BELIZE: Know Before You Go

Traveling to Belize is as easy as 1, 2, 3. But before you embark on your vacation, there are a few essential things you should be aware of.

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your trip:

Traveling with children to an adventure-packed destination, such as Belize, can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. However, ensuring you have all the necessary permissions is vital, including a notarized letter of consent from the other parent if you travel alone with your children.

So, double-check your documentation and paperwork before departing for your adventure in Belize! This will ensure you and your family enjoy your trip without complications or delays.

Ah, the year-round tropical warmth… Hello, sunny and warm (just how we like it in Belize)!

While the country experiences both dry and wet seasons – the dry season is from December to May, while the wet season lasts from June to November – it is still possible for December to have occasional rains.

In the height of the summer months, the coast can get hot and humid. Pack breathable, lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and, of course, sunglasses.

Despite a few sporadic showers, Belize is a beautiful and vibrant country worth visiting!

Sargassum affects Belize too, and while there is no “seaweed season,” we cannot foresee when or how often this phenomenon appears along our coastline, but you shouldn’t let it dampen your vacation.

So, as appealing as they are, we invite you to look outside the proverbial box of Belize’s Barrier Reef and Great Blue Hole.

Venture off the beaten path into a world of natural wonders – an abundance of fauna and flora, an extensive cave system, and a culturally rich and diverse people – that lies just beyond its beaches.

With a bit of planning and a positive attitude, you can have a great time despite the presence of sargassum.

Belize is different from your typical tourist destination. Planning ahead is important because some areas are remote and vast; you won’t find cell service or paved roads everywhere you go, and Google Maps may only sometimes be reliable.

Booking with local tour operators, which we highly recommend, ensures your experience is authentic and safe.

The terms “5-star” and “luxury” can vary in meaning for travelers depending on the places they visit. And while it may mean high-end accommodations to many, the discerning traveler knows that true 5-star experiences come from authentic offerings and personalized services.

From helicopter flyovers of the world-renowned Great Blue Hole – witness its sheer magnitude, its near-perfect circular shape, and the stark contrast of its deep blue interior with the shallow turquoise waters surrounding it – to sunset sundowners during astronomical phenomena like the Spring Equinox (where the sun gradually sinks directly above and behind Xunantunich Maya City’s El Castillo, followed by a sky painted in hues of orange, pink, and red), countless opportunities exist to make memories that will last a lifetime.

For a glimpse into an ancient empire that fascinates historians and tourists alike, exploring the City of Caracol with an archaeologist is a must, followed by a delectable picnic spread of traditional Maya fare onsite.

Or indulge in an all-inclusive crewed catamaran charter and sail along Belize’s stunning coastline! A “floating hotel,” as we call it, offers unparalleled access to the world’s largest living barrier reef, three of the Caribbean’s four atolls, and hundreds of idyllic cayes.

So if you’re looking for a truly unforgettable vacation experience, Belize is the perfect place to make it happen.

Belize operates in an infinite loop of island time (or, as we call it, Belize time). But what does “island time” actually mean?

It means you should embrace the relaxed pace of life and “go slow.” Don’t rush through your days trying to cram in as many activities as possible.

Instead, take the time to enjoy its azure waters, explore the lush rainforests, and savor the delicious cuisine.

Whether you’re seeking adventure or simply want to unwind, Belize has something for everyone. So kick back, relax, and let the laid-back vibes of the country wash over you.

Bonus: Remember to give back to those in need by supporting great organizations that make a difference. Two programs worth checking out are Pack-a-Pound and Pack for a Purpose, which allow you to donate extra supplies to local communities during your travels. Sponsoring a Belizean child’s tuition is also a fantastic way to make a lasting impact.

Thank you for considering these options.

Experience. Relax. Repeat. Because a vacation in Belize is what you make of it.

Autism-Friendly Belize

Family vacations are an exciting mix of dreaming and planning for many parents. However, planning autism-friendly vacations away from home can be daunting for families traveling with someone on the autism spectrum, especially when those vacation plans will dramatically alter everyone’s daily routines.

As we near the end of April, we would like to take a moment to speak not only on Autism Awareness but the shift to Autism Acceptance. As the mother of a child on the autism spectrum, I know first-hand how challenging it can be to choose destinations and experiences that are carefree, fun, and, dare I say, with the least glaring stares possible.

Having traveled extensively throughout Belize with my family, including my little ASD warrior, I am here to help parents traveling with adults or children with autism navigate the best options for the entire family.

Last year, I enjoyed working with Jeremy and Marci Silverman to plan a tailored experience for their 18-year-old son, who is on the spectrum, and their 14-year-old daughter over the holidays. Their Belize experience, as told by Jeremy, follows.

“We had one of our best ever family vacations in Belize in December 2021, traveling with our 18-year-old son (who is on the autism spectrum) and our 14-year-old daughter. We didn’t pick Belize as our vacation destination specifically because it was Autism-friendly. Still, we felt more comfortable during the planning stages, given Patricia’s guidance and shared experience, who also has a child on the autism spectrum.

We absolutely loved our time in Belize, and it exceeded our expectations on every level. The activities were amazing both inland at and around Chaa Creek and on Ambergris Caye, including the ATM Cave, Barton Creek, Xunantunich, and the amazing wildlife at Chaa Creek, as well as fishing, snorkeling, and just lounging at the beach on Ambergris ‐ especially Blue Bayou at Secret Beach!

Beyond the activities, what stood out most for us was the warmth and genuineness of the Belizean people, including the way everyone we met not only accepted our son but truly appreciated him and his quirkiness as positives. Every server at Chaa Creek and Las Terrazas knew him by name almost instantly and warmly greeted him every time they saw him. Our tour guides at Chaa Creek and outside the resorts embraced his differences. He had the time of his life ‐ he still talks about our guides at Amigos Del Mar on Ambergris, especially Burger and Soup, who nicknamed him El Matador! Our day with them made memories that will last a lifetime.

Having private tours for almost all of our activities made for a more comfortable experience, especially given the exceptional guides for everything we did.

Patricia did an amazing job curating our trip and experiences and laying a “foundation of understanding” at our destinations. She somehow struck the right balance between informing our hosts of our special needs without causing anyone to pre-judge our son and what he could do.

We still daydream about Belize and can’t wait for our next visit!”

1. Belize Sailing Vacations – The options are endless aboard one of BSV’s luxury yachts: fishing, island-hopping, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling – the Caribbean Sea is your playground, and every detail is tailored to your preference.
2. Chabil Mar Villas – Family-oriented and guest-exclusive, the resort balances pampering and privacy superbly and is perfect for a scenic stroll along the beach to the center of Placencia.
3. Las Terrazas Resort – The team at Las Terrazas goes above and beyond to provide extra care and personal attention.
4. Naia Resort & Spa – Perfect for families who enjoy their privacy and exploring independently but like the flexibility of interacting with others whenever they choose.
5. Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas – A personable staff that is always smiling and willing to help, and there is no shortage of activities and beach games.
6. The Lodge at Chaa Creek – Ideal for active families and wildlife enthusiasts, a stay at this 400-acre private reserve promises to be a thrilling experience.
7. Turtle Inn – Francis Ford Coppola’s beach hideaway boasts some of the most attentive, detail-oriented, and friendly staff on the peninsula.

Relaxed Entry Requirements!

You’ve probably heard that traveling to Belize is as easy as 1, 2, 3. But, if you’re still not convinced, listen up because it gets easier with these relaxed entry requirements.

Firstly, all fully vaccinated travelers can now enter the country without testing!

What does this mean?

• If you are not vaccinated, you still need a negative test (testing is available on arrival).
• Belize Travel insurance is still mandatory, and you can purchase it here before arrival. The cost of this policy is US$18.00 per visitor.
• You still need to test before returning to Canada or the US as that is a requirement to re-enter your home country.

