A Memorable Journey to Belize: Warmth, Hospitality, and Island Adventures

My stunning view as I await the start of the wedding.

After months of planning to attend my cousin’s wedding, I finally landed in Belize City, Belize excited to start the adventure. Shortly after leaving the airport, I located the taxi company providing transportation for the wedding guests. As I waited for the taxi driver to approach, I began to reconsider my travel plans.

Although the resort was only a 15-minute flight away, I had prepaid online for a 45-minute water taxi ride. With about an hour and 30 minutes until I would arrive at the resort (45 minutes to the water taxi departure site, and another 45 minutes on the water), I started to rethink my decision.

Before leaving home, I had researched the water taxi, ensuring that it was a decent-sized boat. Given that the island only had two options for reaching the North Side of Caye Caulker, I decided to speak with the taxi company supervisor to see if I could take the flight instead. He was incredibly accommodating, checking if there were any available seats. He soon returned to inform me that the pilot had an opening, and the choice was mine.

By this time, however, I decided to stick with my original plan and take the water taxi. As someone from the US, I truly admired the supervisor’s willingness to accommodate my request. He didn’t consider the financial loss he might incur, focusing solely on making sure I had the best experience. The level of hospitality I felt was immeasurable, and I was extremely appreciative of his above-and-beyond attitude.

Once I arrived at the water taxi departure location, I saw that all passengers were placing their luggage onto the back of a truck. I quickly learned that this vehicle would transport everything to the water taxi boat. Growing up in a big city, I was hesitant to trust strangers with my belongings, so I asked the gentleman standing nearby, “Do I just leave my luggage here?” He and the others quickly reassured me that I could leave it, as everything would be sent to my final destination.

Still feeling a bit uncertain, I kept my luggage with me while I grabbed a quick bite to eat. When I returned, they remembered me and chuckled as I approached them to finally leave my bag. There were only 30 minutes left before departure, so I felt a bit more at ease.

The warmth and hospitality didn’t end there. As soon as we stepped off the water taxi, a resort employee greeted us with a tray of lemongrass-scented wet towels to refresh our faces. We were then escorted to the dining area, where we were treated to a cup of delicious island punch. I felt truly cared for, and it was clear that the resort had taken great effort to make guests feel special. Their slogan, “Go Slow,” was not just a saying—it was a way of life.

Throughout our stay, we explored the South side of Caye Caulker, which was filled with restaurants, locals, and tourists enjoying the beach and the vibrant atmosphere. From the pre-wedding event to the wedding itself, everything was perfect, and even the rain paused long enough to let a beautiful rainbow appear.

There were many lighthearted moments, like driving a golf cart around the island (no cars are allowed) and getting playful criticism from my aunt. Later, some locals taught me how to use hand signals when making turns. Every day was filled with new adventures—from visiting the chocolate tea shop and helping someone find a long-sleeve shirt, to discovering a local jewelry shop with hidden treasures.

Belize is a country rich in culture, heritage, and ethnic cuisine, and its loving and supportive communities made the trip unforgettable. Thanks for showing me that hospitality can be the norm. I left with a heart full of gratitude, knowing that the experience was truly one of a kind.

Here are some wonderful attractions in Belize:

1.     Mayan Ruins: Belize is home to impressive Mayan archaeological sites such as Caracol, Xunantunich, and Altun Ha. These ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization that thrived in the region thousands of years ago.

2.     Barrier Reef: The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest coral reef system in the world, after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers incredible opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and marine life exploration. The Blue Hole, a giant underwater sinkhole, is a famous spot for divers.

3.     Cultural Diversity: Belize has a rich mix of cultures, with a population that includes Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garifuna, Mennonites, and expatriates from around the world. This cultural melting pot is reflected in the food, music, language, and festivals.

4.     English as the Official Language: Unlike most of its Central American neighbors, Belize's official language is English. This makes it a popular destination for English-speaking tourists and expats.

5.     Wildlife and Rainforests: Belize is known for its incredible biodiversity. The country has several protected national parks and wildlife reserves, such as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to jaguars and a variety of other animals. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Bacalar Chico are also rich in wildlife.

6.     Belizean Cuisine: The food in Belize is influenced by its diverse cultures. Popular dishes include rice and beans, stewed chicken, fry jacks, and fresh seafood. The Garifuna culture adds unique flavors, especially with dishes like hudut (a fish and coconut stew).

7. Stunning Beaches & Islands: Belize boasts beautiful, pristine beaches along the Caribbean coastline, with idyllic spots like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker offering a tropical paradise. Whether you want to relax, enjoy water activities, or simply soak in the beauty, Belize’s islands are a peaceful retreat.

8.     Warm, Welcoming People: The Belizean people are known for their friendliness and hospitality. The diverse communities embrace visitors with open arms, making it a welcoming destination for tourists. You’ll find that locals are eager to share their culture and stories.

Lastly, some of my future excursions include the Belize Barrier Reef and the glass bottom kayak. I’m looking forward to the adventure—though I hope whatever approaches my boat isn’t too terrifying!”