Congratulations, and hope for better times. We love Ambergris and look forward to returning. Thanks for reminding us of our great holidays. Eleanor and Alan U.K.
Congratulations Laurie! I am thrilled to hear of your new citizenship. While I have missed your regular writings, I can understand the lack of positive content during these trying times. Keep your head up and we will all get through this together!!!
Congratulations Laurie! That is good news. We had to cancel our trip this year but look forward to visiting soon and supporting the economy there!! Brighter day are ahead!
Laurie – Although we only spent a short time together, I continue to admire and live vicariously through you. I’m sorry for the troubles you have been through, but becoming a Belize citizen is such a great thing! After 19 years of visits, I hope to be able to visit again soon. I MISS BELIZE! Sandra
Congrats on your citizenship! We know all about the struggle through the slog of paperwork, but we haven’t even been able to get residency yet even though we’ve been here 6 years!
Hi Lori Mel here herb wife way to go I’m so happy for you hope we can see each other soon belizean now hoping you know spanish call me 6274818 would love to catch up enjoy the xmas and a happy new year’s
Dear Laurie,
Your post showed up on my Google news page. I was looking into Belize as a future retirement home and Google’s algorithms thought your post would be interesting to me. They were so right! But not in the way they may have thought! You see, reading about your problems from the pandemic and weather helped me feel better about my own struggles. I own an office building in Salt Lake City Utah. Now days everyone is working from home. My building is 70% empty. I put it up for sale in October but if I miss one more mortgage payment the bank said they will forclose on the property. At this very moment my dear wife is applying for a 0% credit card so she can help keep the the business solvent until we can get the building sold.
Thank you for sharing your troubles. It helped me feel much better!
Hi Taco girl! Congrats to you and I’m very happy to hear from you and read your post. I really miss the island and look forward to visiting again. I’m going make a contribution via PayPal but first I to clarify something. You spelled your name Laurie with the email for the PayPal donation but I noticed in the section where it talked about you growing up dyslexic your name is spell Laure which does not have the “i”. I want to make sure I send the money to the correct account. Please advise and let me know. Thanks!
Every time I check out your wonderful blog, it takes me back to super friendly people, blue water,great food and a lot of fun. Thank you I will have a friend let me use her PayPal!
Congratulation on your citizenship! My family had been to Belize twice and had visited your blogs multiple times. They are very real and informative. We hope to visit Belize again soon so please keep on writing and love to hear your perspective on everything.
Whenever we visited Belize we always commented as to how lucky the citizens were living in paradise. But obviously we overlooked how many live paycheck to paycheck with no life line in times of hurricane, flooding, or now an economy busting pandemic. If you have been to Belize and enjoyed their hospitality I suggest you find some way to offer help if you can.
COVID has crushed so many of us income-wise Charles. I recently read the Statistical Institute of Belize reported almost 39,000 lost jobs/income in Belize as a result of the pandemic and hurricanes definitely did not help.
I have chronic migraines, I get Botox every 3 months, I take a monthly shot aimovig as well as relpax and Vicodin as needed.
I will have prescriptions with me, so could you tell me which pharmacy would be the best for those in Ambergris keys
The two I use the most are Unique Pharmacy and Spiez, both on google maps. You may need to get a local prescription although you could call them and ask in advance. Also, it is important to note that often generic versions of drugs are available here. For some things people also find Belize city pharmacies may have. Freetown Drugstore is one that gets recomended.
Hi Taco girl, I know Joe Sala, very well, we were close friends in Vancouver for several years. He is an amazing artist and really sweet guy, I am so glad he, and Forrest and her husband have found and nurtured their spot. If you are in contact please tell Joe Judith sends a Hello and that his “Angel” painting still guards me on Quadra Island. All the best, Judith Tait
I passed along your message to both Forest and Shawn so they could let Joe know. I agree with Judith that he is a great artist and guy. Hopefully, you will come to visit Belize one day and see Joe’s cool studio on the water and enjoy the rooftop bar view of the boutique hotel.
Email or WhatsApp Pandora at Kunahmul Organics Khadijah and please let her know her I passed you her contact info. By email: pandoracanton@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +501 610 5115
I get a weekly order based on what’s available and it is payable via Belize Bank, a very easy process then you just pay the shipping at Tropic Cargo when you pick up. Usually around $8 for the box.
Hello….I haven’t been to Belize for many years; however every time we stayed there to scuba dive with our group from Santa Fe, New Mexico, I always purchased a tropical wind chime as shown above in this Belize Category.
Can you advise me if I can still purchase a wind chime so far away from Belize? I don’t plan on vacationing anytime soon due to this COVID19 virus, but I’d love to purchase a new wind chime for my home (along with the other 5 chimes that I already have).
thank you, Renea Rodriguez, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Hi TacoGirl,
I’ve been thinking of a trip to Belize for several months now. It will be my first. I’ve actually never been to the Caribbean. But the closures have stymied me. I heard that Belize has just reopened. What do you know?
I am pleased to say that Oct 1st is the new set opening date for Philip Goldson International Airport. Travelers will do well to come with a PCR test no earlier than 72h of travel to get fast-tracked at the airport. Another option is to get inline to be rapid tested upon arrival. Land borders will still remain closed indefinitely.
What about for us American Expats (non citizens but Permanent Residents) wanting to return to our own homes in Belize? Are we free to do so? How will that work? I have attempted contacting US Embassy there to no avail- no callbacks…
I would like to stay with family for the 30 days I paying for for my ticket getting the test 72 hour I would love to come but it feels like I am a prisoner
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My husband live in Belize and i want to come and see him but I don’t want to have to pay for a room when I can stay at our house and quarantine for the 14 days they plan on staying the whole 30 days
Judging by the rules they set so far, I would say friend homestays are not on the table yet. It could be that they have not addressed that option yet and will not at the start.
If friends homestay allowed, it would involve a 14-day quarantine like condo owners have to do. However, the point of all the strictness is that they do not want travelers who are all coming from highly COVID infected places compared to Belize freely roaming around right now. This will keep the community spread to a minimum and allow for easier contact tracing should any positive vacation-related cases happen.
Well Hello Taco G. I am Peter and I am starting to look for a nice little place near the water for 6 months or plus
Hello Taco G., my name is Peter and I’m just woundering if I could ask a simple deed of you my dear And no I am not a Brit. HA HA If you wouuld happen to know of a nice stuido or 1 bedroom for rent for 6 months or longer close to water beach ect.. 11/7/20-5/6/21. Just thought you might know of something if it does come to your mind Please let me know . E-mail is gazdikgaz@aol.com Thanks Peter
So concerned for my second home and their wonderful people. They need to open the airport and tourism. I live in the US but have property on Ambergris. The virus in my opinion is all about politics in the US. Most cases,in my area are mild and long term care facilities are the only places with deaths. Hope we can travel there in October but pray that you open up before then. ??
A BZ quarter is a shilling not a doubloon.. BIG difference!!! A doubloon is a gold coin worth up to $,5,000 U.S./ Piece of Eight is a silver coin, worth a little less. Ask a Pirate! And you’ll get the right scuttlebutt…RRRRRrrrrrr… STAY SAFE KIDDO!
Thank you Laurie Norton for still posting and blogging.we are in deep here in Hamilton Ontario Canada ??. I hope that you are well and that we will all come out the other side of this..?
Carlo and Ernie’s is great for sure, but c’mon…Buffalo Bills, NY Yankees, Chicago Bulls????? Blech! LOL!
Can’t wait to get there (hopefully) in October! 🙂
I enjoy your FB posts and getting them via e-mail will insure that I will not miss any. I have a condo at Grand Baymen that I lease out long term and I remember giving you ride in my cart on one of my previous visits. Keep up the good vibs and posts and I will give you a free Uber ride the next time I see you.
despite all the caos this is still heaven and that won’t change…sun, sea, air and positive ENERGY…can you sat that where you are? We swat the virus du jour like a bug!
Hi Laurie…….always a pleasure to read your e blogs. I am still alive and kicking after a bout of cancer. Glad to say that I have beaten it and am now completely free. I had to cancel my trip to the U.K. this year due to the virus conditions in Manchester and my home town of Bury. The worst part of the deal is that I will miss my brother’s birthday in June……93 and not a problem, whereas I am 6 years younger. We talk to each other through FaceTime about every fortnight. I got a voucher from Aer Lingus for my ticket, so my fare is paid for already. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your next writings. Luvsya, Alan Slater.
Hi Laure,
I love your blogs and sad to hear about your problems. I own one of the units at Banyan Bay and it is planned for major renovation soon. There is a very new washer and dryer set that they cannot keep and were going to sell them. Let me know if you want them and I’ll ask my manager to help you pick them up.
Man this post brings back good memories and puts a smile on my face seeing some of those old (younger) faces.
Btw – in an effort to keep my mind occupied I am going back reading all your stuff from when I found your blog.
This is my second trip to Ambergris Caye and you have been so incredibly helpful. I really wasn’t aware of the discounts last trip but I’m all over it this time. Can’t wait to return. Looking for down time with excellent food and the best folks on the planet! Wish the Belikin beers were larger but you can only control so much ! Thank you for everything!
I’m picking up plastic caps as I walk the beach. So easy. Everyone should.. I’m staying at Belizean Shores for a month. They have a little bucket to collect them in laundry room.
I just arrived in Belize and bought a SIM card so I could keep in touch with my family. I’m concerned that if my kids reply to a text to or return a call to the Belizean SIM number that they will be charge international rates. True?
Hi……I am happily looking forward to my very first trip to San Pedro and I was just wondering….. is it safe to leave your valuables (passport, cash) in the AIRBNB rental ? Apparently the place does NOT have a safety deposit box that I would normally use. What do fellow travellers usually do ; take the valuables with you on your daily excursions or just leave them in the room with the door locked ??
Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks……Jonathan
It should be safe Jonathan. I generally get good at hiding stuff so that I do not have to worry about it. You can also search on amazon for a travel room safe and find some low-cost options.
Tacogirl,
I bought a piece of property in the Village of Hopkins.
In 3 1/2 years my son graduates high school and i then plan to move to Hopkins, Belize. I have been trying to plan about building my own home on poles as i so have the ability to do so as i am in the construction field. I even have put aside all of the electrical and plumbing materials i think i need. My goal is to be tranquil, ride my motorcycle and Scuba dive as thats my 2 passions. I paid my property tax in advance for the next 5 years. I plan to purchase a shipping container and with all my items in there, vehicles and ship it to Belize. How do i go about once its in Belize to have it transported to my property in Hopkins. I read your article on mail. Is there anything i can do in advance to make my transition easier when the time comes? Like Visa, banking, mail(i am happy to purchase a box now or put myself on the waiting list for one) i am open to any suggestions/ ideas you may have.
Anthony, congrats on your move. For transport, join this Hopkins Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/155603672170/ and see if there are more groups. People living there will be able to help you with the best way of shipping goods from Belize City to Hopkins. I tried to check the government site for post offices closes to Hopkins but it was down, as far as I know, Dangriga is the closest one. Here is the fb page https://www.facebook.com/belizepostalservice/ and number for the Belize City Post Office in case you want to inquire now – +1 501 227-5844
Hello Laure,
Just finished reading your very entertaining post about the weather.Thanks.
Its Jonathan – from Toronto and I am counting down the days to my arrival in “Sunny San Pedro…..10 to be exact.
Hoping you can help me with the purchase of a snorkel ‘full face’ mask. I can get one (Bodyglove) here at Costco for approx.C$50. Would it be a better idea to get one over there, and would the cost be any less ?
Also….is it cheaper to get a SIM card outside Belize airport, or in San Pedro itself ?
Appreciate any info u can provide,
Thanks…..Jonathan Lovery
Definitely you are better to buy one anywhere but here for best price Johathan.
Sim card is not going to be any cheaper in Belize City versus on Ambergris Caye. Digicell store (in San Pedro Town) is located on the opposite side of the road from Tropic Air front entrance and a stone’s throw south. Be sure and bring your passport so you can
get it registered.
Absolutely fly Linda, so much easier and the view is fantastic and it is so much faster – 15 min on the plane versus 90 on the boat plus a 30 min cab ride to get to the dock. For a shorter water taxi ride in I recommend a day trip to Caye Caulker. If you do fly please remember to use flight code for Cancer – horizon when booking on Tropic Air website.
Hi Laurie,
Thanks for your reply. Question please….can you advise how I can hook up with a local SIM card for my Samsung cell phone upon my arrival in San Pedro ?
Please and thanks,
Jonathan
Anytime Jonathan. Digicel Belize a stone’s throw south east of the Tropic Air front entrance would be the easy option on your way in. You can find out more on their products on their site. https://www.livedigi.com/
Hello Laurie / Taco girl,
I discovered your wonderful blogs just a few weeks ago. Thank you so much for all the information and insightful reccomendations on all things Belize. I am from Toronto and will be arriving in San Pedro in about 3 weeks….. for my very first visit.
My travel buddy and I will be staying AIRBNB hence all the research into grocery and budget shopping.
Soooooo excited….mebbe we will run into you somewhere (like Crazy Canucks bar ? lol)
Cheeers …..much appreciate all your help,
Jonathan
Afternoon Jonathan, glad you found my blog and are finding lots to help you plan your trip. Congrats on getting away from Toronto during winter 2020, I bet you re excited about that. As for running into me, I do not drink so my bar time generally happens for events or a planned meeting friends, email always the easiest way to arrange a run-in with me.
Hello tacogirl, my name is Charlie and I am interested in moving from the united states to belize. Can you assist me on this move? I have an E-mail and a phone number if you want me to share it. Thank you
Thanks for the info on SIM cards! Going to place this and hope it will cover that area.
Any suggestions on finding a cooking class??
Thanks so much!
Deb
Hi! Are there any belikin distributors on the mainland? We are driving to placencia from BZE and would like to stock up. Can beer be bought directly from the brewery? Learning lots from your blog. Thank you!
There are distributors on the mainland. Here is the Brewery +501 227-7031 and email contact options – ndelgado@bowen.bz or bowen@bowen.bz to to find out the closest one to Placencia. I do not drink beer and did not happen to ask where it was anytime I have been there. You will easily be able to buy beer at most local stores though.
Hello Laure,
do you know if we can bring duty free purchases in cabin for internal flights or same regulations applies and we would need to put it in our checked luggage? Also, any good jungle experience from placencia? Thanks a lot, Gen
All duty-free needs to be checked Gen. So either by leaving space in your luggage or doing a last min shift of a few things to your carry on. Sometimes Premier Duty-free will box it if they can. JUst have Tropic Air put fragile on luggage. Belize jungle covers more than half the mainland so you will be easy to find a good jungle tour experience from Placencia. Here is barefoot services jungle and nature tours page – https://barefootservicesbelize.com/belize-jungle-nature-tours.html
I have been on more smooth rides than bumpy. If the winds are too strong I would not go. I liked flying to Oragnewalk and then doing a Lamanai tour from there. If you opted for Lamanai tour from Ambergris Caye I can set you up with Seaduced by Belize, I really enjoyed that tour with them. They would be understanding of your need to not be so bumpy.
If you fly, tacogirl Fight Code For a Cause – no additional cost. horizon – to be used online tropicair.com website. Shining Bright for People in Need with Cancer. This option will be better for your neck and motion issues. They also do a set tour as well if you did not want to go via an independent tour company. I did it that way and it was nice to have room for 6 people comfortable in the boat plus our captain.
I have never had bad mosquitoes issues in the jungle but I always pack spray in case. On island I had sand flea episode recently. Glorious Belize coconut oil is my fav option to help that.
As of Jan 2018, tacogirl flight code (for a cause) horizon helps crunch cancer in Belize. The Cancer center provides ongoing financial assistance 55 people at a cost of over 10,000 a month.
As of 2018 tacogirl tropic air discount became flight code for cancer and helps the Belize Cancer center in Dangriga subsidize 55 patients a month who cannot afford treatment at a cost of 10,000 +. Your flight code helps this very important endeavor at no extra cost to you.
Hi, I was wondering if you , or anyone could help me. I have been looking to get my brother in-law a Belikin hat for Christmas, the store and website, both have no way, other then phone, to contact them. Any ideas on how I might be able to get a hat shipped from Belize to Canada??
Obviously you have never driven a big truck like the one in the photograph. Trucks have to turn wide in order to NOT hit buildings when turning and as narrow as that street is, he was doing the right thing turning that wide. If he has his blinker on and you can’t pass by him it just common sense and courtesy to let him turn first.
That may not be the best example Aldo but, I bet you a donut that I could park in the same place and snap a picture of a golf cart doing exactly the same. I could also snap pictures of trucks (and other vehicles) doing it on a straight road driving at oncoming traffic to pass someone because they are in a hurry.
ROFL I missed that and laughing also because I did a double-take this morning thinking for a second the price was 17, I had to enlarge to make sure it was two dollar signs.
Kids will be kids…no matter where they are. That’s why they are so precious. Glad to see the sargassum has died down And hey, who knew underwear are considered produce in Belize??? Not me!
Kids here feel extra special sometimes as they are not quite as over marketed by stuff, marbles are still cool. We are all glad the sargasso is giving us a break. I do not consider underwater produce ? the store those were at sells all kinds of non food household items.
So many wonderful programs and people helping with the trash problem on Ambergris Caye! Great job, Laurie. I love those repurposed bags also…so creative!
My Ambergris Caye Nightlife page will give you some good ideas it also includes a link to San Pedro Fun Finder. I would also catch a sunrise if you can do early mornings. Visiting a school and meeting the kids is also a fun thing to do. Taking a long drive north or south also a fun thing to do provided you do not mind a few potholes. I sometimes like to find a secluded place up north and picnic with a friend.
Thanks for the update. Love the new layout of your website. The pull-downs make it easy to move from one page to another. Looking forward to trying some of the new places on the island.
Hi,
I flew into Belize last December 2018, on a Saturday.
Customs was a nightmare, exactly 3 hours to get through. A lot of people were missing their connectors.
I am flying into Belize again in January 2020, also a Saturday.
Trying to book Tropic Air flights also.
Is this the norm, or was it just a bad day. There was talk that a new system was being implemented.
Thanks for your advice.
Hi Jack, sorry you had such a time at customs. It is not the norm, while I have hit line ups before never in my 14 years here has it take me 3h to clear customs. I hope you have smoother sailing this time around. Sometimes if the declaring line is shorter, people will go buy a bottle at Premier duty-free and have something to declare instantly. If you use this option, Premier offers a tacogirl reader 15% discount.
I have asked many times and received varied answers. Maybe you have the definitive answer.
Will BMA accept dire trauma patients ie: gunshot victims, stabbings, heart attack, etc..or other “must do something NOW or the patient dies?
IF they have no insurance nor the money to pay after?
How far will there Hippocratic Oath extend?
We locals understand up North we have no options, but what about in a dire emergency? Still back of a pick up down the road to the Poly?
Roberto
I do not have a definitive answer on that Roberto. To my understanding, they are still ironing out the system so that it runs smoothly and that includes late-night emergency care. That is likely why you have received varied answers as everyone needs to get on the same page regarding the scenarios as you mentioned.
Thanks for the list! Would love more of the places north of the bridge to be listed – living 8 miles north, the farther north the better. 🙂
My knowledge (and I use the term “knowledge” loosely 🙂 ) of places up here open are –
I see Bernie’s Back listed their low season hours.
Croc’s
Stella’s is closed this week, but reopens the 24th of Sept.
La Cala appears to be open
Aji
Ak’bol
And I think X’tan Ha’s restaurant is open.
Any others you can think of?
I need my whole top pulled and dentures put in. I can’t find any prices for this stuff. Do I need to contact you? Also I’d like to talk to you so maybe I can get some information about what my options are
A dentist would be the one to ask prices from Ticola. General I have gotten estimates but never an official quote on price because they always wanted to see me in person and assess the work before telling me the actual price on what I was having done (fix a chip by two different dentists here) Email me if you want to know dentists. Are you looking on Ambergris or Belize City?
Truth Be Told About Crime in San Pedro
I spent a week last Christmas on Ambergris Caye in include several trips to San Pedro. It was amazing how safe everyone felt including trips to SP late at night.
I must say the people there were very courteous, respectful, considerate, and also way helpful. A young couple took the time to walk us several blocks to a major street when we became lost in a poorly lighted area which may not have been a better part of SP. Yet they refused to accept any compensation for their time. That is something senior citizens don’t forget!
