Here’s what big publications are really saying about Belize
Belize may no longer be a ‘hidden gem,’ but it’s still relatively unknown when it comes to all the wonders it holds for a perfect tropical vacation. However, there are times when Belize is truly recognized for the underrated attractions and experiences by highly acclaimed travel publications that are well known to most. Here are all the times Belize was mentioned in a big publication in the past year – and what they said.
Forbes
- “In Belize, there is still much left to be discovered. While much has been made of Ambergris Caye as of late, and the diving opportunities off the coast at the Great Blue Hole to be particular, the Cayo district remains blissfully undiscovered to many wouldbe visitors.” Read more here.
- “Belize may be small in size. (It’s mainland is only 68 miles wide!) But, it beckons visitors with all types of fun, from cave tubing to scuba diving to birdwatching. That puts forth quite the challenge: Should you visit (a). the beaches, (b). the jungle or (c). get a city experience? The correct answer? Go with all of the above.”
- The sole Central American country with English as the official language, Belize offers retirees a warm, outdoororiented environment, including fishing and barrier reef diving. Cost of living is quite reasonable.”
- “From the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea: Our next selection is the (vastly underrated) Central American nation of Belize. This lush tropical oasis is a haven not only for snowbirds of the human variety, but their winged counterparts as well—though most of Belize’s 618 species of birds call the nation home all yearround (only 20% are migrants.)”
Conde Nast Traveller & Conde Nast Traveler
- “Whether your schedule is weekslong or you only have a few days on your hands, getting off of Belize’s tourist track is easy and rewarding. And, given the relatively small size of the country, you can cover a lot of ground quickly. Here’s where to go in Belize—and how to scratch beneath the surface.”
- “Caracol is different. Located in the rainforests of western Belize, this enormous 30 square mile site is utterly undeveloped, free of crowds (less than a dozen people visit per day) and, because of that, perhaps, the most authentic way to experience the mystery and magic of the ancient Mayans today.”
- “It is the perfect Caribbean escape for those who like it rough and palmfringed around the edges, with tropical jungly highlands, Mayan ruins and the most astoundingly beautiful beaches, just a handful of hippies and beach bums to share them with.”
The New York Times
- “No visas, language classes or serious jetlag remedies required. Travel insiders have been talking up the country as the next hot Central American destination for a few years, extolling the virtues of its lush jungles, Mayan temples and pyramids, snorkeling-friendly reefs and overwater bungalows.”
CNN Travel
- “Recently, however, an influx of new hotels and airlines adding nonstop flights to Belize seem to be a clear signal that the country’s status as an underthe-radar retreat won’t last much longer. Now’s the time to check out what this tropical haven has to offer before the travel buzz on Belize gets even bigger.”
Travel + Leisure
- “A short boat ride from the largest barrier reef outside of Australia, Belize’s Ambergris Caye is a scuba diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise. Head to Shark Ray Alley to snorkel among nurse sharks and stingrays; visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve to get up close with eels, turtles, and colorful fish; or explore the underwater caves of Blue Hole. When you’re not in the water, admire its warm glow from a hammock on the beach.”
- “For the fourth year in a row, two islands in Belize made the list. Caye Caulker (No. 5) is a spit of limestone — measuring about five miles long and one mile wide. Scuba divers flock there to experience what’s called the Great Blue Hole. Ambergris Cay (No. 4), the country’s biggest island, is also popular for those seeking underwater adventure — as is Mexico’s Isla Mujeres (No. 3), which is surrounded by coral reefs.”
The Guardian
- “Most recently, in April, Belize expanded the replenishment or “notake” zones in its marine protected areas from 4.5% to 11.6%, almost tripling zones where fishing is banned, to rebuild fish populations and protect marine habitats. “Nowadays it’s sexy to say ‘this is a no-take area’ somewhere miles out at sea,” says Wade, at her office in Belize City, “but our no-take zone of 16% is a giant achievement for a tiny country like Belize, because all our protected areas are right where people are interacting on a daily basis. That is the hardest thing to achieve.”
Lonely Planet
- “Dwarfed only by Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System lies less than a mile from Caye Caulker. Its countless dive sites house everything from delicate sea fans to majestic coral gardens, but Belize’s iconic Great Blue Hole, reached on a day trip from Caye Caulker, is best left to advanced divers.”
For more information on Belize and its attractions, feel free to email us at info@travelbelize.org or call us toll-free at 1-800-624-0686.