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Belize is a small country squeezed between Mexico’s southern border and Honduras to the south. To be technically accurate, it is bordered to the south by Guatamala as there is a small piece of it dividing the two countries. Small enough to walk across. It has many advantages over it’s neighbors as it is an English speaking country with a British based legal system. It is reasonably priced next to the American dollar and hence is quite inexpensive to visit or to live in. It is also a varied landscape from the ocean front of Belize City to the mountains and rainforest of Belmopan and the sandy shores of Placencia. For the diver, however, the good stuff is offshore. Diving from Belize City or Placencia requires a lenghty yet still reasonable boat ride. There is no diving along the mainland which consequently requires a boat ride to the outer islands where the diving is superb. There are several diving resorts on the outer islands such as Turniffe and Caulker Cay where some of the best is to be found. If you want to stay somewhat civilized and still have diving access close by, the answer is Ambergris Cay which is the northernmost part of Belize extending almost to Mexico. San Pedro is a colorful native town with most of the modern conveniences you’d expect in a thriving tourist town. There are clothing stores, a supermarket if you want to cook, as well as the usual touristy shops. There are many local fruit and veggie stands throughout the city and you can always find delicious fresh produce there. There is good reef along the coast and still is close enough to the outer reefs to take advantage of them as well. One other attraction of the area that is a must do dive is the Blue Hole which is about three hours off shore from anywhere. It’s a full day trip but well worth it.
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