Silk Cayes, two Deserted Islands on the Barrier Reef with beautiful Beaches

The Silk Cayes, also known as the Queen Cayes, are 2 deserted islands located right along the Barrier Reef. They are picturesque islands fringed by white beaches and dotted by dozens of coconut trees. A trip to these islands usually includes snorkeing along the reef as well as a beach barbeque. These islands are easily visited on day trips from Placencia. (Click on the headline link to watch this photograph collection)

The Case Family, Freezing in the Snow & Dreaming of Tropical Belize

By: Angie Case

Twenty three degrees Fahrenheit, with a "real feel" temperature of eighteen… Good Grief... It's been snowing on and off here for nearly a week, with no end in sight. Eight to twelve inches they said. Try more like three feet with snow drifts of five feet or so... What a mess. The driveway is frozen, the sidewalk is under a foot or more of fresh powder, hidden beneath that is a nice fat layer of ice to make sure you slide from the front door to your four wheel drive vehicle. What's that you say no four wheel drive vehicle? Well then forget it; you won't be going anywhere until it thaws.

It was always my husband's dream to live here in the shadow of beautiful Mount Shasta, California. We took what few trips we could afford in our early years together from our home in Sacramento, California up here in the warm summer months to camp and fish. His dream came true. We've been living here for close to six years now. Our family and his business are thriving.

We came from down in the valley below, where February may have called for long sleeves, but you could be guaranteed that gardeners everywhere were already turning the soil. Summer time temperatures peaked in the middle of July, sometimes soaring into the 113 degree range. I remember people boasting that it was so hot outside you could fry an egg on the sidewalk. It really was possible, although I could never figure out why you'd want to. As a youngster in that climate, with little to compare to, you just accepted it and wore as little as possible. Your skin would turn a lovely golden brown and your eyelashes would be tinted by the summer sun. I thrived in it. The weather was hot, lovely...

I'm freezing, it's that simple. Yes, our little home in the woods is perfect, you simply cannot beat having 29 acres for a house full of teenagers to run off their energy on but it's so cold! I can't help it; my old bones protest this weather so much! The view is spectacular. From nearly every window in the house you can see mountain ranges, Black Butte, The Eddys, and of course, majestic Mount Shasta, the lovely lady in white who watches over us all. It's a spiritual place I understand, a place where people flock to be closer to this powerful mountain.

The crime rate is low and for that I'm very thankful. We don't worry over the same kinds of things that parents in the big city do. Our children are doing very well here; my husband's business is really taking off.

Every winter though, the children and I battle with our inner demons, the voices inside our heads filled with a wanderlust. A need to move south where it’s warm. I am grateful for all we have, truly I am, but it's cold! I'm just not a snow kinda girl. We don't drive a suburban and we don't have ski racks on top of the car. I don't ski for a reason. I just have no desire to be that cold. That would involve the chance of falling down in the afore-mentioned white stuff!

Seriously, I'd trade evenly, a cup of sand flies per cup of snow... I'd be willing to show up with trash bags in hand and comb the streets and by-ways for all the trash I could find. I'd be happy to do whatever public service...whatever penance it would take to find myself living in a warmer climate. But not just any place.

Ah, Belize...

Desperate times call for desperate measures. My way of coping with all of this snow, is to research lovely places I wish I was rich enough to travel to. Thank goodness for the internet.

A couple of years ago, my daughters and I were huddled together in front of the wood stove, complaining about being cold, dreaming aloud. I told them about this wonderful place that I had been researching.

Just the sound of the name does funny things to my insides... Belize. It calls to me with its exotic sounding name... Tropical climate, crystal clear blue waters, the color of my youngest son's eyes. Almost perfect fishing conditions. Boy, that would do nicely for the older son... the one who talks fishing morning, noon and night. I can just see him now, lean and tan, happy and thriving with a fishing pole in hand. This boy's life long dream has been to own a fishing boat.

White sand beaches, quiet places, still left where one can sit quietly and soak up the warm sunlight. Yes, this sounds about as close to paradise as can be for a family with aching joints from the cold and vivid imaginations.

I watch my children grow and encourage their dreams. Belize fits nicely into their imaginations as it does mine.

Sipping coffee one morning about a month ago, I stumbled upon a website called discoveringbelize... Inside were beautiful pictures, some of which brought such a yearning to my heart that I actually found tears in my eyes. Raising teenagers is hard work, hard on the pocket book too. My husband and I celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary this year and I really wish I could take him far away to a place where the sun shines down on you, there's actually time for things like holding hands... a small escape from our ordinary snow bound, hard working, small business owner-existence where the kids never seem to stop and the phone rings all the time. My husband works so hard. How wonderful it would be to just take him away for a few days....

But where would the money to go come from? It's all we can do to feed everyone, pay the monthly bills and keep everyone in shoes and clothing.

This fast paced, American Dream isn't for everyone, just so you know. Some of us dream of a slower pace. Some of us dream of meeting new people and hearing their stories, learning about different cultures, finding the commonality of peoples from all over the globe. Some of us dream awfully big, sitting in our kitchens next to the fire, wishing and dreaming of warmer climates where the sun shines brightly and the beat of the ocean waves matches the pulse of those who live by her tides.

Alex Gamero, a kindly, unsuspecting Belizean man, answered an email one day, thinking that he was putting together an itinerary for a couple celebrating a wedding anniversary... what he found instead was a pen pal. We cannot afford to visit Belize at this time, but through Alex's photography and descriptive words about a country that he clearly loves, he has allowed me to visit at least in my mind. Over the course of the last month, Alex and I have exchanged at least a dozen emails. How or why he finds the time to answer my many questions like this, I'll never fully understand, but I am thankful. It's good to dream.

It's funny, Alex asked me to tell him what I'd like to do if I were to come to Belize for a visit and my mind just whirls with the possibilities. I think with as long as my family has been yearning for this and researching, and falling in love with a land we've yet to lay eyes on, perhaps the kids are right, perhaps one day we can just pack up and move there. Dreams do come true sometimes.

I think first, we'd have to spend some time on a quiet beach somewhere, just soaking in the healing warmth of the sun. Perhaps Alex and his lovely wife would like to sit with us, share a beer and discuss places to see things to explore!

I'm so excited about visiting the jungle, just hearing the sounds, the feel of that much flora surrounding you. I am a plant nut. I love them all. To me being surrounded in green like that would be a slice of heaven! My youngest daughter talked in her childhood years of a dream of visiting the jungle. Oh, how I ache to see her dream come to fruition.

The Mayan ruins. The idea of standing in a place rich with history like that sends my mind to reeling again. I wonder how many places on earth are left like this? Remote, overgrown, untouched by human hands for possibly hundreds of years? I can just imagine my children’s eyes as they take it all in.

Dangriga is another that tops my list of places I want to experience. From what I understand, the town is home to some of Belize's finest painters, musicians and drum makers. The history of the Garifuna people fascinates me. "Sweet water is close at hand" is the loose translation of the Garifuna word, Dangriga. Sounds lovely to me.

One day beautiful Belize...

Until then, I'm thankful for my Belizean pen-pal friend Alex, who encourages my family's dreaming and ends all of his emails in,

Cheers, Alex.

Every time we have a spare penny, nickel or dime, it goes into the Belize ginger jar.
One day beautiful Belize, one day!

Mayan Archeology & Maya Ruins, an Interview with Belize's Minister of Archeology, Jaime Awe

In this video we talked to Jaime Awe, Minister of Archeology for Belize, to get his views on the Mayan civilization. Belize has a rich Mayan heritage, boasting many ruins and artifacts. Today, these massive stone temples lay dormant, surrounded by overgrown forests. But to the keen observer, they tell a story of a great civilization. The Maya were a technologically advanced civilization. When Christopher Colombus landed on the New World, the calendar the Europeans were using was actually less accurate than the one the Maya had already developed! Their art, hieroglyphs, religion and culture have fascinated many curious minds. Visiting one of Belize’s Maya ruins and learning about their civilization is an experience that should not be missed! (Click on the headline link to watch this video)

Diving the Belize Barrier Reef, an Interview with PADI Course Director, John Searle

John Searle is a PADI certified Course Director, which is the highest certification offered by PADI for dive professionals. If anyone can describe the diving in Belize it's John. In this interview he summarizes the diving opportunities in Belize. After his interview, the video continues highlighting some underwater scenes from dive sites all over Belize. (Click on the headline link to watch this video)

Hopkins Village & Garifuna Culture - A Quaint Village with a Deep Cultural Tradition

This quaint fishing village is nestled on the southern coast. It is a Garifuna village, a cultural group with deep traditions who are descendants of escaped African slaves and Caribbean Indians. It's sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees and cool breezes provide an ideal backdro for relaxing. There are quaint shops, a few bars, great little restaurants and many interesting people to enjoy here. Of course, taking in a Garifuna drumming and dancing show is a must. (Click on the headline link to watch this photograph collection)

Fishing in Belize- Saltwater Flats, Reef, Deep Sea & River Fishing

By Alex Gamero

The variety and quantity of fish in Belize is a result of the diversity of aquatic habitats that support them. The barrier reef is the most important, providing shelter and food for a huge variety of crustaceans and reef fish which in turn attract larger predatory fish. The reef also breaks the strong ocean currents producing calm sheltered waters for fish. The country’s second virtue is freshwater rivers and their brackish estuaries which are often used by fish to spawn before moving out into the sea. These nutrient-rich rivers also dump a wealth of bio-mass into the sea which forms the base of the food-chain that supports larger game fish. The sub-tropical climate maintains water temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit which is just right for literally hundreds of fish species as well. This rich mixture of sandy beaches, barrier islands, intercoastal waterways, seagrass beds, mangrove-studded bays, salt marshes and estuaries is what makes fishing in Belize so diverse. It is important to bear in mind that there are many variables that affect fish movement and their propensity to feed such as tides, moon phases, water temperature and wind. With so many variables there is no precise equation for guaranteeing catches. However, local fishing guides have a wealth of knowledge which together with skill, persistence and some luck should insure a memorable fishing experience in Belize.

The Flats: Mangrove-lined bays, creeks, channels and lagoons form vast saltwater flats, popular with fly-fishermen. A day usually involves wading or fishing from the casting deck of your skiff. Bonefish are the most plentiful game fish on the flats, ranging around 5 lbs with plenty of fight. Tarpon range from 60-90 lbs but can approach 200 lbs. Their migration is from April to October with the peak months being June, July and August. Also called saltwater torpedoes, they are known for jumping out of the water when hooked. Permit has become a popular game fish because it requires a lot of skill to hook on a fly-rod. You can set your sights for the Grand Slam of fly-fishing, catching a tarpon, bonefish and permit in one day.

Reef & Offshore: The barrier reef offers the greatest opportunities for catches, because it harbors so many types of fish. Trolling along the reef with both surface and deep running plugs can yield barracudas, jacks, groupers and snappers. Drop fishing on “fishing holes” will often produce a lot of small snappers. Moving outside the barrier reef into deeper waters can yield kingfish, wahoo, tuna, sailfish and marlin. Most offshore fishing takes place during tournament time in February, June and October. However, offshore fishing can be arranged year-round. Barracuda, snapper and marlin are good all year, while sail fish is best in the spring and wahoo in the winter. King Mackerel is best in April, May and June.

The Rivers:Many rivers meet the sea along the coast, cutting deep into the jungle. Fishing along these rivers involves either spin or fly fishing. Cuberas are best caught when the water is cool with deep running plugs as they tend to find cover in the deep holes along the middle of the river. They are also called river rhinos as these hard-fighting fish are known for pulling hooks. Snook are plentiful and are best caught along the mangrove edges at outgoing tide when the water is a little muddy. Tarpon are good during the spring when they enter the river to spawn. You can set your sights for the Jungle Slam of river fishing, catching a tarpon, cubera and snook in one day.

Fishing Destinations

Essentially you can drop a line at the end of a dock anywhere in Belize and catch something. However, if you want to go after specific game fish then you must consider the types of fisheries around various destinations. Below is a brief description of the fishing in these different destinations that should help you in choosing where to go.

Ambergris Caye: The barrier reef is visible from the shore of the island and offers good reef fishing for barracuda, snapper and groupers. Offshore fishing will take you well outside the barrier reef for the best chances at big deep sea game fish. There are many saltwater flats around the island especially on the western lagoon side of the island. These flats are known for good tarpon fishing where you can site cast for them during most of the year. They are quite forgiving fisheries good for novice to experienced anglers.

Caye Caulker: Caye Caulker is just south of Ambergris Caye so it shares many of the same fisheries. The reef fishing is good for barracuda, snapper and groupers. The offshore fishing is also good, but is not offered as much by local guides. There are many saltwater flats on the western lagoon side of the island, however Ambergris Caye probably has more flats. The flats are known for good tarpon fishing as well. You generally get better rates for boats and guides here than in Ambergris Caye.

