About Belize

Belize is a diverse, peaceful, English-speaking democracy. Situated on the northeastern tip of Central America with more than 300 miles of Caribbean coastline, this former British colony is a trade crossroad between the Caribbean and Latin America. Belize gained independence in 1981 and offers U.S., U.K. and Canadian investors a familiar business environment where English is the official language, and the political, economic, legal and educational systems are based on familiar British models. Dabbling its toes in the Caribbean Sea, Belize has more in common with its island neighbors than with the fiery volatility of Central America. Its history is thoroughly coup-free. Creole and Mestizos ethnic groups dominate, and this tiny country has an atmosphere so very laid-back it's almost comatose.

Belize's coast is protected by 185 miles of Barrier Reef studded with hundreds of coral islands, the undiscovered habitat of some of the best diving and sport fishing in the world. At the centre are lush forests of the Mountain Pine Ridge with caves and Mayan Ruins for exploring, rivers for rafting, and breathtaking waterfalls. The south is a land of true tropical rainforest with every form of tropical plant, bird, and wildlife, including playful monkeys, talkative parrots, and colorful toucans.

Traveling to Belize is only a 2 hour flight from Miami, 2.5 hours from Houston, 3.5 hours from New York, and 4 hours from San Francisco. The inner coastal waters are shallow and are sheltered by a line of coral reefs, dotted with islets called 'cayes', extending almost the entire length of the country. Belize boasts the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world!

The area of the mainland and cayes is 8,867 square miles. The country's greatest length from north to south is 280 kilometers and its greatest width is 109 kilometers. The climate is subtropical, tempered by trade winds. Temperatures in coastal districts range from about 10 °C (50°F) to about 35.6°C (96°F); inland the range is greater.

About Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is one of the most popular destinations in Belize for island-seekers as well as divers. It is approximately 15 minutes by flight and 1 1/2 hours by water taxi from Belize City. Twenty-seven miles long and the country's biggest island, Ambergris features the most resorts in Belize including a number of dedicated dive resorts and the finest array of restaurants, shops and bars in Belize.

Most, if not all, resorts on Ambergris Caye offer diving to the nearby reefs. The biggest and most popular town on the island is San Pedro. San Pedro was a tiny fishing village until it was given town status in the early 1950's. Madonna fell in love with San Pedro and so will you. Along the entire length of Ambergris Caye, the reef is comprised of spectacular three dimensional coral formations which include canyons and tunnels.

There's also a considerable number of porpoise and turtle to be seen. The most popular dive area around Ambergris Caye is the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a large cut through the barrier reef that is now a national park. The reserve is a shallow dive area with an active group of "pet" fish to photograph. Within the five square miles of marine reserve, is some of the best shallow scuba diving in the area. Under water you'll see extensive goldencorals and scads of nearly tame marine life. Hol Chan is also the primary night dive site from Ambergris Caye. On the outside of the reef, running far to the north and south, are unlimited dive sites along the continuous barrier reef system.

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