as ceramic jewel-
lery, pots and
bowls, along with
embroidered items,
including dresses,
belts, tablecloths and
tea towels, which
Local
wildlife
make for truly one-
of-a-kind Belizean
souvenirs.
Belize’s offshore
islands lure many trav-
ellers with their low-key
vibes and easy access to the
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Small
ferries transport water lovers from
the port of Belize City to popular
isles, including Ambergris Caye and
Caye Caulker, where the pace is
decidedly slower than the mainland.
Going barefoot on Caye Caulker is
the standard: Cars are rare and the
fastest transportation is by bicycle or
kayak, which is also the best way to
explore the island mangroves. Caye
Caulker’s main street brims with small
hotels, souvenir shops—to purchase
a neon “Un-Belizeable” t-shirt—and
casual beach bar-eateries.
Experienced divers focus on the
well-known Great Blue Hole, first
popularized by French marine
biologist and explorer Jacques
Cousteau. The hole, including its
surrounding reef, is now a UNESCO
World Heritage site and does
require some skill to navigate; less-
experienced divers and snorkellers
Vibrant colours on Caye Caulker
Sea turtle sighting in Hol Chan
should stick to the calm waters of the
reef. Boat tours take swimmers and
snorkellers to the Hol Chan Marine
Reserve to see stingrays, sharks,
seahorses, dolphins and the occasional
manatee and sea turtle.
Following an afternoon exploring
the depths of this pristine sea, it’s time
to kick back with a cold Belikin, the
national beer of Belize. Basking in the
sun and gazing at Belikin’s temple-
emblazoned label, it’s easy to under-
stand why this Mayan paradise is on
the verge of a tourism boom.
The
essenTials
GettinG there
WestJet offers seasonal
direct flights from
alberta to Belize city
LanGuaGe
a former British
colony, the majority of
Belizeans speak
english and spanish
CurrenCy
The Belize dollar, which
is worth about 60 cents
canadian
Weather
year-round average
temperature of
26 c, plus humidity;
sunscreen and insect
repellent are essential
updates
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AMA InsIder
WInTer 2017
37