These 20 facts, also make the 20+ reasons why you should really visit Belize, and fast!

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Belize – Central America or the Caribbean?

Where is Belize?

With one foot in the Central American jungles and the other in the Caribbean Sea, little Belize packs a serious punch.

With its exotic islands, rich Caribbean culture, amazing local food, fresh seafood, and a plethora of activities.

My time there was magical and I fell in love with this country,! It feels much less Latin American and much more like a Caribbean paradise!

Belize on the map

The map of Central America Below should help with identifying the where!

It is only a 2-hour flight from Miami.

Tip: Belize can easily be combined with a vacation in the US.

Personally, I combined NYC, Miami, Belize, Honduras, and Costa Rica on a 1-month long trip. Alternatively, you can combine it with another Caribbean island Destination.

20 Belize Fun Facts

1. It is an English Speaking Country – Belize Fun Facts

Belize is the only country in Central America that has English as its official language instead of Spanish.

This is because Belize was a British Colony until 1964 when it was granted its independence.

The name then settled to Belize rather than the ”British Honduras” as it was previously known.

However, because the nation has such a diverse culture, more than 90% of the population can read, write and speak three languages: English, Spanish, and Creole.

2. You get a lot for your buck! – Belize Currency

The Currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar which holds to 2 Belize dollars = 1 US dollar. So you get quite a lot for your buck!

3. It is packed with Tropical Islands – Things to Do in Belize

Belize has a total of 450 islands called ”Cayes” – pronounced ”keys”.

In these little paradisaical islands, you can spend your day kayaking, sunbathing, and windsurfing.

You should also indulge in paddleboarding, swimming, or fishing.

Combine this with delicious Belizean food: little barbecue beach huts that cook freshly caught lobster and a variety of seafood right in front of your eyes and you’ve got THE perfect tropical vacation.

The most popular islands are the vibrant and energetic Ambergris Caye and the laid-back Caye Caulker that I personally fell in love with!

Tobacco Caye, Laughing Bird Caye, and St Georges Caye are just three of the many other islands Belize has to offer.

4. It’s a small country, with a hell of a punch!

A relatively small country- Belize only has 300,000 inhabitants. In fact, it has the Lowest Population Density In Central America.

This means fewer crowds and more incredible landscapes for all types of travelers!

5. Belize is the only Jaguar Reserve in the world.

Belize is the only country in the world with a sanctuary to preserve jaguars and pumas as well as other big cats reserves in the world.

This protected area is the Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve.

6. The second-largest barrier reef in the world -Things to Do in Belize

The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest Barrier Reef in the World – after Australia of course. Snorkeling and diving here are simply out of this world!

The marine life is rich and there are many diving and snorkeling sites to explore!

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to over 400 species of fish and an estimated 200 tiny islands – a pure paradise for scuba divers and snorkelers.

In Belize, you swim through translucent seas, a kaleidoscope of coral, fish, whale sharks, and turtles.

Paradise.

7. It is home of the ”Great Blue Hole” – A UNESCO Heritage Site.

Belize is home to the ”Great Blue Hole” – a true natural wonder and the biggest sinkhole in the world.

The Great Blue Hole is among the top 5 diving spots in the world and for good reason.

It is essentially a giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize, with a rounded shape and a depth of over 124m.

A diving opportunity for experienced divers only (Must have a minimum of 24 dives under your belt).

There, you can witness a dark cave with impressive stalactites as well as Caribbean Reef Sharks and sometimes bull and hammerhead sharks.

I am going straight back to Belize as soon as I have my 24 dives under my belt as this is an experience I refuse to miss out on!

Definitely of the top things to do in Belize if you are a diver!

Tip: You can also snorkel around the perimeter of the hole, so not having a diving diploma shouldn’t hold you back from this incredible wonder of nature!

8. Screaming Monkeys and Exotic Wildlife-  Belize Fun Facts

Belize is simply crawling with wildlife!

There are crocodiles, jaguars, parrots, and Black Howler Monkeys- who are the loudest monkey species in the world! When they scream, the whole jungle echoes!

The snakes are pretty awesome too!

9. There are no street lights in Belize

There are no street lights in Belize – yep you heard it!!

The whole country is unspoiled jungle and rainforest and speed control is regulated by road bumps instead of street lights.

10. Belize Has More Than 900 Mayan Ruins– Belize Fun Facts

Belize was previously the capital of the Ancient Maya Empire that stretched for over a thousand miles and is now known as Central America.

Here, you have the opportunity to explore over 900 different Maya Ruins and sacred sites.

Explore excavated tombs and intricate hieroglyphs and go down into natural caves to where the Maya kings performed rituals sacrifice

11. Hello Narcos! Gang violence and drug cartels

The largest city in Belize is Belize City – an area where poverty and violence are common occurrences. There is also a high rate of unemployment as well as a high rate of HIV/AIDS.

