5 Can’t Miss Things To Do In Belize

WELCOME TO SPLASH DIVE CENTER

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Belize Scuba Diving in Placencia, Paradise Both Above and Below

Arranging and planning your Belize scuba diving packages and snorkeling trips in Placencia, Southern Belize, has never been easier or more fun with Splash Dive Centre. We have designed this website to give you information on Placencia, the Belize Whale sharks and the Barrier Reef dive sites, and about us and our commitment to Placencia, Belize dive sites and the community. Splash Dive Centre can arrange snorkel trips, PADI courses, dive packages, whale shark tours and trips, inland adventure tours, accommodation and cater to single divers, families and group bookings. Please enjoy browsing through our website and for specific questions feel free to contact us.

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Belize Whale sharks & Scuba diving

Whale Sharks, Blue Hole, Barrier Reef, Customized Belize Scuba Diving Packages and Accommodation in Placencia.

Although Belize is one of the smallest countries in Central America, it has the second largest Barrier reef system in the world, and the largest in the Western hemisphere with wonderful snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.  There is fantastic scuba diving and snorkeling in the inner cayes, the barrier reef, the three atolls, particularly the more remote Glovers Reef Atoll, the famous blue hole and the whale sharks season at Gladden Spit.

Belize Whale Shark diving packages at Gladden Spit have long been a very popular scuba and snorkel destination.

As Belize has grown in popularity, development has occurred in the North of the country, yet Placencia still remains laid back, and with an authentic community offering the highest standards of service. When you stay in Placencia, you’ll feel a part of the community and have access to the best scuba diving packages Belize has to offer.  Placencia village has retained it’s natural and authentic charm and non-divers can relax on the beautiful beaches or take one of the many inland tours that are available.

Some of the most pristine reef systems are in Southern Belize, and Gladden Spit the world famous Whale shark feeding site is just a short boat ride away, and day and overnight trip excursions to the famous Blue Hole can be run out of Placencia, so come and discover the best scuba/snorkeling, and an authentic community in Placencia with the real Belize, both below and above the water.

Whale shark Belize scuba diving packages

We have put together the ‘Big 6’ scuba diving packages, that deliver the very best of what Belize has to offer a scuba diver. Please read each package to see what is included, and there are links to the dive sites and sections of the Belize Barrier Reef you will get to scuba dive on;

Whilst there may not be the opportunity for you to see every section of Belize in each scuba diving package, we can guarantee you will want to come back for more!!!!!  With great visibility on the reefs all year round, due to their distance from the shoreline, the diving is a photographers delight and with so many sites to choose from you’ll feel you’ve truly escaped the crowds which in many popular resort destinations is a rare luxury.

Splash Dive Center work with several different guest houses, hotels, apartments, villas and resorts in the village of Placencia and up the peninsula for our Belize Barrier Reef dive and snorkeling tour packages.  We also work with resorts on Ambergris Caye for customers who want to dive the reef and the Belize Blue Hole from San Pedro. The accommodation providers we work with range from nice clean economy rooms, to high end luxury style apartments and all inclusive beach front resorts.  We can also arrange house rentals for groups.

Many of our guests enjoy staying in the small and friendly village of Placencia, and eating out ‘a-la-carte’ as opposed to being confined to an all-inclusive resort. You’re never more than a 10 minute walk from anywhere in Placencia, and there are many cafes and restaurants selling local seafood’s, and international cuisine. There are a few friendly bars where the locals and tourists hang out and enjoy sunset beers.  You can find souvenirs at boutique gift shops.

For guests who prefer private beach front accommodation then the apartments and resorts of Miramar, Laru Beya and Chabil Mar Villas are a short bicycle ride, or taxi from the village of Placencia.  Splash Dive Center will pick you up each day for your dive/snorkel trip or inland adventure tour..

