Diving and Snorkeling. Nestled beside 176 miles of continuous reef, Belize easily reigns supreme as the top diving destination in the northern hemisphere. Every species of Caribbean coral grows in its offshore waters: elkhorn, staghorn, pillar, brain, and lettuce leaf coral to name a few. Thousands of fish and reef creatures mingle amongst the coral cities and brazenly approach divers and snorklers. The underwater world in Belize is an interactive experience that educates and fascinates both the novice and professional diver.

Fishing. The rivers, bays, lagoons, and coastline of northern Belize support a rich fishing environment. Many of the largest individuals of countrywide species swim in the northern waterways. Snappers, grouper, cobia, barracuda, rainbow runners, triggerfish, and tarpon frequent the waters of the barrier reef and its outer atolls. The deeper waters beyond the reef sport sailfish, marlin, wahoo, mackerel, bonito, pompano, blue fin, black fin, and albacore tuna. According to the moon and the season, certain fish can be found in greater abundance at certain localities.

Dining. Quality restaurants can be found throughout Belize. The quintessential Belizean dish is stew chicken served with rice and beans with a Red Fanta or Belikin beer to wash it down. Panades are popular deep-fried patties, usually stuffed with fish. Belizean lobster is wonderfully tasty and not too expensive. Recommended restaurants in Belize City are Nerie's (probably the most popular restaurant in the city among locals), Macy's (long-established eatery serving Creole food), Smokey Mermaid (courtyard dining at the Great House Hotel), Harbor View (the most romantic restaurant in the city) and Wet Lizard (for an inexpensive, fun meal near the Tourist Village.) On Ambergris Caye, don't miss Capricorn (sophisticated international cuisine, widely considered the best restaurant in Belize, JamBel Jerk (Jamaican), Caliente (for appropriately hot Belizean food), Elvi's (touristy but good), Blue Water Grille (don't miss the coconut shrimp), El Devino (an air-conditioned steak house at Banana Beach), Taste of Thai (real Thai dishes) and Papi's (inexpensive local food.) In San Ignacio, a favorite is Sanny's (hidden away in a residential area north of town but worth finding for its spicy local dishes). In Belmopan, Caladium (delicious Belizean food) is run by three feisty ladies. In Corozal Town, we always head to Cafe Kela (a little bayside bistro serving grilled fish, delicious pizza and even French dishes at ridiculously low prices). Also, Cactus Plaza (Mexican) is inexpensive and cheerful.

Birding. Bird watching has rapidly become a major attraction in Belize. Although you can take a quick glimpse out the window and undoubtedly spot one of the hundreds of resident or migratory species, the hotspots for world-class birding are the many parks and reserves—both inland and on the cayes. The diverse, largely undeveloped habitats within Belize cater to remarkable bird representation. Just over 800 species of birds have been documented in all of North America; Belize, a country approximately the size of Massachusetts, is home to over 570 species! Largely free of pest sprays, smog, and encroaching development, the airways above Belize harbor an amazingly diverse assortment of aviators. Both professional ornithologist and captivated laymen can observe and record sightings with ease through nature walks, tours, river expeditions, or island visits.

River Adventure.Paddling the waterways of northern Belize may rank as one of the most relaxing activities you can do while in Belize. Traversing the isolated canals, rivers, and lagoons at your own leisurely pace while soaking in the sun and stumbling upon wildlife may silently persuade you never to leave. Certain waterways, like Laguna Verde, lend themselves to paddling adventures. This small spring-fed lake lies approximately four miles north of the Gallon Jug farm near Chan Chich. Its name refers to the emerald green hue of the water. Laguna Verde sprawls over a large expanse about the size of a football field. Two islands in the center of the lake support thick foliage and assorted wildlife and make perfect pit stops for the tired paddler. Rolling green hills, bird songs, and the wail of howler monkeys greet visitors as they approach Laguna Verde. A small boathouse along the shore has canoes, oars, and life jackets for rent.

Horseback Riding.When the terrain looks questionable, but the area worth exploration, a horseback ride is the answer. A sure-footed horse can easily traverse steep or muddy landscapes and give your hooves a much-needed rest. The Chan Chich area has guided horseback rides that depart daily from the Gallon Jug stables. Trained horses lead visitors through the Gallon Jug farm area, forest roads and/or adjacent jungle trails. Rides to nearby Mayan ruins or more distant sites (e.g. Puntal de Cacao) can be arranged. Most rides last approximately two hours, but longer rides with a pack lunch are also available.

Mayan Ruins.Around 500 buildings have been catalogued at Altun Ha that date back as far as 250 BC. The Temple of the Green Tomb and the Temple of the Masonry Altars are the most impressive and offer a fascinating insight into the life of the Maya who used this spot as a major trading center. Altun Ha is the site of the spectacular artifact found in a burial site - the Jade Head, the largest jade carving ever found in the Mayan region.

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