Belize

244 miles, 5 days.

Sarteneja

The bus from Tulum took us to Chetumal on the border, where we changed to hop on a bus booming reggae tunes to Orange walk. Here we hitched a ride on the back of a trailer to Sarteneja passing mennonite farmers on route. The moment you enter Belize it almost feels like you leave latin america and enter a world of dreadlocks, love and peace with a "go slow" attitude. The people, as always, were very hospitable, although our first stop was fairly isolated. 

Our little hut was located in a fruit farm on the edge of a sleepy fishing village. The ripening mangos, oranges, avocadoes were entirely at our disposal for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We appreciated the organic, peaceful experience, although the mosquitoes and frequent rain were a little too dominating. We invested in the lion fish sold by the owner to cook and  help "save the reef man."  Very tasty!

Our simple little hut at 'Backpackers Paradise', beneath a mango tree.

Caye Caulker

An early boat across to San Pedro, to change for Caye Caulker got us to Yuma's House by mid morning. The small, colourful island was vibrantly dotted with swinging hammocks and oil drum barbecues.  There were no cars, the island is small enough to walk the perimeter in no time. The thick caribbean accent left us clueless, even more so than with Spanish. 

Being on the barrier reef, second biggest in the world, we couldn't resist a couple of dives in the caribbean sea. Our first dive was at Esmerelda, the second at Tuxun hole. Both included a fantastic display of corals, diving through coral canyons and gliding past sharks, turtles, moray eels etc. The abundance and variety of soft and hard corals was particularly impressive. They are clearly very strict on protecting the reef and being eco friendly.

Beautiful colours and good swimming.

Besides diving, another enjoyable activity that the island offers.

Typical rastafarian style of the island.

Our stay in Belize was short but more than worthwhile. It provided a different culture to enjoy alongside the magical caribbean sea.



Practical information

Accurate from our experience in September 2013.
£1 = $3 BZ.

Belize will stretch your budget for central america. Food and accommodation are both higher.

The boat from Sarteneja to San Pedro is $50BZ, then a further $15BZ to Caye Caulker.

The boat from Caye Caulker to Belize City is $10BZ.

2 reef dives cost from $100 + depending on the site.

There is a departure tax of $37.50BZ per person, for land crossings.

Budget example - £20 per person, per day. But much higher if a dive is included.