SUNSET CONDOS IN BELIZE -BEACH FRONT RESORT - All you need to know about traveling to Belize - Beautiful resort oceanfront oceanview condo properties vacation rental properties for rent by owner in Ambergris Caye, San Pedro Belize

WHERE IS BELIZE? Belize is South of Mexico off the
tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Ambergris Caye
(Am-BUR-grease Key) is the largest island in Belize.
The island is only 25 miles long and is located in the
crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. The coastline
of Ambergris Caye is protected by a 190 mile Barrier
Reef, the second longest living coral reef barrier in the
world.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required
of US, Canadian and European visitors. If your passport
expires in 6 months, you need to renew it now. Citizens
of some other countries are also required to obtain a
visa. Passport, return/onward ticket and sufficient funds
(at least $60/night) required. Visa not required for stay
up to 30 days. If visit exceeds 1 month, obtain a stay
permit from the Immigration Authorities in Belize. AIDS
test required for those staying more than 3 months; US
test accepted if within 3 months of visit. For longer stays
and other information, contact the Embassy of Belize,
2535 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20008
(202-332-9636) or the Belize Mission in New York at
(212599-0233). For information regarding visas in Belize
please call 011-501-822-2423.

WHAT LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN? English is the
official language of Belize and the exchange rate is
simple...$2 BZ = $1 US. The Electricity runs the same as
the U.S. 100 Volts AC. Belize observes Central
Standard Time w/o observing daylight savings. The
Ethnic make-up of Belize consists of 44% Mestizo
(mixed European & Maya), 30% Creole, 11% Maya, 7%
Garifuna and 8% other.

WHAT IS AMBERGRIS CAYE? Ambergris Caye is
the most popular tourist destination in Belize. Ambergris
Caye is a resort island with good lodging, restaurants and
water sports. Unlike Belize City, the streets are made of
sand and you will not find a building over three stories
high. The second most popular tourist destination in
Belize is Cayo district where you will find lodges, Maya
ruins, butterfly farms, Mennonites, the gateway to Cool
Mountain Pine Ridge and mighty Caracol plus all sorts of
outdoor activities including river running and caving.
Most people choose to stay on Ambergris Caye where
they can enjoy the quaint town, slower-pace and
beautiful beaches. Most people take day tours to the
mainland. The big tour companies make it a day event
and will pick you up in a jet boat and transport you to the
mainland. They will feed you and provide all
transportation. They are organized, efficient and fun.
You will leave in the morning and be delivered back to
Ambergris Cay by mid to late afternoon.

HOW TO GET TO BELIZE: Belize is easily accessible
by direct flights from Charlotte, Dallas, Houston and
Miami with connecting flights from many other cities.
The Phillip Goldson International Airport (BZE)is the
main port of entry into Belize. Four major airlines
service Belize out of the U.S.:

American Airlines www.aa.com or 1-800-433-7000;
Continental Airlines www.continental.com or 1-800-231-0856;
US Airways www.usairways.com 1-800-622-1015;
Taca Airlines 1-800-400-8222 or www.Taca.com;
Delta Airlines www.delta.com

HOW TO GET FROM BELIZE CITY TO
AMBERGRIS CAYE: You have two choices. You can
take an 1 hour 20 minute water taxi for approximately
$33 round-trip or you can take a 15 minute charter flight
for approximately $109 round-trip. These rates are for
reference only. Please refer to the appropriate web sites
for current pricing. The resort is 30 miles from Belize
City on the island of Ambergris Caye, exactly 2.34 south
of San Pedro.

SCHEDULING 15 MINUTE CHARTER FLIGHT
FROM BZEare readySAN PEDRO AIRSTRIP: The
charter flight must be scheduled prior to departing from
your trip. This charter can be arranged through two
companies. Both charge approximately $109 round-trip.
When you are ready just phone one of the companies
below. They will take a verbal reservation and payment
will be due when you check-into their counter in Belize
City. The two airlines that offer the charter from Belize
City to San Pedro:

Tropic Air 1-800-422-3435 (www.tropicair.com)
Maya Island Air 1-800-521-1247 (www.mayaairways.com)

SCHEDULING 1HR/20MIN WATER TAXI FROM
BZE TO SAN PEDRO: The water taxi is run by Caye
Caulker Water Taxi Association www.ccwatertaxi@btl.
net or cayecaulkerwatertaxi.com (Tel. 226-0992). The
last water taxi for San Pedro leaves Belize City at 5:00
PM. Water taxi schedules and prices on 4/30/05 were as
follows:

SAN PEDRO TO BELIZE TO SAN PEDRO

07.00 am 08.00 am

08.00 am 09.00 am

09.30 am 10.30 am

11.30 am 12.00 pm

01.00 pm 01.30 pm

02.30 pm 03.00 pm

03.30 pm 04.30 pm

04.30 pm 05.30 pm

RATE ONE WAY ROUND TRIP

Belize City to San Pedro $15.00 $27.50

San Pedro to Caye Caulker

$10.00 $17.50

San Pedro to Belize City $15.00 $27.50

Caye Caulker to Belize City $10.00 $17.50

Caye Caulker to San Pedro

$10.00 $17.50

Belize City to Caye Caulker $10.00 $17.50

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT BELIZE:
Government: Belize is a democratic member of the
British Commonwealth, with a Westminster-style system
with a prime Minister, an elected house of representatives
and an appointed senate. The current prime minister is
Said Musa, a British-educated lawyer of Palestinian and
Belize heritage. Belize is the size of the U.S. State of
Massachusetts with a population of 240,000. Ambergris
Cay has a population of 4500. English is the official
language but Creole and Spanish are also widely spoken.

