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Belize, Central America Facts and Belize Tourism Information
Belize Money, Belize Medical, Belize City Hotels,
Belize City Restaurants and Dining Guide
Belize Transportation Guide: Getting Around in Belize

	Adventure Island at Glover's Reef Full Week: 9 nights, Fri - Sat, $1975 pp First Half: 5 nights, Fri - Wed, $1295 pp Second Half: 4 nights, Wed - Sat, $1050 pp View itinerary | View all dates		Belize Adventure Week 8 nights, Sat - Sat, $2275 pp   View itinerary | View all dates		Mayan Odyssey 3 nights, Wed - Sat, $745-$799 pp (single occ higher)   2 nights, Wed - Fri, $705-$739 pp (single occ higher) View itinerary | View all dates

What to Do in Central America? Belize is the place!

Discover Belize: Tucked into a forgotten corner of the Caribbean, Belize has remained apart from the growth of the rest of Central America. Today it harbors the region’s last unspoiled marine and rainforest environments and offers some of the most exciting adventure travel in the Americas. Belize is also inexpensive to get to and easy to travel in. English is the primary language, and US dollars are accepted throughout the country. There are enough incredible places to explore to keep you coming back for years to come!

"Belize Time"
The first thing we'd like to remind you is DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY!! Traveling in Central America can be wonderful, relaxing, frustrating, exciting, or dilatory. Of course, much of what happens is situational, but your reaction to events can make a world of difference. Please remember that everything always works out fine in the end. Just take a deep breath, slow down, and keep smiling! We have to remind ourselves of this all the time. It's a different latitude with different attitudes.

Have questions about our island or about Belize?
Don't hesitate to give us a call: (800) 390-5715, or send us an email: slickrock@slickrock.com. We've been working in Belize for 22 years and would love to hear from you.

To order this free Belize guide contact the Belize Tourist Board: (800) 624-0686

For a travel package that includes all of our favorite Belize things to do check out Belize Adventure Week. Of the many scuba diving centers in the country, ours has some of the most pristine coral reefs right off our shore!
 

Glover's Reef wind and waves
Looking for wind or wave information for our island? Follow the link to a satellite buoy station with wind and wave information, located 31 miles WNW of our island, right in the area where we cross the Blue on our way to Glover's Reef

The exchange is two Belize dollars to one U.S. dollar; U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere. 

Calling Belize
If calling from the U.S., dial 011 for International access, then the country code: 501, then the number. Calls cost about $1.00/min.
 

Slickrock Adventures pioneered Belize adventure vacations. Our ecotourism trips based out of our private Caribbean island at Glover's Reef set trends in the industry. Specialists in sea kayaking vacations, we also teach you to surf, windsurf, snorkel, scuba dive, whitewater kayak, raft, and cave at our island resort and in the tropical rainforests of Belize. With world-class snorkeling and diving just a few yards off-shore, you will discover why so many of our guests return year after year.

Money in Belize

The exchange rate is two Belize dollars to one U.S. dollar, but there is no need to change your money to Belize dollars from U.S. dollars; U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere. You need to continually use the Belize change you receive, because you will lose on the exchange if you have any left at the end. It is best to have cash for cabs and isolated areas. Traveler’s Checks are more of a problem than an asset because on our trips you are only in "civilization" when banks are closed. Traveler’s Checks take six weeks to clear, so small businesses such as taxis, restaurants, or hotels in rural areas would be giving you a six-week loan by accepting them; consequently, few of them do. Getting cash is also difficult for our staff, so we cannot cash them for you; tipping your guides with Traveler’s Checks causes a problem for locals as personal checking accounts are not common in the country. Long Caye Dive Shop does accept Traveler’s Checks. The few ATMs in Belize City are often out of order, and if you arrive right before your trip meeting you have no time to take a cab to an ATM anyway, so to rely on that system would be a mistake. US checks are not accepted in Belize. For these reasons, it is best to bring cash only. You can carry some of your cash in a money belt, and the rest of it worn under your clothing when moving to and from the country. We use this system ourselves with great success. Valuables are safe on our island, in our van, and in the hotels we use on our trips. However, we cannot guarantee the safety of your property. We cannot be held liable for any losses of property or cash while on a trip.

Our all inclusive Belize trips cover everything except alcoholic beverages, Belize exit tax, scuba diving, tips, and taxis to and from the airport.

