Belize District:
Belize City is not our capital, but nonetheless, has the largest population and is the nation's center of commerce and culture. Belize City, undeservingly so, has developed a reputation for crime and grime. A closer look reveals a vibrant and close knit community. That being said, we suggest you take taxis at night and avoid solo walks down lonely streets . I'm sure you won't find the crime situation here any worse than in major cities back home. Belizean people freely go out at night without concern. You can as well.

Friday night happy hour has become de rigueur amongst denizens of the city. Most hotels, the Belize Biltmore Plaza included, have outdoor pool bars with musical entertainment. Happy hour(s) is lively, friendly, fun and your best opportunity to mosey up to Belize people much like yourself and say hello.

Belize City
has the largest stores, supermarkets, a nice selection of restaurants and hotels, a gambling casino, a movie theatre, bowling alley, a few art galleries, gift shops and craft centers. It's a good location to base from if you prefer more plush, international style hotels and want to see ruins, go caving, visit the Zoo, dive, snorkel or fish during the day. One of the largest breeding grounds for the West Indian manatee is a 10 minute boat ride away. Manatees swim within sighting distance of the city's sea wall and it is not unusual to encounter these great mammals on the reef and coral encrusted cayes close by. The birding in Belize City is surprisingly satisfying as well. The new Museum of Belize was built on the site of the old prison without aggravating most of the original architecture. It's a commendable effort with changing exhibits and well worth the visit.

The Belize Zoo:
The Belize Zoo is a remarkable facility that has received worldwide acclaim for its environmental research, education and conservation efforts. The exhibits are animal and visitor friendly and the Zoo contains just about every creature that resides in Belize. It's important to note that none of the animals were taken from the wild. They were either orphaned, bred in captivity or injured beyond their ability to ever survive on their own.

Altun Ha ruins:
Altun Ha is our most excavated ruin and because of its location near the sea, was probably more important as a trading center than for ceremonies. Some spectacular jade pieces have been found here. You can visit the ruins by road or by boat from the cayes or from the Belize River, where you'll see howler monkeys, crocs, manatees and water birds.

Crooked Tree Village:
A lovely village on a lagoon that is home to the jabiru stork, the largest flying bird in the Americas, along with a large assortment of other water birds. Crooked Tree is considered one of the premier birding destinations in Central America. The accommodations are small, moderately priced family owned inns. The village is very friendly and also known for the cashews grown in the area. Activities revolve around the lagoon and draw serious birders to their shores. Everyone enjoys the boat trips on the lagoon and back creeks where howler and spider monkeys reside. The Belize Audubon Society has a strong presence in Crooked Tree and is responsible for drawing the villagers together to protect this valuable ecosystem. You'll find many capable birding guides in the village.

Baboon Sanctuary:
The village of Bermudian Landing is another example of conservationists organizing villagers to protect the habitat of a species and learn to live side by side and benefit from one another. This stretch along the Belize River is rife with black howler monkeys. The villagers made a pact not cut down the trees the monkeys use for food, home or highway and thus, made their village an attractive place for the simians to set up home. Basic to moderate guest houses.

Snorkeling, diving and fishing: Belize City is less than 10 miles from the reef and there are a few good dive operators based here who offer snorkeling and diving on the local reef and to both Turneffe and Lighthouse Reef (The Blue Hole) Atolls. There is a well respected fishing lodge on the Belize River and many fishing guides who offer fresh and salt water trips.