ABOUT SAN PEDRO: San Pedro Town (Saint Peter
Town) is the only town on the island of Ambergris
Caye. The town of San Pedro is an evolved fishing
village where the dress is casual, the pace is slow, the
people are friendly and the streets are still covered with
dirt and sand. Many of the local pubs have dirt floors
and the island’s dress code consists of t-shirts, shorts and
bare feet.

HOW SAFE IS AMBERGRIS CAYE?: Safety is
always a concern and common sense should be used
anywhere you travel. The most common crimes against
tourists are petty theft and pick pocketing. Violent or
physical crimes are rare. In general, Ambergris Caye has
a much lower crime rate than Belize City or the U.S. in
general.

FIVE REASONS TO VISIT BELIZE: . #1 World-
class diving/snorkeling. Regardless of level or ability
there is a mask for you in Belize. #2 Maya Sites. Belize
is the center of the Maya world. Dozens of ruins can be
visited and Cahal Pech, Caracol, El Pilar, Lamanai,
Lubaantun and Xunantunich are some of the most
interesting. #3 Ecotravel (Wildlife, birds and nature).
Most of Belize is untouched and uninhabited with over
500 species of birds and 700 species of butterflies. Rare
animals still thrive in Belize's bush. #4 Adventure.
Adventures to fit any level including hiking, canoing,
kayaking, windsurfing, caving and spelunking. #5
Culture. Belize is a fascinating multi-racial, multi-culteral
and multi-lingual society.

MOVIES FILMED IN BELIZE: Two good movies
that were filmed in Belize are Dogs of War (1981) and
Mosquito Coast (1986).

FUN DATES TO VISIT: The best festivals St.
George's Caye Day (Sept. 10-21), Independence Day
(Sept. 21), Garifuna Settlement Day (Nov. 19), Marti
Gras (recent, celetrated with parades, paint bombs and
drinking), and Costa Maya Festival (formerly Sea and
Air Fest celebrated with beauty contests, music and
dances (late July/early Aug.)

WHERE IS SUNSET CONDOS IN BELIZE? The
resort is located on Ambergris Caye, Belize just 30 miles
north east of Belize City, 2.34 miles south of the "heart"
of San Pedro Town.

HOW MUCH AND WHAT TYPE OF MONEY
SHOULD I BRING?: . The Belize dollar is tied to the
U.S. dollar at a fixed 2(BZ)=1(USD). U.S. dollars are
accepted everywhere. Canadian , Mexican and European
monies are not widely accepted. Belize Bank has an
ATM in San Pedro. There is no need to exchange
currency before arriving. Most places accept U.S.
Dollars and major credit cards. However, they will
charge a 4% processing fee for credit cards. The Belize
government currently charges a departure tax of $37.50
per person. Make sure you have enough cash on hand
for your flight home.

GETTING AROUND THE ISLAND: The most
common vehicle is a golf cart. We can arrange to have
one delivered to you at the front office. Rental fees are
approximately $60 U.S. for one day for a 4 seat golf cart
and $287 U.S. for five days. You can also rent a 6
person golf cart for approximately $105 for one day or
$462 U.S. for five days. We provide complimentary
bikes and a personal cab driver. Cab rides are available
for approximately $10 U.S. roundtrip. NOTE: All pricing is subject
to change. These prices are for reference only. Please refer to the appropriate web
sites for current pricing.

WHAT TO PACK: How about a couple of swimsuits?
You won't need much but some casual clothing like
shorts, T shirts, and sandals. For nighttime, you may
want to bring casual pants and skirts. A lightweight
sweater or sweat shirt will suffice for the occasional cool
evening. The island wear is definitely casual and the
popular slogan is, "No shirt, no shoes, no problems."
Aside from all the standard things you would bring on
any trip, the following things will be helpful: Extra
swimsuits, light-weight cotton clothes, comfortable shoes,
reading material (maps, guidebooks), camera with extra
film, small flashlight, hat, dark sunglasses, basic health
kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, Pepto, favorite snacks,
battery operated radio, light wind/rain breaker,
binoculars, small day pack and energy bars. You won’t
need to dress up, and should leave fancy jewelry at
home. Belize can be hot, so prepare adequately for the
sun with sun glasses, wide brimmed hats, and plenty of
sun block. For night time and exploring, it’s a good idea
to bring loose cotton pants. Again, a sweatshirt or
sweater should suffice for the evening. You may do a lot
of walking, so bring comfortable all-terrain walking
shoes, and a spare pair in case they get wet.

DIVING AND SNORKELING EQUIPMENT: For
Diving, Snorkeling and Fishing: If you're diving or
fishing you can bring your own equipment if you wish.
Diving and snorkeling gear is available for rent. When
you book a fishing trip with a guide, the fishing gear is
included. If you plan to take jungle day tours to the
mainland you'll need hiking boots, loose cotton pants,
and insect repellent. As a basic rule, if you cannot get
along without it, bring a spare. This applies for contact
lenses and glasses, sunglasses, flashlight and any personal
medications.

CUSTOMS: Visitors may bring in personal effects, such
as wearing apparel, jewelry, binoculars, cameras and
laptops. Each person is allowed to import one carton
(200 only) of cigarettes and one bottle of alcoholic
beverage, duty free.

WEATHER: The average high temperature in Jan
(80/70), Feb (80/71), Mar. (83/74), Apr. (85/76), May
(87/79), Jun. (87/79), Jul. (86/79), Aug. (86/77), Sept.
(86/77), Oct. (84/75(, Nov. (84/75), and Dec. (82/73).
The average water temperature is 83 degrees. The rainy
season is June-July with quick downfalls followed by
sunshine.