Islands
Known as a cultural melting pot, southern Belize is home to Mayan, east Indian, Chinese and Garafuna people who still carry on their native traditions. Punta Gorda serves
T h e F C C A C r u i s e C o n F e r e n C e & T r A d e s h ow
The North Islands are all about relaxing. Here, you can take in the day lounging on the beach with a good book or pleasant conversation. Of course, if you’re not into relaxing all the time, there’s plenty to do under the sea. Check out the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley for snorkeling and scuba diving—some of the best in the world, and something you’ll surely talk about when you get back to the beach.
Lamanai, in northern Belize, is home to one of Belize’s largest Maya sites. Take a boat ride to the ruins for an up-close look at wildlife and a glimpse of the area’s Mennonite farms. We’ve heard they look like Nebraska in Belize. But to Belizeanss, it’s just Belize.
Southern
as the gateway to activities like offshore fishing, river trips, caving, bird-watching and Mayan ruins.
Reef
Belize’s barrier reef is the second-largest in the world and home to hundreds of different species of aquatic life. Also home to the Great Blue Hole, made one of the top 10 diving areas in the world by Jacques Cousteau, the reef region is a scuba diver’s underwater paradise. We like to think it’s a paradise for anyone who visits. See for yourself.
Central Coast
The central coast has many historical landmarks from Belize’s past as a British colony. Belize City is the largest port and the hub of industry and finance. But don’t feel like you have to do any work while visiting. You’re on vacation, after all.
Western
Western Belize is home to many archaeological sites, like Cahal Peck. After you’ve learned about the past, visit the Butterfly Farm and Medicinal Trails. Then make way to Jaguar Paw for cave tubing and ziplining. Here, there’s a lot to do. Just make sure you make time to relax.
Southeast Coast
The southeast coast is a haven for kayaking, snorkeling, diving, saltwater fly-fishing, whale shark watching and just about any other “ing” that takes place in or around the ocean. Need some time out of the water? Placencia has 16 miles of sandy beach, as well as great restaurants and fantastic locals.
SH u T T e R STO CK ; OPP OSI T e : COu RT e S Y OF Be L I z e TOu R ISM B OA R d ; B OT TOM PHOTO : BR A N d ON B Ou R dAGe S/SH u T T e R STO CK
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Discover a place where schedules are optional and tourists become travelers. Here, destinations can be located by map, but only found with the soul. The true Belize is discovered when you leave expectations behind and begin to simply be. There are many places to explore within the seven distinct regions of Belize. Check out a few highlights from each region below.
Divers explore the Great Blue Hole.
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