BELIZE
Scuba Certification, Jungle Exploration
SAN IGNACIO
Jungle Headquarters, Gateway to Guatemala
Jumping off point for Jungle and River Excursions. A full day Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave tour thru rivers, artifacts and a troubled Mayan history (when observing tiny preserved skulls on the cave floor, our guide solemnly echoed, "Nothing is going well for the Maya when babies are being sacrificed...") is essential. A terrific town complimented by its citizens. Although everyone found it strange that I wasn't married. Here, Halloween.
CAYE CAULKER
Don't let the smile fool you
When you get an island house for $13, there is going to be a catch. Like a house with no power, aka no light. And an owner who likes to feed raw meet to the crocodiles, with no gate, no fence, no nothin.' The sun set @ 6 PM. 10 nights. Rainy season. This was the smaller one. Charlie.
Below, Snorkel and Diving Platform on the good day inside the Belize Barrier Reef. Scuba weather went south. Despite 3.5 hours of swells and bad weather to get to the the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye, water was crystal turquoise, Bull and Reef Shark-riffic and Dr. Seussian under the surface. No cameras allowed during training. : (
On Half Moon Caye, 42 preserved acres of unspoiled Tropical, housing a Red-footed Booby Bird Habitat
BELIZE BARRIER REEF
Sea turtles, manatees, nurse sharks, over a bleached floor of coral and starfish. The guide said, "Go on longer and further reef adventures, everywhere Larry, before it's too late. Go now."
RECOMMENDATIONS
SCUBA
Belize Diving Services
An optimal place to learn and train on Caye Caulker, a group of patient and passionate guides, a beast of a dive boat, an impressive chef and access to the clearest, preserved diving anywhere. Turneffe Atoll, the Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef. belizedivingservices.com
CAYE CAULKER
45 min Shuttle Boat from Belize City
Seems to be a 2-3 night spot for most travelers, there is a small concrete beach with a diving platform, but excursions from here to snorkel, fish and scuba are the thing. To eat: Crepes and Dreams, and seek out Dive Master and Cool Human Luciana at her Oasi establishment by the airstrip for music and drinks, you can stay there as well. http://www.oasi-holidaysbelize.com
SAN IGNACIO
Gateway to the Jungle
The jungle headquarters of Belize, about a 2.5 hour bus ride from the coast. A charming town, nice restaurants and the chillest folks. A trip to Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, a sacred underground river trail is essential to a Belize trip. Also, not far from the Guatemala Border to further jungle and Tikal, the Grandaddy of ruins. https://www.kawiiltours.com