There will always be crime, some very bad, so not so bad, and many cases may never be solved. Yes, there is always room for improvement in any police department, every police department always needs more resources, and criminals usually have an advantage called “time” and the police are usually very pushed for “time”. Pun intended, criminals often serve very little “time” when they are caught!
Be proud of what you have. You have achieved something when someone feels safer walking down your downtown street than walking downtown in Columbia, SC, USA. You have a piece of paradise. Just keep working hard to make it better!
Hi Laurie, I was in the UK when you sent out requests for who is open or closed during the slow season. I did reply but perhaps you didn’t get it. So here is the update for Bernie’s Back Bar & Restaurant:
We have decided to stay open during September and October but reduce the hours/days. This provides a realistic level of service for our guests – especially the regulars who love our Karaoke but also allows some additional time off for our staff prior to going full tilt as we head into High Season.
With immediate effect, we are open from 12 noon through to midnight on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday with Karaoke continuing to be provided on Wed/Sat evenings and live music on Sunday evening.
We will be closed on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday and take advantage of those days for any maintenance.
Thank you for all of your good work keeping locals and visitors alike updated.
Thanks for the info and the compliment Vic. List two already on the go and I will add your info there as well as the upcoming special events you just game me in messenger.
Thanks for the awesome list of local eateries. I’d be interested in finding a place to stay there for the winter that has high speed internet as I work online. Have a good day Taco Girl!
Moring Lorraine. Glad you liked the list, part two in process. Just email me more details on the time frame, budget, and amenities you are looking for -tacogirlbelize@gmail.com
Hi Taco Girl
I’m from Toronto Canada and will be moving to Belize in the fall of 2020. I would like to open a specific business there but wondering where I would find all the information about making the move to Ambergris Caye.
Moring Diana, there are people who specifically do consult and know all the current paperwork protocol. Email me at tacogirlbelize@gmail.com and I can help get you started.
I appreciate your upbeat attitude and agree with your general comments of risks in San Pedro but there is no denying the drug and gang problems in Belize City spill over onto La Bonita (San Pedro) as evidenced by the many shootings (gang and retribution) throughout the years. San Pedro is much much safer than any large city in the US or Canada. For the most part, if you don’t go looking for trouble, you are fine and safe (especially in the resort areas up north) but there are exceptions such as the recent shooting deather of Dr. Swank while on a fishing excursion. Also, the SP Police departments low rate of solving/clearing serious crime cases does not inspire confidence. Truth be told, I feel safer on the mainland and jungle at times than in SP.
I love Belize and San Pedro and will continue to have a place here. Tourist should come and enjoy all that San Pedro and Belize have to offer but the government of Belize and local officials needs to do more to address the real underlying criminal activities leading to crime in San Pedro.
So relative to the individual JJ, I recently had an extended traveler tell me he would not go to Corozal when I suggested it for visit. Why because of a 2017 murder there. However, the funny part of that is he is temporarily living in Belize City for work. I agree do not go looking for trouble. Sometimes people get “tropical Disneyland fever” and caught up in the moment.
It will generally start on June 15th first-day of lobster season Barb. However, on occasion businesses, have booked the day before for the first crawl party and do a do non-lobster specials. As for the block party, The Lobster crawl is always a week-long or sometimes longer depending on the day so that means the blog party happens the Saturday after lobster crawl ends. At the block, party crawlers submit their passports that they got stamped at all the crawl parties and have a chance to win a grand prize of a trip to Belize for the following years Lobster Festival complete with flights, accommodations, tours, cart rental.
horizon is the current promo flight code for charity. Two great organizations are currently being helped by monthly use: Belize Cancer Center and through the Blue Water Grill Belize Community Foundation, Hope Haven Shelter. The money helps to manage ongoing monthly expenses of housing 9 full-time children and feeding between 130 – 170 people weekly.
Hope Haven is helping people from slipping through the cracks and doing what they can to give people a hand up. My friend’s volunteer group from United Methodist Church Johnstown Colorado came to start a Hope Haven House Build also used the code to benefit the shelter. The woman they were doing the house foundation build for, attends meal service with her kids regularly. The group met her and fell in love, Daisy is so deserving of the help to get to a better place and her kids are so appreciative. So are all the community in need being helped by our invaluable shelter and food kitchen.
Thank you for supporting this worthy cause. When you feed a hungry person a healthy meal, you also feed their soul and raise their energy.
As for the Dangriga Belize Cancer Center, serves patients countrywide and currently, 54 that people a month need subsidized cancer treatment.
Additional extra monthly expenses required by financially disadvantaged patients. (Pricing in Belize dollars, half it for USD.)
The cost of a CT scan which is accessible only in Belmopan and Belize City is approximately $580.00 BZD.
For diagnostic Laboratory and Imaging studies. An average of five patients per month require financial support to pay for CT scans, other radiology studies, and other lab tests. Almost all of these patients are unemployed and have no financial resources.
An average set of lab work which includes CBC, Chemistry, and Tumor Marker Test cost approximately $150.00 BZD.
An average of three patients per month require Herceptin, which is a medically preferred hormone replacement therapy for patients with hormone-positive breast cancer. Generally, this is a medication prescribed in a cycle of 6 doses at a total cost of $3000.
All of the above (pricing in Belize currency) places a big financial challenge monthly for the Cancer center and they are extremely grateful my readers have stepped up to help with a $172 June flight code donation. (same went to Hope Haven Shelter)
The main reason this cause is so near to my heart RIP Cheryl Morley, she fought a strong battle and now she has gone to the big party in the sky. She reached out to me to help the struggling center and it has been a life-changing experience ever since I took her for treatment one day and learned about Dangriga’s Vital Role in Belize’s Health Care System – https://tacogirl.com/belize-cancer-centre-dangriga/
Your flight code horizon use (at no extra cost to you) directly helps Cancer patients who need a hand and their families at a most critical time. They need to focus on getting well not worrying about where their treatment money will come from.
Moring Alicen, horizon is the flight code for charity. Currently being helped by monthly use, Belize Cancer Center and through the BWG foundation, Hope Haven Shelter.
Hello TacoGirl:
I am going to visit Placencia in March of 2020, I know that is 8 months away however I don’t believe in waiting for the last minute. I am looking for someone to chat or Skype with in Placencia, so I can a feel for the area as well get some idea about how much it will cost for rent, and living expenses. I will be staying about a month on this visit. If all works out I will return to live in comfortable retirement.
I am a grateful reader, and love to learn all that you have put out about the country.
Dale Hutchinson
Taking a much-needed vacation in San Pedro town this weekend, and I’ve run across your blog a couple of times. Just wanted to say thanks for the helpful information!
Hello!
We are a family 4 adults and one 7 yrs old boy. Can we take a sailing trip from Belize to Roatan with you or can you recommend any company for this?
Thank you!
Hi Roberto, I made the trip with Ecologic Adventures Roatan. They were moving the shop from Belize to Roatan. Do you have a budget in mind and length of time for your trip? Are you looking to Sail from Belize to Roatan or would you consider Sailing from Roatan to Belize?
Looking into residence living on a permanent basis for my husband and I. We are in our 70’s and can afford up to 700.00 a month for a home or apartment. Can we see an pictures of homes in the areas you suggest. We are in Arizona now.
Hey Taco Girl! Always glad to find another ‘long term Belize aficionado’ who lives in Belize most of the year and who understands both the culture, and how tourists (or as I call them, “soon to be regular visitors of Belize”) expats, investors, and future retirees can maximize their experience…and even save some $$$.
I especially like your no nonsense approach to the many benefits of travel to Belize – but without of the ‘sugar coating’ or ‘monetizing’ many bloggers include in their posts.
I grew up in Belize (16 years, until my return to the US for college/graduate school, & career), but have maintained my permanent residency status and return as often as I can. Since I now only ‘go home’ (and Belize will always be my ‘home’ – Creole was my first language, after all) only five or six times per year, it’s fantastic to find your perspective and up-to–date advice on the ‘definitely do’ v. ‘probably do’ v. ”do with caution/common sense’ (and even the rare, “eh-your might want to rethink the details of your plan’. Solid, experience-based, non commercial suggestions.. I wish more Belize bloggers mirrored your code of authentic personal experience + ethical excellence.
While a am of a Caye Caulker fan (a bit more laid back and – for now at least – without the gulf cart ‘traffic jams’ as can sometimes happen on Ambergris Caye, you are 100% right on point with your advice.
Nice – very nice…your are now one of my top three bloggers on Belize. I hope to meet you sometime – grab a Belikin & swap some of the narratives that make Belize truly ‘Beautiful Belize’. (“Dis da fu we Belize, no true gal?”)
Your newest fan, ‘Belize Steve’ (often found at ‘Caye Reef’/Caye Caulker or ‘Cheers’/Western Hwy/Belmopan, or bumming around Hopkins Village & Placencia).
Thanks for the compliments Belize Steve and putting me in your top 3. Shoot me an email tacogirlbelize[at]gmail.com when planning your next trip and if it works out we can meet up.
looking for current update on bulk beer purchase. We will be back down in July and will probably want about 10 cases of beer. We will be using a local grocery delivery for food being delivered to our house we rented, but the two food delivery services that are online, advertise a much higher markup on a case of beer. I understand this is for their service and convenience of delivery (especially since cases of beer are heavy and bulky). We are staying about 2 miles north of the bridge, is there a local distributor for Belikin near that location or would it be best just to suck it up and eat the cost of the delivery as the convenience of not having to physically move 10 cases of beer ourselves, especially since we only have 2 golf carts for transportation. Are there any local grocery stores/liquor stores that might help with that large of an order? Thanks for the info.
I will add it to my task list Dale, and get price update added to this post. No distributor near you, both locations are still south of town. If you can swing it, then yes suck up the cost of delivery and make your vacation at easy. Village Market right across the bright might help at what price I am not sure. Why not start a beer jar and do small things to fill it like bringing lunch to work once or twice a week and putting what you would spend in your jar.
That looks like a gorgeous place! You took some great photos. My only complaint is that I wish they were clickable as they are so teeny. I remember seeing a couple of Blue-Crowned Mot Mots on the mainland there. Amazing birds!
Love your souvenirs! When living on an island, practical souvenirs are a must. When we visited San Ignacio, we came home to Ambergris Caye with a huge bag of multi-colored habenero chilis from the local market. We paid $1 for the entire bag!
I totally understand about strange souvenirs. We just got back from a trip to Aruba and came back with a 8 position shower head for our home in Belize. Now every time we take a shower we think about Aruba. Who needs a t-shirt or a magnet, we’ve got a shower head.
We will be over on the west side of Belize in Benque in Jan, but I want to make a little time to fly over to Ambergris Caye for a few days. We were they last Nov, and we took a golf cart ride out to Secret Beach, made sure our lots were marked, and just to have a look-see around. I noticed an off grid home model that you can see from the side of the road going out to SB. Will Mitchell is a San Pedro realtor working on that project. Do you know any other planned projects or developments in that area? With the growing popularity of Secret Beach, I would venture to guess that there would be more things planned.
Nice, a good idea to check it out while here. Not heard of anymore planned projects recently, there are more individuals building up there now. I bet a small Tienda (store) or two in the area is not long to follow. Currently, Beach Basket Belize, Captain Morgans, and Mata Grande Grocery are still the closest shopping options as far as I know.
My partner and I have two side by side lots that he purchased 10 years ago at the Grand Belizean Estates lots. Our plans are to build something there in 8-10 yrs. From Secret Beach you can see Blackdore Caye, which is also supposed to be developed for an eco resort, but I haven’t heard when it’s supposed to be completed.
Nice Micheal, hopefully, you and your partner will get to plan a visit soon to see your lots. Not heard anything on Blackdore Caye, development lately.
Is this considerably less than you would pay in a grocery store? Would like to have some rum and coke’s in our room, was going to hit up a grocery store but sounds like this may be cheaper? Thanks!
It is cheaper if you use a lot Erin as the distributor is by the case. Be sure and hit up Travellers Liquors on Middle Street for local rum choices. Many also use flight code (for a cause) horizon and code vacation starter in Premier duty-free at Philip Goldson International Airport will save you 15% on alcohol. See alcohol savings a comparison chart.
I am so sad to hear about all the development going on. I will be visiting Placencia in September/ October for a month. Then I plan on moving to Placencia, in January 2020, I just pray that I don’t find out that it has changed due to development. I have bee planning this since 2014, so I would love to find small village near Placencia and an Episcopal Church.
Congrats on planning a month in Placencia Dale. I have friends who own a condo here on Ambergris Caye and in Placencia. They both feel similar to you and feel like Placencia is a good fit and not going quite as crazy development wise right now.
My wife and I visited in March of 2017 and fell in love with Ambergris Caye and enjoyed Secret Beach immensely. On our return trip this February, (we stayed on Caye Caulker this time), we looked forward to a water taxi ride to San Pedro and quick jaunt back to Secret Beach. It felt as though the population and number of vehicles had doubled in that short time, and Secret Beach was hardly recognizable. We still love Belize and would love to spent some retirement time there.
Wonderful blog post, Laurie. One of your very best because of its honesty.
Although we discovered Ambergris Caye & San Pedro later than you, even in just the couple of years between our discovery (2010) and leaving the island for good (2013), we saw far too many changes for our liking. When we found the “Secret Beach”, it was simply the backside of Grand Belizean Estates, a wonderful and near-deserted spot to ride our cruiser bikes. There was a friendly couple who built an off-grid blue house on the lagoon side, the first house along what would later become the Secret Beach, and we met them and their five dogs on one of our rides. Hard to imagine what it looks like there now, though I have seen photos. Seeing it in person would be a shock, I am sure. I understand that development and progress are inevitable, but still, it pains me to see so much of what was unique about Ambergris Caye now gone, changed, or in the process of doing so.
Thanks for the compliment. I agree Emily, way too many changes for such a small place and not all good ones either loosing out uniqueness is hard. I think seeing it in person would be a shock too. It has likely been around 2016 last time I was there, just before the permanent businesses hit. A friend was up there on a date and his report was that it was really trashy. That made me not want to go back. I am glad though that the businesses that moved in up there are keeping it clean now from what I hear and see in the odd picture.
Wow does your blog resonate! And we’ve no particular interest in BZ other than a handful of visits to Placencia a few short years ago. We’ve gone back three times in less than 5 years and we have no “right” to say a darn thing…But then why on earth were we so ‘saddened’ to learn about all the development, the paved road, the new streets laid out, the skyrocketing price of real estate?…
I guess this is the where the phrase ‘victim of success’ hails from?
We had hoped to retire in a local village…now, meh. Maybe. Will still visit and support the good people of BZ though, for sure!
Thanks, Greg. I think worldwide it is a challenge to keep the charm in unique places as they get “discovered.” Hopefully, we can still find the balance before it is too late.
Thanks, and sorry if I sounded kinda mean…wish nothing but the best for the people of BZ. Fell in love with the easy-going Creole and local folks .. can only want the best life possible for all!
So sad and so happy for Ambergris and Belize at the same time…we came for the first visit in 2012 for our honeymoon and absolutely fell in love. San Pedro is so wonderful and we have made so many friends. I want all our friends and everyone in Belize to be full, rich, happy, successful, and healthy, but it is selfishly so hard to see all the things that made San Pedro special start to be subsumed by the Cancun-ization of the island. I am hoping we can all find a way to help Belizeans be successful while keeping all the things that make Belize wonderful. Losing the turtle grass and the mangroves will be the final blow in Becoming Cancun and I sincerely hope it does not happen.
I feel the same, Jennie. Hopefully, mangroves and turtle grass will not disappear. Another concern is water quality, that is something that is getting damaged by improper growth.
I’m guessing that it may still be in the proposal stage, but it makes me wonder if it is a done deal already because I do know that the 4 lots next to our lot have accepted the offers that were presented to them. We were also presented an offer but were not sure if it’s just a way for someone to pick up properties and then resell at a increased price, or if it is real, hate to be pressured. Appreciate anything you may hear.
Hi Lori, we’ve heard that Cayo Rosario has been approved and I also heard that they will be putting in a water treatment plant, generator, housing for workers fuel station and a large dock in Sea View park which is just up the beach from the secret beach bar and grill.
Have you heard anything about this? It would be nice to know for sure as we own one of the lots next to the other lots that have already been bought up. Anything you hear please let us know
Where did you hear that Bruce? As far as I know it is still in court and still unsettled. Will keep you posted if I read anything new about approval. (Hopefully not.)
Hi thanks so much for the information. Im wondering if you or anyone thinks an expat nursing home would be beneficial there in Ambergris Caye? I’ve been in the business most of my life and my husband and I are planning to move there and have a business as well that will provide service to expats mainly but give work to locals. Any thoughts?
Thanks for the blunt truth even though somewhat sad but a fact of life. I got here in 1980 so remember the old days and the “. Magical 90s “ sometimes with a tear in my eye .
Bill Toonen
I too remember secret Beach way before development. And I too now have regrets with my years and years of ranting and raving about this island.
Too many pristine water sanctuaries have been destroyed to make way for development.
Now I hear that life-saving mangroves might be destroyed. Unbelievable that safety could be replaced by greed. ?
I agree. AC is slowly losing/changing what we have come to love about Belize. It’s our special place. We got married there. We want it to stay that way! We will continue to come but we know we will continually see progress toward being a Popular Tourist Caribbean location”. Money always changes things, doesn’t it?
And yes, thanks for keeping us in the know I always look forward to reading your posts.
My husband and I first came to Ambergris Caye in 1990 when British troops were still stationed in Belize. The streets were made of sand. We stayed at Lilly’s where he served family style meals to his hotel guests. At mealtime, guests would share their plans for the day of who would be taking people out in their boat for a day of snorkeling at the reef. I asked a fellow traveler what I should do with my valuables while snorkeling, he replied, “Leave it in the boat, no one is going to steal anything.” Our first snorkeling trip to the reef was magical. Ignacio and his son, Tulu, took us out. Ignacio was a Grey-haired man with light skin and blue eyes…seemed filled with joy. His son, Tulu, had the darkest skin and magnificent blue eyes with a smile that seemed with joy and love. How they loved to share their home treasures with us.
While Ambergris Caye has undergone numerous changes and growth, I like to focus on what has been done right – saying no to offshore drilling, establishing Hol Chan, and more recently Mexico Rocks to name a few.I
Having grown up in Southern California, I understand the pains of “progress” and “growth”. Let’s hope Belize can learn from the mistakes of other places.
I too remember the “good old days” of no development on the back of the island. We took our kids to those beaches when they were learning to swim at 1 and 3 years old (they are now 24 and 26). We named one of those beaches after our dog because she loved to frolic in the water. Yes, development will happen but at what cost?
As much as I love Belize, my concern (and I’m casting no stones at you; I appreciate your love of Ambergris Caye and the whole of Belize) is that it will lose its “old world” charm in the face of the growing tourism trend and become just another Caribbean resort destination. To me, it’s inevitable, particularly on Ambergris — Secret Beach being one example — but also in places like Placencia, which is getting a lot of attention.
I agree with you Paul (and did not feel like your comment was throwing stones at me.) I know growth is inevitable, I just wish more people would do it with more respect and consideration to where we are and what makes Ambergris Caye and Belize special. Thanks for the compliment.
Laurie, I too remember the simple things like the dirt streets and the hand ferry. It was a true adventure “back in the day” to get beyond Sweet Basils. The biggest thing we miss is the smell of chicken stewing from the many local food vendors lined up at Central Park every evening. When you WALKED into town that smell was intoxicating! We fell in love with Ambergris Caye and all it simplicity. Nightly entertainment was Wii bowling at Pedro’s and the town except for the Blue Iguana closed down by 9:00. It has definitely lost its Old World Charm and every year when we return we are saddened by all the growth and Hotel chains that are building and blocking the view of the Ocean. This year we are bringing family with us that have never been and we are sad that they will not get to experience the old Ambergris Caye. It is true the times they are a changing and unfortunately it has not all been for the good. Oh, and the coconut pork chops on the secret menu at Hungry Grouper are now one of my favorite things to order! We have followed you since the very beginning of your blog and love your insight and perspective on Ambergris Caye.
Great job, Laurie! I remember seeing you in your bikini a few times in 2011-2012 and thinking how amazing you looked. My abs are long gone at almost 58 years old (though my quads are still kickin’ from all the cycling – lol!), so I admire anyone in their 40s or 50s who still has ’em. Hope the juice cleanse helped you find them again! 🙂 It’s definitely hard to give up sweets and other bad for you stuff, so I admire your persistence. Not sure I could do it!
