You may have noticed that travel trends are increasing in family vacations, with an estimated 47% being multigenerational trips. Most of us can relate to sharing experiences and making memories as a family, and traveling in numbers, like bringing the grandparents along, can help manage a gaggle of little ones. It can be extra special for the adult child, making memories with your parents while fostering adventure in your kids, while the children get bonus time with the grandparents, a win-win for everyone! No matter how elaborate or humble the adventure may be, it’s all about family time, exploring new environments, and creating lifelong memories.
In Belize, we see more families visiting our country, as we have so much to offer, including family-friendly accommodations and countless opportunities for fun and adventure. Be it a low-keyed stay at a beachside resort where days are spent building sandcastles, playing in the water for hours, and taking delicious naps in hammocks on the beach, or jungle adventures exploring exotic Maya archeological sites, cave tubing, and ziplining, Belize meets the need of families who are looking for a unique and memorable vacation.
With so much to choose from, here is one of many adventures that will surely delight the child in all of us.
Reef Fishing
Just about any place you stay within the country, chances are fishing is offered. Be it river fishing, deep sea, or reef fishing, there’s something for everyone. For families with budding anglers, a half day on the water reeling in fisty reef fish is grand fun. Full and half-day trips can easily be arranged along the coast with local tour operators. With the close proximity to the Meso-American Reef, guests staying on Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker can spend an afternoon reeling in huge smiles and fish aboard a hired boat with a skilled guide.
All equipment needed is usually included, with fully rigged fishing gear, plenty of bait, and beverages such as water and soda. Best of all, your guide knows where the fish are while staying on the beachside of the reef, where the seas are calmer. They are happy to help youngsters (and adults) with the equipment, even baiting your hooks, casting your line, and removing your catch if needed. Essentially, all you need to do is reel in your catch! On a good day, you can come home with more than a dozen fish, ranging from snappers, grunts, mullets, and even barracuda.
The fun doesn’t end on the boat for young anglers hungry to savor their catch. Guides can be asked to clean and even fillet your catch once you return to shore. With fresh fish in hand, many beachside restaurants will gladly prepare your day’s catch, complete with side dishes of your choice. After an exciting day and a belly full of fresh fish, your tired little fisher folk will sleep well, with visions of flapping fish dancing in their heads. It’s not every day that a family can share an experience like this; chances are the memory won’t soon be forgotten.
Your hotel concierge can help you arrange your fishing trip.
