My Beautiful Belize Travel Blog

Travel Blog

Joseph Pate awarded for his mixology skills and contributions to the tourism industry

On June 27, 2024, Joseph Pate, also known as “JoeDaBartender,” was honored by the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) in Belize City for his exceptional bartending skills and his contributions to the tourism sector and community on Ambergris Caye. Pate has been devoted to the art of preparing mixed drinks since 2014 and has been creating craft cocktail drinks. He plans to continue contributing to the community by sharing his knowledge of barista skills and aims to expand his bar.

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!

A sustainable fishing tale from the Lopez family

Fishing in Belize is more than a profession; it is also a tradition that has been maintained and practiced for generations. As a vital livelihood, those depending on it are also aware of the importance of protecting this vulnerable industry from abuse and overfishing. Among the hundreds of fishing spots along the Belizean Caribbean coastline, there is a particular area that a dedicated family sustainably uses out of Sarteneja Village in northern Belize. The Lopez family fish and look after a fishing area around Middle Long Caye, rich in fisheries stock and a mangrove haven southeast of Belize City.

Navigating Belize Real Estate with Keller Williams

Keller Williams Belize can supply the expertise you need, offering invaluable guidance and support to investors. Whether you’re seeking a serene beachfront property, a lush tropical estate, or a vibrant urban dwelling, Belize provides a diverse range of options to suit every preference. Keller Williams can help you succeed in bringing your dream to reality.

The Tropical Education Center: A Hidden Conservation Oasis

Nestled in the lowland savanna of the Maya Forest Corridor is a wonderful lodge called the Tropical Education Center (TEC). Popularly known as the “Zoo Lodge,” the TEC is the sister site to the world-famous Belize Zoo and was added in 1991 to promote immersive exploration and appreciation of the natural world.

Island celebrations commemorate the growth of our La Isla Bonita!

San Pedro is a vibrant town that celebrates its rich history and culture. Two important events are held yearly to commemorate the growth and development of Ambergris Caye from a small fishing island to a bustling top tourism destination in Belize. The caye is the largest of Belize’s offshore islands, famous for its spectacular coral necklace, the Belize Barrier Reef, located just a short distance from its coast.

Embracing its Maya heritage, Corozal Town is emerging as an eco-tourism destination

A peaceful coastal town located just south of the Río Hondo, which marks the border between Mexico and Belize, Corozal Town is considered one of Belize’s up-and-coming locations for retirees and those looking for an easy-going daily life. Corozal is home to a growing expatriate community, primarily residing in the northern tip of the town at Consejo Shores and along the seaside in the Sarteneja, Progresso, Copper Bank, and Chunox areas.

Eat, drink, and enjoy Maruba Beach Klub at Secret Beach

The hour-long drive via golf cart from San Pedro Town is a memorable part of your day at the beach. And there’s no better place to enjoy the island time vibes than at Maruba Beach Klub, located at the entrance of Secret Beach.
Maruba Beach Klub is a favorite spot for many, offering cool vibes, fantastic food, and some of the best cocktails. But perhaps the best part of it all is the crystal-clear water, perfect for a day of endless beach fun.

From Cocoa to Chocolate: Celebrate the Heritage of the Maya

Chocolate is a beloved treat enjoyed worldwide but holds significant cultural importance for many cultures. In Belize, the cacao plant used to make chocolate has a rich history and cultural significance for the Maya. Chocolate played a vital role in ceremonial beverages and ritual offerings for the ancient civilization, and their descendants still use the cocoa plant today to create some of the best artisanal chocolate.

Peggy the adventurous and inspirational loggerhead turtle

In May 2023, at the remote Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a critical moment unfolded in the ongoing saga of marine conservation. Peggy, a mature female loggerhead turtle, was gently captured in-water by the dedicated team at MarAlliance. This marked a new chapter in both her life and marine research. Fitted with a satellite tag, Peggy spent the following year mostly in the same location in the Atoll and then suddenly in late March 2024 she embarked on an epic journey from Belize towards the U.S., meticulously tracked to shed light on the secretive life of sea turtles. But Peggy is not just any turtle; she was named in honor of MarAlliance’s recently deceased Board Chair, Peggy O’Shaughnessy, a woman whose adventurous spirit and dedication to conservation continue to inspire.

Plan your destination wedding and get married in Belize

Over the years, Belize has become a popular destination for weddings. Whether on the beach, in the jungle, or at an ancient Maya temple, tying the knot in an exotic Caribbean paradise makes your special day more enchanted.

Tips for visiting Ambergris Caye on a budget $

We all dream of an island vacation, and there is no need to break the bank to get it. Even with limited resources, an adventure still awaits you in Belize. Here are some tried and tested tips to help you plan an affordable holiday on Ambergris Caye.

Exploring the Advantages of International Lending – How You Can Benefit

Part of your strategy for maximizing the use of your offshore accounts is to make the most of all the available financial services. That includes looking into options for offshore lending. The purpose of the loan may be to finance the purchase of real estate, obtain seed money to open a business, or just to finance some other purchase you will need in the future.

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!

Traditions rooted in religion: Hot Cross Buns for Easter

Easter is a religious time for many Belizeans, especially Catholics, who see it as a time to strengthen their faith and family bonds through traditional activities. Another time-honored Easter tradition in many Belizean households is baking. Serving hot cross buns on Good Friday is a beautiful (and delicious) way to enjoy the day with family, filling the kitchen with sweet and fruity aromas!

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.