With manatees and Maya sites, tarpons and toucans, reefs and rain forests, Belize is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
Blessed with the second-largest, thriving, barrier reef in the world, running the entire 185-mile length of the country, Belize is revered among seasoned scuba divers and fishermen who have plied its waters. A awellsprung adventure and discoveries, this eco-sensitive destination, where 60 percent of its land is preserved, makes it a haven for even the most complex traveler. Boasting 3,000-feet mountains, cascading waterfalls, and dense jungles, Belize is refuge for teeming wildlife, exotic plants and endangered species populations. Magnificent Ancient Mayan sites and diverse cultures add a finishing touch to the allurement of this English-speaking destination that only recently celebrated its Independence in 1981.The unspoiled nature of Belize makes for a great Tourism product, as visitors can be one with Mother Nature, in the capacity of fishermen, scuba divers, birders, hikers, honeymooners, nature lovers, history buffs and adventure travelers.
Wildlife sightings are par for the course in Belize, with manatees, monkeys, keel-billed toucans, green iguanas and Blue Morpho butterflies. Jaguars freely roam the forest underthe blanket of night, as over 570 bird species showcase their airborne, acrobatic tricks, and trophy-sized sport fish cruise along their own colorful underwater paradise. Kayak and canoe along the river banks, dotted with mangroves. Fishermen aiming for a grand slam, land a bonefish, tarpon and permit fish in the same day. Belize is host to the famed Blue Hole and three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere: Lighthouse Reef, Glover’s Reef and Turneffe Islands.
The Maya Legacy
Partially excavated Mayan sites are scattered throughout the country, and includes stepped pyramids, ball courts and carved temples. Archaeologists are to-date making major discoveries. The more spectacular of the sites include Caracol, Xunantunich, Altun Ha and Lamanai. Exploration is key, and the caving system provides a glimpse into the Mayan underworld. You can float inches away from ancient fire pits, artifacts and human skeleton remains, while tubing or canoeing in the pitch dark, with headlamps.
Popular Destinations:
While countless discoveries await, each district has a refreshing distinction and appeal to travelers. Popular destinations in Belize are mostly centered around three attractions: underwater, beach life and Mayan heritage.
Ambergris Caye sits off the north coast and is frequented by divers and snorkelers. Tours such as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, allow for snorkeling among sting rays, nurse sharks and huge colorful corals. The main town of Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, features cobble stone streets, art galleries and a few beach bars over the water. Golf carts serve as the main transportation.
The inland Cayo District, is located along the western border with Guatemala, and is the location for a tropical rain forest and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The town area of San Ignacio, Cayo District, is the base for many inland adventure tours like cavetubing.
The Placencia Peninsula, along the southern coast, has the most pristine stretch of beaches throughout the country and is a gateway to the offshore cayes and atolls. City slickers can enjoy Old Belize, located 5 milles up the George Price Highway, a cultural and historical center opened in 2005. The 45-minute tour is an interactive exhibition highlighting the country’s multicultural heritage, its industry and its landscapes.
Belize City
Calypso Bar at the Princess Hotel and Casino, ph: 223-7162.
Club Elite at the Princess Hotel and Casino is a convenient location
Radisson Happy Hour, ph: 223-333, www.fortgeorgebelize.com
Bird’s Isle Restaurant – ph: 207-6500, Albert Street. Thursdays 8:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. is karaoke night & live music.
Riverside Tavern, ph: 223-5640, 2 Mapp Street
Tinto Y Blanco, ph: 223-4700, 13 Cork St, Fort George
Thirsty Thursday, ph: 223-1677, 164 Barrack Road, is a popular pre-party joint with a savory menu and breezy patio overlooking the ocean.
Six Lounge, ph: 223-2941, Coney Drive
One Barrel Bar, Northern Highway
Tropicana Bar, Fort Street
Tropicolada Bar, Fort Street
Cayo
Capello’s Up the Hill Bar and Grill is a new and popular Bar and Grill in Cayo. Offering an 8 hour happy hour! (11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.)
Mi Cocina is also a great bar choice for friends. It boasts a nice overview of the town, pool table, popular DJs.
Meluchi’s – Hosts event nights weekly. Burger eating contests, drinking contests, movie nights, teacher happy hours, half price drink nights, and they aren’t letting up. They also have a restaurant with great food and appetizers, and the Grave Yard Lounge rocks! Karaoke machine, and more!