The Mexican and South American drug trade as well as gang violence is also evident in cities like Belize City.

I felt very safe in Belize, however, I do feel that I should be honest in both the pros and the cons of the country.

I would advise you to skip Belize City, and focus on the other incredible areas and islands this country has to offer – so that you can see Belize for the true wonder it really is!

12. A virtual paradise for Bird lovers

Rich in the unspoiled jungle, Belize is home to a plethora of wildlife sanctuaries, parks, and protected areas for all types of wildlife.

It is also home to a bird lover’s paradise and a great thing to add to your things to do in Belize list.

Over 500 bird species are waiting for you to observe, in the forest, lagoons, and along the river.

No matter where you are in Belize, just look up, and you’ll enjoy the sight of these exotic winged creatures.

13. The Activities are wild!

Adventurous and tropical, Belize is full of surprises!

For example, you can canoe or tube through dark undercover caves and river systems. It was eerie and absolutely brilliant!.

Alternatively, you can zip-line through the jungle, go horseback riding on an empty beach or hike the numerous national parks.

Belize is definitely ideal for active and adventurous travelers!

14. Easy going climate

Belize is a country with a subtropical climate. Basically, it is supposed to have its rainy season between the months of June and November.

I, however, spent 2 weeks there in July and didn’t see a drop of rain!

It was hot and sunny and utterly gorgeous- and the prices are cheaper for that time too 🙂

15. There is No Phone Signal For Cyprus – Belize Tourist Information

Belize fun facts: People from Cyprus will have NO phone signal in Belize.

This is because Belize is still relatively undiscovered by Cypriots – therefore they have no deals with phone companies to cater to Cypriot tourists.

In fact, I think I am the first Cypriot to EVER set foot in Belize!

I personally loved not having a signal – as all the calls we take nowadays whilst on holiday depend on WI-FI (which works great) and that meant that I had my battery last 10x more!

16. It’s a favorite with expats

Belize may be small in size, but it continues to attract a million visitors per year and is increasingly becoming a second home to ex-pats who are choosing to retire here and for those who are buying vacation homes.

17. Gibnut, A Rodent, Is eaten In Belize

Gibnut, is a type of rodent, and believe it or not, it is a favorite type of meat eaten in Belize.

It was even served to Queen Elizabeth, which gave it its nickname, “the royal rat.”

Honestly, I don’t know how I feel about that, because Gibnut is served in stews, and Lord knows I had a lot of stews in Belize!!

18. Belize’s National Animal Is A Horse-Rhinoceros Mix

The national animal of Belize is a biological mix of a horse and a rhinoceros!

This animal is known as a tapir.

It actually looks like a giant Guinea pig, weighing over 500 pounds, and can swim too!

19. Marijuana Is Legal In Belize

As of 2017, it is legal for adults to have up to 10 grams of marijuana in their possession. They are allowed to smoke it on their own premises, or somebody else’s private premises with the owner’s permission.

20. Belize Is Fantastic For Chocolate Lovers

You can actually enjoy a tour of the entire chocolate-making process at the Toledo Cacao Fest.

Interestingly, the ancient Mayans invented hot chocolate, and it was used in many of their rituals.

I really hope you have enjoyed this Belize Fun facts article!

Belize in a nutshell

All the Caribbean beauty with half the prices, rich culture, delicious food, and chilled-out vibes.

All the above make Belize an undiscovered gem and a real paradise you should all visit!

Make sure you subscribe with your email down below, to receive my travel newsletter every month and take advantage of the travel discounts!

Also, join my travel family on Instagram, and let’s stay connected.

Tia x

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The post Belize Fun Facts – 20 Fascinating Things You Didn’t Know About Belize appeared first on Tia Does Travel.

In this Belize Photos article, I am letting the images do most of the talking, and they hit you right in the feels!

Each picture is also an incredible reason why you NEED to visit Belize, so keep scrolling!

Where is Belize?

I found Belize on a little corner on the Eastern coast of Central America – with Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungle to the west.

An English-speaking country – with a distinctly Caribbean feel that blew my mind.

There are a ton of interesting facts about Belize that you will love finding out!

And judging from the messages i got, a lot of people have questions too!

So do make sure to read my guide on Caribbean Beauty on a Budget price too!

All hail almighty Belize!

24 Belize Photos For The Ultimate Travel Inspiration

1. Postcard-perfect beaches

Hanging out in one of those on the beach should be on everyone’s bucket list, period.

2. Belize Photos – The insane views

Because this view is too breathtaking for my picture to do it justice! All the kayes ( islands) look like this, and it is straight up travel goals.

3. Discovering wild nature

There are snakes everywhere and have you ever held a wild one before? They are SO cute and leathery!

Make sure you see them ETHICALLY, and never ever fund a zoo visit.

