PORT CORAL

Belize was first developed by the Maya around 1500 B.C.E., and the first contact with Europeans came in 1502 when Christopher Columbus reached the area’s coast. The first European settlement was established in 1638, and many more were set up in the next 150 years. 

In 1840, it became a “Colony of British Honduras”, and in 1862, a crown colony. For one hundred years after that, Belize was a representative government of England but in January 1964, full self government with a ministerial system was granted. In 1973, the region’s name was changed from British Honduras to Belize and on September 21, 1981, full independence was achieved.

Calculating the exchange rate from $US to Belizean dollars couldn’t be easier: The Belizean currency is locked in at $2 BZ = $1 US. Most accommodations and tours are listed in $US,  while restaurants, shops, etc. are listed in $BZ. However, nearly every place readily accepts US currency.

Located in Central America, Belize is bordered to the north by Mexico, the south and west by Guatemala, and the east by the Caribbean Sea. 

Belize is known for its extreme biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems. Here, you’ll find swampy coastal plains, low mountains, undeveloped forests, jungles, wildlife reserves, a large variety of different species of flora and fauna, and the largest cave system in Central America!

One of the most attractive parts about Belize is the wonderful warm weather! The average yearly temperature sits around 84° F (29°C), with winter lows rarely falling below 60°F(16°C) and summer highs averaging 86°F (30°). 

Belize is the only English speaking country in Central America. But while English is the official language of Belize, Creole is the language that natives speak, and there are many other languages represented on the island, including Spanish, African-based Garifuna, Maya-Kekchi, Maya Mopan, Mandarin, and German.