Jordana follow the link to Juide Dive facebook page and they can answer any questions you have on the cleanse. As far as weight loss goes an overall healthy eating change would be needed otherwise weight lost on a cleanse comes back fast if you go back to bad habits.
Hi Tacogirl,
We have been getting more and more serious about escaping the cold here in Alberta. I have been researching and found some great info on your site. We are wanting to invest in a property now and eventually move to San Pedro permanently. Do you now much about buying condos in the resorts? This is what appeals to us for now. The rental income can offset the cost of still living in Canada. Do real estates agents normally take care of these types of properties or does the resort handle the selling? Is there a reputable real estate agent that you recommend that handles this type of property?
Thanks for the help and keep up the great site.
Morning Dean, shoot me an email at tacogirlbelize@gmail.com and I can answer all your questions in an easy to track place. I have a few friends that own condos here and do part of the year in the rental pool and then they get a large chunk of time there every year. Agents definitely come across these types of investments. I can put you in touch with an agent.
When we toured Tikal, we drove our Chrystal rental car right to the gate and were met by a guide (they take turns meeting the cars) and I don’t know if we lucked out but he was the best tour guide I’ve ever had. He works for the tourism department and the park itself (I believe) and they don’t take this lightly. He was so knowledgable and he told me that everyone has the same education program so chances are you will not be disappointed. I wish I remembered his name (4 years ago) but my husband and I had him all to ourselves-no big group, and no timetable.
I did this trip last week from Belize city to Tikal and back. I rented from Crystal .very professional.One thing to note. They are the only hire company that allow travel into Guatemala,they provide the tikal pass that lets their car pass over the border.IMPORTANT ..there is NO insurance on the car after you exit Belize. This was explained to me in the office before i left. The crossing of the border was easy and the drive to Tikal straight forward through rural Guatemala . Hope this helps and clarifies a few details.
Hi Tacogirl, My wife and I are ready to trade in our 2 short term rental homes in Colorado for a place in Belize. Its not clear to me if someone on QRP status can legally run an AirBnb place in Belize. Can you help clarify? Thanks!
QRP means retired status so no business allowed when you are here under that Gregg. I do know people that came down as both, one came QRP and one came legally able to run a business which she did successfully until she decided to stop.
Just want to add a thank you to who ever published this article. I contacted the guide, Genny Reyes from the email provided in the article. Couldn’t have been happier with his service. Very pleasant articulate and knowledgeable! While the article above was written in 2016 and our trip was recent, January 2019, his price only increased $20.00. Still a great deal at $90.00 per person compared to the $150.00 I was quoted from other tour operators.
I really like your website, what would you recommend for a fairly affordable
rental close to the beach? what towns etc? I have 2 dogs and this may be difficult
( long term) also i have been in property management most of my life
and would love to find something managing a small complex or resort on the beach.
How would i go about that? what are the work requirements etc?
Morning Glenn, thanks for the compliment on my site. Starting your own business (with proper paperwork) or finding someone to sponsor you for a work permit and job because of your skills, or going it on your own and applying a work permit are all ways you could go about it. Your best bet is to plan a scouting trip and see what it would cost you to live here and if you see possible opportunities. It is a very dog-friendly island. Long term here counts as 6 months or more anything less falls under short term rentals.
I’ve been researching a family vacation to Belize towards the end of July. Our passports are in the process of being renewed and our two daughters are getting new ones. Do you know if Belize allows entry for U.S. citizens if their passports have not been valid for atleast 6 months?
Secondly, I want to split the trip up and stay at a Jungle resort and then stay at a beach resort. For the jungle resort, if we want to do cave exploring or hiking, will this get cancelled if there is a lot of rain?
I always love to see your pictures! You’re always talking about the growth of SMA, due to some issues the past 5 years I haven’t been able to get back down. Can you tell us more about just HOW MUCH growth there has been done in some pictures? I am really worried that it will not be the quaint place we were looking for still. I’m starting to look for someplace still a little quaint. I left Cozumel for that reason, never been back. I LOVE the fact you have been able to keep the cruise ships out. OMG so many people on then it looks like cattle coming thru the chutes!
Thanks for the compliment Allene. We are stressed to the limit and all further growth should be suspended till the environment gets cleaned and all waters test at an acceptable level. All infrastructure needs to be done properly as well. Bottomless septic tanks in low laying areas are not acceptable.
Thanks for the compliment Allene. We are stressed to the limit and all further growth should be suspended till the environment gets cleaned and all waters test at an acceptable level. All infrastructure needs to be done properly as well. Bottomless septic tanks in low lying areas are not acceptable.
That was a great blog. I had no idea there are underwater caves on Ambergis Caye – much less in the Secret Beach area. I’m going to have to look into those (pun intended). Is the cave in the area in front of what is now Secret Paradise beach Bar? Or is it further north than that?
I also had no idea you can drive a cart north from Secret Beach. I now have a new exploratory mission when I get back to the island in April. 🙂
Gregg, you may get sprinkled on a bit but definitely expect longer sunny periods as well. Tomorrow’s post a weather one offering some good suggestions.
Is the “Gilligan Island” picture in a cove almost exactly 1 mile north of Secret Beach? That peninsula of trees jutting out into the water looks very familiar. If it is where I think it is, you owe me “Beach Use Fees” for parking your boat on my land. LOL! Well…OK, you don’t really owe me money (you already knew that tho!)….I just saw an opportunity to brag because a picture of my lot made it into your blog!
Not sure exactly where that one was shot Eric. We used to do gas share and potluck boating adventures. Traveling up the back side of the island around 2007. This post was one of my last ones in the area https://tacogirl.com/the-cave-beyond-secret-beach/ before the area got largely popular and developed business wise. You might see close to your property there and there is a good fence pic for a guide marker and of course the underwater cave.
Hello Dear,
I filled this application because I love experience and challenges. Know that my spouse will come really to take me and to visit me from time to time. My baby boy might just come to visit me during vacations. Really none is coming with me to stay full time. Thanks in advance for the opportunity to grow in education.
Thank you mr Russell for your kind words and it was pleasure and honor for us to meet you, we are so proud of providing the best service that our visitors deserve..,
We really appreciate your advices to keep our island better and nicer
This is wonderful but am missing the teacher experience but if you like to give me a try am welcome to join on bored because we all start from small and grow up but I don’t have the money to continue my education level to start teaching I love kids and I know working with kids will be easy for me I appreciate it
Moring Jaminie. It is the people who are taking applications you need to be asking that question. I am helping people learn about the opportunity, I have nothing to do with the application or selection process.
Our family was on Ambergris Caye for Christmas as well. Christmas Wve we had a snorkeling trip scheduled but the Lady Leslie Crew were kind enough to reschedule for Christmas Day! always a great time on the island even when Mother Nature trues to stir things up a bit!
Great your family got rescheduled Mary, hope you had a great time on Lady Leslie Catamaran, it is a nice boat. Mother Nature was stirring it up again for the New Year, we had some good winds last night and today.
Great timing Mike. All the places in this post will likely do parties again this year. Check out my updated https://tacogirl.com/ambergris-caye-belize-nightlife/ page for links to facebook local and google maps which will help you search for events closer to the time. Belize bars are still getting through the holiday season and do not have super bowl 2019 events up just yet.
Hi, arriving in San Pedro tomorrow. Are you aware of any fun holiday events coming up over the next week? Or, are there some great sites, decorations that we should visit? Thanks for sharing your pictures.
I want to appreciate you for taking a picture of my grandmother, my mom, and my little brother all in one picture on the trampoline!! I found this absolutely hilarious.
Thanks for the appreciation, Sarah. That is hilarious that I randomly got them all in and cool you found it. A similar thing happened before, I realized I had pics on my blog of my old neighbors before I knew them and on a different island – Caye Caulker.
Hi Tacogirl: my husband & I cant wait to visit Belize next month. We will be at Pelicans Reef for part of our journey. I know we can bike Into the town of San Pedro if we wish, but can you recommend a taxi service that you think has a great reputation along with competitive prices that will take us to&fro up to multiple x daily over the course of our four day stay at PR? The other questions I have are what time do the restaurants serve up until in the evening & 2. do any take a reservation or are they all pretty casual all the way around? Many thanks, really appreciate it. Sincerely, Cathy
Hi Cathy, what a great way to start your new years. For taxi south email: manolocontreras21@yahoo.com and see if you can make an arrangement in advance, he and his son both drive. As for prices due to where you are staying it will be a bit costly for a cab I have only ever used him to go as far as Sunset beach and that was about $15-$20 bzd cab ride. Depending on what price Manolo offers you for your location, consider a golf cart for a day or so as well. Restaurants are not late night here so many kitchens close around 9 ish. You can always get late night street food in Central Park and dotted around town.
I will be put out an Eco Friendly Belize supply list page in the store section on my site Ann. We have a location and are going to start stocking for future cleanups. The Phoenix Resort does a weekly peach clean up as well for another way to participate.
Great job with the cleanup and water testing! Obviously there is a long way to go, but it’s refreshing to see proactive people like you taking such an active interest in the environment of Ambergris Caye. It is too precious to ignore.
Thanks, Emily. I agree to precious to ignore and finally, this big move made by the BTIASP has really started a ripple effect. I hope it keeps going and a next big entity steps in to do a cleanup campaign in 2019.
Thanks for putting together this blog, It is so helpful! Suya tours is offering a full day of snorkeling with three stops and a BBQ lunch. We really wanted to go to Shark Ray Alley, but to do this, we would have to book a different excursion that does not include the full day and BBQ. What do you think? Is there a big difference between shark ray alley and three other three snorkeling stops. Would appreciate your opinion.
Glad you like my blog, Jeanne and find it helpful.
I like shark ray and done it many times and will again but beach bbq would come out in the lead cause I am such a foodie ha ha.
You can also try someone who will customize it for you. Eric Henkes at uprising tours 662 – 7413 Eric Henkis – He does snorkeling, fishing, picnics, beach bbq, private charters, and sunset cruises. Not sure if he does outside the reef will check for a guy who does. He will easily customize so just ask him for a quote on your preferred adventure combination.
Hi Laurie, on Wednesday I tried (like so many times) to withdraw money from the Heritage Bank ATM in Benque. It didn’t work and I went inside the branch. They took my complaint and asked to try a lower amount, which I did – it still didn’t work. I left and the next day 3 x 400 BZ$ had been deducted from my European account. I contacted the bank immediately on Thursday, took a taxi to go into the branch Friday morning and nobody there seems interested to do anything about it. I insisted to have the video footage controlled for the time they claim the deduction had been made, so that they could see that I did not get any money – they’re not interested – extremly ignorant service, not one answer to my emails and 1200 BZ$ not available for me. The same issue happened already 7 or 8 months ago – there seem to be permanent issues with Heritage Bank
So sorry you were faced with that Marie. I have my Canadian card eaten at Heritage a couple years back cause it was not a Belizean card, thankfully I got it back before they sent it to Canada. I have found Atlantic Bank is the best one for foreign card use Scotia good too and sometimes Belize Bank although for a while they were having a hard time reading cards with chips.
Hi Taco Girl, I am moving to Belize from Texas. I am there on a scouting trip next week and planning to be living there the first of December. I am in the process of buying Casa Picasso Restaurant. I have two questions for you. Is it possible for you to visit with me in person next week between November 15th – 19? And can you tell me a good way to send a few boxes of my personal items to the Island?
Let me know if you can, Thanks, Ande Woods
I get what you are saying Jordan, that anyone can go there if they have a boat. It was pretty private when we were there, just our group enjoying the place to ourselves. I will check in with Xsite about their plans to make sure it stays that way for their tours.
I was always skeptical it was not good to bury Sargasso without cleaning the first Tom. Maybe not good to bury period even if cleaned well. I liked how Mexico is turning it into art and houses.
Ocean Conservancy is a great organization that promotes all of the ideas that were offered by Carol. Another is Reef. We all need to get involved to secure our healthy oceans for future generations to enjoy.
Great feedback Don and Sue, thanks. I agree we all need to get involved especially here, because of the color of the water people do not think it could be unsafe in some areas.
And please don’t forget that your Happy Birthday, etc. balloons you let into the air ends up in the ocean and into a turtle’s mouth. And monofilament line wraps around manatees flippers and eventually cuts off their flippers. So many of our manatees at my marina had clubs for flippers. And there are so many more.
Hi, 2 years ago my wife and I received a coupon for the plane ride from Belize City to San Pedro. We want to fly Feb 1, 2019. Can you help me? Thanks, John
horizon is the current tacogirl flight code John. I emailed you with pdf and a link for on flight code details as well as info on saving 15% a Premier Duty-Free.
horizon is the current tacogirl flight code, John. I emailed you with pdf and a link for on flight code details as well as info on saving 15% a Premier Duty-Free.
Hello!! Great site and useful information all around. Wish we had found this site sooner. We are going back next month and want to invest in some property. Can you suggest a reputable real estate agent?
It is possible but hard to say as I am not a banana expert and not sure how far along your bananas were in the growing stage when they got knocked out by the storm. Hopefully, that is the only amount of damage you experienced.
Yes so true John. Even when it is busy they manage to take care of everyone well. We did the princess and the pea thing as we started at the bar, moved to a seat and ended up at the outside table we would have taken from the start had it not been so busy. They never skipped a beat in keeping up with us.
They are a random island occurrence Iris. Your best bet is to make friends with the people that host them occasionally and ask for one, or you could easily do it if you have a group of friends. I have done many swaps at my apartment over the years. CG Esthec Salon also does them when she does a fundraiser event.
We just had a cop tell us that we (as Canadians) need to carry our passports or a copy at all times in Belize. He said it was a law but didn’t know the code. Said we had to buy the law book. We have never been asked before. Is this true? I can’t find any info on it.
Hi, Taco Girl! My husband and I are coming to Belize for our 1 year anniversary. We are staying at Coco Beach Resort. For the day of our anniversary, any suggestions on fun things to do during the day and something romantic at night? Thanks!
Coco Beach is a great place and you can certainly have a romantic dinner right there for that evening.
Wow – It’s a loaded question for the daytime fun… really depends on what you like. You could literally spend a day just lounging around their pool area, swim up bar, pool with a (smallish but fun) waterslide and jumping platform. I recommend downloading facebook local if you use it as it is a great way to find out events, restaurants, and points of interest where ever you are traveling. You can search places in advance too.
An excursion to “Secret Beach” (on the west side of the island) might be in order because from Coco Beach, you’re about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way closer than you would be if you were staying in town.
Guest services at CB will be able to help you with anything you want to do – If you’re avid divers then, of course, the Blue Hole is something you don’t want to miss. If not, snorkeling is always a favorite and highly recommended. I can also help you save a few dollars on tours and have some food and shopping discount coupons and flight code as well email me at tacogirlbelize@gmail[dot]com
Hello! I have been following this website for a few months now since my husband and I decided to go to Belize this December. It’s very interesting and helpful….so thank you. I have a few questions that I hope you can answer. We were planning on going to Ambergris Caye for a week but I am now second guessing that decision because I have read a ton of recent reviews saying the stench from the rotting sea grass is unbearable. Is this true? If so, do you think it would be gone by December 2018? I have also read there are not really any real beaches in Ambergris Caye except Secret Beach? About how far from downtown San Pedro is Secret Beach? We were planning on staying at Sunbreeze Suites so if you know where that is, would you know the distance to Secret Beach from Sunbreeze Suites? Lastly, due to my concerns, do you feel a different island would be better suited for us? We will likely go snorkeling but also want a beach within walking distance that we can go to on most days. Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond to these questions….I really appreaciate it!
Thanks for enjoying the benefits to my site Nicole.
Just like weather sargasso is pretty impossible to predict, anyone’s guess what it will be like in December. The smell can be unbearable depending on the wind and sometimes surprisingly you smell very little when you would think you would smell it a lot. End of day is worse usually as it is the plant rotting that smells. – https://tacogirl.com/difference-sargasso-seagrass-in-belize/
Secret beach or any west side one accessible by boat (there are people who will do that for a day or half day trip)
Sunbreeze Suites is right in town and secret beach a few miles north-west it is a 30-40 min drive, keep in mind you will likely doing 15 mph on a golf cart.
Hit or miss on issue Dan. Not all banks still accept chip cards here. Mine always did, a couple of months back I started having trouble getting my Canadian bank card to read but something invisible happened and it is back to normal.
Side note. . Yesterday afternoon I rode a bicycle into town all the way from Caribe Island. Being aware of the recent study I decided to wave to everyone, as I wouldn’t want Italians to get a bad rap. In doing so, the rain started to fall making it difficult to control the bike. With wreckless abandon I waved anyway. As I swerved in and out of traffic, I am happy to report that EVERYONE waved back, albeit, only one finger, but it was waved at me with such passion. I’m happy to report that we are improving 1 finger at a time. . Have a great day. !!
I know it’s great for the country Laurie, but dang I hate to see it growing so big and fast. Please PLEASE put a cap limit on the # of cruise ships coming. And PLEASE do NOT let them onto the island!!! You guys re the reason I quit going to Cozumel!
Last time i was there i watched them unload people like cattle down chutes in a packing company!!
If you’re a Californian and Belize is a favorite destination First Republic Bank refunds all foreign ATM fees with some minimum bank account requirements.
I have been researching a move to Belize at retirement, which has came and gone. I now have a date to make the great move. I have read your blog in an email for a few weeks now and love it. I plan on moving to Placencia area somewhere. So keep up the great work so I can get all your wonderful suggestions
One of my favorite BZ memories was made of this…. I was walking down a road in the middle of nowhere. We had seen something interesting and stopped the car and I was walking down the road to look get a closer look at a pretty plant. An old couple was coming up the road toward me and as they approached I smiled and said hello. The old woman was kind of startled and didn’t know what to do and she suddenly just threw her arms open and said “WELCOME TO OUR COUNTRY, HELLO!” and they kept walking. It was the cutest most genuine thing ever.
Yes Stephen, if you meet the requirements then apply to the organization asap as this application period is only for the month of July and I do not know when the next one will be.
Oh my goodness, you have made my mouth water! These all sound amazing. I am guessing that the chefs at these restaurants are going to be inundated with special secret requests…hope they are ready! 🙂
Hello tacogirl
my friends and I are looking for a nice fun little Beach Bar Grill in Belize … I am looking to move there as soon as we find something … you have any ideas?
Dino
Awesome. Looked like a great time. I was just invited to a local lobster fest celebration tomorrow with a couple new found friends here in Placencia Belize. Gotta love it. Glad you had fun. I can’t wait to head up to Ambergris Caye in the beginning of July to try out the sushi. I’m a sucker for good sushi.
Hope you had a great time at Placencia Lobster Festival Tommy. if you are a sucker for good sushi then definitely hands down Jyoto a must for you. Another good recommendation is the Ahi Poke salad at Blue Water Grill.
Thanks for the great info. 8 of us are flying into Belize City then on to Placencia and will stock up at the airport and stuff it into our luggage. Do you know if we will have to pay Customs fees on our purchases?
Tax and duty-free Carla. Thanks to your group for using the duty-free promo code and the flight code for a cause to benefit BWG and the Dangriga Cancer Center.
Hi Tacogirl .
I enjoy reading your blog I just moved to Placencia on June 2nd and I love Belize. 30 years ago when I was stationed in Hawaii I saw a photo of Belize in a magazine and swore to move here one day . I visited San Pedro the last 2 years and absolutely loved it. I chose Placencia Belize because I got a great deal on a house right on the water to rent . Although I love it, I think my place is in Ambergris Caye. Thanks for your blog, hope to see you soon.
Glad you enjoy reading my blog Thomas, congrats on your move to Placencia. Maybe you will end up visiting Ambergris Caye more and have the best of both worlds.
Hello. I have been reading your blog and have a few questions. Are the following items available Caye Caulker? Hellman’s Real Mayonnaise, raw fresh chicken, potatoes for BBQ, heavy duty aluminum foil, celery, and cucumbers. I will be in Caye Caulker June 29-July 5, and then San Pedro July 5-11. In Caye Caulker I do have a kitchen where I am staying and a BBQ outside and would like to do some cooking. In San Pedro there is no where to cook where I am staying. Would you recommend staying loner in Caye Caulker, say 10 days and only go to San Pedro for the last 3 days? I have read that San Pedro is not that nice, more expensive than Caye Caulker, lots of golf cart traffic, and dusty and dirty. Please advise. Thank you for your wealth of info on your blog.
