Belize

Though Belize is actually part of Central America, it may seem to have more in common with its Caribbean neighbors. With the longest living barrier reef in the western hemisphere and the second longest contiguous reef in the world after Australia, Belize is a scuba diver’s haven. Popular locations include Ambergris Cay, at which the Hol Chan Marine Reserve contains a cut that acts like fish freeway with impressively large arrays of large fish, including groupers, barracudas and nurse sharks. Here, you will also find the famous Blue Hole in Lighthouse reef, an almost perfectly circular hole more than 1000 feet (305 metres) across and some 400 feet (123 metres) deep. Its perimeter is often patrolled by schools of sharks. Every year from March to June, visiting the Gladden Cut near Placenica may catch you a sight of the giant whale sharks as part of their annual migration. Often compared to Costa Rica for its eco-conscious approach, over 40% of the country is preserved as parks and nature. Here you will find a mix of tropical forests, mysterious jungle cloaked mountains brimming with wildlife. Within these forests, visit the world’s only jaguar preserve, or gaze upon ancient Mayan temples. Considered part of the southern Mayan Lowlands, several sites within Belize were historically significant. Caracol was the centre of one of the largest Mayan kingdoms, and was important during the classical period. Cerros, on the other hand, was the location of one of the earliest Mayan sites. Whether you’ve arrived aboard a cruise ship, or you’ve flown in to discover this friendly country, there is an amazing amount of biodiversity and scenery to take in.