Facts about Belize as a vacation destination, recreation, and fun:

Belize Facts:

Belize has one of the most diverse cultures and terrains in the world.

Topography

Belize is an area of only 8,867 square miles.   The country is situated on the east coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea.  Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south.  The second-largest barrier reef in the world (185 miles long) and three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere fall within Belize's territory.

One of Belize's greatest advantages is that English is the official language. Even though there are many diverse ethnic areas and cultures almost everyone speaks English along with their native tongue. Spanish, Maya, Garifuna and Creole are also spoken. The population of Belize is approximately 265,200 comprising Creoles (African-European), Garinagus (Caribs), Mestizos (Spanish-Indian), Maya and Europeans.

Climate

The climate is subtropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea.   The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees F.   The rainy season is between July and September.

Time Zone

Central Standard Time.   Belize does not observe daylight-saving time.

Government

Belize is an independent country with a democratically elected parlimentary government and is a British Commonwealth member.

Currency Exchange

Local currency is the Belize Dollar or BZ$.   One US dollar is equivalent to BZ$2.   ATM machines are located countrywide, but few accept debit cards from US banks.

Taxes

There is a 7% government/hotel tax.   A sales tax of 9% has been implemented and is applicable to goods and services.

Airport Departure Tax

Total departure tax is $20 which is inclusive of $1.25 security tax and US$3.75 Protective Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) fee, used to promote, enhance and conserve Belize's protected areas.

Postal Rates

Postal Rates to the U.S. are BZ$.60 for letters, BZ$.30 for postcards.   To Europe, BZ$.75 for letters, BZ$.40 for postcards.

Tipping/Gratuity

Tipping is voluntary.   Usually 10% is acceptable with 15% for exceptional service.   In some cases a gratuity may be added to your check.   This practice varies with each establishment.   Be sure to ask before paying the bill.

Water

The drinking water in Belize is potable.

Belize Festivals and Holidays:

JANUARY

• Horseracing in Burrell Boom – New Year's Day.   Race starts at the entrance of the track and the horses run one mile round.
• Krem New Year's Cycling Classic – New Year's Day.   Starts in Corozal and ends in Belize City

FEBRUARY

• International Billfish Tournament – Enticing cash prizes.   Radisson Fort George Hotel.   Sponsored by Radisson Fort George Hotel & Marina and Esso Oil.   Organized by the Belize Game Fishing Association.
• Fiesta de Carnival – Exciting yearly event celebrated nationwide.   Groups compete in comparsas (special dances).   Held one week before Lent.
• Valentine Cycle Race – Starts in Belmopan, then to Benque Viejo, back to Belize City and ends at Constitution Park.

MARCH

• Agricultural Show – Held annually at Chan Pine Ridge (near Orange Walk Town).   Livestock, crops, primary-school competitions.   Horse races.
• Baron Bliss Day – Celebrations held nationwide to honor this great benefactor of Belize.   Harbor regatta held in front of the lighthouse where he was buried.   A cycle race and kite contest are also held in Belize City.
• La Ruta Maya Canoe River Challenge – San Ignacio to Belize City.   Four-day canoe race retracing the route of the ancient Maya.
• San Cas Belmopan Cycling Classic – From Belize City to Belmopan and back.
• San Jose Succotz Festival – Local fair held in San Jose Village, Cayo District, celebrating the patron saint.

APRIL

• Burrell Boom Cycle & Horse Races – Annual cycling event, held on Easter Monday, featuring national and international cyclists.   Race starts in Belize City, ends at the Sylvestre Stadium in Burrell Boom.   Followed by all-day celebrations.   Horse races, food and music.
• Easter Fair – Held during the holiday weekend in San Ignacio.   Features entertainment, live music, sport activities and family games.
• Holy Saturday Cycling Classic – Bicycle race in Belize City, continues on Western Highway, circles around park in San Ignacio and returns to Belize City.   International participation.

MAY

• Blue Water Fishing Tournament – Local tournament held annually at St. George's Caye.
• Cashew Festival – Crooked Tree Village.   Celebrating cashew harvest season.   Live Punta music, cashew wine, and Caribbean-style foods.
• Cayo Expo – San Ignacio.   Displays of local crafts and products.   Sample local foods.
• Commonwealth Day – Celebrated nationwide as the Queen's birthday.   National Sports Council holds horse races in Burrell Boom and in Orange Walk District.   Cycle races are held between Cayo and Belmopan.
• Labor Day – Address by Minister of Labour or representative in Belize City.   Followed by parades and rallies throughout the country.   Kite contest, BWU Labour Cycling Classic, harbor regatta, horse racing in Burrell Boom and Orange Walk.
• Mother's Day Cycling Classic – Race starts in Cayo to the border and back to Belize City.
• National Agriculture & Trade Show – Held in the capital city of Belmopan at the National Agricultural Show grounds every year.