Biggy is a natural at running a business, and it shows. They are located across the street from Sacred Heart, overlooking the grave yard.
Club Rehab at Piache’s – every Thursday is Thirsty Thursday. and they basically offer happy hour. Great club choice to start or end the night at (opens from 4:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.). Good music, and you can request songs most of the time too.
Remo’s Roadhouse – An ex-pats haven, with good conversation and stories by the owner. The Roadhouse Grill is top notch too: try the hot dogs or Buffalo wings while watching the game! Located in Bullet Tree Falls, 3 miles from downtown.
Mr. Greedy’s – Boasts tasty pizzas, and burgers. Their Happy Hour is half price on local rum drinks. Great bar to catch up with friends.
Orleanito’s – can be found downtown, near where the buses drop off, in Centennial Park. They have good drinks, and some decent food.
La Oficina – previously Mariana’s – Is great for meeting new friends. They have indoor seating, and an enclosed patio and bar area on the street. Located on Bullet Tree Road and Joseph Andrews Drive.
Benque Rock just re-opened on the 19th of February! They are changing their name to Benque Vibes.
Misty Mountain – Make their own liqueurs. They have a great jungle atmosphere. Located just outside of Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve. Try their Caye-Lua, Coco-Lua, or Coconut Rum, and you’ll want to buy a case.
Blue Angels – A Reggaton and Hip Hop dominated club. Attracts the younger crowd. Located on Hudson street. Food vendors often sell tasty foods out front. Happy Hour is 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
The Princess Casino – Located next to the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. Karaoke Thursdays are quite popular there. The Perla Bar and Grill have delicious foods. They are open until the late mornings.
Orange Walk
Club Hi5
Butchys night club. Located on the Belize-Corozal Rd.
La Palapa Bar & Grill. Located on the Belize-Corozal Rd.
La Enramada. Located on the Belize-Corozal Rd.
Corozal
Cactus Plaza
Jamrock Club
Primos
Tony’ Inn & Beach Resort
Corozal Bay Inn
Princess Casino & Golden Princess, ph: 423-7652/423-7680
San Pedro
Pirate Treasure Restaurant & Bar
Jaguars, www.jaguarstempleclub.com. Located across the street from Big Daddy’s is Jaguar’s Temple. San Pedro’s biggest dance club. Opens on weekends until 4:00 a.m., located on Barrier Reef Drive & Pelican St., San Pedro. Ph: 226-4077, Hours: open Thus. – Sat.
Fido’s – Under a giant thatch palapa, Fido’s is favorite. Located on Barrier Reef Drive, ph: 226-3176
Pier Lounge
Road kill bar
Crazy Canucks
BC’s Beach Bar – is a popular seafront bar at the south edge of town that hosts all-you-can-eat barbecues on Sunday afternoon, ph: 226-3289
Big Daddy’s – This spot is the scene of much of the action in downtown San Pedro. It’s right on the water, and there’s a regular beachside barbecue. Located on Barrier Reef Drive,ph: 604-1425
Palapa Bar and Grill – Located on Beachfront, North Ambergris, about 1 1/2 mi (3 km) north of the bridge, San Pedro. The setting and festive atmosphere at this thatch-roof bar are what draws the crowds. The breezy two-story palapa at the end of a pier, about 1/2 mi (1 km) north of the bridge, has stunning views of the sea and reef by day. By night, the colorful bar lighting gives a festive mood. Ph: 206-2101 website: www.palapabarandgrill.com
Tackle Box Review – The motto “burgers-and-beer” waterfront spot is “Lunch all day—party all night.” On Caye Caulker Water Taxi pier, San Pedro, ph: 226-4313
Wet Willy’s is a wood-paneled, thatch-roof bar at the end of 340-ft. pier. There’s indoor and outdoor seating, a grill that serves bar food like burgers, and live music some nights, ph: 226-4136
Caye Caulker
I&I Reggae Bar – Drinking a Belikin or two as you enjoy the reggae beats. Swings hang from the ceiling, replacing bar stools, on the first floor, and the top floor has hammocks and a thatch roof. The second floor is for dancing. There’s really nothing else like this three-story bar in Belize. South of public pier-go south on Front St. to dead end, then turn right, Middle St. at Luciano Reyes St., Caye Caulker.
