BELIZE....SCUBA DIVING, SNORKELING, FISHING AND FUN.
- By Tomas San Jose
- Published 10/30/2008
Tomas San Jose
Previous Nationality: Spain. Attended Christian Brothers College in Memphis, Tn.- Met and married a beautiful Southern Belle in 1952. Still together. Drafted during the Korean War; active duty with 1st Cav.Div. earning my U.S. Citizenship.Have a Memphis born daughter,a great son-in-law and two granddauhters, our pride and joy. Living in a small town just north of Memphis - Retired - we are enjoying the peace, quiet, and good neighbors we are lucky to have.
Located between southern Mexico and northern Guatemala, this Central American country has many special features that makes it a very desirable destination - with several Airlines landing in their International Airport - specially if you are into all water related sports.
Fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving by the great coral reef - second largest in the world - are truly outstanding.- The barrier reef is the longest and largest mass of living coral in this hemisphere; about 185 miles of reef, where coral, sponges and a very wide variety of marine life can be observed by the divers.
Abut 6 - 7 miles from Half Moon Caye there is a famous "Blue Hole"; the largest ocean sinkhole in the world. It is over 1,000 ft. in diameter and 400 ft. deep. Only experience divers, accompanied by a dive master should try to explore it.- Jacques Cousteau in his ship "Calypso" filmed inside it, making it famous in 1972.
The first time I visited Belize was back in the early 1980's, when a group of Spanish Business Men commissioned me to investigate the possibility of purchasing one of the islands: Caye Chapel. They wanted to know who owned it, what kind of facilities existed as well as a price idea, so they could make an offer.- At the time, Caye Chapel was in a state of half abandonment, but had a dirt landing strip, a Marina - empty at the time and a small 20 - 25 room very modest Hotel. After several trips to Belize
City and Belmopan gathering the desired information, there was finally an auction, and another group presented the highest bid and purchased the island. Now, I hear, Caye Chapel is a very exclusive and expensive Resort, with all kinds of amenities, including sea-side villas. The island has an area of about 270 acres.
Fishing is excellent, and counting with a good guide, you will not be dissapointed. Most of the time, yachts of the 60 ft.+ category can be chartered for the week-end. If you are sharing the cost with four or five other persons and depending on your negotiations skills, it can turned out to be very reasonable.
Scuba diving and fishing equipment is sometimes included.
While out fishing, you may run into lobster fishermen checking their traps. In Belize it is customary for these fishermen to cut the lobsters' heads off immediately, keeping only the tails. Buying directly from these guys, the very low price you'll pay for quite a number of lobster tails will surprise you.
The beaches in Belize, with their fine white sand and gentle, incredible clear water are truly beautiful.
A visit to Ambergris Caye and to San Pedro is a must.- Besides swimming, snorkeling and fishing, you'll find quite an active night life in the Hotel Bars and different Night-Clubs. Don't miss it !
As many a visitor, you'll find that in Belize, while enjoying the so many activities offered, the National Motto seems to be: "No shirt, No shoes...No problem ! Check it out!
Fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving by the great coral reef - second largest in the world - are truly outstanding.- The barrier reef is the longest and largest mass of living coral in this hemisphere; about 185 miles of reef, where coral, sponges and a very wide variety of marine life can be observed by the divers.
Abut 6 - 7 miles from Half Moon Caye there is a famous "Blue Hole"; the largest ocean sinkhole in the world. It is over 1,000 ft. in diameter and 400 ft. deep. Only experience divers, accompanied by a dive master should try to explore it.- Jacques Cousteau in his ship "Calypso" filmed inside it, making it famous in 1972.
The first time I visited Belize was back in the early 1980's, when a group of Spanish Business Men commissioned me to investigate the possibility of purchasing one of the islands: Caye Chapel. They wanted to know who owned it, what kind of facilities existed as well as a price idea, so they could make an offer.- At the time, Caye Chapel was in a state of half abandonment, but had a dirt landing strip, a Marina - empty at the time and a small 20 - 25 room very modest Hotel. After several trips to Belize
Fishing is excellent, and counting with a good guide, you will not be dissapointed. Most of the time, yachts of the 60 ft.+ category can be chartered for the week-end. If you are sharing the cost with four or five other persons and depending on your negotiations skills, it can turned out to be very reasonable.
Scuba diving and fishing equipment is sometimes included.
While out fishing, you may run into lobster fishermen checking their traps. In Belize it is customary for these fishermen to cut the lobsters' heads off immediately, keeping only the tails. Buying directly from these guys, the very low price you'll pay for quite a number of lobster tails will surprise you.
The beaches in Belize, with their fine white sand and gentle, incredible clear water are truly beautiful.
A visit to Ambergris Caye and to San Pedro is a must.- Besides swimming, snorkeling and fishing, you'll find quite an active night life in the Hotel Bars and different Night-Clubs. Don't miss it !
As many a visitor, you'll find that in Belize, while enjoying the so many activities offered, the National Motto seems to be: "No shirt, No shoes...No problem ! Check it out!