Morning Peter. You can find most of what you are looking for on Caye Caulker, just ask your accommodations people if you have trouble finding it and they will point you in the right direction. As for the length of stay that depends if you want busy then more time on Ambergris Caye if you really want to relax and unwind more days on Caye Caulker.
Moring Lou flight code is ongoing and each month at no extra cost to anyone using code horizon, a portion is donated and split between Blue Water Grill Community and Dangriga Cancer Center which serves countrywide Belize.
I have a touring Bon Jovi tribute out of Boston. We’d love to perform down there. http://www.facebook.com/tributetobonjovi Let me know if you think there’s a venue that would have interest.
Flight code is horizon Albert and the current cause that using it will benefit (at no extra cost to you) is a Hematology Analyzer for the San Pedro Poly Clinic.
Hi Laurie, just wanted to let you know that this Q & A is still relevant for us too! Coco Loco’s and Ambergris Caye were amazing first steps in our continuing life of adventure abroad, and we still have zero regrets! Sue
So great that owning Coco Locos beach bar in Belize was a good stepping stone for you and Steve to your new adventure of running Casa Dos Lirios Boutique Bed & Breakfast in Merida – http://www.casadoslirios.com/. It looks like a great place, can’t wait to see it in person one day.
Hi,
I’m coming to the Placencia Peninsula in late April. I was wondering how bad the sargasso is? Have you heard much about that area recently? Thanks!
Afternoon Wendy. my friend Sue who lives there said that Placencia is getting hit with sargasso too this t=year, as to what the situation will be like in April will be anyone’s guess. MUch like the weather sargasso is very hard to predict.
I am writing about unit 10B . Is this unit open ? If not , do you have any aval. and the price . I will be comeing in around July , 2018 , and would like at least a 6 mo .rent . Thank you very much ,
Danny Haymans
As stated in the post Danny that is old and no longer available at that price or through that real estate company. Check with the new Isla Bonita Yacht Club (Name changed along with management) and see if they are doing any long term rentals (6 months or more) http://islabonitayachtclub.com/
I have enjoyed reading your posts, and only discovered your site once we were already in Belize, a few weeks ago. The trip was a last minute decision, but I am so glad we went! We only had 10 days, but it was enough to make me realize that Belize made me feel better than I have in many years – especially when I was sailing a Catamaran for the last two days. I am very near retirement, and ready to make changes necessary to travel more, and live at least part time somewhere like Belize. I am interested in how you made the transition, and how often you return to Canada? We live on Vancouver Island, which is also a wonderful place to live, especially in the summer. Are you concerned about medical coverage in Belize, or do you maintain Canadian coverage? So many questions… Thanks!
So glad you have enjoyed the read, Shawn. What a great vacation experience. Mine was similar, I came here on a vacation and by the end of 3 weeks was planning a move. Vancouver Island is great, I moved from downtown Toronto. I do not maintain Canadian coverage as I have been gone so long (12th year).
Technically it is not a specific season, I refer to it that way more so as a long period of time. Exactly how long it will last is absolutely unpredictable as it is nature in charge.
Almost worse than the stink of rotting sargasso is the trash that washes up with it. Bits of plastic, from tiny to large, are captured in its mats and are so ugly. The plastic makes it much less tolerable to me than just the natural phenomenon of sargasso.
Hi Lori, we’re going to be there in April and we were thinking of maybe spending an extra week and staying at Mara Laguna, what are your thoughts on this place. We’ve heard the horror stories from owners there but what’s it like just to stay there. you won’t hurt my feelings so give it to me straight Yes or No explain. thanks again and thanks again for you posts
Bruce Pfeiffer
Hi Bruce. As far as Mara Laguna goes staying there you are likely fine and will enjoy your stay. The couple of units I have seen the inside of looked nice and I know several people that live there. Now owning there is a whole other kettle of fish for various reasons, mostly construction and ownership titles from what I have heard.
Nice Carol, you will find it has changed a good bit in 13 years. You can still find some of the charming old San Pedro if you look in the right places. Taking a recent picture of a front carrier pedal bike with a golf cart rood on it reminded me of that.
Thanks for the help. Contacted a few places yesterday but they don’t allow pets. I have a cat so can you tell me how hard it is to find a place to live with a cat?
I am considering the move to Belize, sooner than later I expect and would be interested in the Red Cross. I have been employed as an Environmental Inspector for the Govt. and also have a background in Firefighting, and hold a degree in “Emergency Management”. I would be interested in volunteering but am also curious on actual job prospects in and around these fields. Thanks for your time…Cheers TC
Thanks for your inquiry. The answer to your question really depends on what part of Belize you like to make your new home.
The Red Cross HQ is located in Belize City they can provide information on other branches. The San Pedro Branch is involved in Emergency Management as well as CPR/First Aid training and Blood Drives.
B.E.R.T. is probably the closest to anything (emergency medical wise) from the US – Assuming that is where you would be coming from – but it is only on the mainland.
NEMO is another site you can take a look at. I really do not know about the job prospects, however, there is an issue of a work permit to consider (possibly easier to get if you have an offer).
While we do have 24h medical options, there is no hospital or working ambulance on Ambergris Caye.
Hi – is it best to take a cab from the water taxi area to our house at Mara Luguna or is it best to have the cart rental company just drop our cart off by the water taxis? Just worried about our luggage…
Hi Taco Girl, my husband and I are coming to Belize next week for our 10th anniversary. I want to surprise him and renew our vows…super simple, no decor, just us and a person to do the short ceremony …do you recommend anyone for this?
What a nice surprise Julie. Try contacting Iraida Gonzalez iraida@elviskitchen.com or Eiden Salazar reefradio@btl.net hopefully one of them will be available to help you with a vow renewal. You can also make contact with wedding planner Lara at lara@romantictravelbelize.com, she is great for wedding/renewal help.
Thanks for all the info. I’ve been to Ambergris and love it. Currently living in the Florida Keys and plan on coming for another visit in May, I hope. Looking to find a 6 month rental (I’ve been in touch with Sally(real estate agent) who’s been great with some condo listings. Would love to sit down with you and get more scoop on moving there. I’ve recently looked at Caye Caulker and see that it’s cheaper there to live. Any other info on that? Thanks.
Feel free to email me closer to the time to work out a sit-down. You can also try Ana Lausen she and her husband Erik do property management ambergrisvacations@yahoo.com
I like Caye Caulker a lot although some people find it too slow. I would say it is worth looking into as it is a very cute colorful island. Since it is closer to the mainland some things would be cheaper there. People often forget to factor in for pricing, when everything comes to an island by barge or plane that transport cost increases pricing.
Laurie,
When you book online with Tropic Air use the promotion code horizon and a portion of your flight purchase will be included as a donation to the charity/cause choice of the month
Will this code be ok to use in May ? or are they changing it. Have a travel company booking.
We are looking at relocating to Central America from South Africa. We are looking at agricultural land 20-30 ha if possible for essential oils Aloe Vera, snails etc. With your knowledge, which country would be best suited for us please. We are even looking at Ecuador, we just wanna get away from the crime in South Africa and get on with our lives.
Rietha Crafford rietha-c@ophrah.co.za
Sharon no longer lives in Belize due to medical reasons. I can only speak more so for Belize as I have not lived anywhere else in Central America. Mainland Belize has lots of farming and you would be able to buy land and start something yourself or I have seen existing land for sale that has some degree of options such as fully grown fruit trees already in existence.
I am looking to check out Belize for retirement and I am not sure where area to start. I need to be close to good healthcare, so I was thinking of corozal area. I want to be able to kayak easily, hike and live in nature, but not isolated. I would want some protection from hurricanes and flooding. Can you suggest other areas to look at? Thank you for your time and blog.
Afternoon Loretta, another area would be Cayo. Lots of outdoor activities options there and it is nice and hilly so a higher ground place there would help in regards to flood protection. Placencia also a popular destination.
The Farmers Market is a wonderful new addition to the island. Sure wish it had been there when we lived on AC. My mouth is watering just reading about your foodie scores! 🙂
Hello TacoGirl: Just planning our first trip, so exciting! I read that you sometimes have a discount code for Tropic Air, which will be flying from San Pedro back to the international airport on our departure day. If you still have it could you please provide…?
Also hoping for some advice…Flight to US is at noon…do you think the 9:00 am from San Pedro allows sufficient time? We will be flying on Weds, July 4th if that helps determine your answer…Thanks very much!
You should be fine with that amount of time Lauren, however, I will tell you the official word and you can decide. When booking your Belize Flights, allow 1 h to clear customs (often it takes less but you never know) Returning they ask you to be at the airport 3 h in advance. The reasoning behind the 3h rule and why Tropic Air advises you follow it. Technically airlines flying back to the states are supposed to close their manifest 1h ahead of time so that everyone can be checked against the no fly list. Overall 335 days of the year 2h is more than enough. However there are those random 30 days that it will not be, such as a busy Saturday in March. There are popular annual travel times when Tropic is always extra busy at which ever airport you are flying out of. This can generate minor delays to BZE and increased potential for long lineups at Philip Goldson International Airport check in.
As of New Year, a couple of us that were doing a 10% discount are no longer able to offer it due to a change in because Tropic’s system. From now on for every flight booked with CFC flight code, a portion of your ticket price goes to a very worthy organization on Ambergris Caye; the Blue Water Grill Belize Community effort. A portion of all previous month flights will go towards current month cause in support the monthly chosen organization receiving help. More information available on the Code for a Cause page https://tacogirl.com/code-for-cause-tacogirl-flight-code/
Good day. I have just begun to research Belize, and have run across your article on Voluntourism and must say that it is more than interesting. Thank you for the information you provided, however I saw no ‘How To’ in your article. Is it possible for you to provide me with some additional information and possibly a point of contact? I am not sure at this point what skills I have to offer beyond being able to ‘bring down supplies’ donating time and muscle, but am more than willing and able to participate. I want to help, visit, explore and research for possible permanent move to Belize. Just to give you a brief on my background, to perhaps help you understand what you may be able to provide to me, in re this request;
57 y/o male, recently widowed, retired from U.S. military, Have worked in various capacities both prior to and after military life, from menial labor to administration supervisor, to security,,, and many more positions. If you require more information I will gladly provide it. Any response you may give will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this request.
Sincerely,
Dennis R. Strope
I am happy to be able to provide you with a few options albeit you kind of hit the nail on the head when you mentioned bringing down supplies. There is always a need for school supplies for that matter, pretty much anything. Don’t underestimate the time/ muscle donation either.
Life here is very slow paced, so just be prepared. 🙂
Belize Red Cross. They run blood drives and First Aid./CPR training. You can contact the Branch Coordinator at: branchcoordinator.brcsp@gmail.com or the FB page Belize Red Cross – San Pedro
Hope Haven – Belize is a Children’s shelter just getting going.
Sagebrush Church is always looking for volunteers at their “Pit Stop” ministry – where they fix bikes for kids and single moms (usually once per month) – They are also trying to start a transportation ministry (so golf carts and drivers are needed) to help folks actually get to the services on Sunday mornings. The Campus Pastor is Rafael Torrez – FB page Sagebrush Belize Campus
Just to list a few more… The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye Belize, San Pedro Lions Club, Belize, San Pedro Cancer Society.
My husband and I are trying to plan a trip to San Pedro for our 10 year anniversary next year. We are looking at sometime around the last week of May. Is that a good time of year to visit? I don’t mind it being a little off season (less crowded), but I also don’t want to go when half the shops/restaurants are closed. Also, how is the weather normally around that time of year? We’re hoping it’s early enough in the season to not have too much rain.
Thanks so much for your great articles. They have been really helpful in trying to plan our trip!
Thanks for reading my blog and congratulations on your upcoming milestone Stephanie. May is still okay for most places being open, and the weather is generally quite nice.
Hey tacogirl, me and my family will be travelling to San Pedro Jan-26-feb-9. There will be 4 adults and a 15 month old baby. What is the best method to get a flight from Belize city to the island to ensure we can all fly together? and also get the best rates. is it worth taking a taxi to TZA and flying from there to the island?
This trip is kind of a scouting trip, we have been thinking about investing there and possibly even moving there at some point in time. You seem like the kind of person that would have a lot of knowledge on this as you are also from Canada.
It’s always nice to hear from fellow Canadians. It’s not hard to ensure that group flies together. Tropic Air is really great for getting people on the same flight. It is more convenient from the International With the little one in mind, that is what I’d recommend after a long day travel.
Tropic Air will be changing flight discount structure, so if you want to ensure you get the best price, book no later than the end of this year. October – turtle, November – reef and December – cenote. Always use current month code no matter when you plan to fly.
I am undecided between spending my 2 nights in San Pedro or Caye Caulker (the rest being in San Ignacio/Guatemala). Which do you recommend for me, a solo female traveler? I would like to do a snorkeling tour (which is prettier, day or night?) And sightseeing/taking pics in general. I’d like to make the most of the 2 days, do as much as I can. Preferably solo-friendly. I’d really appreciate it if you could provide a some advice!
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Congratulations on your citizenship. I always enjoy my trips to Belize and I find your blogs interesting and informative. Thank you.
Congratulations, and hope for better times. We love Ambergris and look forward to returning. Thanks for reminding us of our great holidays. Eleanor and Alan U.K.
First time I read your letter, I like and I will continue to follow.
Congratulations Laurie! I am thrilled to hear of your new citizenship. While I have missed your regular writings, I can understand the lack of positive content during these trying times. Keep your head up and we will all get through this together!!!
Congratulations Laurie! That is good news. We had to cancel our trip this year but look forward to visiting soon and supporting the economy there!! Brighter day are ahead!
Laurie – Although we only spent a short time together, I continue to admire and live vicariously through you. I’m sorry for the troubles you have been through, but becoming a Belize citizen is such a great thing! After 19 years of visits, I hope to be able to visit again soon. I MISS BELIZE! Sandra
Congrats on your citizenship! We know all about the struggle through the slog of paperwork, but we haven’t even been able to get residency yet even though we’ve been here 6 years!
Tacogirl got a great birthday present! Congrats! Enjoyed may stay February 2017. Would like to go back someday…
Hi Lori Mel here herb wife way to go I’m so happy for you hope we can see each other soon belizean now hoping you know spanish call me 6274818 would love to catch up enjoy the xmas and a happy new year’s
Dear Laurie,
Your post showed up on my Google news page. I was looking into Belize as a future retirement home and Google’s algorithms thought your post would be interesting to me. They were so right! But not in the way they may have thought! You see, reading about your problems from the pandemic and weather helped me feel better about my own struggles. I own an office building in Salt Lake City Utah. Now days everyone is working from home. My building is 70% empty. I put it up for sale in October but if I miss one more mortgage payment the bank said they will forclose on the property. At this very moment my dear wife is applying for a 0% credit card so she can help keep the the business solvent until we can get the building sold.
Thank you for sharing your troubles. It helped me feel much better!
Congratulations, Paizana! Now you are indeed my country folk. Well deserved having waited so long. I enjoyed reading your blog.
Congratulations Laurie!! What a beautiful event.
Hi Taco girl! Congrats to you and I’m very happy to hear from you and read your post. I really miss the island and look forward to visiting again. I’m going make a contribution via PayPal but first I to clarify something. You spelled your name Laurie with the email for the PayPal donation but I noticed in the section where it talked about you growing up dyslexic your name is spell Laure which does not have the “i”. I want to make sure I send the money to the correct account. Please advise and let me know. Thanks!
Congrats
Congratulations Laurie, keep your chin up. This time next year we will be once more enjoying the Belizean Christmas and New Year that we all love
Every time I check out your wonderful blog, it takes me back to super friendly people, blue water,great food and a lot of fun. Thank you I will have a friend let me use her PayPal!
Congratulation on your citizenship! My family had been to Belize twice and had visited your blogs multiple times. They are very real and informative. We hope to visit Belize again soon so please keep on writing and love to hear your perspective on everything.
Good things ARE worth waiting for…congratulations Laurie!
Hi Laurie, Glad to hear about your citizenship. Keep your head up, life will get back to normal hopefully sooner than we think.
Whenever we visited Belize we always commented as to how lucky the citizens were living in paradise. But obviously we overlooked how many live paycheck to paycheck with no life line in times of hurricane, flooding, or now an economy busting pandemic. If you have been to Belize and enjoyed their hospitality I suggest you find some way to offer help if you can.
COVID has crushed so many of us income-wise Charles. I recently read the Statistical Institute of Belize reported almost 39,000 lost jobs/income in Belize as a result of the pandemic and hurricanes definitely did not help.
Congrats, Laurie! So happy you got the citizenship you have been waiting/working towards. Maybe one day that will be me, too 🙂
Thanks, Danielle, wishing you well on your potential future citizenship journey.
I have chronic migraines, I get Botox every 3 months, I take a monthly shot aimovig as well as relpax and Vicodin as needed.
I will have prescriptions with me, so could you tell me which pharmacy would be the best for those in Ambergris keys
The two I use the most are Unique Pharmacy and Spiez, both on google maps. You may need to get a local prescription although you could call them and ask in advance. Also, it is important to note that often generic versions of drugs are available here. For some things people also find Belize city pharmacies may have. Freetown Drugstore is one that gets recomended.
Hi Taco girl, I know Joe Sala, very well, we were close friends in Vancouver for several years. He is an amazing artist and really sweet guy, I am so glad he, and Forrest and her husband have found and nurtured their spot. If you are in contact please tell Joe Judith sends a Hello and that his “Angel” painting still guards me on Quadra Island. All the best, Judith Tait
I passed along your message to both Forest and Shawn so they could let Joe know. I agree with Judith that he is a great artist and guy. Hopefully, you will come to visit Belize one day and see Joe’s cool studio on the water and enjoy the rooftop bar view of the boutique hotel.
I live in Corazal Belize. How can I get Organic Produce available for me ???
Email or WhatsApp Pandora at Kunahmul Organics Khadijah and please let her know her I passed you her contact info. By email: pandoracanton@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +501 610 5115
I get a weekly order based on what’s available and it is payable via Belize Bank, a very easy process then you just pay the shipping at Tropic Cargo when you pick up. Usually around $8 for the box.
I’m looking for the la Gitana flour sack tote in the photo above.
Hello….I haven’t been to Belize for many years; however every time we stayed there to scuba dive with our group from Santa Fe, New Mexico, I always purchased a tropical wind chime as shown above in this Belize Category.
Can you advise me if I can still purchase a wind chime so far away from Belize? I don’t plan on vacationing anytime soon due to this COVID19 virus, but I’d love to purchase a new wind chime for my home (along with the other 5 chimes that I already have).
thank you, Renea Rodriguez, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Rena, stil not seen the particular kind you want but keeping an eye open and I have your email if one crosses my path, I will let you know.
Hi TacoGirl,
I’ve been thinking of a trip to Belize for several months now. It will be my first. I’ve actually never been to the Caribbean. But the closures have stymied me. I heard that Belize has just reopened. What do you know?
Jeff
I am pleased to say that Oct 1st is the new set opening date for Philip Goldson International Airport. Travelers will do well to come with a PCR test no earlier than 72h of travel to get fast-tracked at the airport. Another option is to get inline to be rapid tested upon arrival. Land borders will still remain closed indefinitely.
What about for us American Expats (non citizens but Permanent Residents) wanting to return to our own homes in Belize? Are we free to do so? How will that work? I have attempted contacting US Embassy there to no avail- no callbacks…
I would like to stay with family for the 30 days I paying for for my ticket getting the test 72 hour I would love to come but it feels like I am a prisoner
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My husband live in Belize and i want to come and see him but I don’t want to have to pay for a room when I can stay at our house and quarantine for the 14 days they plan on staying the whole 30 days
Are you saying you can’t come and stay with a friend
Judging by the rules they set so far, I would say friend homestays are not on the table yet. It could be that they have not addressed that option yet and will not at the start.
If friends homestay allowed, it would involve a 14-day quarantine like condo owners have to do. However, the point of all the strictness is that they do not want travelers who are all coming from highly COVID infected places compared to Belize freely roaming around right now. This will keep the community spread to a minimum and allow for easier contact tracing should any positive vacation-related cases happen.
