Total stay in Belize: 1 - 25 May
|
Fast Facts
Capital: Belize City
Population: 314 275
Known for: Diving in the second largest reef in the world, that Madonna song "La Isla Bonita"
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize |
Flag
 |
 |
Arriving Belize
1 May
Boarder-crossing from Mexico to Belize was pretty straight forward. Between those countries, we passed through the Corozal Commercial Tax-Free Zone.
We've heard that Belize City wasn't an attractive place to stay, thus we drove directly from bus station to boat terminal. After 45 min ride by speed boat we arrived in Caye Caulker Island, mainly to dive and snorkel and plan next destination. Belize is known for the magnificent reef stretching all the way from Cancun in Mexico to Honduras (second largest reef after Great Barrier Reef in Australia).
Caye Caulker Island
1-25 May
The Island is tiny with approx 1600 inhabitants. It's actually two islands, because Hurricane Hattie carved The Split through the island and it is now a popular swimming area. On the streets of Caye Caulker you will find golf cars, iguanas, dogs sleeping, vendors selling fresh fruit, juices, cakes, BBQ shrimps and more.
We made good friends with the owner (Salvador) of a local bar I & I Bar, his family and friends, where we hang out almost every day.
They introduced us to Coconut Apple. This is the heart of a coconut tree, it's a coconut fruit, but inside it has a spongy, white texture and tastes slightly as a coconut but looks like a solid apple.
Shortly after arrival, Per-Ove got an ear infection and couldn't do any water activities, thus we waited until he fully recovered.
Diving in The Great Blue Hole
19 May
Per-Ove dived the famous Great Blue Hole (145 m deep and about 400 m wide). Thousands of years ago this was a massive cave system that collapsed - so when you dive you will see overhangs and pinnacles in a quite ambient environment. There were plenty of sharks among other big fish. We dived down to 40 meters. It was easy to drop too far down. You might encounter nitrogen narcosis affecting your concentration a bit down there - but just relax, watch you gages and enjoy it.
The Aquarium at Long Key was also on the menu.
Satellite view
View Larger Map
Bird-view
Check out this page for more information about the Great Blue Hole: http://ambergriscaye.com/pages/town/greatbluehole.html
Full moon party at Driftwood
20 May
The other side of the island, north of the Split is an isolating place, where a German guy (Peter) opened a tiny resort, Driftwood in a quite, natural settings. He arranges full moon parties with shuttle from the main island as well as a party every Sunday. This time he had a live band playing Garifuna music and Punta Rock.
Diving at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley
22 May
Per-Ove did a 2 tank dive in Hol Chan Marine Reserve (Tackle Box). Said to be one of the best diving places in Belize. It was definitely a great dive. Check out the pictures in the Belize photo collection (link below).
Video from the dive
Snorkeling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve
23 May
We did one-day snorkeling trip to Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley and Coral Garden. We had close encounter with sharks, rays, turtles and a huge Grouper.
For more info on The Hol Chan Marine Reserve click here: http://www.holchanbelize.org/
Video when snorkeling in Hol Chan
Departure
25 May
We caught a 7 am boat to Belize City and continued by bus for 5 hrs to Flores in Guatemala.
The Belize photo collection: http://www.flickr.com/photos/perove/collections/72157605364603478/
Map of Belize
View Larger Map