Economy

Mid range

  • Los Porticos  Villas   Just outside the north end of Placencia Village
  • Laru Beya A few miles north of Placencia Village
  • Miramar Apartments Placencia village, beach front
  • Mayan Princess Ambergris Caye, sea view

High end/Luxury

So whether your looking an economy package of barrier reef scuba diving packages and snorkeling, or specifically for Belize’s Whale shark diving, please contact our staff for specific questions about your scuba dive package for customization.Belize-Barrier-Reef-Beats-Endanger-List.jpg

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Red Bank Village and the Scarlet Macaw Tour Belize

Red Bank Village and the Scarlet Macaw Tour

Despite their name, scarlet macaws are not entirely red (or scarlet) colored. Instead, these birds are adorned with brilliantly hued feathers of red, yellow, and blue. Related to parrots, scarlet macaws are very swift fliers and often travel in pairs or small groups.

The species of scarlet macaws found in Belize are ara macao cyanoptera and can be found across Central America as far south as Costa Rica. Every December, they leave their homes in Chiquibul National Park in search of fruits which grow in abundance in and around the village of Red Bank in southern Belize.

Red Bank Village and the Scarlet Macaw Tour 

It is estimated that fewer than 250 scarlet macaws still exist in Belize, and most of these can be found in Red Bank. Despite a ban on poaching, scarlet macaws are a very slow-growing species and so seeing these magnificently plumed birds is truly a spectacular sight as they gather to feed along the river banks. Other birds that can be seen in the area include parrots, toucans, and herons, making a visit to Red Bank a mandatory stop for bird watchers.

Where in Belize Is Red Bank Located? 

Red Bank is a small, predominately Maya village located in Stann Creek District just a short distance from Toledo District in southeastern Belize. Red Bank is located a few miles south of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Best Time To Do This Tour

The scarlet macaws move across Belize according to seasonal requirements. Generally, scarlet macaws arrive at the lower elevations in and around Red Bank in December and stay until March before heading to the Chiquibul National Park for the breeding season. The prime viewing time to see these birds is March.

How to Get to Red Bank Village 

The village of Red Bank is located in Stann Creek District just a mile from Toledo District in southeastern Belize. The village is located 39 miles southeast of Belmopan and 37 miles west of Placencia just a few miles off the Southern Highway.

The Best Way to Experience the Scarlet Macaw Tour 

The density of the wilderness around the village and the relatively small number of scarlet macaws make hiring a professional guide mandatory. Be sure to bring along insect repellant, hiking boots, and a long-sleeved shirt and pants. Of course, don’t forget your binoculars and a camera! Most tours also include a homecooked meal of traditional Maya fare in the village.

Why Visit Belize in March 2020

With fantastic weather, Belize in March is at the top of tourist season, with countless opportunities to fish, dive, snorkel, sail, and explore the lush landscape of tropical rainforests, mountain peaks, and rich fertile plains. March is also when many high-energy festivals and celebrations occur throughout the country, making it the perfect time to visit the tropical paradise of Belize.

Instead of shivering through another month of winter in the United States and Canada, why not come on down to Belize and relax under the warm sunny rays of a tropical sun? Or do one of the following activities or tours:

  • Visit Mayan Ruins – Once the beating heart of the ancient Mayan empire, Belize is home to dozens of amazing ruined cities, including huge stone pyramids that visitors can climb and explore.
  • Cave Tubing – Tubing down a river has a special twist in Belize, where visitors can ride their inner tubes through an exciting series of spooky caves.
  • Zip Line – Few experiences can compare to swinging down a zip line high above the canopy of a lush tropical rainforest.
  • Swimming in the Mopan and Macal Rivers – Few activities will warm your spirit as splashing in the lovely waters of the gorgeous Mopan or Macal River.