Have a specific question you can't find the answer to?
Fill out our form and let us know what you are seeking,
we typically answer the day we receive the email. 

Medical Recommendations:

Travel Ex
Travel Insurance
Phone: (800) 228-9792
Website:  
www.travelex-insurance.com

Center for Disease Control
Malaria web page: 
www.cdc.gov/ travel/camerica.htm

Belize Medical

On all of our trips we are far from medical care. Guests should bring all medications for chronic or recurring ailments. Recent medical and dental exams should be completed to ensure that you are fit for travel, and you should carry health insurance documents. If you purchase a travel insurance policy it will cover medical costs in the country, as well as your last-minute trip cancellation and other risks of travel (call TravelEx at (800) 228-9792 and tell them you are traveling with Slickrock. Slickrock's location number is 44-0013). You can also visit TravelEx's website.

Our trips are not overly-strenuous, but good general physical condition is a must. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you must be capable of moderate to vigorous exercise for a few hours each day. We are not qualified to evaluate your fitness, so you must determine if your own fitness is appropriate. If you are overweight, in poor physical condition, or have special medical considerations you should call us first and consult with your physician before signing up for a trip. We recommend that all participants have a medical checkup.

Out on our island we are somewhat isolated from the typical medical risks of the tropics. Everyone should be vaccinated within the past five years for tetanus. You should also talk to your doctor about allergic reactions to marine life, and bring appropriate medications that your physician recommends. Those who travel inland should consult a doctor about malaria, dengue fever, and hepatitis, and remember that a course of malaria medication needs to be started two weeks prior to departure. There is no threat of malaria, dengue fever, or hepatitis on our island.   

We are not able to advise you beyond "ask your doctor" about the threat of malaria inland because the region of infected mosquitoes changes monthly. Although present, cases of malaria in Belize are rare. The prevention drug for malaria in this area is the prescription drug Chloroquine. Most travel clinics and many Internet sites will recommend malaria protection for all parts of Belize, but mosquito control in larger metropolitan areas has eliminated mosquito habitats close to human population settlements. Less dangerous than malaria, dengue fever can also be contracted from infected mosquitoes. There is no medication for dengue fever; it goes away by itself after about four days. Please don’t ask us to tell you whether to get protection for malaria, even doctors do not agree; it is a personal choice. Malaria pills are bad for you, but getting malaria is worse. The only true protection against both malaria and dengue fever is to not get bitten by a disease-infested mosquito. The best prevention for bites is to wear a bug repellent that contains at least 30% DEET. One site on the Internet with information on malaria prevention is  http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinationBelize.aspx.

Hepatitis A is contracted through infected water; our drinking water is safe. If you plan to travel extensively in remote areas before or after our trip you should consider the Hepatitis A vaccination. The biggest health hazard on our trips is the threat of sunburn. Be careful the first few days, a bad sunburn can ruin the rest of your trip. Also, seasickness can occur on travel days out to the island.

Our guides are trained in First Aid, but cannot be expected to serve as doctors. All participants should be sure their own medical coverage is adequate. We assume no responsibility regarding provision of medical care. Before your adventure, the best precautions are don’t get hurt and make sure you are in good health the week before the trip. For more details on avoidable problems, please refer to our page: Our Hints for a Better Vacation. Remember you will be in an isolated area 35 miles off shore; there is no emergency room and you can’t call 911, although we do have emergency contact with the mainland.

Let's go! Sign up for a trip on our secure server.
 

Budget Rent-a-Car
www.budget-belize.com
Belize phone: 011-501-223-2435 Email: reservations@budget-belize.com

Crystal Auto Rental, Ltd. www.crystal-belize.com
Belize phone: 011-501-223-1600, Email: reservations@crystal-belize.com

Maya-Island Air
www.mayaairways.com,
Belize phone: 011-501-223-1140
USA phone: 1-800-225-6732
Email: info@mayaisland.com

Tropic Air
www.tropicair.com,
Belize phone: 011-501-226-2012 
Email: reservations@tropicair.com
 

Belize Transportation
How do I get around in Belize?
By rental car, plane, bus or taxi

Rental cars: We recommend Budget Rent-a-Car and Crystal Auto Rental. Rental cars allow you to stop along the way without having to deal with storing your luggage. Budget offers a country wide one-way rental service, plus they rent cell phones. Both have offices at the airport and in Belize City, allowing you to pick up and drop off from either place. Both of them will also drop off/pick up at any location in Belize City. Both provide maps and Crystal will throw in the use of an ice chest. Crystal will also let you take their vehicles across the border to Tikal. A 4-5 passenger 4x4 (Suzuki Vitara) will run between $80-$90USD/day. Check out their websites for specific rates. Crystal knocks off 10% if you pay in U.S. cash or Traveler's checks.

