Palapa Bar and Grill, San Pedro.
We’re leaving in a few weeks (can’t wait!!), so this week, I did some homework. We’re staying in an ocean-side cabana on Ambergris Caye, which is a little island off the mainland. San Pedro is the big city on Ambergris Caye, and Belize City is only a quick boat ride away. So beyond lying on sunny beaches and drinking the aforementioned margaritas, what do people do in Belize? Well, let me tell you.
Mayan Ruins
The peak of Mayan civilization was from about 600 to 900 AD, and Belize was an important part of their culture. The country’s fertile climate and access to marine life led to the growth of a large population of Mayans, and when they disappeared (aliens?), they left breathtaking ruins. There are several to visit, but Caracol is the biggest and Xunantunich is most heavily visited. Maybe we’ll see both!
Shark Ray Alley.
I still have a slight phobia of the ocean. Not much, mind you, since living in Charleston, South Carolina, but I still get freaked when I can’t touch the bottom or see what creatures might be circling my toes. The good thing about Belize? The water is crystal clear, so at least I’ll be aware of creatures that might want to eat me. Because of the clarity of its turquoise water, Belize is the perfect place to snorkel, and I plan to do it at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the location of Shark Ray Alley—where we’ll swim with Nurse Sharks and Southern Sting Rays. Crazy? Yes, but how often do you get to do something like that?
Eat/Drink (My Favorite)
When researching restaurants and bars in Belize, I didn’t look for the ones with the best food. I looked for the ones with the best views of the ocean. One of them is literally in the ocean; now, that’s what I’m talking about! The two places we HAVE TO GO and possibly spend LOTS OF TIME: The Rojo Lounge in San Pedro and Palapa Bar and Grill—the one literally on stilts above the sea. I discovered both of these locales online yesterday, and I giggled with glee. If Palapa is as cool as it looks, we might just never leave …
Ocean Essence Day Spa.
Of course we’ll get sea-side massages. Of course! The p
Joy. I’d love to come along, but a honeymoon is a honeymoon!
Sara, I just got home from a cruise, one stop was Belize City, Belize. I would not spend too much time planning to visit Belize City itself. The part I saw was poverty stricken and I didn’t exactly feel safe. I strongly recommend seeing the Mayan Ruins. I saw some in Cozumel that weren’t in great shape, but nonetheless they were quite impressive. San Pedro is suppose to be really beautiful…I heard from my guide that Leonardo Dicaprio has a house there among other celebrities. And yes, beautiful clear water, however, you have to hunt for ‘man-made’ beaches (aka beaches with sand). Your pictures above look beautiful (and quite different from the area I saw) and I’m sure have a fabulous time! Happy Honeymoon!
Awesome, Julia! Thanks so much for your input!