Other relaxed measures:

• Facemasks are no longer required outdoors! While this is great news, don’t leave your masks at home; they are still necessary indoors and in public spaces (e.g., grocery stores).
• The curfew has been removed.

We look forward to welcoming you to Belize and the great outdoors!

Gaia, Rendezvous… And Updated Entry Requirements

Notes from the Directors

We are incredibly grateful to have welcomed so many guests to Belize as the country opened the international airport in late 2020. Guests have been able to access attractions with barely any other visitors in sight; spring and summer seeing the country build visitor numbers back substantially, which is why we are saying, “June is the new March!”

Most attractions and restaurants in Belize are outdoors, and accommodations are mostly distanced, including beach cabanas, jungle casitas, private villas and yachts, and remote islands, so guests can enjoy their holiday with as much isolation as they prefer.

Our Directors, Pat and Rach, have also been out and about enjoying “The Jewel.” Here are their recent experiences:

Rachael just returned from a quick sailing trip around the Central Cayes, including Tobacco Caye, South Water Caye, and Rendezvous Caye.

At Rendezvous (one of my absolute favorites!), we pulled into the dock at the tiny postcard-perfect island surrounded by azure waters and corals. Residents include the friendly caretaker, Pedro, the only person living on the island (except for a couple of passing fishermen who sold us some fresh lobster!), cormorants, ospreys, pelicans, sandpipers, and magnificent soaring frigates.

A snorkeling expedition around the island had us face to face with eagle rays, stingrays, and a green turtle, gliding through an endless school of blue tang and gazing at the technicolor of the rainbow parrotfish, spotted damselfish, and French angelfish. The formations at the island’s tip resemble an underwater “Grand Canyon,” with colossal corals including staghorn, pillar, elkhorn, and brain, dotted with colorful fans and massive drop-offs into the abyss.

A spearfishing mission was next on the agenda that yielded crab, lobster, lionfish, and a Spanish mackerel turned into a coconut seafood medley for dinner. We dined with Pedro aboard our very own yacht under a blanket of stars, feeling a million miles away from the rest of the world.

Next on the agenda? I’ll be heading inland to the Cayo District to scout a new collection of jungle villas, all with private plunge pools and spectacular views that we will be revealing soon!

Traveling fills us with so many emotions. And, if you’ve traveled in the past year, you know that traveling in a post-pandemic era is life-altering.

At Absolute Belize, we are grateful to be part of travelers’ journeys who have taken the leap, hopped on a flight, and landed in unfamiliar territory, willing to navigate through entry requirements, protocols, testing, and so many unknowns. Thank you to our valued clients who have entrusted us with making their travels safe and memorable.

Now more than ever, we know that our purpose is to help you fulfill your travel goals while taking the majority of the stress of planning away from you. Through our interactions with you, we know that travel is a feeling. Over the past few months, we have shared in

• the feeling of taking your first family trip after being apart for so long,
• the feeling of celebrating a honeymoon, birthday, or anniversary on a private island without another soul in sight, and
• the feeling of being surrounded by nature and embracing all the new experiences that travel brings.

I, too, have taken a few trips to rediscover the authenticity of travel in Belize: From visiting a local home-grown coffee plantation to making birthday wishes at Gaia Riverlodge, enveloped by the enchanting Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, to indulging in beachfront luxury at Itz’ana Resort. In my eyes, Belize is still Mother Nature’s best-kept secret.

I am determined to grab life and make every memory count, and I’d love to help you rediscover your inner wanderlust.

Updated Entry Requirements

As of yesterday, August 9, 2021, all travelers entering Belize must present a negative COVID-19 test.

Visitors are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 96 hours of travel or a negative result from any approved Rapid Antigen Test taken within 48 hours of travel. Testing is available at the airport for a fee of US$50 per passenger. Children under the age of 5 can travel without a test.

Belize Awaits…

Belize Update: Vaccinated Travelers Exempt From COVID-19 Test