Belize City

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Return to Belize

A travel journal to Belize City by datnurse

Belize ZooMore Photos

Highlights from my most recent return and longest stay (5 months) in this virtual paradise called Belize.

  • 8 reviews
  • 2 photos

Return to BelizeBest of IgoUgo

Overview

In the arena of ecotourism Belize steals the show. Belize possesses the second longest barrier reef in the world, is blessed with an outstanding archaeological heritage and has an abundance of different types of flora and fauna. However, the greatest gift Belize has to share is its people. An eclectic gathering of diverse peoples - Garifuna, Creole, Mestizo, Mayans and people of European descent make up the group called Belizean. They are among the friendliest and most geniune people of the world.

Quick Tips:

Although, as I have just written, the people are a wonderful group, like any country they have their 'rotten eggs'. Theft and pick-pocketing is a problem in Belize City as are drugs. Keep your belongings near-by and be prudent with regards to staying in groups and avoiding wakling afer dark.

Best Way To Get Around:

It's an easy walk about town but taxis are plentiful. Belize City is more of a stop-over point before getting out to the cayes or the inland sites. Flights to all the smaller cities are available and are an adventure in themselves but I most highly recommend traveling by bus throughout Belize as the best way to see both the countryside and the people.

Freddies Guest HouseBest of IgoUgo

Hotel

Simple, sparten rooms without fans. Clean,tidy and quiet at night. No telephone in rooms but owner/manager upstairs will let you use hers. This is a no-frills guesthouse but at only 25US for a double is a bargain.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by datnurse on October 18, 2000

Freddies Guest House
86 Eve Street Belize City, Belize
02-33851

Radisson Fort George Hotel and MarinaBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Radisson Fort George Hotel"

This is where to stay to be pampered in the manner we N. Americans do so love. Over 70 air-conditioned rooms with all the amenities we would consider in a 4-Star hotel in the States. (Note: I said 4 not 5-Star) Upscale bar/lounge, swimming pool and even its own boat dock if you are arriving by water. If comfort is important to you and you can afford it, I suggest you stay here but for those on a budget or wanting to be 'closer to the people' I recommend choosing a guest house or smaller motel.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by datnurse on October 18, 2000

Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina
2 MARINE PARADE PO BOX 321 Belize City, Belize
011-501-233333

Ruby's HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Rubys Hotel"

Clean and tidy but without frills. Most, but not all, of the rooms have a private shower so if privacy is important ASK when booking your room. GREAT cinnamon rolls every morning downstairs!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by datnurse on October 18, 2000

Ruby's Hotel
P.O. Box 56 Belize City, Belize
026-2063

Belize ZooBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Belize Zoo"

Belize Zoo
A delightful, albeit unusal, zoo where the local animals are named - such as April the Tapir and can be viewed 'up close and personal' without the usual distance from the animals found in zoos in the States. You can visit this zoo by yourself and it's fairly easy to get there by bus from Belize City, but I HIGHLY recommend hiring tour guide Winston Seawal telephone 02-33417 to take you there. Winston actually 'Talks' to the animals but the most unusual thing about that is the animals seem to talk back to him! I am not making this up. Winston is a likable guy and you can arrange an entire day with him and catch the zoo and probably another site on the same day.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by datnurse on October 18, 2000

Belize Zoo
48 km west on the Western Hwy Belize City, Belize
02-33417

Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark-Ray SnorkelingBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Hol Chan Marine Reserve"

The boat/guide cost should also cover the $5.00BZ per person charge to enter the reserve. Once you're there you are in a haven for divers and snorkelers. Get ready for the thrill of a lifetime! Hundreds of colorful fish of all sizes swim around you and you'll feel like you're swimming inside an aquarium. For those who have snorkeled before at one of the better spots, off the Great Barrier Reef, for example, the day may not be so spectacular. But for the novice or not-so-seasoned snorkeler this spot is truly memorable. I had a wonderful day out here but, honestly, I believe the snorkeling down south near the Snake Cayes is even better! (see Punta Gorda journal)
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by datnurse on October 18, 2000

Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark-Ray Snorkeling
Caye Caulker Belize City, Belize

Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray AlleyBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Shark Ray Alley"

Snorkeling Shark-Ray Alley is usually included with snorkeling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve but is an entirely different adventure. Nurse sharks - I saw some up to 3 feet long swim among you without fear. They are used to being fed tiny fish by the guides so keep your hands closed into a fist so they don't try to sample your fingers! Gigantic sting rays as big as a double-sized bed glide by you in an effortless motion and you get the sense that you are the one being observed as they eye you as they slowly pass by. Although this is not dangerous, this is one snorkel experience that is not for the faint-at-heart.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by datnurse on October 18, 2000

Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley
Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker Ambergris Caye, Belize

Altun Ha Maya RuinsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Altun Ha Ruins"

Ancient Mayan ruins of what was once a major trading link with the more inland Mayans cities as well as a ceremonial center make up Altun Ha. Five pyramids and one palace surround a plaza. When excavated in the late 1960s, one of the pyramids, Temple of the Green Tomb, was found to be full of artifacts including tools used for blood-letting ceremonies. This is a beautiful ruin but if you only have time for one or two ruins during your stay in Belize, I wouldn't put this one one top. It's much smaller than others and more difficult to get to. I don't know of any public transportation to the ruins so you have to either taxi, rent a car or hire a guide to take you.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by datnurse on October 18, 2000

Altun Ha Maya Ruins
Altun Ha/North of Belize City 30 miles Belize City, Belize

About the Writer

datnurse
datnurse
Wever, Iowa

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