Belize Events and Festivals in March

  • La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge – On several consecutive days, canoeists from around the country and region make their way via the Macal and Belize Rivers from the town of San Ignacio in the west of Belize to the biggest metropolis in the east, Belize City.
  • Baron Bliss Day – A special holiday unique to Belize, celebrating one of the country’s national heroes. A regatta is held every year near the lighthouse outside of Belize City where Baron Henry Edward Ernest Victor Bliss is buried. Sailboat and horse races vie for kite-flying competitions in honor of Belize’s great benefactor.

Top Things to Do and See in March

Placencia Village

  • Visit the amazing ATM cave in Cayo District
  • Head over the border to nearby Guatemala to explore the ruins of the legendary Mayan city of Tikal
  • Work on your tan
  • Go snorkeling or scuba diving with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the deep
  • Explore the ruins of the lost Mayan cities of Xunantunich or Cahal Pech
  • Relax on the beach and splash in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea

What is the Weather Like in March

The weather in Belize in March is almost perfect, with long, sunny days and refreshing breezes at night. Rainfall is extremely rare, and daytime temps average around 83F (28C). Nights are pleasantly cool, with offshore breezes bringing the temperature to a comfortable average of 74F (23C). Shorts, sandals, and a T-shirt, with perhaps a light jacket at night, are all the clothing you’ll need when visiting Belize in March.

Belize in March 2024: Where to Go and What to Do

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Belize: One Week, 7 Must-Dos

Tucked just below the Yucatan Peninsula is the stunning jewel of Belize. With rainforests teaming with birds, striking ancient Mayan ruins and the world’s second-longest barrier reef, Belize boasts a dizzying array of activities and sites that could keep one busy for a year. If you are like most, however, you will only have seven vacation days. Here’s a list of must-do activities for that one week in Belize.

1. Dive or Snorkel the Barrier Reef!

At 185 miles long, the Belize Barrier Reef is the longest reef in the Western Hemisphere. Off Belize’s southern coast is the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, the largest marine reserve in the country where you can spot fevers of eagle rays and schools of Creole wrasse.   Just beyond the barrier reef lie 3 of the Caribbean’s 4 atolls.

Snorkeling the Southern Barrier Reef

Glover’s Reef Atoll is a UNESCO World Heritage site full of staghorn coral and swim-throughs, as well critical grouper spawning grounds. Made famous by Jaques Cousteau is the Blue Hole on Lighthouse Reef Atoll. This trip typically involves a commitment of a 2-3 hour boat ride to see the collapsed cave that is 1000 feet across and 400 feet deep surrounded by a ring of coral. Regardless of where you go, be sure that you choose a reputable dive and snorkel facility.

2. Explore a Cave!

Spotting formations while cave tubing

With its limestone substructure, Belize is ideal for spelunking. Here it’s the real deal. The only lights in these subterranean mazes are the ones on your helmets.   Guides lead you past massive stalactites, stalagmites and crystalized flow formations. Caves were sacred ceremonial sites for the ancient Maya, who believed they were the entrance to “Xibalba” the Mayan underworld. To this day pottery chards and skeletal remains are found in many of Belize’s cave systems. Check out St. Herman’s Cave along the Hummingbird Highway or the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a.k.a. Crystal Maiden Cave, in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. For the more adventurous, try cave tubing! Imagine floating down an underground river in the comfort of your own inner tube – with only your headlamp lighting the way.

3. Try Birding!

Juvenile Chachalaca

Never been a birder? After a trip to Belize, you will be! Belize is home to 600+ species of birdsranging from the colorful national bird, the keel-billed toucan, to statuesque jabiru storks to raucous parrots. Along the coasts and cayes you’ll find sand pipers darting in the tides, pelicans scooping up fish and boobie and frigate colonies clinging to mangroves. In the coastal savannahs are a variety of wading birds including roseate spoonbills, wood storks and tiger herons. In the dense mountainous rainforests are red-capped manakins, jacamars, blue-gray tanagers and more. Belize is the type of place where you become a birder, and if you already are one, it’s the place where you’ll add many new birds to your life list!

