Best Beaches of Belize

What comes to mind when you think of Belize? If you're like most, it's "diving". Some older folk may think British Honduras, but we think cute, small beaches. You can't get away from the diving culture here. Some of the top dive spots are here. So plan at least a snorkel trip. This paradise is just sitting here waiting for you. There is good reason why dive companies keep coming back here over and over. Belize has super-clear water, and tons of friendly fish. And if you have dived Belize, we'd like to know about it. Write us.

We're in Ambergris Caye, and as you can see, the turquoise waters here are the clearest in the Caribbean. You can easily see the bottom at several points around us. And this part of the coast off Belize is alive with fish and all manner of marine life. Because locals are trying hard to keep this place green, the work is paying off and tourist keep coming back. Is is sustainable?

Parrot fish, bull sharks, Spanish mackerel, yellow tail snapper, barracuda, all make their home here. Sport fishing is as good here as it is off Los Cabos. And the beaches are much better according to some. Belize is the best of both worlds: friendly and full of marine life. Now a prime destination for those eager to swap gray skies and chilly weather in the north for blue water and fresh seafood. If you've been to several Caribbean islands, but want something different, Belize might be your place.

Sports fishing at Ambergris Caye, San Pedro, Belize

And, hey, they speak English here! People seem truly grateful for every tourist, and you just can't overlook the brilliant, varied marine life that snorkelers and divers love. Belize mainland is 180 miles long and around 68 miles at the widest point. But if you've heard of Belize, it's probably because of its famous "cayes" or islands. More than 200 of them dot the coastline inside the world's second-largest coral reef.

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Belize is about a 2-hour flight from Miami and Houston. Direct flights are available in several U.S. gateway cities, and from Cancun and Chetumal, Mexico. In-country airlines are Tropic Air and Island Air, serving Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Placencia and Punta Gorda.

Food is good and the atmosphere is totally Caribbean, which means leave the stress back in the office back in your country. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and come find what God put here for you. Everyone is laid back here and hurry is not a word they know. And for good reason! Now, let's hop over to some of the beaches. We'll start out with the ones around here, Ambergris Caye, home to the town of San Pedro.