4.Belize Photos – No shirt, no problem

In Belize, no one cares about appearances -it’s chilled-out vibes everywhere you go!

And my inner island child couldn’t love this motto anymore!

5. The snorkeling will leave you breathless.

Dive and snorkel the Caribbean sea and you will remember this post!

The massive Belize Barrier Reef, is the second-largest in the world!

The Belize Barrier Reef System was first inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996

Dotted with hundreds of low-lying islands called cayes, it hosts rich marine life.

It really is a diver’s paradise!

6. Belize Photos – The crocodiles

Seeing wild crocodiles up close is not as frightening as you would expect.

And if you catch them sleeping in the sun they remain so utterly still – with open eyes and mouth- they look like a fake crocodile!

7. The nurse sharks

Because in Belize, you can swim with nurse sharks – and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!

Nurse sharks are the most docile type of shark you can find, so of course I had to jump ( literally) at the chance!

Turns out they are shy, so I ended up chasing them around instead. Read up on that travel fail story here!

Do it, do it, DO IT!

8. Belize Photos – The Crystal Clear Water

Because everyone should float in the most crystal clear water at least ONCE in their lives.

And if this picture isn’t the epitome of ”0 problems” then what is?

9. The gentle manta-pees

You can swim alongside manta-pees (that I like to call sea-cows) and they are the cutest and most shy animals I’ve ever encountered !!

I swam next to this little guy for a good half an hour!!

10.Belize Photos – The Lobster

Good God the lobster!

There is a beach hut on Caye Caulker that serves the absolute best lobster I have ever eaten.

And it was cooked in a little barbeque hut right on the edge of the water and served In tinfoil!

Indeed, sometimes less, really is more!

There is an abundance of lobsters in Belize, and they taste absolutely divine. They also cost next to nothing.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Yes, please!

11. The breathtaking Sunsets

Because the sunsets here will truly leave you breathless.

And is there anything than a cold cocktail whilst watching this incredible sunset on the other side of the world?

12. Belize Photos – The Maya Ruins

Belize’s jungle areas are home to Mayan ruins like Caracol, renowned for its towering pyramid.

Also and one seat to the very top gives you views of Honduras and El Salvador Borders.

13. The Belize Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole off the coast of Belize. It lies near the center of Lighthouse Reef, a small atoll 70 km (43 mi) from the mainland and Belize City. The hole is circular in shape, 318 m (1,043 ft) across and 124 m (407 ft) deep.

Researchers have suggested that this massive submarine sinkhole was originally formed during the last glacial period as a limestone cave when the sea levels were lower. However, the cave was later flooded when the sea began to rise, eventually resulting in the formation of a circular hole

The Belize Barrier Reef System was first inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996

14. Ziplining through the jungle

You seriously need to try ziplining at least once in your life!

And when the view is nothing but thick jungle…it’s a yes from me!

15. The Swordfish

Because Swordfish should always be eaten off a stick and cooked in a beach hut in the middle of the ocean!

16. Belize Photos- The stingrays

Because the sea is filled with stingrays and swimming with them was a dream come true!!

17. The dark caves

You can go and explore dark underwater caves and shallow lagoons for a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere!

The dark caves were an excellent, creepy, unforgettable experience!

16. The Caribbean vibe

Because you will lose your minds over the Caribbean side, and dragging you out of that sea is gonna be a problem!

19. Street music and laid back atmosphere

Music doesn’t need to be translated, it only needs to be felt!

Nothing more powerful than emerging yourselves in local culture through music! So much fun!

20. The Floating Bars

A bar in the middle of the ocean is NEVER a bad idea…right?

This is exactly the type or energy and excessiveness I require in all my travels!

21. Beach Deco

Because waking up to something this cute every day is a necessity, at least once in your life …!

22. Fresh Coconuts

Because the coconuts are to die for and are picked fresh from trees every day!

You will find them everywhere!

23. The sense of humor

I seriously feel like people would pay more attention to road signs if they were as clever as this one!

And yes, there are a lot of iguanas!

24. Carefree Life

Because life in Belize is carefree… And this picture is so iconic of Belize, that it became the cover photo of this entire travel website!

Make sure you subscribe with your email down below, to receive my travel newsletter every month and take advantage of the travel discounts!

Also, join my travel family on Instagram, and let’s stay connected.

Tia x

Save and Pin it on Pinterest

Related Articles

Belize Information – All you need to know 

Belize Fun Facts- All the things you didn’t know about Belize 

Responsible tourism – How to travel ethically and eco-friendly 

Chasing the sharks in Belize – An epic fail travel story of my encounter with sharks

Information on Tropical Diseases and Vaccinations

Travel Like a Pro and Beat the Jet Lag

How to Choose your Travel Agent To Tropical Destinations

The post 24 Belize Photos For The Ultimate Travel Inspiration appeared first on Tia Does Travel.