Well Hello Taco G. I am Peter and I am starting to look for a nice little place near the water for 6 months or plus
Hello Taco G., my name is Peter and I’m just woundering if I could ask a simple deed of you my dear And no I am not a Brit. HA HA If you wouuld happen to know of a nice stuido or 1 bedroom for rent for 6 months or longer close to water beach ect.. 11/7/20-5/6/21. Just thought you might know of something if it does come to your mind Please let me know . E-mail is gazdikgaz@aol.com Thanks Peter
So concerned for my second home and their wonderful people. They need to open the airport and tourism. I live in the US but have property on Ambergris. The virus in my opinion is all about politics in the US. Most cases,in my area are mild and long term care facilities are the only places with deaths. Hope we can travel there in October but pray that you open up before then. ??
That is your best and most positive blog in a long time Laurie…congratulations…let’s all focus on the vision we would prefer…slainte!
Lovely story. I’m glad you are enjoying your new washer/dryer. We should go for a drink or a meal next time we visit Belize.
Great article, Laurie!
I love Banyan Bay & Pier 66 – one of my favorite places on the island.
Great post, Laurie – I really enjoyed it!
Impressed by the availability of quality greens.
A BZ quarter is a shilling not a doubloon.. BIG difference!!! A doubloon is a gold coin worth up to $,5,000 U.S./ Piece of Eight is a silver coin, worth a little less. Ask a Pirate! And you’ll get the right scuttlebutt…RRRRRrrrrrr… STAY SAFE KIDDO!
Thank you Laurie Norton for still posting and blogging.we are in deep here in Hamilton Ontario Canada ??. I hope that you are well and that we will all come out the other side of this..?
Carlo and Ernie’s is great for sure, but c’mon…Buffalo Bills, NY Yankees, Chicago Bulls????? Blech! LOL!
Can’t wait to get there (hopefully) in October! 🙂
Hi Laure,
I enjoy your FB posts and getting them via e-mail will insure that I will not miss any. I have a condo at Grand Baymen that I lease out long term and I remember giving you ride in my cart on one of my previous visits. Keep up the good vibs and posts and I will give you a free Uber ride the next time I see you.
despite all the caos this is still heaven and that won’t change…sun, sea, air and positive ENERGY…can you sat that where you are? We swat the virus du jour like a bug!
Hi Laurie…….always a pleasure to read your e blogs. I am still alive and kicking after a bout of cancer. Glad to say that I have beaten it and am now completely free. I had to cancel my trip to the U.K. this year due to the virus conditions in Manchester and my home town of Bury. The worst part of the deal is that I will miss my brother’s birthday in June……93 and not a problem, whereas I am 6 years younger. We talk to each other through FaceTime about every fortnight. I got a voucher from Aer Lingus for my ticket, so my fare is paid for already. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your next writings. Luvsya, Alan Slater.
Hi Laure,
I love your blogs and sad to hear about your problems. I own one of the units at Banyan Bay and it is planned for major renovation soon. There is a very new washer and dryer set that they cannot keep and were going to sell them. Let me know if you want them and I’ll ask my manager to help you pick them up.
Hang in there, Laurie. You’re a trooper! Thanks for sharing your story. Sponsorship coming your way!
This was the first post I read because I remember thinking “that girl sure does love some Peanut Butter!”
Thanks for the break from reality. Now onto Scoops blog.
Be Safe!
That was actually tacoboy that was the big peanut butter fan at the time. However, now for me, a spoonful is an easy go-to protein. You stay safe too.
Man that was a great bar!
Man this post brings back good memories and puts a smile on my face seeing some of those old (younger) faces.
Btw – in an effort to keep my mind occupied I am going back reading all your stuff from when I found your blog.
This is my second trip to Ambergris Caye and you have been so incredibly helpful. I really wasn’t aware of the discounts last trip but I’m all over it this time. Can’t wait to return. Looking for down time with excellent food and the best folks on the planet! Wish the Belikin beers were larger but you can only control so much ! Thank you for everything!
Anytime Margaret, glad you enjoyed tacogirl blog Belize discounts and has a great trip.
I’m picking up plastic caps as I walk the beach. So easy. Everyone should.. I’m staying at Belizean Shores for a month. They have a little bucket to collect them in laundry room.
Very, Cool Paul, you must be in heaven with a month at Belizean Shores. Thanks for helping keep our island safer from garbage.
I just arrived in Belize and bought a SIM card so I could keep in touch with my family. I’m concerned that if my kids reply to a text to or return a call to the Belizean SIM number that they will be charge international rates. True?
The kids local phone carriers will have the answer to that Susan, it varies by provider.
Consider WhatsApp or Facebook messenger both work great for calling and texting. You could purchase a bit of data or most places have Wi-Fi.
Expect to move to ambergris Caye this year! Robert bevil
Congratulations on your move Robert, you must be excited.
Good thing I’m traveling there next week I guess!! 🙂
Yes, you chose the right time Joey, have a great trip.
Hi……I am happily looking forward to my very first trip to San Pedro and I was just wondering….. is it safe to leave your valuables (passport, cash) in the AIRBNB rental ? Apparently the place does NOT have a safety deposit box that I would normally use. What do fellow travellers usually do ; take the valuables with you on your daily excursions or just leave them in the room with the door locked ??
Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks……Jonathan
It should be safe Jonathan. I generally get good at hiding stuff so that I do not have to worry about it. You can also search on amazon for a travel room safe and find some low-cost options.
Tacogirl,
I bought a piece of property in the Village of Hopkins.
In 3 1/2 years my son graduates high school and i then plan to move to Hopkins, Belize. I have been trying to plan about building my own home on poles as i so have the ability to do so as i am in the construction field. I even have put aside all of the electrical and plumbing materials i think i need. My goal is to be tranquil, ride my motorcycle and Scuba dive as thats my 2 passions. I paid my property tax in advance for the next 5 years. I plan to purchase a shipping container and with all my items in there, vehicles and ship it to Belize. How do i go about once its in Belize to have it transported to my property in Hopkins. I read your article on mail. Is there anything i can do in advance to make my transition easier when the time comes? Like Visa, banking, mail(i am happy to purchase a box now or put myself on the waiting list for one) i am open to any suggestions/ ideas you may have.
Anthony, congrats on your move. For transport, join this Hopkins Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/155603672170/ and see if there are more groups. People living there will be able to help you with the best way of shipping goods from Belize City to Hopkins. I tried to check the government site for post offices closes to Hopkins but it was down, as far as I know, Dangriga is the closest one. Here is the fb page https://www.facebook.com/belizepostalservice/ and number for the Belize City Post Office in case you want to inquire now – +1 501 227-5844
Hello Laure,
Just finished reading your very entertaining post about the weather.Thanks.
Its Jonathan – from Toronto and I am counting down the days to my arrival in “Sunny San Pedro…..10 to be exact.
Hoping you can help me with the purchase of a snorkel ‘full face’ mask. I can get one (Bodyglove) here at Costco for approx.C$50. Would it be a better idea to get one over there, and would the cost be any less ?
Also….is it cheaper to get a SIM card outside Belize airport, or in San Pedro itself ?
Appreciate any info u can provide,
Thanks…..Jonathan Lovery
Definitely you are better to buy one anywhere but here for best price Johathan.
Sim card is not going to be any cheaper in Belize City versus on Ambergris Caye. Digicell store (in San Pedro Town) is located on the opposite side of the road from Tropic Air front entrance and a stone’s throw south. Be sure and bring your passport so you can
get it registered.
Some useful links for more info
https://www.livedigi.com/digiservices/postpaid
https://www.livedigi.com/en/digiservices/prepaid/menu
https://tacogirl.com/using-digicell-data-on-vacation-belize-sim-card-information/
Water taxi or fly from Belize City to San Pedro?
Absolutely fly Linda, so much easier and the view is fantastic and it is so much faster – 15 min on the plane versus 90 on the boat plus a 30 min cab ride to get to the dock. For a shorter water taxi ride in I recommend a day trip to Caye Caulker. If you do fly please remember to use flight code for Cancer – horizon when booking on Tropic Air website.
Moving to Caye caulker this year. Maybe we meet and get acquainted some day
Congrats on your move Robert, Caye Caulker is a great island. Maybe we will meet when I am visiting one day.
Great write up , factual and succinct.
Thanks, Dave, I will make sure my editor Shirlee sees your compliment.
WOW……you da best !! Thanks for your prompt response Laurie.
Much appreciated,
Jonathan
Hi Laurie,
Thanks for your reply. Question please….can you advise how I can hook up with a local SIM card for my Samsung cell phone upon my arrival in San Pedro ?
Please and thanks,
Jonathan
Anytime Jonathan. Digicel Belize a stone’s throw south east of the Tropic Air front entrance would be the easy option on your way in. You can find out more on their products on their site. https://www.livedigi.com/
They are good about answering questions on Facebook messenger too if you have any – https://www.facebook.com/DigiBz/
Hello Laurie / Taco girl,
I discovered your wonderful blogs just a few weeks ago. Thank you so much for all the information and insightful reccomendations on all things Belize. I am from Toronto and will be arriving in San Pedro in about 3 weeks….. for my very first visit.
My travel buddy and I will be staying AIRBNB hence all the research into grocery and budget shopping.
Soooooo excited….mebbe we will run into you somewhere (like Crazy Canucks bar ? lol)
Cheeers …..much appreciate all your help,
Jonathan
Afternoon Jonathan, glad you found my blog and are finding lots to help you plan your trip. Congrats on getting away from Toronto during winter 2020, I bet you re excited about that. As for running into me, I do not drink so my bar time generally happens for events or a planned meeting friends, email always the easiest way to arrange a run-in with me.
Hello tacogirl, my name is Charlie and I am interested in moving from the united states to belize. Can you assist me on this move? I have an E-mail and a phone number if you want me to share it. Thank you
I sent you an email to get details on what you are looking for specifically Charlie.
Thanks for the info on SIM cards! Going to place this and hope it will cover that area.
Any suggestions on finding a cooking class??
Thanks so much!
Deb
Belize food tours would be a food place to start look Deb, I did a cooking class with them – https://tacogirl.com/belize-food-tours-belizean-cooking-class/
If you wanted a private class email me at tacogirlbelize@gmail.com and we can brainstorm a few options based on what you want to try cooking.
Hi! Are there any belikin distributors on the mainland? We are driving to placencia from BZE and would like to stock up. Can beer be bought directly from the brewery? Learning lots from your blog. Thank you!
There are distributors on the mainland. Here is the Brewery +501 227-7031 and email contact options – ndelgado@bowen.bz or bowen@bowen.bz to to find out the closest one to Placencia. I do not drink beer and did not happen to ask where it was anytime I have been there. You will easily be able to buy beer at most local stores though.
Hello Laure,
do you know if we can bring duty free purchases in cabin for internal flights or same regulations applies and we would need to put it in our checked luggage? Also, any good jungle experience from placencia? Thanks a lot, Gen
All duty-free needs to be checked Gen. So either by leaving space in your luggage or doing a last min shift of a few things to your carry on. Sometimes Premier Duty-free will box it if they can. JUst have Tropic Air put fragile on luggage. Belize jungle covers more than half the mainland so you will be easy to find a good jungle tour experience from Placencia. Here is barefoot services jungle and nature tours page – https://barefootservicesbelize.com/belize-jungle-nature-tours.html
Are the boat rides for snorkeling in Ambergris Caye bumpy/jerky or smooth?
In the Lamanai tour that rides through the new river is it smooth or bumpy?
Are there plenty of mosquitoes in Belize? If so, all parts or just the jungle area?
For a person with neck and motion issues, would you recommend any tour and operator that is not bumpy. Thank you
I have been on more smooth rides than bumpy. If the winds are too strong I would not go. I liked flying to Oragnewalk and then doing a Lamanai tour from there. If you opted for Lamanai tour from Ambergris Caye I can set you up with Seaduced by Belize, I really enjoyed that tour with them. They would be understanding of your need to not be so bumpy.
If you fly, tacogirl Fight Code For a Cause – no additional cost. horizon – to be used online tropicair.com website. Shining Bright for People in Need with Cancer. This option will be better for your neck and motion issues. They also do a set tour as well if you did not want to go via an independent tour company. I did it that way and it was nice to have room for 6 people comfortable in the boat plus our captain.
I have never had bad mosquitoes issues in the jungle but I always pack spray in case. On island I had sand flea episode recently. Glorious Belize coconut oil is my fav option to help that.
Hi there, great post. Is your tacogirl discount flight code still valid on Tropic Air? I just tried it and was not sure. Thank you!
Afternoon Chelsea
As of Jan 2018, tacogirl flight code (for a cause) horizon helps crunch cancer in Belize. The Cancer center provides ongoing financial assistance 55 people at a cost of over 10,000 a month.
As of 2018 tacogirl tropic air discount became flight code for cancer and helps the Belize Cancer center in Dangriga subsidize 55 patients a month who cannot afford treatment at a cost of 10,000 +. Your flight code helps this very important endeavor at no extra cost to you.
Hi, I was wondering if you , or anyone could help me. I have been looking to get my brother in-law a Belikin hat for Christmas, the store and website, both have no way, other then phone, to contact them. Any ideas on how I might be able to get a hat shipped from Belize to Canada??
Charlie if you go to their website you can get a popup contact form by clicking on the contact area. https://www.belikin.com/ You can also message them through their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/belikinbeer/
Obviously you have never driven a big truck like the one in the photograph. Trucks have to turn wide in order to NOT hit buildings when turning and as narrow as that street is, he was doing the right thing turning that wide. If he has his blinker on and you can’t pass by him it just common sense and courtesy to let him turn first.
That may not be the best example Aldo but, I bet you a donut that I could park in the same place and snap a picture of a golf cart doing exactly the same. I could also snap pictures of trucks (and other vehicles) doing it on a straight road driving at oncoming traffic to pass someone because they are in a hurry.
I know that the stores there sell a little bit of everything. I was making a joke because the price tag on the underwear says “produce”.
ROFL I missed that and laughing also because I did a double-take this morning thinking for a second the price was 17, I had to enlarge to make sure it was two dollar signs.
Kids will be kids…no matter where they are. That’s why they are so precious. Glad to see the sargassum has died down And hey, who knew underwear are considered produce in Belize??? Not me!
Kids here feel extra special sometimes as they are not quite as over marketed by stuff, marbles are still cool. We are all glad the sargasso is giving us a break. I do not consider underwater produce ? the store those were at sells all kinds of non food household items.
So many wonderful programs and people helping with the trash problem on Ambergris Caye! Great job, Laurie. I love those repurposed bags also…so creative!
Thanks Emily. I agree, it is great the creativity that coming out of the necessity to reduce our garbage.
Coining to the island threw foray well in February. We’ve been once before, but several years ago. We love to snorkel. What shouldn’t we miss?
My Ambergris Caye Nightlife page will give you some good ideas it also includes a link to San Pedro Fun Finder. I would also catch a sunrise if you can do early mornings. Visiting a school and meeting the kids is also a fun thing to do. Taking a long drive north or south also a fun thing to do provided you do not mind a few potholes. I sometimes like to find a secluded place up north and picnic with a friend.
It’s nice to get a wave back but some people feel
Uncomfortable thinking you may want something?
Not sure but believeable.
I can understand that Gloria, sometimes it takes a minute for people to adjust to “island style.”
I also agree
Oh, how I miss the “good ole days!”
Agreed Jh, me too.
Thanks for the update. Love the new layout of your website. The pull-downs make it easy to move from one page to another. Looking forward to trying some of the new places on the island.
Hi,
I flew into Belize last December 2018, on a Saturday.
Customs was a nightmare, exactly 3 hours to get through. A lot of people were missing their connectors.
I am flying into Belize again in January 2020, also a Saturday.
Trying to book Tropic Air flights also.
Is this the norm, or was it just a bad day. There was talk that a new system was being implemented.
Thanks for your advice.
Hi Jack, sorry you had such a time at customs. It is not the norm, while I have hit line ups before never in my 14 years here has it take me 3h to clear customs. I hope you have smoother sailing this time around. Sometimes if the declaring line is shorter, people will go buy a bottle at Premier duty-free and have something to declare instantly. If you use this option, Premier offers a tacogirl reader 15% discount.
Nice post!
Awesome “tips” thanks, Laurie.
Anytime Barb, glad you liked them.
I have asked many times and received varied answers. Maybe you have the definitive answer.
Will BMA accept dire trauma patients ie: gunshot victims, stabbings, heart attack, etc..or other “must do something NOW or the patient dies?
IF they have no insurance nor the money to pay after?
How far will there Hippocratic Oath extend?
We locals understand up North we have no options, but what about in a dire emergency? Still back of a pick up down the road to the Poly?
Roberto
I do not have a definitive answer on that Roberto. To my understanding, they are still ironing out the system so that it runs smoothly and that includes late-night emergency care. That is likely why you have received varied answers as everyone needs to get on the same page regarding the scenarios as you mentioned.
Thanks for the list! Would love more of the places north of the bridge to be listed – living 8 miles north, the farther north the better. 🙂
My knowledge (and I use the term “knowledge” loosely 🙂 ) of places up here open are –
I see Bernie’s Back listed their low season hours.
Croc’s
Stella’s is closed this week, but reopens the 24th of Sept.
La Cala appears to be open
Aji
Ak’bol
And I think X’tan Ha’s restaurant is open.
Any others you can think of?
A few of those places are on my list two to contact Kim as well as a few other north locations.
I need my whole top pulled and dentures put in. I can’t find any prices for this stuff. Do I need to contact you? Also I’d like to talk to you so maybe I can get some information about what my options are
A dentist would be the one to ask prices from Ticola. General I have gotten estimates but never an official quote on price because they always wanted to see me in person and assess the work before telling me the actual price on what I was having done (fix a chip by two different dentists here) Email me if you want to know dentists. Are you looking on Ambergris or Belize City?
Truth Be Told About Crime in San Pedro
I spent a week last Christmas on Ambergris Caye in include several trips to San Pedro. It was amazing how safe everyone felt including trips to SP late at night.
I must say the people there were very courteous, respectful, considerate, and also way helpful. A young couple took the time to walk us several blocks to a major street when we became lost in a poorly lighted area which may not have been a better part of SP. Yet they refused to accept any compensation for their time. That is something senior citizens don’t forget!
There will always be crime, some very bad, so not so bad, and many cases may never be solved. Yes, there is always room for improvement in any police department, every police department always needs more resources, and criminals usually have an advantage called “time” and the police are usually very pushed for “time”. Pun intended, criminals often serve very little “time” when they are caught!
Be proud of what you have. You have achieved something when someone feels safer walking down your downtown street than walking downtown in Columbia, SC, USA. You have a piece of paradise. Just keep working hard to make it better!
Hi Laurie, I was in the UK when you sent out requests for who is open or closed during the slow season. I did reply but perhaps you didn’t get it. So here is the update for Bernie’s Back Bar & Restaurant:
We have decided to stay open during September and October but reduce the hours/days. This provides a realistic level of service for our guests – especially the regulars who love our Karaoke but also allows some additional time off for our staff prior to going full tilt as we head into High Season.
With immediate effect, we are open from 12 noon through to midnight on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday with Karaoke continuing to be provided on Wed/Sat evenings and live music on Sunday evening.
We will be closed on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday and take advantage of those days for any maintenance.
Thank you for all of your good work keeping locals and visitors alike updated.
Best regards, Vic
Thanks for the info and the compliment Vic.
I will be sure and add you on my part two list along with the special event info you just gave me in messenger.
Thanks for the info and the compliment Vic. List two already on the go and I will add your info there as well as the upcoming special events you just game me in messenger.
Thanks for the awesome list of local eateries. I’d be interested in finding a place to stay there for the winter that has high speed internet as I work online. Have a good day Taco Girl!
Moring Lorraine. Glad you liked the list, part two in process. Just email me more details on the time frame, budget, and amenities you are looking for -tacogirlbelize@gmail.com
Hi Taco Girl
I’m from Toronto Canada and will be moving to Belize in the fall of 2020. I would like to open a specific business there but wondering where I would find all the information about making the move to Ambergris Caye.
Moring Diana, there are people who specifically do consult and know all the current paperwork protocol. Email me at tacogirlbelize@gmail.com and I can help get you started.
I appreciate your upbeat attitude and agree with your general comments of risks in San Pedro but there is no denying the drug and gang problems in Belize City spill over onto La Bonita (San Pedro) as evidenced by the many shootings (gang and retribution) throughout the years. San Pedro is much much safer than any large city in the US or Canada. For the most part, if you don’t go looking for trouble, you are fine and safe (especially in the resort areas up north) but there are exceptions such as the recent shooting deather of Dr. Swank while on a fishing excursion. Also, the SP Police departments low rate of solving/clearing serious crime cases does not inspire confidence. Truth be told, I feel safer on the mainland and jungle at times than in SP.
