Tamara Sniffin, Author at My Beautiful Belize

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Posts By: Tamara Sniffin

Lizard Tales: El Cadejo

Folklore is any of the beliefs, customs, and traditions that people pass on from generation to generation. Much folklore consists of fairy tales, folk tales, legends, myths, nursery rhymes, proverbs, riddles, and superstitions. As soon as a people developed a writing system, they began to record folk stories. However, folklore does not have to be written down. Much folklore is passed orally from person to person. My Beautiful Belize embraces the many cultures that make up our community and we recognize the importance of preserving our heritage. Through the Lizard Tales column, our readers will enjoy some of this colorful folklore while in turn we preserve these tales for future generations.

The charismatic national bird of Belize – the Keel-Billed Toucan

Regardless of whether you are a bona fide birder or just someone who enjoys nature, there’s no doubt that spotting our national bird, the Keel-Billed Toucan, when visiting Belize is always a treat! Although some people associate this beauty with the goofy “Toucan Sam” caricature seen on the popular Fruit Loops cereal box, let me tell you, these birds are sophisticated and worthy of great respect. For one thing, Mr. Keel-Billed would never be caught eating cereal for breakfast! A nice bowl of fruit, along with some insects and perhaps a lizard on the side, would be more like it!

Belize Barrier Reef Watch

Many who enjoy the underwater experience, be it diving or snorkeling, are eager to learn more about this submerged world of beauty and be a part of protecting it. Here’s one way to help: be a Belize Barrier Reef Watch Citizen Scientist by documenting reef health and diversity!

Snorkeling 101: Be prepared for your aquatic adventure!

Snorkeling is more like floating than swimming and offers an easy and relaxing alternative to diving. It’s a perfect way to discover our Meso-American Reef System’s magical underwater world, abundant with marine life and stunning coral formations.

Table Rock Jungle Lodge is all things uniquely Belize

The Cayo District is a treasure trove of hidden gems. At the end of canopied roads, you discover resorts as singular as hand-crafted jewels, nestled within dense jungles teaming with brilliant birds and vibrant foliage. Table Rock Jungle Lodge is one of these hidden nuggets, synonymous with all things uniquely Belize.

What’s New: ZZ’s Beach Bar

As a booming tourism destination, San Pedro Town boasts some of the most diverse restaurants in the country. From traditional local eateries featuring favorite Belizean…

Reading Ready – Books about Belize for all ages

Be you on a plane headed to Belize or enjoying beachside relaxation with a good book, through the pages, you are sure to be entertained while discovering an appreciation for our unique country and culture. Forgot to bring a book? If you are in San Pedro, 12 Belize has a lovely collection for all ages.

Connecting to southern Belize – the new Coastal Plains Highway is a game changer

With tourism growth in southern Belize and Placencia being a key destination, the demand for better access to the route, which shortens the course from Belize City to Dangriga by 29 miles, grew. A massive highway renovation began in early 2020. Six new bridges, four additional bridges reconstructed, roundabouts, generous shoulders, and thirty-plus miles of road paved with asphalt later, the Government of Belize inaugurated the renewed Coastal Plain Highway on July 6, 2023.

When the moon ate the sun at Altun Ha

What would be more magical than witnessing this sacred occasion within the jungle embrace of a Maya archaeological site? Let’s go to Altun Ha and celebrate the annular solar eclsipse at the Temple of the Sun God Tomb!

BTB’s Restaurant of the Year Elvi’s Kitchen showcases new menu dishes

Awarded the Belize Tourism Board Restaurant of the Year 2022, the iconic Elvi’s Kitchen recently reopened after a month of renovations with a fresh façade and new tasty surprises on its menu. From artisan liqueur and cocktails to delightful seafood, traditional Maya/Mestizo dishes, and new vegan dishes, the Elvi’s Kitchen experience never disappoints!

After a two-year hiatus, lobster festivals are back in Belize!

Although the Caribbean Spiny Lobster may have enjoyed a two-year reprieve from festivals dedicated to devouring them, the sorely missed lobster festivals are back! The lobster season officially opened on July first, and three different destinations in Belize are resurrecting their annual festivals dedicated to these tasty crustaceans.

Let’s Celebrate International Flamingo Day!

Did you know that April 26 is International Flamingo Day?! Who doesn’t love these flamboyant, goofy birds? From pink plastic yard art to animated characters, these charismatic, long-legged creatures are synonymous with all things tropical.

Belizean birder & photographer Francis Canto Jr shares his 2020 favorite birds

Our good friend Francis Canto Jr is one of those gifted individuals who doesn’t let anything get in his way of loving the natural world around him. Although 2020 was a challenging year, this birder and photographer extraordinaire shares with us his 2020 favorite birds, and wow are they amazing!