Lazy Lizard – “Sunny place for shady people” is the slogan of the Lazy Lizard. During the day you can swim at the Split and then cool off with some Belikins on the barstools at the Lizard, which sits right at the edge of the water at the northernmost tip of the island. Sunsets are amazing here. The Lazy Lizard is usually open very late. Located at the Split, Caye Caulker, ph: 623-1454
Oceanside
For live music, your best bet is Oceanside on weekends. Other nights, you can enjoy karaoke and dance music. Located on Front St. at Pasero St., Caye Caulker, ph: 226-0233
Placencia
Barefoot Beach Bar. This roadside bar is always busy. Expect lots of rum drinks and plenty of cold beer, along with bar food. Live music Thursday to Sunday nights. Ph: 523-3515
Eclipse Entertainment Club. Placencia’s only real nightclub has live entertainment and a DJ on weekends. There’s an outdoor dance floor. Cover charge of BZ$10-$20. Ph: 523-3288
J-Byrds Bar – attracts a fairly hard-drinking crowd, and there’s a dance party on Friday nights. Ph: 523-3412
Tipsy Tuna – The popular Tipsy Tuna has an inside sports bar and an open air beach bar. There’s live music some weekend nights, and you can always shoot pool or watch sports on a big-screen TV. There’s karaoke some nights and Garifuna drumming occasionally. Located on the Sidewalk near the beach, Placencia Village., ph: 523-3089., website: www.tipsytunabelize.com
American Airlines. Continental Airlines. Delta Airlines. TACA. US Airways.
AIRPORTS: Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport – BZE – is 9 mls from Belize City and about 52 miles from Belmopan City, the capital.
All visitors are required to have a current passport. Nationals of some countries require a visa, however, U.S. citizens, Canadians, and Nationals of EEC member nations do not require visas.
With so many interests and activities to pursue, Belize is a great place for a safe family vacation regardless of age. Throughout the country, you’ll find spectacular natural attractions that remain practically unchanged from our pioneer days.
– Green Travel
– Wedding/Honeymoon
– Family and Student Travel
– Diving and Snorkeling
– Fishing
– Couples/Romance
– Birding
– Volunteer and Faith-Based Travel
– Maya sites like: Altun Ha, Caracol, Lubaantun, Santa Rita, Cerros, Lamanai & Nim Li Punit, Xunantunich
– Belmopan, Belize City, Corozal District, Orange Walk District, Cayo District, Stann Creek District, Toledo District, Placencia Peninsula, Ambergris San Pedro Caye, and Caye Caulker.
– Landmarks: the swinging bridge of Belize City. St. John’s Cathedral, the Great Barrier Reef, Mountain Pine Ridge, Ambergris Caye & Placencia Resort area.
– Must see: Rain forests on safaris, Belize Zoo, Cockscomb Basin, Wildlife Sanctuary, Bermudian Landing Community Baboon Sanctuary, Great Blue Hole, Half Moon Caye Monument, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Laughing Bird Caye, Blue Hole National Park, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Five Blues Lake, and Guanacaste Park.
Couples getting married must reside in Belize for at least three (3) days prior submitting an application for marriage license.
Marriage license application forms can be obtained from General Registry, Supreme Court Building, Belize City or the Attorney General Office, Belmopan. Forms must be completed and signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace (J.P.). Completed forms along with the following must be presented to General Registry or Attorney General:
Proof of Citizenship in the form of a Passport or an original birth certificate with a raised seal or a copy signed by a notary public, including father’s name
Photocopies of your passport showing your picture and date of entry into Belize
Proof of Marital status, if widowed a death decree, if divorced, a divorce decree
Two witnesses needed at the time of the marriage ceremony.
Consent from a parent if either party is under 18 years of age.
Marriage license fee (US $100) plus US $5 administration fee.
A blood test is NOT required.
A marriage ceremony can be performed by a priest or pastor, a senior Justice of the Peace if done in the Magistrate’s Court, the Registrar General and a Deputy Registrar General if done at the Registry Department.
For more information you can contact the Registrar General’s office by fax at 501-227-0085 or phone at 501-227-2053. Also please visit our website www.belizeweddings.com for more information.
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