I love Belize and San Pedro and will continue to have a place here. Tourist should come and enjoy all that San Pedro and Belize have to offer but the government of Belize and local officials needs to do more to address the real underlying criminal activities leading to crime in San Pedro.
So relative to the individual JJ, I recently had an extended traveler tell me he would not go to Corozal when I suggested it for visit. Why because of a 2017 murder there. However, the funny part of that is he is temporarily living in Belize City for work. I agree do not go looking for trouble. Sometimes people get “tropical Disneyland fever” and caught up in the moment.
You rock. Period end of sentence.
Thanks, Scott – always loved your compliments. Hope all is going great with you.
Great write up! When do they set the dates for 2020 Lobsterfest? Thanks!
Watch their page Barb https://www.facebook.com/San-Pedro-Lobster-Festival-172811686113460/
It will generally start on June 15th first-day of lobster season Barb. However, on occasion businesses, have booked the day before for the first crawl party and do a do non-lobster specials. As for the block party, The Lobster crawl is always a week-long or sometimes longer depending on the day so that means the blog party happens the Saturday after lobster crawl ends. At the block, party crawlers submit their passports that they got stamped at all the crawl parties and have a chance to win a grand prize of a trip to Belize for the following years Lobster Festival complete with flights, accommodations, tours, cart rental.
Really enjoy this blog!
Is there still a TropicAir promo code?
Helps us locals.
Thanks, Tom.
horizon is the current promo flight code for charity. Two great organizations are currently being helped by monthly use: Belize Cancer Center and through the Blue Water Grill Belize Community Foundation, Hope Haven Shelter. The money helps to manage ongoing monthly expenses of housing 9 full-time children and feeding between 130 – 170 people weekly.
Hope Haven is helping people from slipping through the cracks and doing what they can to give people a hand up. My friend’s volunteer group from United Methodist Church Johnstown Colorado came to start a Hope Haven House Build also used the code to benefit the shelter. The woman they were doing the house foundation build for, attends meal service with her kids regularly. The group met her and fell in love, Daisy is so deserving of the help to get to a better place and her kids are so appreciative. So are all the community in need being helped by our invaluable shelter and food kitchen.
Thank you for supporting this worthy cause. When you feed a hungry person a healthy meal, you also feed their soul and raise their energy.
As for the Dangriga Belize Cancer Center, serves patients countrywide and currently, 54 that people a month need subsidized cancer treatment.
Additional extra monthly expenses required by financially disadvantaged patients. (Pricing in Belize dollars, half it for USD.)
The cost of a CT scan which is accessible only in Belmopan and Belize City is approximately $580.00 BZD.
For diagnostic Laboratory and Imaging studies. An average of five patients per month require financial support to pay for CT scans, other radiology studies, and other lab tests. Almost all of these patients are unemployed and have no financial resources.
An average set of lab work which includes CBC, Chemistry, and Tumor Marker Test cost approximately $150.00 BZD.
An average of three patients per month require Herceptin, which is a medically preferred hormone replacement therapy for patients with hormone-positive breast cancer. Generally, this is a medication prescribed in a cycle of 6 doses at a total cost of $3000.
All of the above (pricing in Belize currency) places a big financial challenge monthly for the Cancer center and they are extremely grateful my readers have stepped up to help with a $172 June flight code donation. (same went to Hope Haven Shelter)
The main reason this cause is so near to my heart RIP Cheryl Morley, she fought a strong battle and now she has gone to the big party in the sky. She reached out to me to help the struggling center and it has been a life-changing experience ever since I took her for treatment one day and learned about Dangriga’s Vital Role in Belize’s Health Care System – https://tacogirl.com/belize-cancer-centre-dangriga/
Your flight code horizon use (at no extra cost to you) directly helps Cancer patients who need a hand and their families at a most critical time. They need to focus on getting well not worrying about where their treatment money will come from.
Moring Alicen, horizon is the flight code for charity. Currently being helped by monthly use, Belize Cancer Center and through the BWG foundation, Hope Haven Shelter.
Hello! Is this code still active? Thank you!
Hello TacoGirl:
I am going to visit Placencia in March of 2020, I know that is 8 months away however I don’t believe in waiting for the last minute. I am looking for someone to chat or Skype with in Placencia, so I can a feel for the area as well get some idea about how much it will cost for rent, and living expenses. I will be staying about a month on this visit. If all works out I will return to live in comfortable retirement.
I am a grateful reader, and love to learn all that you have put out about the country.
Dale Hutchinson
Hi Dale
Your best bet is to seek out Placencia groups on Facebook to start connecting with people who live in the area.
We have one for Ambergris Caye and it is a great resource.
Taking a much-needed vacation in San Pedro town this weekend, and I’ve run across your blog a couple of times. Just wanted to say thanks for the helpful information!
Anytime Dave. Have a great San Pedro Belize vacation. Glad you found my information helpful.
Hello!
We are a family 4 adults and one 7 yrs old boy. Can we take a sailing trip from Belize to Roatan with you or can you recommend any company for this?
Thank you!
Hi Roberto, I made the trip with Ecologic Adventures Roatan. They were moving the shop from Belize to Roatan. Do you have a budget in mind and length of time for your trip? Are you looking to Sail from Belize to Roatan or would you consider Sailing from Roatan to Belize?
Looking into residence living on a permanent basis for my husband and I. We are in our 70’s and can afford up to 700.00 a month for a home or apartment. Can we see an pictures of homes in the areas you suggest. We are in Arizona now.
Morning Penny, I sent you an email to get more details on what kind of rental you are looking for and when you are planning to come.
Hey Taco Girl! Always glad to find another ‘long term Belize aficionado’ who lives in Belize most of the year and who understands both the culture, and how tourists (or as I call them, “soon to be regular visitors of Belize”) expats, investors, and future retirees can maximize their experience…and even save some $$$.
I especially like your no nonsense approach to the many benefits of travel to Belize – but without of the ‘sugar coating’ or ‘monetizing’ many bloggers include in their posts.
I grew up in Belize (16 years, until my return to the US for college/graduate school, & career), but have maintained my permanent residency status and return as often as I can. Since I now only ‘go home’ (and Belize will always be my ‘home’ – Creole was my first language, after all) only five or six times per year, it’s fantastic to find your perspective and up-to–date advice on the ‘definitely do’ v. ‘probably do’ v. ”do with caution/common sense’ (and even the rare, “eh-your might want to rethink the details of your plan’. Solid, experience-based, non commercial suggestions.. I wish more Belize bloggers mirrored your code of authentic personal experience + ethical excellence.
While a am of a Caye Caulker fan (a bit more laid back and – for now at least – without the gulf cart ‘traffic jams’ as can sometimes happen on Ambergris Caye, you are 100% right on point with your advice.
Nice – very nice…your are now one of my top three bloggers on Belize. I hope to meet you sometime – grab a Belikin & swap some of the narratives that make Belize truly ‘Beautiful Belize’. (“Dis da fu we Belize, no true gal?”)
Your newest fan, ‘Belize Steve’ (often found at ‘Caye Reef’/Caye Caulker or ‘Cheers’/Western Hwy/Belmopan, or bumming around Hopkins Village & Placencia).
Thanks for the compliments Belize Steve and putting me in your top 3. Shoot me an email tacogirlbelize[at]gmail.com when planning your next trip and if it works out we can meet up.
You are in luck, I found a place up here that we call can split. Of course I think the price of the brownstone is probably >15M
And way to cold for half the year haha.
Looking for a permanent rental on Ambergris Caye, need furnished and @1300 and less.
Are you talking Belize Dollars or USD Kenneth?
looking for current update on bulk beer purchase. We will be back down in July and will probably want about 10 cases of beer. We will be using a local grocery delivery for food being delivered to our house we rented, but the two food delivery services that are online, advertise a much higher markup on a case of beer. I understand this is for their service and convenience of delivery (especially since cases of beer are heavy and bulky). We are staying about 2 miles north of the bridge, is there a local distributor for Belikin near that location or would it be best just to suck it up and eat the cost of the delivery as the convenience of not having to physically move 10 cases of beer ourselves, especially since we only have 2 golf carts for transportation. Are there any local grocery stores/liquor stores that might help with that large of an order? Thanks for the info.
I will add it to my task list Dale, and get price update added to this post. No distributor near you, both locations are still south of town. If you can swing it, then yes suck up the cost of delivery and make your vacation at easy. Village Market right across the bright might help at what price I am not sure. Why not start a beer jar and do small things to fill it like bringing lunch to work once or twice a week and putting what you would spend in your jar.
Been cold as hell in Chicago. I can’t wait until July, tell Maria we are coming.
Mike and Deb
I bet that can’t come fast enough for you Michael. Will do when I see her next, I do not get there often these days.
That looks like a gorgeous place! You took some great photos. My only complaint is that I wish they were clickable as they are so teeny. I remember seeing a couple of Blue-Crowned Mot Mots on the mainland there. Amazing birds!
Love your souvenirs! When living on an island, practical souvenirs are a must. When we visited San Ignacio, we came home to Ambergris Caye with a huge bag of multi-colored habenero chilis from the local market. We paid $1 for the entire bag!
I totally understand about strange souvenirs. We just got back from a trip to Aruba and came back with a 8 position shower head for our home in Belize. Now every time we take a shower we think about Aruba. Who needs a t-shirt or a magnet, we’ve got a shower head.
I Love it, Dave. Hardware stores and grocery stores are two of my fav places to look for souvenirs while on vacation.
We will be over on the west side of Belize in Benque in Jan, but I want to make a little time to fly over to Ambergris Caye for a few days. We were they last Nov, and we took a golf cart ride out to Secret Beach, made sure our lots were marked, and just to have a look-see around. I noticed an off grid home model that you can see from the side of the road going out to SB. Will Mitchell is a San Pedro realtor working on that project. Do you know any other planned projects or developments in that area? With the growing popularity of Secret Beach, I would venture to guess that there would be more things planned.
Nice, a good idea to check it out while here. Not heard of anymore planned projects recently, there are more individuals building up there now. I bet a small Tienda (store) or two in the area is not long to follow. Currently, Beach Basket Belize, Captain Morgans, and Mata Grande Grocery are still the closest shopping options as far as I know.
My partner and I have two side by side lots that he purchased 10 years ago at the Grand Belizean Estates lots. Our plans are to build something there in 8-10 yrs. From Secret Beach you can see Blackdore Caye, which is also supposed to be developed for an eco resort, but I haven’t heard when it’s supposed to be completed.
Nice Micheal, hopefully, you and your partner will get to plan a visit soon to see your lots. Not heard anything on Blackdore Caye, development lately.
La Fonda Tacos is delighted to hear your enjoyed our Mexican Tacos. Thank you for the support and we are happy to satisfy our customers. Come again!
Is this considerably less than you would pay in a grocery store? Would like to have some rum and coke’s in our room, was going to hit up a grocery store but sounds like this may be cheaper? Thanks!
It is cheaper if you use a lot Erin as the distributor is by the case. Be sure and hit up Travellers Liquors on Middle Street for local rum choices. Many also use flight code (for a cause) horizon and code vacation starter in Premier duty-free at Philip Goldson International Airport will save you 15% on alcohol. See alcohol savings a comparison chart.
I am so sad to hear about all the development going on. I will be visiting Placencia in September/ October for a month. Then I plan on moving to Placencia, in January 2020, I just pray that I don’t find out that it has changed due to development. I have bee planning this since 2014, so I would love to find small village near Placencia and an Episcopal Church.
Congrats on planning a month in Placencia Dale. I have friends who own a condo here on Ambergris Caye and in Placencia. They both feel similar to you and feel like Placencia is a good fit and not going quite as crazy development wise right now.
My wife and I visited in March of 2017 and fell in love with Ambergris Caye and enjoyed Secret Beach immensely. On our return trip this February, (we stayed on Caye Caulker this time), we looked forward to a water taxi ride to San Pedro and quick jaunt back to Secret Beach. It felt as though the population and number of vehicles had doubled in that short time, and Secret Beach was hardly recognizable. We still love Belize and would love to spent some retirement time there.
Wonderful blog post, Laurie. One of your very best because of its honesty.
Although we discovered Ambergris Caye & San Pedro later than you, even in just the couple of years between our discovery (2010) and leaving the island for good (2013), we saw far too many changes for our liking. When we found the “Secret Beach”, it was simply the backside of Grand Belizean Estates, a wonderful and near-deserted spot to ride our cruiser bikes. There was a friendly couple who built an off-grid blue house on the lagoon side, the first house along what would later become the Secret Beach, and we met them and their five dogs on one of our rides. Hard to imagine what it looks like there now, though I have seen photos. Seeing it in person would be a shock, I am sure. I understand that development and progress are inevitable, but still, it pains me to see so much of what was unique about Ambergris Caye now gone, changed, or in the process of doing so.
Thanks for the compliment. I agree Emily, way too many changes for such a small place and not all good ones either loosing out uniqueness is hard. I think seeing it in person would be a shock too. It has likely been around 2016 last time I was there, just before the permanent businesses hit. A friend was up there on a date and his report was that it was really trashy. That made me not want to go back. I am glad though that the businesses that moved in up there are keeping it clean now from what I hear and see in the odd picture.
Wow does your blog resonate! And we’ve no particular interest in BZ other than a handful of visits to Placencia a few short years ago. We’ve gone back three times in less than 5 years and we have no “right” to say a darn thing…But then why on earth were we so ‘saddened’ to learn about all the development, the paved road, the new streets laid out, the skyrocketing price of real estate?…
I guess this is the where the phrase ‘victim of success’ hails from?
We had hoped to retire in a local village…now, meh. Maybe. Will still visit and support the good people of BZ though, for sure!
Thanks, Greg. I think worldwide it is a challenge to keep the charm in unique places as they get “discovered.” Hopefully, we can still find the balance before it is too late.
Thanks, and sorry if I sounded kinda mean…wish nothing but the best for the people of BZ. Fell in love with the easy-going Creole and local folks .. can only want the best life possible for all!
So sad and so happy for Ambergris and Belize at the same time…we came for the first visit in 2012 for our honeymoon and absolutely fell in love. San Pedro is so wonderful and we have made so many friends. I want all our friends and everyone in Belize to be full, rich, happy, successful, and healthy, but it is selfishly so hard to see all the things that made San Pedro special start to be subsumed by the Cancun-ization of the island. I am hoping we can all find a way to help Belizeans be successful while keeping all the things that make Belize wonderful. Losing the turtle grass and the mangroves will be the final blow in Becoming Cancun and I sincerely hope it does not happen.
I feel the same, Jennie. Hopefully, mangroves and turtle grass will not disappear. Another concern is water quality, that is something that is getting damaged by improper growth.
One vote for the Vape Mat. It simply works for me at 14 hours. This is for the original FumaKilla. Other generics last 10 hours max.
I’m guessing that it may still be in the proposal stage, but it makes me wonder if it is a done deal already because I do know that the 4 lots next to our lot have accepted the offers that were presented to them. We were also presented an offer but were not sure if it’s just a way for someone to pick up properties and then resell at a increased price, or if it is real, hate to be pressured. Appreciate anything you may hear.
Thanks again
Bruce Pfeiffer
Makes sense. Agreed feeling pressured on your land not good.
Hi Lori, we’ve heard that Cayo Rosario has been approved and I also heard that they will be putting in a water treatment plant, generator, housing for workers fuel station and a large dock in Sea View park which is just up the beach from the secret beach bar and grill.
Have you heard anything about this? It would be nice to know for sure as we own one of the lots next to the other lots that have already been bought up. Anything you hear please let us know
Regards,
Bruce Pfeiffer
Where did you hear that Bruce? As far as I know it is still in court and still unsettled. Will keep you posted if I read anything new about approval. (Hopefully not.)
I feel very blessed to know my friend Eileen .its great she had such a wonderful day ! Filled with so much joy and love .
GREAT!! Thanks so much. I can see how it would be useful. Have a wonderful weekend in paradise!
Anytime Deanna. You might want to consider checking in with local Doctors and the Poly Clinic too for assessing need.
Hi thanks so much for the information. Im wondering if you or anyone thinks an expat nursing home would be beneficial there in Ambergris Caye? I’ve been in the business most of my life and my husband and I are planning to move there and have a business as well that will provide service to expats mainly but give work to locals. Any thoughts?
Nursing home has been a long talked about idea Deanna. Worth researching to see if it would be feasable.
John Carr on the mainland was going to do an assisted living facility but it never quite got off the ground.
Thanks for the blunt truth even though somewhat sad but a fact of life. I got here in 1980 so remember the old days and the “. Magical 90s “ sometimes with a tear in my eye .
Bill Toonen
I too remember secret Beach way before development. And I too now have regrets with my years and years of ranting and raving about this island.
Too many pristine water sanctuaries have been destroyed to make way for development.
Now I hear that life-saving mangroves might be destroyed. Unbelievable that safety could be replaced by greed. ?
I agree. AC is slowly losing/changing what we have come to love about Belize. It’s our special place. We got married there. We want it to stay that way! We will continue to come but we know we will continually see progress toward being a Popular Tourist Caribbean location”. Money always changes things, doesn’t it?
And yes, thanks for keeping us in the know I always look forward to reading your posts.
My husband and I first came to Ambergris Caye in 1990 when British troops were still stationed in Belize. The streets were made of sand. We stayed at Lilly’s where he served family style meals to his hotel guests. At mealtime, guests would share their plans for the day of who would be taking people out in their boat for a day of snorkeling at the reef. I asked a fellow traveler what I should do with my valuables while snorkeling, he replied, “Leave it in the boat, no one is going to steal anything.” Our first snorkeling trip to the reef was magical. Ignacio and his son, Tulu, took us out. Ignacio was a Grey-haired man with light skin and blue eyes…seemed filled with joy. His son, Tulu, had the darkest skin and magnificent blue eyes with a smile that seemed with joy and love. How they loved to share their home treasures with us.
While Ambergris Caye has undergone numerous changes and growth, I like to focus on what has been done right – saying no to offshore drilling, establishing Hol Chan, and more recently Mexico Rocks to name a few.I
Having grown up in Southern California, I understand the pains of “progress” and “growth”. Let’s hope Belize can learn from the mistakes of other places.
I too remember the “good old days” of no development on the back of the island. We took our kids to those beaches when they were learning to swim at 1 and 3 years old (they are now 24 and 26). We named one of those beaches after our dog because she loved to frolic in the water. Yes, development will happen but at what cost?
That is a great memory, Janice. So true, generally there is a price for development.
As much as I love Belize, my concern (and I’m casting no stones at you; I appreciate your love of Ambergris Caye and the whole of Belize) is that it will lose its “old world” charm in the face of the growing tourism trend and become just another Caribbean resort destination. To me, it’s inevitable, particularly on Ambergris — Secret Beach being one example — but also in places like Placencia, which is getting a lot of attention.
Thanks for what you do so well.
I agree with you Paul (and did not feel like your comment was throwing stones at me.) I know growth is inevitable, I just wish more people would do it with more respect and consideration to where we are and what makes Ambergris Caye and Belize special. Thanks for the compliment.
Laurie, I too remember the simple things like the dirt streets and the hand ferry. It was a true adventure “back in the day” to get beyond Sweet Basils. The biggest thing we miss is the smell of chicken stewing from the many local food vendors lined up at Central Park every evening. When you WALKED into town that smell was intoxicating! We fell in love with Ambergris Caye and all it simplicity. Nightly entertainment was Wii bowling at Pedro’s and the town except for the Blue Iguana closed down by 9:00. It has definitely lost its Old World Charm and every year when we return we are saddened by all the growth and Hotel chains that are building and blocking the view of the Ocean. This year we are bringing family with us that have never been and we are sad that they will not get to experience the old Ambergris Caye. It is true the times they are a changing and unfortunately it has not all been for the good. Oh, and the coconut pork chops on the secret menu at Hungry Grouper are now one of my favorite things to order! We have followed you since the very beginning of your blog and love your insight and perspective on Ambergris Caye.
Great job, Laurie! I remember seeing you in your bikini a few times in 2011-2012 and thinking how amazing you looked. My abs are long gone at almost 58 years old (though my quads are still kickin’ from all the cycling – lol!), so I admire anyone in their 40s or 50s who still has ’em. Hope the juice cleanse helped you find them again! 🙂 It’s definitely hard to give up sweets and other bad for you stuff, so I admire your persistence. Not sure I could do it!
