Headed to Belize... Need all the help I can get

I am headed out on 4/15 for a week. No plans, just land and figure it out from there. About 20 years ago I used to fequent Guatemala and will try to jump over there for a day or two.

Hoping for advise on things like, a good home base, must see list, and anything you think I should know.

Thanks

 

Doesn't Tully Mars live near there?

 

I'm headed there because of the amount of things to potentially do. There is the rainforrest in the south, the reef in the center and I can jump around to other countries in Central America. Just hoping for tips on where to start.

 

Belize is about a 4-5 drive from my house. I've gone a few times and the best advice I can give is stay out of Belize City, stick to the resort areas out on "the islands." Belize City is quite awful in my opinion, think the crime rate it is near or above Flint Michigan. The good news is most tourists don't end up there. Other good news is English is the main language and the US dollar is the main currency.

If you dive the "Blue Hole" is on just about every top ten dive list on the planet. It is pretty spectacular.

I have friends who spend a lot of time in Belize if you have questions or want specific advice let me know and I'll try to get you an answer.

 

If you are interested in ruins, there is a place called Lamani that is something like an hour north of Belize city by tour bus then a bit longer by boat up some river. It's probably not the best site for seeing ruins with maybe a handful of pyramids. I was there in 2002 as one of the stops with a cruise ship. It might not be something worth a special trip, but I figured it was something interesting to see since I was there.

Here's a link with some info Photos from Lamanai

 

I've been to Belize a couple of times - its a great, warm, friendly country.

Go to the Cayes, particularly Caye Caulker. There are lots of opportunities to swim, snorkel, dive and hang out there. Its a very slow moving place and perfect for a water sports getaway. Caye caulker is generally inexpensive; there are expensive rooms, but you can generally get a private one for US$25/night. You can get a bunk in a hostel for less. Wish Willy's makes a great dinner and Karaoke night at the bar in the middle of Front street is a lot of fun.

Lamanai is worth a special trip. You can either arrange a tour from Caye Caulker or make your way to Orange Walk and set up the tour from there. I recommend the tour from Hotel de la Fuente. You'll take a boat up the river, stopping to look at wildlife and then be shown around the Lamanai (really Lama'anayin) by a knowledgeable guide.