4. Go back in time with spectacular Mayan Ruins!

El Castillo at Xunantunich

For two millennia Belize was at the heart of the ancient Maya world. Throughout the country are hundreds of Mayan sites, some well excavated, some swallowed by the jungle. Every visit to Belize should include visiting at least one ancient Mayan ruin!

Near the western border is Xunantunich, whose main pyramid has impressive hieroglyph friezes and views for miles over the Maya lowland. Deep in the Maya mountains is Caracol, the sprawling city-state that once defeated Tikal.

Mayan hieroglyphs on pyramid

In the south are several important sites, including Nim Li Punit and Lubaantun. Walk amongst ancient Mayan temples and feel yourself transported to a long lost civilization.

 

5. Swim in a Jungle Waterfall!

Swimming at Antelope Falls

No trip to paradise can be complete without a refreshing plunge in a rainforest waterfall pool! When that paradise is Belize, the only question is which waterfall you’ll choose! At the world’s only jaguar preserve, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, there are several waterfalls you can hike to.

In Mayflower National Park a steep climb to Antelope Falls is rewarded with a well-deserved swim in a pool above the main falls AND a fabulous lookout to the Caribbean Sea on the way down. Elsewhere in Belize, there is no shortage of secluded waterfalls to discover – don’t leave without taking a dip!

6. Zipline Through the Rainforest Canopy!

Ziplining at Bocawina

A rush like no other!   Try ziplining through the rainforest canopy past towering trees and curious birds, often with the roar of howler monkeys in the background. With extremely safe equipment and experienced guides, almost all ages are able to experience this thrill.

7. Hang with the Locals!

One of the great things about Belize is it is a cultural mixing bowl. Here you can make chocolate with Mayas and in Garifuna communities like Hopkins, catch the beat at a local drumming center.   The cuisine combines elements of these cultures, along with Creole, Mestizo, East Indian and even Chinese. And if you see a horse and buggy on the road, you’ve likely encountered a Mennonite. The best part is that English is the official language of Belize and the locals are very friendly. So, grab a Belikin beer and make some new friends.

 

 

 

 

With only one week, you’ll be busy with the activities above. If you have some extra time, there are a few more adventures you might squeeze in:

  • Stargazing! With little light pollution in Belize, the Milky Way is yours.   If you look carefully, you can even see the Southern Cross constellation, not visible in most Northern Hemisphere skies.
  • Jungle horseback riding with Outback Trails through citrus orchards and into the jungle.
  • Spotting howler monkeys on a Monkey River Tour.
  • Taking a Garifuna or Mayan cooking class.

 

Whatever you do on your trip to Belize, be sure to spend some time swaying in a hammock on the beach. And then come back for more!

8 reasons Belize should be on your radar

From the verdant jungles to the I-can’t-believe-these blues of the coast, Belize is a small Central American nation that packs a punch for those looking for an affordable paradise. We’ve compiled a list of reasons why you need to drop everything right now and book a trip.

A plane flies over Goff's Caye Island in Belize © Slow Images / Getty Images
A plane flies over Goff’s Caye Island in Belize © Slow Images / Getty Images

It’s affordable and easier to get to than ever before

Thanks to new flight routes through Dallas and Houston, there are now 8 U.S. cities that fly direct into Belize’s Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE); most flying into Belize from outside the U.S. will still need to connect through one of the eight cities, such as Atlanta, Newark, or Los Angeles. There are also flights on Avianca, Copa and TACA that originate from a select few cities in Central America.

Once on the ground in Belize, it’s a quick, inexpensive flight on one of the local airlines to your preferred destination. Internal flights run often — but on island time – so be prepared and adaptable and make sure you leave plenty of time for your connections. When you arrive, you’ll be able to use US dollars at a rate of two Belize dollars to one US; stores and restaurants are usually pretty lax about giving you back American money if you’re on your way out of the country, saving a stop at a currency exchange.