Flying in-country: Two airlines service Belize. There are daily flights between Belize International Airport, Belize Municipal Airport, Dangriga, Placencia, Big Creek, Punta Gorda, Corozol, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, and Ambergris Caye. You can also fly to Flores, Guatemala. Sample rates: Belize International Airport to Dangriga: one way: $54. Consult their excellent websites for exact prices and schedules.

Busses: Busses are often the best way to go, and they are inexpensive. Bus prices and schedules change too often to include here, but remember, this is a country where most of its citizens depend on bus service. There are at least four bus companies in the country. Also be aware that busses don't run as often on Saturday or Sunday, for example, a route which has hourly service during the week may only have two choices on Sunday. The staff at your hotel will be familiar with busses in their area.

Taxis: Taxis are available everywhere, are more expensive than the bus, but make a lot of sense under certain circumstances. If you are traveling with a group of four, taxis are a great deal. Some cab drivers also act as an impromptu guide, hoping for a tip. Our favorite taxi driver in Belize City is Vida Gillett. She is wonderful! You make advance reservations with her via email: alvibra2002@yahoo.com, or call her at any of these numbers: 011-501-605-5897 (her cell), 011-501-605-6969 (her husband's cell, he is also a cab driver), or 011-501-202-4387 (her home number). But don't call for a cab reservation months in advance, it could get lost .... wait until about 2 or 3 weeks prior to the date you need it. There is also a shuttle service that runs daily from San Ignacio to Belize City. Contact them through the Aguada Hotel, 011-501-804-3609 or email, aguada@btl.net. The shuttle to San Ignacio is about $50 US per person.

Recommended Restaurants In Belize City: There are many wonderful restaurants in Belize City; have fun exploring! The status of restaurants in Belize fluctuates often; this information was updated in June of 2007.

($) Marva's, corner of Water Ln. & E. Collet Canal: a semi-funky neighborhood, great Belizean food! Big Daddy's Diner, upstairs from the market by the Swing Bridge: great Belizean cafeteria, try the dukanu. Mars, 11 Handyside St.: good Belizean food, very inexpensive. El Centro, 4 Bishop St.: pizza and burgers. It's air-conditioned! Some days that's all you care about. Neri's, they have two locations: on the corner of Queen & Handyside Sts. and on Douglas Jones St.: good Belizean food with seven kinds of fresh squeezed juice served daily. Neri's serves great Belizean standbys such as rice and beans, stew chicken, Oxtail Soup, Gibnut, and Cowfoot Soup. Yum! Le Petite Cafe, across from the Radisson and next to The Great House, open 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.: good coffee, pastries, and wine with a nice courtyard. La Tavernetta, 2 Dolphin Dr. in the Buttonwood Bay area (about 1/2 mile from the Biltmore). Although we don't recommend the restaurant, they also have an Italian ice cream shop. Stop by for dessert!

($$) Chon Saan Palace, 1 Nurse Seay/Kelly St.: our favorite restaurant in Belize, where we eat the last night of our trips. They now serve sushi and sashimi. Macy's, 18 Bishop St.: very good Belizean fare. Sumathi Indian Restaurant, 190 Newtown-Barracks Rd.: excellent Indian food. Calypso, located on the dock behind the Princess Hotel: good burgers, great seaside location. The Victorian Room, at the Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel: excellent restaurant.

($$$) The Radisson-Ft. George, 2 Marine Parade: expensive but a very good breakfast and lunch buffet. Stonegrill, at the Radisson poolside. All food is grilled and served on a hot stone: appetizers, fajitas, steak, chicken saté, shrimp, etc. The Smokey Mermaid, 13 Cork St.: fantastic food. be sure to try the garlic mashed potatoes. Harbourview, on Fort St., near the Tourist Village: great view of Belize City harbor and and good continental food. Riverside Tavern, on the corner of North Front & Mapp Sts.: Although the outside of this place has an industrial look, don't let that deter you. This is a great new restaurant and bar by the folks who brew Belikin Beer, Belize's own.