JUNE

• Dia de San Pedro – Three-day festival honoring St. Peter, the patron saint of San Pedro.   Early morning boat parade.   Boats and fishermen are blessed.   Fiesta and ์jump-up๎ follows.
• Lobster Festival – Held annually in Placencia Village.   Celebrates ์Fisherman's Day๎ and the opening of the lobster season.
• Placencia Cycle Classic – Annual international biking competition starts in Belize City, ends in Placencia Village.

JULY

• Benque Viejo del Carmen Fiesta – Local fair.   Celebrates patron saint with cultural shows, marimba bands, food and games.
• Lobster Festival – Held annually in Caye Caulker. Celebrates lobster season (June-February) with a variety of lobster dishes.

AUGUST

• Costa Maya Festival – San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.   A festival of music, arts/crafts, cultural dances and foods from Belize, Mexico and neighboring countries.
• Deer Dance Festival – San Antonio, Toledo District.   Week-long celebrations of traditional Maya culture and religion.   Historical reenactments, costumes and masks.
• San Joaquin Festival – Corozal.   Honors patron saint.   Mass, fiesta, food, music and family entertainment.

SEPTEMBER

• Carnival – Colorful pageantry, costumed bands, parades, street ์jump-ups๎, music, dance, food.   Takes place annually.
• Fiestarama – Orange Walk.   Agricultural show, horse races, rides such as Ferris wheel and merry-go-round.   Foods from different cultures.
• Independence Day – Numerous cultural, religious and sporting activities.   Flag-raising ceremonies, parades, street ์jump-ups๎, music, dance and foods.   Crowning of Miss San Pedro.
• St. George's Caye Day – Commemorates a battle in 1798 when the Spanish were defeated by slaves, Baymen and British soldiers.   Carnival sporting activities, fire engine parade, concerts.

OCTOBER

• Belikin Spectacular – Billfish tournament on Ambergris Caye organized by the Belize Game Fishing Association.
• Pan American Day (Columbus Day) – Orange Walk and Corozal.   Fiestas and beauty contest to celebrate Mestizo culture.   Horse and cycle races in Belize City.

NOVEMBER

• Garifuna Settlement Day – Festival held from Belize City to Toledo Districts marking the first arrival of the Garinagu in the early 1800s to Dangriga, Stann Creek District.   Parade, religious and cultural activities.

DECEMBER

• Christmas Day – Families and friends get together to celebrate the holiday.
• Boxing Day – Parties, dances, horse races, cycle race and some Garinagu dances are performed.   Cycle race starts at Palotti High School in Belize City and ends in Burrell Boom.

Belize Shores Realty is the largest source of San Pedro Commercial Real Estate in all of Belize. San Pedro is the only major city on the exotic island of Ambergris Caye, in the beautiful country of Belize. This makes it the leading source of provisions and supplies for the entire island. That is why San Pedro a crucial location for commercial real estate and business properties.

San Pedro is a charming coastal community where the roads are made of sand, and coconut palm trees tower over low level homes and businesses. Its coast is lined with a 190 mile long barrier reef, the second largest in the world. This exquisite living reef serves as the main attraction for visiting tourists. This puts San Pedro in the perfect location for commercial properties looking to capitalize on this natural beauty.

San Pedro is the hub of all activities taking place on the island of Ambergris Caye. Whether it is snorkeling, parasailing, hiking, or scuba diving most groups meet in and work out of San Pedro. That makes this city an exceptional area for commercial real estate investors. Belize Shores Realty realizes the spectacular venture possibilities in San Pedro. That is why we have become the number one provider of commercial real estate for the entire city.

Besides tourism San Pedro boasts a large fishing community. Before tourism became the number one source of income fishing was the cornerstone of the economy. This makes San Pedro a prime location for commercial real estate and business properties looking to utilize this excellent resource.  Belize Shores Realty offers an extensive list of San Pedro commercial properties for sale. Our agents take pride in their work and will do their best to find the right commercial properties for you.

With its friendly citizens and its pristine white sandy beaches the enchanting coastal town of San Pedro has no problem attracting vacationers year round. Whether they come for the memorable activities, the rich historic culture or to relax in one of the most perfect environments imaginable there is no end to what San Pedro has to offer.