It’s about as untouched as a place can be these days

Belize might be best known as a place where ex-pats from the US and Canada go to live out their retirement, but as you fly over the lush landscape on your way in, you’ll be captivated by the serene skyline and begin to understand why. There are no chains of any kind, save for one hotel in Belize City, and it’s incredibly easy to slip into the slow ways of this melting pot nation. Small towns and pockets of activity will make you feel like you’re the only person to ever have stumbled upon them, with most businesses, such as the Omar’s Creole Grub in Placencia and the high-class resort Hamanasi in Hopkins, run locally.

It’s incredibly culturally diverse

Mennonites mingle among Maya descendants, and Spanish can be heard mixing together with Kriol (Belizean Creole) and the native language of Garifuna. The country was settled by the British in the mid-1800s and was called British Honduras until the middle of the 20th century, and today you’ll see a few leftovers of colonial rule – English is the official language, and the country is home to a large Protestant population; you can get a good grasp of what the local culture is like by visiting the Lebeha Drumming Center for a traditional dancing and drumming session.

A Mennonite farmer sells produce to a restaurant owner in Sarteneja, Belize © Margie Politzer / Getty Images
A Mennonite farmer sells produce to a restaurant owner in Sarteneja, Belize © Margie Politzer / Getty Images

It’s an outdoor junkie’s paradise

Move over, Costa Rica, because Belizeans also practice pura vida, though it’s not the national slogan. (Unofficially, you might hear ‘You better Belize it!’ more than once.) You can rappel through the jungle, go caving through the largest cave system in Central America, and spot toucans in the canopy. Many activities can be arranged through your accommodations; take flight on Belize’s longest zipline with Bocawina Rainforest Resort (bocawina.com) or head out for some birdwatching with Ramon’s in San Pedro (ramons.com).

It has some of the best marine life in the world

Divers and snorkelers should be ready to gear up, because this is one of the most revered spots on earth for marine life. Serious divers will want to hit up sites such as the Great Blue Hole, best done in conjunction with professionals from a place like the Belize Pro Dive Center. Those who prefer to skim the surface and snorkel instead will be hard-pressed to find a better spot to see fan coral, parrotfish and horse-eyed jacks than at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, off the coast of Ambergis Caye. An outfitter like Seaduced by Belize can offer a full or half day of catamaran sailing, a guided, in-water tour of Hol Chan’s reef and a thrilling time at Shark Ray Alley, where both bull sharks and sting rays can be spotted.

There’s something for history buffs, too

Belize boasts the largest number of ancient Maya ruins in Central America, and they run the gamut from the easily accessible Altun Ha, the closest to Belize City, to more remote structures such as Nim Li Punit in the south and Lamanai to the north. The most well-known and largest of the ruins in Belize is Caracol, a 55 square-mile city that was once one of the most powerful cities in the Maya world. The tallest pyramid within Caracol is Caana, which, at about 140 feet, is still the tallest man-made building in Belize.

Visitors climb to the top of the Maya ruins in Lamanai, Belize © Patrick J Endres - AlaskaPhotoGraphics / Getty Images
Visitors climb to the top of the Maya ruins in Lamanai, Belize © Patrick J Endres – AlaskaPhotoGraphics / Getty Images

There’s an up-and-coming culinary scene

Those arriving with low expectations regarding Belizean food might be stunned by the complexity of dishes at establishments such as Victoria House in San Pedro and Limilita, a pop-up restaurant at Itz’ana (itzanabelize.com), a luxury resort opening at the end of this year. The success of both of these restaurants is in part to chef Mara Jernigan, who moved from Vancouver several years ago to help train local chefs to use native ingredients in new and inventive ways, resulting in dishes such as cucumber and watermelon granite with wild Belize shrimp and oven-roasted Cayo chicken leg. Belizean staples like fry jacks and conch are readily available as well, the latter grilled to perfection at Maya Beach Bistro (mayabeachhotel.com) in Placencia and served with a leek flan.

