Previously Asked Questions:

Answers:

Belize is located just south of Mexicos Yucatan peninsula, bordered by Guatemala to the West and South. The entire country is about the size of Massachusetts, with a population of 225,000. The British and Spaniards spent most of the 18th century fighting over Belize. After the battle of St. Georges Caye, Britain controlled British Honduras, what is now known as Belize. Belize became an independent country in 1981 making it the youngest country in Central America. As of today; Belize continues as a member of the British Commonwealth.

2. Do I need a passport for Belize? .

All US citizens need a passport to enter Belize. If you are from a member country of the British Commonwealth you do not need a passport, but it always good to carry with you if you already possess one.

3. What time zone is Belize located? .

Belize is located in the Central Time Zone. They do NOT switch to Daylight Savings Time so depending on what time of the year you travel will depend on the time difference from your home.

4. Can I use US dollars? .

Yes, US dollars are readily accepted. The Belize dollars is tied at $2.00 to $1.00 US dollar so the math is very easy. An ATM is available at the Belize Bank and most every establishment will accept major credit cards. If you wish to exchange your currency to Belize dollars all banks will accommodate you including the Belize Bank location in the airport.

5. What is the official language of Belize? .

English is the official language but Spanish is also spoken throughout the country. You will also here Creole and Mayan spoken.

6. How do I get to San Pedro? .

There are two modes of transportation to Ambergris Caye San Pedro once you have arrived at the Belize International Airport. The most popular is to take a small airplane. Tropic Air and Maya Air both fly regular flights to the island seven days a week during daylight hours. You can also take the water ferry to the island but you will need to take a taxi into Belize City from the International Airport, which is located in Ladyville. The last boat leaves for San Pedro around 3:00 PM in the afternoon so you will have to arrive at the International Airport by at least 1:30 PM. Our front desk personal will be more than happy to assist you in booking your airline flights to the island and the charges onto your final room bill.

7. What about getting around the island? .

There are several methods for getting around with one of the most popular being golf carts. If interested in renting one the front desk staff will be happy to accommodate you. Bikes are also a popular mode of transportation and the resort has FREE bike usage during your stay with us. There are several taxis located on the island and the rates are very reasonable. Of course, included with your stay at Caribe Island Condos is FREE pick up to and from the San Pedro Airport or water taxi stand. We also offer FREE nightly shuttle into and back from town.

8. How safe is San Pedro? .

San Pedro is considered very safe and the resort has a security guard on duty during the evening hours. They are there for your security and in the event of any emergency after normal office hours. When a crime against tourist does happen to occur it is generally petty theft such as pick pocketing. To be on the safe side we recommend that only carrying your id, a single credit card and just enough cash for the day. The resort office has safety deposit bags for your use to lock your passports and valuables.

9. What are the general rules on tipping? .

The standard tipping rate is 10% for good service and 15% for exceptional service.

10. What should I pack? .

The climate in Belize is subtropical and the dress is very casual. Dressing-up generally means putting on a pair of sandals. You will very often see signs proclaiming "NO SHIRT NO SHOES NO PROBLEM

11. How do I get to Belize? .

Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, US Air, and TACA all fly into Belize City. Regular service throughout the week is available. From the United States there are direct flights from Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Miami, and Newark.

12. How much does it cost to fly from Belize City to Ambergris Caye? .

Currently the cost to fly round trip from Belize City International Airport to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye runs $104.50 USD. Of course, this price is subject to change at any given time.

13. Is there a list of local retaurants? .

There are several great places to eat on Ambergris Caye including the small vendors that line the streets of San Pedro. Listed below are just some of the many great places to dine. We are happy to assist you in making reservations for any of these dining establishments.

Ambergris Delight

Blue Water Grill

Caliente

Casa Picasso

Capricorn Restaurant

Caribe Island Beach Bar

Cocina Caraumba’s

El Patio

Elvi’s Kitchen

Fido Restaurant & Bar

Lily’s Treasure Chest

Mambo Restaurant

Mickey’s Place

Pepperoni’s Pizza

Tackle Box

Victoria House

Wild Mango’s

14. How do I get more information on ownership and rental program at Caribe Island Resort? .

The first point of contact should be with one of the many real estate firms that operate in San Pedro. They have a complete understanding of not only the ownership and rental requirments at Caribe Island Resort but at all of the local establishments that have units for sale.

15. Where on the island is your property located? .

Caribe Island Resort is located 2 1/2 miles south of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. The resort is easily accessable via taxi, golf cart, bicycle, boat or by foot.

16. What is the weather like during the summer months of June, July and August? How is the bird watching? .

Ambergris Caye enjoys the sun and heat of the tropics, but is cooled by the trade winds off the Caribbean Sea. Temperatures range from 75 - 95 degrees in the day, year round.
There are 260 species of birds that occur on the island and its collection of mangrove cayes. Bird watching tours can be arranged by the front desk.

17. Are any of the condominium units for sale? .

From time to time owners will put up their units for sale. In the majority of these cases they list their unit with a real estate agent. It is our suggestion that you contact a local (San Pedro) agent that can assist you in your property search.

18. What are the rates for activities like the zoo, snorkeling, etc.? .

Rates for the various activies will vary from with your method of travel (boat Vs air) and if you are combinding it with another activity. You can visit our activites page (just click on the word "activites" on the header bar) to learn more about what we have to offer. Then email our front desk (frontdesk@caribeisland.com) for complete prices.
An important fact to remember is that some tour operators do not included the prce of admission to such places as the zoo or marine parks. Make sure you ask if your fee includes those charges and if not can you purchase your ticket from the tour operator.

19. How is the water for swimming- clear, weedy, coral? .

The best swiming is at a the end of our pier. The water depth is around 6 to 7 and we have planced some old cement pilings to act as a reef to attach fish and various other marine life.

Away from the pier the ocean bottom consists of sand patches and sea grass. It is fun to snorkel over the sea grass looking for the smaller fishes.

Most of the coral heads are farther out in the water next to the Western Hemispheres largest barrier reef. It is best accessed by boat.

20. Do you have a gym? .

No we do not have a gym but there are two on the island. One is about a mile from us and has a good selection of cardio equipment and lifting machines. The other is located at the north end of San Pedro and has free weights as well as machines.

21. Your resort looks wonderful and am strongly considering staying with you. My questions are, do you have bicycles for use by patrons or do we rent them and where and also the same for kayaks? Another question is , can we kayak out to the reef and do some snorkeling on our own. .

Yes, we do have bikes and they are FREE to our guests to use during daylight hours. We do have kayaks that can be used by our guests. We do not suggest you use them to go to the reef. The water and reef can be very unpredictable. It is best visited with a tour guide.

22. Is there a washer/dryer in the condo units or on the property? .

Sorry we do not have washer/dryers in the units but we are happy to send your laundry out to a local company that does all of our laundry. After all it is your vacation so would you really want to speand the time in the sun and not inside a building doing laundry?

23. Are the electrical outlets the same as in the United States, or do I need a converter? .

Belize uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type so US travelers will not typically need a converter or adaptor when traveling in Belize. The outlets throughout Caribe Island Resort are all compatible with US rated plugs.

24. What kind of clothing would be offensive to the Belize people? .

Attire, such as shorts and sleeveless tops are accepted as the normal wear for tourist around the island. Bathing suits would be expected to be covered if going into the town of San Pedro or when eating in a restaurant. In lain back San Pedro, shoes are always optional. The mantra is: no shirt no shoes no problem.

The biggest no-no is topless sun bathing for women. Nudity is not accepted on the island.

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