Thanks, Emily. You look great for 58. I got lucky it is in my genes, my mom looks way younger than 79 and set a great example for staying in shape.
Really interested in the healthy juice challenge and healthy eating patterns to loose weight …any input on this would be highly appreciated…
Jordana follow the link to Juide Dive facebook page and they can answer any questions you have on the cleanse. As far as weight loss goes an overall healthy eating change would be needed otherwise weight lost on a cleanse comes back fast if you go back to bad habits.
Hi Tacogirl,
We have been getting more and more serious about escaping the cold here in Alberta. I have been researching and found some great info on your site. We are wanting to invest in a property now and eventually move to San Pedro permanently. Do you now much about buying condos in the resorts? This is what appeals to us for now. The rental income can offset the cost of still living in Canada. Do real estates agents normally take care of these types of properties or does the resort handle the selling? Is there a reputable real estate agent that you recommend that handles this type of property?
Thanks for the help and keep up the great site.
Morning Dean, shoot me an email at tacogirlbelize@gmail.com and I can answer all your questions in an easy to track place. I have a few friends that own condos here and do part of the year in the rental pool and then they get a large chunk of time there every year. Agents definitely come across these types of investments. I can put you in touch with an agent.
When we toured Tikal, we drove our Chrystal rental car right to the gate and were met by a guide (they take turns meeting the cars) and I don’t know if we lucked out but he was the best tour guide I’ve ever had. He works for the tourism department and the park itself (I believe) and they don’t take this lightly. He was so knowledgable and he told me that everyone has the same education program so chances are you will not be disappointed. I wish I remembered his name (4 years ago) but my husband and I had him all to ourselves-no big group, and no timetable.
I did this trip last week from Belize city to Tikal and back. I rented from Crystal .very professional.One thing to note. They are the only hire company that allow travel into Guatemala,they provide the tikal pass that lets their car pass over the border.IMPORTANT ..there is NO insurance on the car after you exit Belize. This was explained to me in the office before i left. The crossing of the border was easy and the drive to Tikal straight forward through rural Guatemala . Hope this helps and clarifies a few details.
Hi Tacogirl, My wife and I are ready to trade in our 2 short term rental homes in Colorado for a place in Belize. Its not clear to me if someone on QRP status can legally run an AirBnb place in Belize. Can you help clarify? Thanks!
QRP means retired status so no business allowed when you are here under that Gregg. I do know people that came down as both, one came QRP and one came legally able to run a business which she did successfully until she decided to stop.
Just want to add a thank you to who ever published this article. I contacted the guide, Genny Reyes from the email provided in the article. Couldn’t have been happier with his service. Very pleasant articulate and knowledgeable! While the article above was written in 2016 and our trip was recent, January 2019, his price only increased $20.00. Still a great deal at $90.00 per person compared to the $150.00 I was quoted from other tour operators.
That is great Nada, so glad this was useful to you and that you were happy with Genny Reyes service.
Hi Tacogirl,
I really like your website, what would you recommend for a fairly affordable
rental close to the beach? what towns etc? I have 2 dogs and this may be difficult
( long term) also i have been in property management most of my life
and would love to find something managing a small complex or resort on the beach.
How would i go about that? what are the work requirements etc?
Thank you!
Glenn Gallagher
Morning Glenn, thanks for the compliment on my site. Starting your own business (with proper paperwork) or finding someone to sponsor you for a work permit and job because of your skills, or going it on your own and applying a work permit are all ways you could go about it. Your best bet is to plan a scouting trip and see what it would cost you to live here and if you see possible opportunities. It is a very dog-friendly island. Long term here counts as 6 months or more anything less falls under short term rentals.
Hello Taco Girl,
I’ve been researching a family vacation to Belize towards the end of July. Our passports are in the process of being renewed and our two daughters are getting new ones. Do you know if Belize allows entry for U.S. citizens if their passports have not been valid for atleast 6 months?
Secondly, I want to split the trip up and stay at a Jungle resort and then stay at a beach resort. For the jungle resort, if we want to do cave exploring or hiking, will this get cancelled if there is a lot of rain?
Really appreciate any advice.
I always love to see your pictures! You’re always talking about the growth of SMA, due to some issues the past 5 years I haven’t been able to get back down. Can you tell us more about just HOW MUCH growth there has been done in some pictures? I am really worried that it will not be the quaint place we were looking for still. I’m starting to look for someplace still a little quaint. I left Cozumel for that reason, never been back. I LOVE the fact you have been able to keep the cruise ships out. OMG so many people on then it looks like cattle coming thru the chutes!
Thanks for the compliment Allene. We are stressed to the limit and all further growth should be suspended till the environment gets cleaned and all waters test at an acceptable level. All infrastructure needs to be done properly as well. Bottomless septic tanks in low laying areas are not acceptable.
Thanks for the compliment Allene. We are stressed to the limit and all further growth should be suspended till the environment gets cleaned and all waters test at an acceptable level. All infrastructure needs to be done properly as well. Bottomless septic tanks in low lying areas are not acceptable.
That was a great blog. I had no idea there are underwater caves on Ambergis Caye – much less in the Secret Beach area. I’m going to have to look into those (pun intended). Is the cave in the area in front of what is now Secret Paradise beach Bar? Or is it further north than that?
I also had no idea you can drive a cart north from Secret Beach. I now have a new exploratory mission when I get back to the island in April. 🙂
Hi taco girl,flying into San Pedro tomorrow the 9th till 16th the weather says rain all week just wandering if that’s a good forecast,gregg
Gregg, you may get sprinkled on a bit but definitely expect longer sunny periods as well. Tomorrow’s post a weather one offering some good suggestions.
Is the “Gilligan Island” picture in a cove almost exactly 1 mile north of Secret Beach? That peninsula of trees jutting out into the water looks very familiar. If it is where I think it is, you owe me “Beach Use Fees” for parking your boat on my land. LOL! Well…OK, you don’t really owe me money (you already knew that tho!)….I just saw an opportunity to brag because a picture of my lot made it into your blog!
Not sure exactly where that one was shot Eric. We used to do gas share and potluck boating adventures. Traveling up the back side of the island around 2007. This post was one of my last ones in the area https://tacogirl.com/the-cave-beyond-secret-beach/ before the area got largely popular and developed business wise. You might see close to your property there and there is a good fence pic for a guide marker and of course the underwater cave.
Hello Dear,
I filled this application because I love experience and challenges. Know that my spouse will come really to take me and to visit me from time to time. My baby boy might just come to visit me during vacations. Really none is coming with me to stay full time. Thanks in advance for the opportunity to grow in education.
Wishing you the best of luck with your application process Elcedia.
Thank you mr Russell for your kind words and it was pleasure and honor for us to meet you, we are so proud of providing the best service that our visitors deserve..,
We really appreciate your advices to keep our island better and nicer
William
This is wonderful but am missing the teacher experience but if you like to give me a try am welcome to join on bored because we all start from small and grow up but I don’t have the money to continue my education level to start teaching I love kids and I know working with kids will be easy for me I appreciate it
Moring Jaminie. It is the people who are taking applications you need to be asking that question. I am helping people learn about the opportunity, I have nothing to do with the application or selection process.
Our family was on Ambergris Caye for Christmas as well. Christmas Wve we had a snorkeling trip scheduled but the Lady Leslie Crew were kind enough to reschedule for Christmas Day! always a great time on the island even when Mother Nature trues to stir things up a bit!
Great your family got rescheduled Mary, hope you had a great time on Lady Leslie Catamaran, it is a nice boat. Mother Nature was stirring it up again for the New Year, we had some good winds last night and today.
Hey TacoGirl we will be down to SP over SuperBowl 2019… do you know of anything yet for parties, specials or best places to watch the game???
Great timing Mike. All the places in this post will likely do parties again this year. Check out my updated https://tacogirl.com/ambergris-caye-belize-nightlife/ page for links to facebook local and google maps which will help you search for events closer to the time. Belize bars are still getting through the holiday season and do not have super bowl 2019 events up just yet.
Hi, arriving in San Pedro tomorrow. Are you aware of any fun holiday events coming up over the next week? Or, are there some great sites, decorations that we should visit? Thanks for sharing your pictures.
Jeanne, a drive around the island is a great way to see all the tropical Christmas decorations.For an easy way to find places, download facebook local on google play it lets you advance search locations and events this is a good way to watch for the parties – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.facebook.Socal&hl=en or iTunes – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/facebook-local/id1153443320?mt=8
Glad you enjoy my pictures 🙂
Very concise information
Thanks Russell 🙂
I want to appreciate you for taking a picture of my grandmother, my mom, and my little brother all in one picture on the trampoline!! I found this absolutely hilarious.
Thanks for the appreciation, Sarah. That is hilarious that I randomly got them all in and cool you found it. A similar thing happened before, I realized I had pics on my blog of my old neighbors before I knew them and on a different island – Caye Caulker.
Hi Tacogirl: my husband & I cant wait to visit Belize next month. We will be at Pelicans Reef for part of our journey. I know we can bike Into the town of San Pedro if we wish, but can you recommend a taxi service that you think has a great reputation along with competitive prices that will take us to&fro up to multiple x daily over the course of our four day stay at PR? The other questions I have are what time do the restaurants serve up until in the evening & 2. do any take a reservation or are they all pretty casual all the way around? Many thanks, really appreciate it. Sincerely, Cathy
Hi Cathy, what a great way to start your new years. For taxi south email: manolocontreras21@yahoo.com and see if you can make an arrangement in advance, he and his son both drive. As for prices due to where you are staying it will be a bit costly for a cab I have only ever used him to go as far as Sunset beach and that was about $15-$20 bzd cab ride. Depending on what price Manolo offers you for your location, consider a golf cart for a day or so as well. Restaurants are not late night here so many kitchens close around 9 ish. You can always get late night street food in Central Park and dotted around town.
This is a wonderfully written great adventure story. Entertained all the way! Love you all – every character in here!
I just want to know what poor soul will have to keep those chandeliers clean.
That will be a massive detail job for sure.
Thanks for sharing the additional information with us, belize real estate
How can tourists help? We will be in for 5 days in december and would love to do what we can, at least for a few hours.
I will be put out an Eco Friendly Belize supply list page in the store section on my site Ann. We have a location and are going to start stocking for future cleanups. The Phoenix Resort does a weekly peach clean up as well for another way to participate.
Great job with the cleanup and water testing! Obviously there is a long way to go, but it’s refreshing to see proactive people like you taking such an active interest in the environment of Ambergris Caye. It is too precious to ignore.
Thanks, Emily. I agree to precious to ignore and finally, this big move made by the BTIASP has really started a ripple effect. I hope it keeps going and a next big entity steps in to do a cleanup campaign in 2019.
Thanks for putting together this blog, It is so helpful! Suya tours is offering a full day of snorkeling with three stops and a BBQ lunch. We really wanted to go to Shark Ray Alley, but to do this, we would have to book a different excursion that does not include the full day and BBQ. What do you think? Is there a big difference between shark ray alley and three other three snorkeling stops. Would appreciate your opinion.
Glad you like my blog, Jeanne and find it helpful.
I like shark ray and done it many times and will again but beach bbq would come out in the lead cause I am such a foodie ha ha.
You can also try someone who will customize it for you. Eric Henkes at uprising tours 662 – 7413 Eric Henkis – He does snorkeling, fishing, picnics, beach bbq, private charters, and sunset cruises. Not sure if he does outside the reef will check for a guy who does. He will easily customize so just ask him for a quote on your preferred adventure combination.
Thanks for sharing the additional information with us.
Hi Laurie, on Wednesday I tried (like so many times) to withdraw money from the Heritage Bank ATM in Benque. It didn’t work and I went inside the branch. They took my complaint and asked to try a lower amount, which I did – it still didn’t work. I left and the next day 3 x 400 BZ$ had been deducted from my European account. I contacted the bank immediately on Thursday, took a taxi to go into the branch Friday morning and nobody there seems interested to do anything about it. I insisted to have the video footage controlled for the time they claim the deduction had been made, so that they could see that I did not get any money – they’re not interested – extremly ignorant service, not one answer to my emails and 1200 BZ$ not available for me. The same issue happened already 7 or 8 months ago – there seem to be permanent issues with Heritage Bank
So sorry you were faced with that Marie. I have my Canadian card eaten at Heritage a couple years back cause it was not a Belizean card, thankfully I got it back before they sent it to Canada. I have found Atlantic Bank is the best one for foreign card use Scotia good too and sometimes Belize Bank although for a while they were having a hard time reading cards with chips.
Hi Taco Girl, I am moving to Belize from Texas. I am there on a scouting trip next week and planning to be living there the first of December. I am in the process of buying Casa Picasso Restaurant. I have two questions for you. Is it possible for you to visit with me in person next week between November 15th – 19? And can you tell me a good way to send a few boxes of my personal items to the Island?
Let me know if you can, Thanks, Ande Woods
Better to work out meetings and such in email Ande sent you one. As for shopping Belize Freight is a popular option.
Goff caye is not a private island by any means.
I get what you are saying Jordan, that anyone can go there if they have a boat. It was pretty private when we were there, just our group enjoying the place to ourselves. I will check in with Xsite about their plans to make sure it stays that way for their tours.
Burring Sargassum underground pollutes the ground table water with arsenic and it doesn’t change into sand!
I was always skeptical it was not good to bury Sargasso without cleaning the first Tom. Maybe not good to bury period even if cleaned well. I liked how Mexico is turning it into art and houses.
Ocean Conservancy is a great organization that promotes all of the ideas that were offered by Carol. Another is Reef. We all need to get involved to secure our healthy oceans for future generations to enjoy.
Great feedback Don and Sue, thanks. I agree we all need to get involved especially here, because of the color of the water people do not think it could be unsafe in some areas.
And please don’t forget that your Happy Birthday, etc. balloons you let into the air ends up in the ocean and into a turtle’s mouth. And monofilament line wraps around manatees flippers and eventually cuts off their flippers. So many of our manatees at my marina had clubs for flippers. And there are so many more.
Great addition to the list Carol.
Hi, 2 years ago my wife and I received a coupon for the plane ride from Belize City to San Pedro. We want to fly Feb 1, 2019. Can you help me? Thanks, John
horizon is the current tacogirl flight code John. I emailed you with pdf and a link for on flight code details as well as info on saving 15% a Premier Duty-Free.
horizon is the current tacogirl flight code, John. I emailed you with pdf and a link for on flight code details as well as info on saving 15% a Premier Duty-Free.
Amazing recount chock full of sites and experiences to take up. Bravo!
Thanks Felicia.
Hello!! Great site and useful information all around. Wish we had found this site sooner. We are going back next month and want to invest in some property. Can you suggest a reputable real estate agent?
Morning Bruce, I can please email me at tacogirlbelize@gmail.com with a bit more on what you are looking for and I can put you in touch with an agent.
Hi. The hurricane in Florida made the branch with bananas growing snap and break. Do i have a chance at the bananas continuing to ripen?
It is possible but hard to say as I am not a banana expert and not sure how far along your bananas were in the growing stage when they got knocked out by the storm. Hopefully, that is the only amount of damage you experienced.
And great staff too Laurie.
Yes so true John. Even when it is busy they manage to take care of everyone well. We did the princess and the pea thing as we started at the bar, moved to a seat and ended up at the outside table we would have taken from the start had it not been so busy. They never skipped a beat in keeping up with us.
Hi! How do you find out when and where these are happening?
They are a random island occurrence Iris. Your best bet is to make friends with the people that host them occasionally and ask for one, or you could easily do it if you have a group of friends. I have done many swaps at my apartment over the years. CG Esthec Salon also does them when she does a fundraiser event.
Love this! Such a cool idea
Such a great way to shop Michelle. I used to do this with my friends when I lived in Canada too.
We just had a cop tell us that we (as Canadians) need to carry our passports or a copy at all times in Belize. He said it was a law but didn’t know the code. Said we had to buy the law book. We have never been asked before. Is this true? I can’t find any info on it.
I do have a license and passport pics on my phone always and it has come in handy before, but never once have I heard it was mandatory.
This is great – thanks so much! I am always on the hunt for great stew chicken!
Anytime Jennie. Try El Fogon too for stewed chicken, they also do great Belikin beer battered fried chicken on Tuesdays.
Hi, Taco Girl! My husband and I are coming to Belize for our 1 year anniversary. We are staying at Coco Beach Resort. For the day of our anniversary, any suggestions on fun things to do during the day and something romantic at night? Thanks!
Morning Sarah.
Congratulations on your #1!
Coco Beach is a great place and you can certainly have a romantic dinner right there for that evening.
Wow – It’s a loaded question for the daytime fun… really depends on what you like. You could literally spend a day just lounging around their pool area, swim up bar, pool with a (smallish but fun) waterslide and jumping platform. I recommend downloading facebook local if you use it as it is a great way to find out events, restaurants, and points of interest where ever you are traveling. You can search places in advance too.
An excursion to “Secret Beach” (on the west side of the island) might be in order because from Coco Beach, you’re about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way closer than you would be if you were staying in town.
Guest services at CB will be able to help you with anything you want to do – If you’re avid divers then, of course, the Blue Hole is something you don’t want to miss. If not, snorkeling is always a favorite and highly recommended. I can also help you save a few dollars on tours and have some food and shopping discount coupons and flight code as well email me at tacogirlbelize@gmail[dot]com
Hello! I have been following this website for a few months now since my husband and I decided to go to Belize this December. It’s very interesting and helpful….so thank you. I have a few questions that I hope you can answer. We were planning on going to Ambergris Caye for a week but I am now second guessing that decision because I have read a ton of recent reviews saying the stench from the rotting sea grass is unbearable. Is this true? If so, do you think it would be gone by December 2018? I have also read there are not really any real beaches in Ambergris Caye except Secret Beach? About how far from downtown San Pedro is Secret Beach? We were planning on staying at Sunbreeze Suites so if you know where that is, would you know the distance to Secret Beach from Sunbreeze Suites? Lastly, due to my concerns, do you feel a different island would be better suited for us? We will likely go snorkeling but also want a beach within walking distance that we can go to on most days. Thanks in advance for taking the time to respond to these questions….I really appreaciate it!
Thanks for enjoying the benefits to my site Nicole.
Just like weather sargasso is pretty impossible to predict, anyone’s guess what it will be like in December. The smell can be unbearable depending on the wind and sometimes surprisingly you smell very little when you would think you would smell it a lot. End of day is worse usually as it is the plant rotting that smells. – https://tacogirl.com/difference-sargasso-seagrass-in-belize/
Secret beach or any west side one accessible by boat (there are people who will do that for a day or half day trip)
Sunbreeze Suites is right in town and secret beach a few miles north-west it is a 30-40 min drive, keep in mind you will likely doing 15 mph on a golf cart.
As far as alternatives, have you considered Caye Caulker? Here is a post with a good video in it to show you more of that island.- https://tacogirl.com/jesse-james-style-adventure-caye-caulker/
See you in November!
See you in Nov chuck, enjoy your countdown 🙂
Is this still an issue or have things changed in the last few years?
Hit or miss on issue Dan. Not all banks still accept chip cards here. Mine always did, a couple of months back I started having trouble getting my Canadian bank card to read but something invisible happened and it is back to normal.
Side note. . Yesterday afternoon I rode a bicycle into town all the way from Caribe Island. Being aware of the recent study I decided to wave to everyone, as I wouldn’t want Italians to get a bad rap. In doing so, the rain started to fall making it difficult to control the bike. With wreckless abandon I waved anyway. As I swerved in and out of traffic, I am happy to report that EVERYONE waved back, albeit, only one finger, but it was waved at me with such passion. I’m happy to report that we are improving 1 finger at a time. . Have a great day. !!
😀
I know it’s great for the country Laurie, but dang I hate to see it growing so big and fast. Please PLEASE put a cap limit on the # of cruise ships coming. And PLEASE do NOT let them onto the island!!! You guys re the reason I quit going to Cozumel!
Last time i was there i watched them unload people like cattle down chutes in a packing company!!
I am with you on cruise cap. While I know they are not going away anytime soon I have mixed feelings about cruise ships.
That’s great news. Thanks for the update
Anytime Tommy.
Also, Capital One doesn’t charge any foreign exchange or bank fee’s on any foreign transactions.
Capital One also has a 1,000 usd daily atm limit and you are not required to call or notify them when or where you go in or out of the country.
Good to know Thanks Tommy.
If you’re a Californian and Belize is a favorite destination First Republic Bank refunds all foreign ATM fees with some minimum bank account requirements.
