Belize is the land of outdoor adventure. This small nation of 180 miles by 68
miles has fast flowing rivers and cascading waterfalls, spectacular limestone caves, lush
rainforests, world class fishing, diving, and snorkeling, mysterious Maya Ruins, and miles
of beautiful white sand beaches.
Virgin Rainforests
More than half of Belize lies under rich thick tropical rain forest which
provides the vacation traveller with a wide range of outdoor adventure activities. Much of
Belize has been set aside as natural reserves and wildlife
sanctuaries. These tropical forests provide natural habitats for a wide range of
animals so that on a jungle safari you may see jaguar, puma, ocelot, armadillo, tapir and
crocodile.
Bird Watcher’s Paradise
Belize’s virgin forests are home to more than 500 birds species making it a
birdwatching paradise. Wherever you go in Belize you are certain to encounter a wide array
of dazzling birds. Darting Hummingbirds, Green Jay, Blue-Crowned Mot-Mot, Montezumas
Oropendula, Golden Hooded Tanager, Keel-Billed Toucan, Hepatic Tanager, and Crested Guan
are just some of the colourful tropical birds that you will encounter. From novice to
expert birders, bird watching throughout Belize is an experience of a lifetime.
Unlimited Hiking Options
Within these rich forests are innumerable trails that allow you to discover
Belize’s abundant natural beauty. You can hike any of a number of trails leading to
waterfalls and ancient caves. These trails also provide options for horseback riding, all terrain vehicles and mountain biking.
Mayan Legacy
Hidden within Belize’s forests are numerous ruins of palaces and temples from the
Maya civilisation. Discovering each of these is an outdoor adventure not only for history
buffs but for every vacation traveller. Some of the famous archaeological sites are
Caracol, Cerros, Lamanai, Actun Tunichil Muknal, Altun Ha, Cahal Pech, El Pilar, Nim Li Punit and Xunantunich.
Spectacular Limestone Caves
Scattered throughout Belize are magnificent underground caves and caverns
that provide the opportunity for an adventurous trip of discovery. Many of these caves
were used by the Maya and so venturing into the caves gives you another opportunity to see
the lifestyle of these ancient people. One of the popular attractions is the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave near the Cayo District which, when it was
discovered, was left untouched with human remains, and over 200 artefacts.
Wonderful Rivers
Belize has 20 major river systems and many smaller streams that provide outdoor
adventures for the kayak and canoe enthusiasts. These river systems
also provide the holiday traveller with the opportunity for rafting, fishing, river tubing, and many more vacation recreation activities.
Beautiful Beaches
As wondrous as the delights of the Belize rainforest are, for the vacation
traveller who wants some time on the beach, Belize has miles of absolutely beautiful
serene, white sand beaches that are kissed by the stunning blue waters of the Caribbean
Sea. You can choose from a variety of locations such as Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, or
on the mainland the Placencia Peninsula or Hopkins.
Scuba Diving
There are almost unlimited scuba diving options in Belize and the
underwater world of Belize is absolutely spectacular. The mysterious and colorful world
beneath the turquoise sea is a dream destination for persons who love scuba diving or
snorkeling. You can choose to dive on coral reefs, walls or shipwrecks. You can even dive
with Whale Sharks. Some of the
best diving spots include the world-known Outer Atolls - Lighthouse Reef, Turneffe Island
and Glover’s Reef. The crowning jewel of its scuba diving is however diving or snorkeling Belize world famous barrier reef.
World famous Barrier Reef
Belize is home to the second largest Barrier Reef in the world and hundreds
of magnificent coral islands. The reef is one of the most important ecosystems in the
world and has 70 coral species, endless numbers of brightly colored sponges and 500
species of fish. It is truly a natural wonder of the world.
Fishing
Belize is a fishing paradise as all types of fishing can be experienced
while on a Belize holiday. The estuaries, inlets and river mouths have tarpon, snook and
jack. The lagoons and flats are known for the bone fish, permit and barracuda. The coral
reefs support grouper, snapper, jack and barracuda while the deeper waters off the drop
off are home to sailfish, marlin, bonito and pompano.
Learn more about Belize by visiting our other Belize Pages:
