Belize - Dive Training Magazine | Scuba Diving Skills, Gear, Education

Location: Belize is on the east coast of Central America in the western Caribbean, just south of the Yucatan peninsula. It is bordered by Mexico to the north and west and by Guatemala on the west and south.

Population: 321,000 ethnically diverse residents. The literacy rate is more than 90 percent.

Time Zone: Central Standard Time; Daylight-saving time not observed.

Language: English, with Creole and Spanish widely spoken.

Climate: Coastal and offshore Belize is subtropical with constant trade winds. The average temperature is 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) on the coast and 69 F (20 C) in the hill country. Hurricanes are rare but late summer tropical storms do occur. The dry season is February through May, with a gradual transition to more rain through the summer months. The southern part of the country experiences up to 160 inches (406 cm) annually; average rainfall in the north is only 60 inches (152 cm).

Water Temperature: High 70s Fahrenheit (25-26 degrees Celsius) to low 80s F (27-29 C).

Airlines: Major air carriers offer flights, including American, United, Delta, US Airways and TACA.

Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens need a valid passport.

Government: A parliamentary democracy, Belize is an independent member of the British Commonwealth of Nations.

Accommodations: The principle destination in Belize for divers is Ambergris Caye, with a wide range of choices from resorts dedicated to scuba to luxury spa hotels. The atolls and smaller cayes feature quiet seclusion. Mainland resorts are similarly diverse. Several live-aboards offer weeklong excursions to the most popular dive sites in the cayes and atolls, as well as more remote areas.

Electricity: 110 volts, 60 cycles, with North American-style outlets.

Communication: Telephones and cellphone services are readily available. Many hotels have Internet service and there are several Internet cafes on the island.

Currency: The Belize dollar BZ is the national currency, but U.S. dollars are accepted almost everywhere. The current exchange rate is $2 BZ = $1 USD. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Medical Facilities: A chamber is available on Ambergris Caye. Emergency Phone: 501-226-2851.

Dress: Casual dress is the norm for Belize. Cover-ups are required when leaving the beach areas.

For More Information: www.travelbelize.org