Blogs from Belize Barrier Reef, Belize, Central America Caribbean - page 7

So we packed up our bags again and boarded a small boat. This would be our home for the next 3 days. We had booked on the Raggamuffin island cruise. In total there was 17 of us on the boat and 3 crew. We came from the Uk, America and Australia. We set sail for our first full day of sailing not knowing what to expect and what the weather would do as more storms are due! The first day we sailed, caught barracuda off the back of the boat and went for a snorkel along the way. The reef was pretty and we saw barracuda, loads of different reef fish and a few small rays. As usual I got burnt! When ever I snorkel I manage to burn! That evening we docked at our island ... read more

If you're backpacking from Mexico to Guatemala (or vice versa) along the coast, it's impossible to avoid Belize. I met some people who just did a straight bus shot through Belize without stopping, since it is an English speaking country, is heavily westernized, is pretty touristy, and is rather expensive. So, is it worth a stop in Caye Caulker if you are a backpacker passing through Belize between Guatemala and Mexico? Maybe. It's geared toward those on a budget, and you'll have plenty of company, but it just didn't catch me like it did some people. I might be missing something, though, since there are a few expats there who came and never left. This site gives a good idea of what you can do there. A few more notes: If you are looking to dive ... read more

Today is our last day. And of course it's raining. There is a front coming off of the Eastern U.S. and it's hitting here. That's fin though because its still better than being at work. One of our favourite things about traveling here is the people you meet. Over the 5 years we have come here, we've met people from across the pond in Europe and as close as our own city. Bon this trip alone we've met people from California, Chicago, Detroit, Texas, Colorado, Minnesota, Belgium, Denmark, Britain, and of course lots of Canadians. We have had meals together, gone on excursions together, sat down for beers, discussed everything from politics to families and work, and sadly, just recently have shared in the grief of the passing from one of our fellow travellers and friends. ... read more

Happy St. Patty's Day! We didn't take in any celebrations last night. Yesterday we decided to visit the big city of San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye. After almost being run over a hundred time by golf carts, bicycles and Smart Cars we were more than happy to return to Caye Caulker. Ambergris Caye is actually more of a peninsula than an island. In the ancient Mayan times the Mayan people cut a channel through the small peninsula to make the movement of goods easier. Otherwise they would have to sail all the way around to the end of the Caye and back up again. The channel is recognized as the border between Belize and Mexico. Ambergris is arguably the most developed place in Belize for tourism. The eastern side of the island is ... read more

Yesterday we did as little as humanly possible. We spent a lot of time hanging around the pool. It was crazy hot. On our way back from breakfast we heard some music so we wandered over to the basketball court where it was coming from. It looked like some kind of children's festival so of course I grabbed by camera and paid my dollar to get in. There were children running and dancing all over the place. Some were dressed up in traditional clothing. It instantly made you smile! They were celebrating their heritage which has deep historical roots. Belize is a multiethnic country with residents of African, Caribbean, Amerindian, European, and Asian descent. Colonstation, slavery and immigration have played a big role in affecting the ethnic diversity and population. Some of the common names you ... read more