Atolls: Of the 3 atolls, Turneffe Islands Atoll and Glover’s Reef Atoll are the best for fishing. Turneffe has many mangrove islands and vast saltwater flats in its central lagoon. This makes it a popular destination for saltwater fly-fishing. These flats are particularly abundant in game fish. Glover’s Atoll is a marine reserve so it has very good fishing. Trolling or spinning along the reef or offshore waters may yield tuna, mackerel, barracuda, jack, grouper and snapper. Some area coral flats also offer opportunities at bonefish and permit.

Belize City: Belize has a good variety of fisheries to choose from. Probably the best known are the rivers, especially the Belize and Sibun Rivers. They are plentiful in snook and other river game fish like cubera and seasonal tarpon. Just off the coast are many small mangrove islands that can yield good catches by casting along the mangrove edges. The barrier reef is just 30 minutes offshore and offers good reef fishing for barracuda, snapper and grouper. Moving past the reef into offshore waters offers good deep-sea fishing.

Punta Gorda: Punta Gorda offers a wide variety of fisheries to choose from. The coastal rivers are good for snook and seasonal tarpon. The patch reefs around the coastal islands are good for barracuda, jack and snapper. The saltwater flats are good for bonefish. However, these flats are particularly known for offering some of the best chances to catch permit on a fly-rod, giving it its reputation as “the permit capital of the world”. These fisheries are not very forgiving and are best appreciated by experienced anglers.

Placencia: Placencia offers a wide variety of fisheries to choose from. Saltwater flats can be found around the extensive mangrove and coral islands off the coast with a lot of bonefish and occasional permits. The mangrove islands are good for tarpon. The patch reefs around the coral islands and barrier reef are good for barracuda, snapper and jacks. The offshore waters can yield grouper, wahoo, tuna, marlin and sailfish. The Placencia Lagoon has mangrove lined flats and creeks good for tarpon and snook.

Dangriga: The coast of Dangriga has an extensive network of mangrove and coral islands that produce saltwater flats with plenty of bonefish, particularly around South Water Caye Marine Reserve. The mangrove islands are good for tarpon. The flats between Bluefield Range and Gladden Caye are known as permit alley for their good permit fishing. The patch reefs around the coral islands as well as the barrier reef offer good reef fishing for barracuda, snapper and jacks as well. The offshore waters can yield grouper, wahoo, tuna, marlin and sailfish.

Wild Howler Monkeys at the Community Baboon Sanctuary

Bermudian Landing was visited by primate researchers in 1981, whose follow up studies highlighted the higher densities of Black Howler Monkey. After initial consultation with the villagers in 1984, an application was made to WWF USA in 1985 for funds to set up the reserve. Local landowners and the Village Council signed a voluntary management agreement in 1985. The reserve has expanded since to include over 100 landowners who have committed themselves to the land management practices winch accommodate the Howler monkey (known as baboons in Creole). (Click on the headline link to watch this video)

Deserted Islands & Beaches off the Coast of Punta Gorda

Belize has many islands. Some have large towns while others are just small mangrove specks. Some of the true jewels are those deserted coral islands surrounded by blue water and white sandy beaches. In this picture series you'll see 3 remote islands off the southern town of Punta Gorda. Abalanoe Caye features a ranger station. Several studies are done on East Snake Caye. Lastly West Snake Caye stands as a perfect example of deserted islands. (Click on the headline link to watch this photograph collection)

Majestic Waterfalls of Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve covers 300 square miles of pine forests on the slopes of the Maya Mountain Range. This mountainous terrain with many rivers forms numerous waterfalls. Thousand Foot Falls drops deep down a river valley and is one of the largest waterfalls in Central America. Big Rock Waterfall is a huge waterfall where you can get close enough to feel its mist while Rio On Pools features dozens of refreshing pools. Butterfly Falls is nestled in thick jungle and has a beautiful pool where you can swim. Many such waterfalls can be fround throughout this rich forest reserve. No visit to this area is complete without seeing at least one. (Click on the headline link to watch this video)

San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye - Belize's Most Popular Destination

San Pedro is Belize’s most popular destination. This island, off the northern coast of the country, centers around a vibrant town lined with cobbled stone and sandy streets. San Pedro is just a great place to relax. There are countless coconut trees, a few nice beaches, friendly people and lots of sun. There are many bars and restaurants to choose from as well to fill your evenings. There’s a reason Madonna made a whole song about this island, calling it “Isla Bonita”. (Click on the headline link to watch this photograph collection)