Belize City

View our Belize City map to located recommended hotels and restaurants in Belize City.

Recommended Hotels In Belize City: 
It is impossible to completely avoid Belize City because you fly in and out of the city before and after your trip. We make all accommodation arrangements for your trip; this information is provided for early arrivals. If you arrive early or stay late, you’ll need to make your own reservations for the additional nights. There are several good hotels with varying price ranges and atmospheres. The Biltmore is near the airport, and the other three hotels listed are downtown. Please tell all lodges you heard about them from Slickrock. There are high taxes in Belize that are not included in room rates, and most lodges also tack on a 10% service charge. So expect a 9%-19% tax on top of the rates below. All rates can change without notice.

Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel, 3-1/2 miles Northern Highway, Phone: 011-501-223-2302, 
e-mail: reservations@belizebiltmore.com, website: http://www.belizebiltmore.com/ The Biltmore is where you will stay with us while in Belize City. It is a full-service hotel located on the outskirts of Belize City, three miles from downtown. Their Victorian Room restaurant is one of the finest in the city. Single or double rates are $85 for registered Slickrock guests only (regular rates: $120.) If you are staying additional days and want to stay at the Biltmore make your reservations in advance and directly with the Biltmore for the special rate to apply. There are many things to do right at the hotel. It has a business center, a beautifully landscaped courtyard, swimming pool, gym, restaurant, bar, gift shop, and a tour desk. You can also view a 7 minute video about the hotel if you would like to see more: http://www.belizebiltmore.com/photogallery.htm. Note: Do not try to use the Best Western on-line reservation system found on their website. It is useless for Belize. You must make reservations by email or phone.

The Great House, 13 Cork St, Phone:  011-501-223-3400, e-mail: greathouse@btl.net, website: www.greathousebelize.com. This Belizean landmark was built in 1927 and still retains its beauty and charm. Originally built as a family home, this magnificent four-story colonial style residence still provides the warmth and comfort reminiscent of the early colonial times of Belize. Located in the renowned Fort George area (across the street from the Radisson) and near the sea, The Great House provides spacious rooms and huge verandas. Singles are $140, Doubles are $150. The Smokey Mermaid, located on the ground level, is one of Belize City’s best restaurants.

Radisson-Ft. George, 2 Marine Parade, (800) 333-3333. Phone in Belize:  011-501-223-3333. email: amin.dredge@radisson.com, website: www.radissonbelize.com. This is where you should stay if you prefer American style hotels. Located right on the waterfront, this is Belize’s fanciest, largest hotel, with all of the amenities. Depending on the room, rates range from $119-$224.

Hotel Mopan, 55 Regent St. Phone:  011-501-227-7351, email: hotelmopan@btl.net, website: http://www.hotelmopan.com/. Rates are $45-75, depending on room. Newly renovated, this spacious old house has 14 rooms with private baths, cable TV and free WiFi access. The bar is known as a friendly meeting place for both locals and travelers. With clean, comfortable rooms and guest computers for internet access, this is our favorite budget hotel in Belize City.

Further Information About Other Things to Do in Belize:
This is a list of our favorite things to do in the country. If you plan to come early or stay late, you should consider getting a guidebook. There are well over a dozen guidebooks about Belize. It is important to search for the most recently updated information you can find when consulting a guidebook. You can view a list of all Belize guidebooks on our Belize Books and Island Library page.

If you prefer an on-line Belize travel guide, the Belizelogue site is part of a large network of ever-expanding and frequently-updated guides.

PHOTO CREDITS

TOP IMAGE: NORM SHREWSBURY,

LEFT COLUMN, TOP TO BOTTOM: LUCY K. WALLINGFORD, MARK GARDNER, MARCUS SCHMID

RIGHT COLUMN, TOP TO BOTTOM: KEITH FIALCOWITZ, JIMMIE C. SMITH: ISLANDS FROM THE SKY, ED MICHAEL, (HOTEL PHOTOS, PHOTOGRAPHER NAMES NOT AVAILABLE).

Copyright © Lucy Wallingford and Slickrock Adventures, Inc.
All rights reserved.