Great additional info thanks Frank.
Great info. Thank you
Thanks Laurie. Valuable information. Only have Atlantic Bank here in Caye Caulker.
Anytime Carol. Thankfully Atlantic is the bank on Caye Caulker.
Do you sell sim cards for iphone 5s?
Can hou make the switch for me when i arrive? Ambergris Caye
Hi Al, Belize Telemedia is the business you want to set you up with an iphone sim card. Make sure you come with an unlocked phone.
Awesome. Thank you
I assume all the prices mentioned are Belizean dollars. Yes ?
Thanks for the info. Have a great weekend Tacogirl.
Correct, all pricing is in Belize dollars Tommy.
I have been researching a move to Belize at retirement, which has came and gone. I now have a date to make the great move. I have read your blog in an email for a few weeks now and love it. I plan on moving to Placencia area somewhere. So keep up the great work so I can get all your wonderful suggestions
Congrats on your date Dale, happy planning for your move and thanks for the compliment.
I agree with this post . LOL.
One of my favorite BZ memories was made of this…. I was walking down a road in the middle of nowhere. We had seen something interesting and stopped the car and I was walking down the road to look get a closer look at a pretty plant. An old couple was coming up the road toward me and as they approached I smiled and said hello. The old woman was kind of startled and didn’t know what to do and she suddenly just threw her arms open and said “WELCOME TO OUR COUNTRY, HELLO!” and they kept walking. It was the cutest most genuine thing ever.
What a great memory Connie, thanks for sharing.
What about black tourist do the wave back? When i was in San Pedro i always waved back,sometimes i was first.
I think you may have missed the intended humor to the post Peter.
Very sad
Awesome. Great job.
Thanks, Tommy 🙂
Absolutely.
At Cayo Inland Expeditions, we offer high-quality Mayan Tours, Belize inland Tours and Belize Jungle and Beach Packages.
I am interested, Is this real?
Yes Stephen, if you meet the requirements then apply to the organization asap as this application period is only for the month of July and I do not know when the next one will be.
Excellent. Im interested
Good Luck Daniel.
Oh my goodness, you have made my mouth water! These all sound amazing. I am guessing that the chefs at these restaurants are going to be inundated with special secret requests…hope they are ready! 🙂
Hello tacogirl
my friends and I are looking for a nice fun little Beach Bar Grill in Belize … I am looking to move there as soon as we find something … you have any ideas?
Dino
Hi Dino, you already got me in Fb messenger, just waiting for your email.
Awesome . Beautiful ladies enjoying the lobster fest . We had a great time here in Placencia as well. Party on ladies. Great photos! !
Thanks Tommy 🙂
Absolutely
Awesome. Looked like a great time. I was just invited to a local lobster fest celebration tomorrow with a couple new found friends here in Placencia Belize. Gotta love it. Glad you had fun. I can’t wait to head up to Ambergris Caye in the beginning of July to try out the sushi. I’m a sucker for good sushi.
Hope you had a great time at Placencia Lobster Festival Tommy. if you are a sucker for good sushi then definitely hands down Jyoto a must for you. Another good recommendation is the Ahi Poke salad at Blue Water Grill.
Excellent. Hopefully when I visit July 3rd to the 5th I’ll squeeze in some time to tantalize my taste buds. Placencia lobster fest was awesome.
Excellent. Awesome information. I hope this also means lower fares for flights within Belize. 🙂
Thanks, Tommy. Hopefully, lower fares will be a trickle-down effect.
Thanks for the great info. 8 of us are flying into Belize City then on to Placencia and will stock up at the airport and stuff it into our luggage. Do you know if we will have to pay Customs fees on our purchases?
Tax and duty-free Carla. Thanks to your group for using the duty-free promo code and the flight code for a cause to benefit BWG and the Dangriga Cancer Center.
Hi Tacogirl .
I enjoy reading your blog I just moved to Placencia on June 2nd and I love Belize. 30 years ago when I was stationed in Hawaii I saw a photo of Belize in a magazine and swore to move here one day . I visited San Pedro the last 2 years and absolutely loved it. I chose Placencia Belize because I got a great deal on a house right on the water to rent . Although I love it, I think my place is in Ambergris Caye. Thanks for your blog, hope to see you soon.
Glad you enjoy reading my blog Thomas, congrats on your move to Placencia. Maybe you will end up visiting Ambergris Caye more and have the best of both worlds.
Can you give me an update on the current situation?
Sargasso is still currently an issue for many right now depending on where you are staying.
Hello. I have been reading your blog and have a few questions. Are the following items available Caye Caulker? Hellman’s Real Mayonnaise, raw fresh chicken, potatoes for BBQ, heavy duty aluminum foil, celery, and cucumbers. I will be in Caye Caulker June 29-July 5, and then San Pedro July 5-11. In Caye Caulker I do have a kitchen where I am staying and a BBQ outside and would like to do some cooking. In San Pedro there is no where to cook where I am staying. Would you recommend staying loner in Caye Caulker, say 10 days and only go to San Pedro for the last 3 days? I have read that San Pedro is not that nice, more expensive than Caye Caulker, lots of golf cart traffic, and dusty and dirty. Please advise. Thank you for your wealth of info on your blog.
Morning Peter. You can find most of what you are looking for on Caye Caulker, just ask your accommodations people if you have trouble finding it and they will point you in the right direction. As for the length of stay that depends if you want busy then more time on Ambergris Caye if you really want to relax and unwind more days on Caye Caulker.
Is this still available? If it is please contact me at jennsing25@yahoo.com
I emailed you a contact name to see if that or another apartment is available in that building Jennifer.
Is this still ongoing? Is there a current code available for use?
Moring Lou flight code is ongoing and each month at no extra cost to anyone using code horizon, a portion is donated and split between Blue Water Grill Community and Dangriga Cancer Center which serves countrywide Belize.
I have a touring Bon Jovi tribute out of Boston. We’d love to perform down there. http://www.facebook.com/tributetobonjovi Let me know if you think there’s a venue that would have interest.
Facebook message with Palapa Bar Ken and see if they are interested. They do live music weekly.
Hi Tacogirl is there a code for April?
Flight code is horizon Albert and the current cause that using it will benefit (at no extra cost to you) is a Hematology Analyzer for the San Pedro Poly Clinic.
Tacogirl, I’ll be there April 20-24. Meeting with a friend to look for places to rent. I hope we can get a chance to meet while I’m there.
Sounds good Carol, just keep in touch.
Hi Laurie, just wanted to let you know that this Q & A is still relevant for us too! Coco Loco’s and Ambergris Caye were amazing first steps in our continuing life of adventure abroad, and we still have zero regrets! Sue
So great that owning Coco Locos beach bar in Belize was a good stepping stone for you and Steve to your new adventure of running Casa Dos Lirios Boutique Bed & Breakfast in Merida – http://www.casadoslirios.com/. It looks like a great place, can’t wait to see it in person one day.
Hi,
I’m coming to the Placencia Peninsula in late April. I was wondering how bad the sargasso is? Have you heard much about that area recently? Thanks!
Afternoon Wendy. my friend Sue who lives there said that Placencia is getting hit with sargasso too this t=year, as to what the situation will be like in April will be anyone’s guess. MUch like the weather sargasso is very hard to predict.
I am writing about unit 10B . Is this unit open ? If not , do you have any aval. and the price . I will be comeing in around July , 2018 , and would like at least a 6 mo .rent . Thank you very much ,
Danny Haymans
As stated in the post Danny that is old and no longer available at that price or through that real estate company. Check with the new Isla Bonita Yacht Club (Name changed along with management) and see if they are doing any long term rentals (6 months or more) http://islabonitayachtclub.com/
Hello,
I have enjoyed reading your posts, and only discovered your site once we were already in Belize, a few weeks ago. The trip was a last minute decision, but I am so glad we went! We only had 10 days, but it was enough to make me realize that Belize made me feel better than I have in many years – especially when I was sailing a Catamaran for the last two days. I am very near retirement, and ready to make changes necessary to travel more, and live at least part time somewhere like Belize. I am interested in how you made the transition, and how often you return to Canada? We live on Vancouver Island, which is also a wonderful place to live, especially in the summer. Are you concerned about medical coverage in Belize, or do you maintain Canadian coverage? So many questions… Thanks!
So glad you have enjoyed the read, Shawn. What a great vacation experience. Mine was similar, I came here on a vacation and by the end of 3 weeks was planning a move. Vancouver Island is great, I moved from downtown Toronto. I do not maintain Canadian coverage as I have been gone so long (12th year).
How long does the Sargasso season last? Or is this all the time? Will be visiting San Pedro May 1st? Just want to be prepared? Thanks
Technically it is not a specific season, I refer to it that way more so as a long period of time. Exactly how long it will last is absolutely unpredictable as it is nature in charge.
I see many posts of previous years .I am looking for a place as early as 1 April. Is your place available?
Seth Bryant
Seth this place has changed owners and is rented as far as I know.
Almost worse than the stink of rotting sargasso is the trash that washes up with it. Bits of plastic, from tiny to large, are captured in its mats and are so ugly. The plastic makes it much less tolerable to me than just the natural phenomenon of sargasso.
I agree Emily the garbage it collects is very unsightly.
Hi Lori, we’re going to be there in April and we were thinking of maybe spending an extra week and staying at Mara Laguna, what are your thoughts on this place. We’ve heard the horror stories from owners there but what’s it like just to stay there. you won’t hurt my feelings so give it to me straight Yes or No explain. thanks again and thanks again for you posts
Bruce Pfeiffer
Hi Bruce. As far as Mara Laguna goes staying there you are likely fine and will enjoy your stay. The couple of units I have seen the inside of looked nice and I know several people that live there. Now owning there is a whole other kettle of fish for various reasons, mostly construction and ownership titles from what I have heard.
hi, is there a code for march? Thanks!
horizon is the correct flight code to use Heather.
See How Big is Ambergris Caye? post for more info – https://tacogirl.com/how-big-is-ambergris-caye-bigger-than-you-think/
Thanks. Looking to come in May for about 4 days to check out places. Can’t wait to get back there and see how much it’s changed in 13 years.
Nice Carol, you will find it has changed a good bit in 13 years. You can still find some of the charming old San Pedro if you look in the right places. Taking a recent picture of a front carrier pedal bike with a golf cart rood on it reminded me of that.
Thanks for the help. Contacted a few places yesterday but they don’t allow pets. I have a cat so can you tell me how hard it is to find a place to live with a cat?
I do not have pets but many of my friends that rent do so there are places that allow pets, you just have to keep watching for one Carol.
I am considering the move to Belize, sooner than later I expect and would be interested in the Red Cross. I have been employed as an Environmental Inspector for the Govt. and also have a background in Firefighting, and hold a degree in “Emergency Management”. I would be interested in volunteering but am also curious on actual job prospects in and around these fields. Thanks for your time…Cheers TC
Morning TC,
Thanks for your inquiry. The answer to your question really depends on what part of Belize you like to make your new home.
The Red Cross HQ is located in Belize City they can provide information on other branches. The San Pedro Branch is involved in Emergency Management as well as CPR/First Aid training and Blood Drives.
B.E.R.T. is probably the closest to anything (emergency medical wise) from the US – Assuming that is where you would be coming from – but it is only on the mainland.
NEMO is another site you can take a look at. I really do not know about the job prospects, however, there is an issue of a work permit to consider (possibly easier to get if you have an offer).
While we do have 24h medical options, there is no hospital or working ambulance on Ambergris Caye.
Hi – is it best to take a cab from the water taxi area to our house at Mara Luguna or is it best to have the cart rental company just drop our cart off by the water taxis? Just worried about our luggage…
Hi Taco Girl, my husband and I are coming to Belize next week for our 10th anniversary. I want to surprise him and renew our vows…super simple, no decor, just us and a person to do the short ceremony …do you recommend anyone for this?
What a nice surprise Julie. Try contacting Iraida Gonzalez iraida@elviskitchen.com or Eiden Salazar reefradio@btl.net hopefully one of them will be available to help you with a vow renewal. You can also make contact with wedding planner Lara at lara@romantictravelbelize.com, she is great for wedding/renewal help.
Thanks for all the info. I’ve been to Ambergris and love it. Currently living in the Florida Keys and plan on coming for another visit in May, I hope. Looking to find a 6 month rental (I’ve been in touch with Sally(real estate agent) who’s been great with some condo listings. Would love to sit down with you and get more scoop on moving there. I’ve recently looked at Caye Caulker and see that it’s cheaper there to live. Any other info on that? Thanks.
Morning Carol
Feel free to email me closer to the time to work out a sit-down. You can also try Ana Lausen she and her husband Erik do property management ambergrisvacations@yahoo.com
I like Caye Caulker a lot although some people find it too slow. I would say it is worth looking into as it is a very cute colorful island. Since it is closer to the mainland some things would be cheaper there. People often forget to factor in for pricing, when everything comes to an island by barge or plane that transport cost increases pricing.
Laurie,
When you book online with Tropic Air use the promotion code horizon and a portion of your flight purchase will be included as a donation to the charity/cause choice of the month
Will this code be ok to use in May ? or are they changing it. Have a travel company booking.
Morning Tom.
Thanks for wanting to fly with a purpose. The flight code horizon will still be good in May. Thanks for using it.
Sharon Hiebing
We are looking at relocating to Central America from South Africa. We are looking at agricultural land 20-30 ha if possible for essential oils Aloe Vera, snails etc. With your knowledge, which country would be best suited for us please. We are even looking at Ecuador, we just wanna get away from the crime in South Africa and get on with our lives.
Rietha Crafford
rietha-c@ophrah.co.za
Afternoon Reitha.
Sharon no longer lives in Belize due to medical reasons. I can only speak more so for Belize as I have not lived anywhere else in Central America. Mainland Belize has lots of farming and you would be able to buy land and start something yourself or I have seen existing land for sale that has some degree of options such as fully grown fruit trees already in existence.
I am looking to check out Belize for retirement and I am not sure where area to start. I need to be close to good healthcare, so I was thinking of corozal area. I want to be able to kayak easily, hike and live in nature, but not isolated. I would want some protection from hurricanes and flooding. Can you suggest other areas to look at? Thank you for your time and blog.
Loretta
Afternoon Loretta, another area would be Cayo. Lots of outdoor activities options there and it is nice and hilly so a higher ground place there would help in regards to flood protection. Placencia also a popular destination.
Thanks for appreciating my blog.
What is the code for Feb 2018?
horizon is the new flight code David, thanks for flying with a purpose.
The Farmers Market is a wonderful new addition to the island. Sure wish it had been there when we lived on AC. My mouth is watering just reading about your foodie scores! 🙂
You would have loved Market Days Emily. So glad Truckstop got them going monthly.
Hey Taco girl what about the superbowl?
Superbowl got a post to itself Wendy – tacogirl.com/eleven-2018-super-bowl-parties-in-san-pedro/
Hello TacoGirl: Just planning our first trip, so exciting! I read that you sometimes have a discount code for Tropic Air, which will be flying from San Pedro back to the international airport on our departure day. If you still have it could you please provide…?
Also hoping for some advice…Flight to US is at noon…do you think the 9:00 am from San Pedro allows sufficient time? We will be flying on Weds, July 4th if that helps determine your answer…Thanks very much!
You should be fine with that amount of time Lauren, however, I will tell you the official word and you can decide. When booking your Belize Flights, allow 1 h to clear customs (often it takes less but you never know) Returning they ask you to be at the airport 3 h in advance. The reasoning behind the 3h rule and why Tropic Air advises you follow it. Technically airlines flying back to the states are supposed to close their manifest 1h ahead of time so that everyone can be checked against the no fly list. Overall 335 days of the year 2h is more than enough. However there are those random 30 days that it will not be, such as a busy Saturday in March. There are popular annual travel times when Tropic is always extra busy at which ever airport you are flying out of. This can generate minor delays to BZE and increased potential for long lineups at Philip Goldson International Airport check in.
As for the flight code, it still works and you can find downloadable pdf instructions at this link, http://tacogirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Tropic-Air-tacogirl-coupon-code-and-instructions.pdf
As of New Year, a couple of us that were doing a 10% discount are no longer able to offer it due to a change in because Tropic’s system. From now on for every flight booked with CFC flight code, a portion of your ticket price goes to a very worthy organization on Ambergris Caye; the Blue Water Grill Belize Community effort. A portion of all previous month flights will go towards current month cause in support the monthly chosen organization receiving help. More information available on the Code for a Cause page
https://tacogirl.com/code-for-cause-tacogirl-flight-code/
Thanks, since we are coming off season in july I feel fairly confident that we will make it…unless July 4th is a big travel day in Belize…?
Good day. I have just begun to research Belize, and have run across your article on Voluntourism and must say that it is more than interesting. Thank you for the information you provided, however I saw no ‘How To’ in your article. Is it possible for you to provide me with some additional information and possibly a point of contact? I am not sure at this point what skills I have to offer beyond being able to ‘bring down supplies’ donating time and muscle, but am more than willing and able to participate. I want to help, visit, explore and research for possible permanent move to Belize. Just to give you a brief on my background, to perhaps help you understand what you may be able to provide to me, in re this request;
57 y/o male, recently widowed, retired from U.S. military, Have worked in various capacities both prior to and after military life, from menial labor to administration supervisor, to security,,, and many more positions. If you require more information I will gladly provide it. Any response you may give will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this request.
Sincerely,
Dennis R. Strope
Hello Dennis,
I am so sorry for the loss of your wife.
I am happy to be able to provide you with a few options albeit you kind of hit the nail on the head when you mentioned bringing down supplies. There is always a need for school supplies for that matter, pretty much anything. Don’t underestimate the time/ muscle donation either.
Life here is very slow paced, so just be prepared. 🙂
Belize Red Cross. They run blood drives and First Aid./CPR training. You can contact the Branch Coordinator at: branchcoordinator.brcsp@gmail.com or the FB page Belize Red Cross – San Pedro
Hope Haven – Belize is a Children’s shelter just getting going.
Sagebrush Church is always looking for volunteers at their “Pit Stop” ministry – where they fix bikes for kids and single moms (usually once per month) – They are also trying to start a transportation ministry (so golf carts and drivers are needed) to help folks actually get to the services on Sunday mornings. The Campus Pastor is Rafael Torrez – FB page Sagebrush Belize Campus
Just to list a few more… The Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye Belize, San Pedro Lions Club, Belize, San Pedro Cancer Society.
My husband and I are trying to plan a trip to San Pedro for our 10 year anniversary next year. We are looking at sometime around the last week of May. Is that a good time of year to visit? I don’t mind it being a little off season (less crowded), but I also don’t want to go when half the shops/restaurants are closed. Also, how is the weather normally around that time of year? We’re hoping it’s early enough in the season to not have too much rain.
Thanks so much for your great articles. They have been really helpful in trying to plan our trip!
Thanks for reading my blog and congratulations on your upcoming milestone Stephanie. May is still okay for most places being open, and the weather is generally quite nice.
Hey tacogirl, me and my family will be travelling to San Pedro Jan-26-feb-9. There will be 4 adults and a 15 month old baby. What is the best method to get a flight from Belize city to the island to ensure we can all fly together? and also get the best rates. is it worth taking a taxi to TZA and flying from there to the island?
This trip is kind of a scouting trip, we have been thinking about investing there and possibly even moving there at some point in time. You seem like the kind of person that would have a lot of knowledge on this as you are also from Canada.
look forward to hearing from you.
Brandon
It’s always nice to hear from fellow Canadians. It’s not hard to ensure that group flies together. Tropic Air is really great for getting people on the same flight. It is more convenient from the International With the little one in mind, that is what I’d recommend after a long day travel.
Here is a good post on the price difference of International airport versus Municipal Airport https://tacogirl.com/best-belize-airfare/
Tropic Air will be changing flight discount structure, so if you want to ensure you get the best price, book no later than the end of this year. October – turtle, November – reef and December – cenote. Always use current month code no matter when you plan to fly.
Is there a code for this month?
turtle is the October code Tracy.
Thanks for this blog. Truly helpful.
I am undecided between spending my 2 nights in San Pedro or Caye Caulker (the rest being in San Ignacio/Guatemala). Which do you recommend for me, a solo female traveler? I would like to do a snorkeling tour (which is prettier, day or night?) And sightseeing/taking pics in general. I’d like to make the most of the 2 days, do as much as I can. Preferably solo-friendly. I’d really appreciate it if you could provide a some advice!