For those looking for more traditional meals, try Omar’s Creole Grub in Placencia, where simple dishes such as eggs and fry jacks or coconut shrimp curry are on offer. Estel’s Dine by the Sea in San Pedro on Ambergis Caye in another local favorite, serving up tasty dishes such as breakfast burritos and Mayan eggs with fry jacks and beans; you’ll be overwhelmed at the extensive chalkboard menu, but rest assured it’s all fresh and hearty.

People sit on the small beach outside the Lazy Lizard bar © Alex Robinson / Getty Images
People sit on the small beach outside the Lazy Lizard bar © Alex Robinson / Getty Images

It’s a great place to do literally nothing

If you find yourself in Caye Caulker like many visitors do, you will be rewarded with an edict to ‘go slow’ and do nothing. Hang under a palm tree, kayak around the tie-dye blue waters, drink rum punch or wander one of the three streets on this car-less island. Genial Rastafarians might chase you down, asking if you want to buy some of their wares, but that’ll be the most stressful thing that happens to you all day here. If an escape to paradise is what you are after, then hightail it to Caye Caulker now.

Lauren Finney traveled to Belize with support from the Belize Tourism Board (travelbelize.org). Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage. 

The San Ignacio, Belize Market

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Located on the banks of the Macal River, the market in San Ignacio is a truly unique opportunity to experience Belizean life. Farmers, traders, and vendors from all walks of Belizean life gather together to sell their wares. Don’t be surprised to hear a blend of German, English, Spanish, Creole and the Mayan tongue as everyone from Mennonite farmers to indigenous craftsmen use the San Ignacio Market to sell their delicious local fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, and handmade clothing.

Just beyond the market lies the heart of San Ignacio town, filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. A trip to the market followed by additional shopping or a coffee in town is the perfect way to experience local color and to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and delicious local foods.

Why you have to visit the San Ignacio Market

Cayo District is home to a number of different local cultures, including old rite Mennonites who moved to Belize from Europe, indigneous Maya, native Creole peoples, and Spanish-speaking Mestizos. These groups use the Saturday market in San Ignacio as a meeting place, exchanging gossip and news while selling their homemade goods. A trip to the market gives visitors a chance to see Belize at its best, a harmonious blend of different cultures and traditions all on display in one colorful and lively marketplace setting.

Where in Belize is it located?

The market is located in the town of San Ignacio in Cayo District in western Belize. The market can be reached by a landing on the Macal River or inland on Savannah Street across from the main soccer/football stadium in town.

When is the Best Time to Visit the San Ignacio Market?

Even on national holidays, the San Ignacio Market is open seven days a week from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm. The busiest day is Saturday, making it the ideal time to visit.

Best way to get to The San Ignacio Market

Visitors can arrive at the market via canoe or other watercraft directly at a marked landing as the market is situated just adjacent to the banks of the Macal River. Visitors coming from overland will easily be able to spot the market as it is right next to the football stadium. The official address for the market is Savannah Street in San Ignacio.

Best way to experience The San Ignacio Market

Bring your camera, as there will be plenty of amazing wares and sights on display at this special exhibition of Belizean culture. Traders, farmers, and vendors come from a wide variety of disparate locations in Cayo District to meet and catch up at the market as well as sell their goods. Bring plenty of spending cash as handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and art is on sale as well as unique traditional medicinal remedies, homemade condiments, and tropical plants.

The San Ignacio Market

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Top 3: Los hoteles más románticos de Centroamérica

Destination Belize Beyond The Pages

CHAA CREEK – A PIONEER IN ADVENTURE TRAVEL TO BELIZE SINCE 1981 http://www.chaacreek.com

Wondering where to stay in Belize? Grand Caribe Belize truly has a place for everyone. From spacious Caribbean-themed, kid-friendly resort condos, to luxurious beachfront walkouts or our cozy studios, you’ll find the perfect place to stay—all with outstanding beach and pool access. https://www.grandcaribebelize.com

 

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