Lighthouse Reef Scuba Dive Cabins

The winter months of the Northern Hemisphere, November through May, attract the most visitors to Belize.

Still, many visitors prefer to come during the quieter summer months from June to October. Both times of

the year have their own unique attractions, and the choice of when to visit is totally up to you, your budget,

 and the adventures you crave.

Belize in Winter

Belize has proven to be the choice location for those wanting to escape the harsh winter of the North.

Besides the favorable temperature, Belize is also a favorite destination because of the following:

• Belize is one of the most accessible of all tropical locations by geography and entry
• requirements.
  
  
• Belize is English speaking, which making it easy for you to get around by yourself, with a group,
• or if you have special needs.
  
  
• This is the dry season in Belize which means that you should have no problem predicting bright, sunny skies during your vacation.

Belize in Summer

Belize is also the ideal place for those needing a summer break. Although Belize is a tropical country,

the offshore breezes often provide cooler temperatures during the summer months than experienced

in many cities to the north. During the summer months it is also true that:

• Belize receives fewer visitors, which gives you the opportunity to find the privacy and isolation
• you desire.
  
  
• Although it is the rainy season, showers are sporadic, and short, and followed by clear skies
• and sunshine.
  
  
• The best feature about spending a summer vacation in Belize is the savings. Rates start from 
• around May 1st and remain significantly lower until November as compared to prices
• encountered during the winter months.

Visitors are advised to pack casual clothing in addition to their more relaxed beach and outdoor wear.

Below is a sample packing list for a 7-10 day visit which you can adjust accordingly.

Pack according to:

• Mobile or stationary--traveling a lot or staying in one place
• Mode of transportation--bus, flights, biking, etc.
• Activities while in country--camping, diving, fishing, etc.

Keep in mind… rolling suitcases and large bags are difficult to maneuver in sand, in and out of buses,

up and down steps and when there is adverse weather (rain, heat).

Clothing

• 5 to 7 shirts (short sleeve, sleeveless, cool & easy to dry)
• 1 thin long-sleeve shirt (protection from sun & insects)
• 2 pair shorts
• 2 pair long pants (jeans or khakis, nylon)
• 2 skirts or dress (not too dressy but cool)
• 1-2 bathing suits
• 5 to 7 underwear
• 1 pair sandals (waterproof is good, but not necessary)
• 1 pair of closed toed shoes (tennis or hiking)
• 2 pairs of thin socks (if hiking, bring more) sleepwear
• nylon windbreaker or long sleeve heavier shirt hat
• **remember, laundry can easily be done here

Toiletries

• personal toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, shaving stuff, toothpaste, brush, etc.)
• personal medicines (advil, motion sickness, all prescribed medications)
• hand sanitizer or wet wipes (when soap & water is not available to wash hands)
• sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
• insect repellant
• after bite lotion
• contact solution (if you wear contacts)
• small first aid kit

Equipment List

• daypack (small backpack/carry-on)
• multi-purpose tool (leatherman/swiss army knife) watch
• water bottle
• small sewing kit
• polarized sunglasses & eyeglasses (plus a spare pair)
• your favorite snacks (i.e. granola bars, dried fruits)
• a few ziplock bags (large & small)
• camera
• small flashlight or headlamp (with extra bulb and batteries)
• binoculars
• small packable towel
• handkerchiefs or bandanas
• folding umbrella or raincoat
• address list for a few postcards
• activity equipment (depends on your interests-diving, snorkeling, fishing, birding,
• hiking, caving, camping, biking, photography, etc.)

Documents

• airline tickets & itinerary
• passport and 1 photocopy of your passport (keep photocopy separate from original)
• insurance info. (both travel insurance & home country medical info.)
• money and associated records
• credit card info. (keep a separate list of number & phone number if lost or stolen)
• medical letter from your doctor (if you have a specific condition)
• emergency contact information (keep 2 names & numbers with your passport)
• SCUBA certification card and dive log

Belize Links  http://www.travelbelize.org/

www.belize.net,  http://www.ambergriscaye.com/pages/town/divelighthouse.html

www.ambergriscaye.com,  http://www.hydromet.gov.bz/

http://www.longcayebelize.com/,  http://www.cavesbranch.com/

https://www.nriol.net/nriol/insurance/sri/liaisonintl.html,  http://cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/bh.html

Belize Facts and Information

Belize is situated on the Caribbean Sea, south of Mexico, and east and north of Guatemala in Central America.  In Area it is about the size of New Hampshire.  Most of the country is heavily forested with various hardwoods.  Mangrove swamps and cayes along the coast give way to hills and mountains in the interior.  The Highest point is Victoria Peak 3681ft.

Government-Parliamentary democracy

History-The Mayan Civilization spread in the area of Belize between 1500bc and ad 300 and flourished until about 1200ad.  Several major archeological sites -notably Caracol, Lamanai, Lubaantun, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich-reflect the advanced civilization and much denser population of that period.  European contact began in 1502 when Columbus sailed along the coast.  The first recorded European settlement was begun by shipwrecked English seamen in 1638.  Over the next 150 years, more english settlements were estabished.  This period was also marked by piracy, indiscriminate logging and sporadic attacks by Indians and neighboring Spanish settlements.  Great Britain first sent and official representative to the area in the late 18th century, but Belize was not formally termed the Colony of Briish Honduras until 1840.  It became a Crown colony in 1862.  Subsequently, several constitutional changes were enacted to expand representative government.  Full internal selfgovernment under a ministerial system was granted in Jan. 1964

Entry Requirements

With the exception of cruise ship passengers, all visitors to Belize must present a valid passport before entering the country. Please note that driver's licenses and birth certificates are not approved travel documents and cannot be used to enter the country. Passports must be valid up until time of departure.

In cases where a visitor remains in the country for over 30 days, an extension of entry must be requested. Extensions are available for the cost of:

                Up to 6 months for US $25
                After 6 months US $50 per month

Entry visas should be obtained outside of Belize. For the nearest place to obtain a visa please visit: Belize Consuls and Embassies.

In cases where a visa has not been secured, one will be issued upon arrival at entry points. This will be facilitated only where prior approval has been granted by Immigration.

Nationals of the following countries must secure a visa to enter Belize.

In order to enter Belize, nationals of the following countries must secure a visa, pay the appropriate fees and must obtain clearance from the Director of Immigration: