Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, the unique blend of eco-lifestyles, adventures on land and sea, and Mayan ruins can best be described as Sanctuary Belize. With a rich history and dynamic future, Belize offers a wide range of possibilities for expats and investors alike.

Huts

Belize today incorporates the cultural elements of its past and the potential of the future. From a center of Mayan culture to British colony and finally established as an independent state, Belize has become a growing lifestyle choice that draws expats from all over the world.

The History of Belize – A Timeline

The Mayan culture first spread into what is known today as Belize roughly around 2500 B.C. The height of Mayan influence, called the Classic Period, occurred roughly in 250 A.D. and lasted until 900 A.D. when the society suffered a collapse.

Columbus sailed near the coast of Belize in 1502, leading to Spanish occupation of the Yucatan Peninsula some years later. The first recorded settlement by Europeans in what is present day Belize, was in 1638 by a group of shipwrecked English sailors.

For the next 150 plus years, the feud between Spain and England for control of the region continued until Spain was defeated at the Battle of St. George’s Caye. Belize became a British colony, known as British Honduras in 1840, and a Crown Colony in 1862.

The country formally changed its name its name to Belize in 1973 and, on September 21^st, 1981 became an independent nation. Although no longer under British rule, Belize remains part of the Commonwealth of Great Britain much like Canada and Guyana.

Things to See, Do and Explore in Belize

Belize offers a number of unique and diverse activities that can appeal to a wide variety of interests and tastes. Archeological sites, water sports, and nature explorations are all plentiful in this surprising Central American location. Below are just some of the highlights that visitors can select from.

Altun Ha Belize

Belize is home to several prominent Mayan ruins whose scope and beauty continue to inspire awe in visitors today. Altun Ha, Caracol, and Lamanai are all accessible and truly capture the essence and mystery of Mayan culture.

Ocean adventures and eco-experiences

The Belize Barrier Reef is the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and second-largest in the world behind Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. It is easily the country’s most popular attraction and provides world class scuba-diving and snorkeling to observe over 500 species of fish and over a hundred varieties of hard and soft coral.

The Blue Hole and the underwater cave systems around it are a scuba diver’s dream. Identified by the Discovery Channel as number one on a list of the “Ten Most Amazing Places of Earth,” this watery wonder attracts visitors from all over the world. It should be noted, however, that divers have to be certified in both cave diving and mixed gases in order to participate in any diving explorations there.

Belize Island

Experiencing eco-diversity first hand

Having such a wide spectrum of natural environments within its borders, Belize has made a concerted effort to promote and expand eco-tourism throughout the country. The number of tours that permit visitors to immerse themselves in dense jungles, winding rivers and the grassy plains of a tropical savanna (to name a few) fosters what is becoming known as “experiential learning.”

Expat Living and Investment

As the real estate market collapse of 2008 has receded, expats and investors are once again looking at the potential of Belize.  The small population, investment friendly tax structure, and under marketing of available properties have resulted in prices far less than other parts of Central America. Other factors are also getting expat attention.

English as a first language

Belize is unique among Central American nations in that English is the official language and all laws are also written in English. Knowing that the language barrier does not exist in Belize is a major plus for many potential expats and investors looking to settle or do business there.

Property rights are equal for citizens and non-citizens

There are no restrictions on non-citizens or non-residents owning property or businesses in Belize. Property can be held in fee simple (absolute title) and it is not necessary to obtain permission or permits in order to proceed with the sale or purchase.

Low tax rates

Belize does not have capital gains or inheritance taxes; a definite consideration for retirees seeking alternatives for investment. Property taxes are also low which helps contribute to the lower market pricing as well.

It’s easy to get to Belize

Getting to Belize is convenient and accessible by land, sea, or air. Additionally, cruise ships bring in over half a million guests a year; although usually for short periods of time (one to two days).

Driving to Belize from the U.S. is an option that some expats utilize since car rental in the country can be expensive. It isn’t uncommon to see vehicles with U.S. tags driving along Belizean streets.

The requirements are straightforward and involve obtaining temporary import permits from both Mexico and Belize. The cost of these temporary permits is minimal and usually run for thirty days.

All international flights into the country are handled at Phillip Goldson International Airport located at Ladyville which is 11 miles from Belize City. Major U.S. carriers, such as American and Delta have regularly scheduled flights; regional carriers such as Grupo TACA and Maya Island Air fly in from San Salvador, Guatemala, and other Central American locations.

For the more adventurous, there are weekly boat services from both Honduras and Guatemala. These three to four hour boat rides can certainly provide a different perspective on travel in Central America from earlier times.

What is the cost of living?

While Belize is not the most inexpensive location in Central America, the cost of living is reasonable especially for items that have to be imported from the U.S. The exchange rate between the Belize Dollar (BZD) and the U.S. Dollar is fixed at 2 to 1  creating a stable price structure on imports that contribute to lower costs.

Basic utilities (electric, heat, water, garbage, internet and cable) run between $90 and $210.  This could vary depending on the size of the unit, usage and location.

Rents are higher in the more popular areas, such as Ladyville, Belize City and the capital, Belmopan. Monthly rates can range from $200 to $695; for more exclusive locations that range can be much higher.

Property prices for turn-key units (apartments and condominiums) can go for as little as $215.98 per m² away from city centers to a hefty $1722.23 per m² in the city.  Stand alone properties will be higher as land is also included.

Sanctuary Belize – A Model for Eco-tourism and Green Living

Perhaps one of the most ambitious projects being undertaken in Belize is Sanctuary Belize. With 14,000 acres, Sanctuary Belize is the largest development in the country and features plans for a marina, resort, and residential units.

Eco-tourism and a “green” lifestyle is the major theme for the project. There are five distinct and diverse eco-systems on the property;  riverine, tropical savannah, Belizean jungle, Caribbean marine, and coral reef.

The plans for the project are designed to appeal both to visitors seeking to experience the biodiversity of Belize and expats wanting a more environmentally friendly style of living. Dedicated to supporting and maintaining conservation of nature, and eco-conscious lifestyle, holistic wellness and a wide offering of outdoor activities, Sanctuary Belize promises to be one of the most outstanding communities in Central America.

Many people interested in eco-tourism prefer to do it on their own terms and in a more rustic fashion. For those who are seeking the security and amenities of a gated development while still having access to the unique eco-tourism that the country offers, then Sanctuary Belize may be just the opportunity that you are seeking.

Other Factors to Consider

Belize is very much an emerging nation in terms of increased expat and investment traffic. While the infrastructure near major areas, such as Ambergris Caye, is well developed, locations outside those areas may prove to be far more rustic than may be desirable.

One significant for expat housing is the relatively small number of rental units available. As a result, desirable properties are at a premium. Hotel space is also limited; one estimate has placed the number of rooms at roughly 2,000 for the entire country.

Belize is definitely in a transition phase concerning its residency laws. As a result, obtaining permanent residency could be more of a challenge until the status quo has resolved.

Belize is worth a look

Taking a visit to this diverse and exciting land is the best way to find out whether Belize can be your tropical sanctuary.

chuck.taylor

Those who visit Belize frequently return from their travels in awe of the country, its landscape, and its ecological wealth.  Many describe this Caribbean nation as a place where Mother Nature has outdone herself.

Not only is it breathtakingly gorgeous and a nature lover’s dream, it’s also affordable and offers that distinct laid-back Caribbean vibe that so many tourists and expats crave.  However, not every destination in the country offers all of these characteristics.

Placencia, Belize, is one glorious exception.

Located on a 16-mile long peninsula that reaches into the Caribbean from the country’s southernmost region, Placencia offers miles of beautiful beaches, plenty of land and sea adventures, and some of the friendliest folks you’ll find in Central America.

It truly is the best of what Belize real estate has to offer.  Here are a few of the great features of this pristine mainland getaway and what you can expect to find awaiting you there.

Placencia, Belize is more accessible than ever.

Located just 3 hours from Belize City, Placencia, Belize, can be reached by way of the Southern Highway, which is paved all the way from Belize City to the end of the peninsula.  There’s also a regional airport that has a paved airstrip and updated terminal buildings with modern equipment.

As you travel the peninsula, you’ll pass through the community of Riversdale, followed by Maya Beach and Seine Bight Village (a settlement of the Garifuna people), before finding yourself in Placencia Village, a town of only about 1,000 residents.

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with many familiar sights.

First settled by the Mayas as early as 1500 B.C., Belize is the only Central American nation that was colonized, not by Spain, but by Great Britain.  Among its earliest settlers were British, Scottish, and Portuguese descendants, as well as descendants of African slaves.

As a result, Belize is the only Central American country whose official language is English, although quite a few others are spoken (most notably by the Garifuna who speak their own Creole dialect).

In addition to the spoken language, you’ll also enjoy road signs, menus, and legal documents all printed in English and based on British law.  The currency is also relatively straightforward, as the Belize dollar is pegged to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 2:1.  This makes conversion a breeze, although U.S. dollars are readily accepted everywhere.

The peninsula’s name, however, was influenced by the Spanish who called it Punta Placencia, which means Point Pleasant.  We think you’ll agree it fits.

var resa

Placencia’s vibe is casual and welcoming.

Once a fishing village, Placencia now depends largely on tourism with its numerous resorts and entertainment options.  However, despite the improvements of the past few decades, it has successfully retained its small-town feel, an atmosphere than many claim is much more authentically Caribbean than many of Belize’s own island developments.

The locals offer guided fishing and diving excursions or work at the local spas or other businesses catered to tourists.  They’re an active and social culture who support local youth sports, plan community events, and gather often to enjoy reggae music and dancing on the beach or in the local venues.

The village of Placencia has no paved roads, only sidewalks, including the town’s Main Street which appears in the Guinness Book of World Records as the narrowest street in the world.  However, the shortage of roads has not limited the number of luxury resorts, restaurants, and boutique hotels that line the footpaths and beaches.

You’ll only need one season of clothing for your stay in Placencia.

Placencia’s climate is more tropical than that of northern Belize, with only a little bit of rainfall (and an 8 degree temperature difference) to distinguish between the two basic seasons.  The rainy period begins mid-May and continues through November, although August tends to be considerably drier.

Temps during this time reach a max of around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows in the 70s, but cool off a few degrees from November to February which also have less rainfall.  However, the driest season is February to April.

During these warm, dry months the lower humidity and pleasant sea breeze prevent Placencia from ever becoming too uncomfortable.    

Placencia offers every type of attraction you could ever hope to find in a Caribbean destination.

When you visit an island, you sometimes miss out on the mountains and rainforests.  And inland destinations can be a disappointment to beachgoers.

That being said, you’d be hard-pressed to find any interest or activity that you can’t enjoy either in or at least within a short distance of Placencia. Here are a few of the more popular things to see and do in and around Placencia.

Glen Murphy

Beaches

It’s a practically undisputed fact that Placencia is home to the most beautiful beaches in Belize.  With wide stretches of white sand that extend for miles, it’s entirely possible to find a swimming or sunbathing spot that’s almost completely isolated.  At sea are the barrier reef and a sprinkling of cayes and atolls, which form spectacular silhouettes in the beautiful Belizean sunsets.

Marine life

Only a half mile wide at its widest point, the Placencia peninsula has the double benefit of being bordered by the Caribbean Sea on the east and the protected Placencia Lagoon on the west.  The lagoon houses many important species, such as endangered manatees, saltwater crocodiles and turtles, dolphins, and rays.  It’s also home to mangrove forests that offer great fishing and bird watching.

Diving and Snorkeling

Placencia is only about 17 miles from the Belize Barrier Reef, the largest in the hemisphere and second largest in the world after Australia’s. Between the reef and the many nearby cayes and atolls, divers of all skill levels can see the famous whale sharks and a number of other aquatic species.

Boating

The waters off Placencia’s coast are great for sailing, and a number of charter options and tours are available.  Island hopping is a popular excursion, with destinations like Laughing Bird Caye offering great diving and snorkeling, as well as hammocks, grills, and picnic tables for your convenience.  You can also kayak through the lagoon and its mangroves.

Fishing

Not only is Placencia a great place to catch snapper, kingfish, and wahoo in the open ocean, the lagoon also offers opportunities for fly fishing.  Many excursions end with a beach barbecue where you can sample your own fresh catch.

Glen Murphy

River tours

Offering both land and water adventures, the Monkey River tours take you through the mangroves, with their birds, iguanas, turtles, and more, to Monkey River Village.  There you’ll hop ashore and take a nature trail to search for the howler monkeys that give the area its name.

Mountain exploration

Just across the lagoon from the peninsula lie the Maya Mountains.  There you can see the Mayan ruins of Nim Li Punit and Lubantuum, as well as rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

A short drive from Placencia, this wildlife preserve contains all five species of Belizean wildcats: jaguars, jaguarundi, margay, ocelot, and puma.  There are also almost 300 bird species, including scarlet macaws.

Restaurants and Bars

Visiting Placencia is also a culinary treat.  Fresh caught seafood is served up and dressed in the style of a variety of ethnicities.  There are casual bars and open air dining, as well as a few more formal, international dining options.  You can find practically every type of cuisine, as well as the finest cocktails and wines.

Festivals

Placencia has a number of annual events, although its most popular is its Lobsterfest held each June.  During this festival, the local bars and clubs are alive with the rhythms of the Garifuna drums and dance tunes from local DJ’s. There’s also a Sidewalk Arts and Music Festival each February.

Tourist Services

Despite its small local population, Placencia’s large tourist numbers allow for a number of services and amenities you’d only expect to find in much more established destinations.  There are spas, yoga studios, salons, and even a bowling alley that was recently opened by an expat couple. There are also plenty of conveniences such as medical clinics, pharmacies, and grocery stores.

Perhaps the only thing you won’t find in Placencia are cultural offerings in the traditional sense, such as orchestral concerts or theater performances.  However, most residents and visitors agree that the authentic local culture more than makes up for the lack of conventional options.

Placencia real estate is still a good value.

Due to recent infrastructure improvements, such as the paving of the main road that runs the length of the peninsula, the entire area has experienced a big surge in value in recent years.  The boom has led to the construction of a number of condo developments and the sale of many seaside lots to would-be expats.

Property has been steadily appreciating, although the global economic downturn caused a bit of a stall and resulted in a buyer’s market as many foreign owners were forced to sell.  Currently Placencia, Belize, real estate represents a good value. There are also a few bargains to be had if you’re willing to venture just outside of town.  Due to the size of the peninsula, it’s difficult to ever be too far away from all of the popular hotspots.

It’s also wide open for tourism investments.

Despite Placencia’s already satisfactory representation of businesses and services, it still offers tons of room for new ventures.  As the area continues to grow and attract even more tourists and expats, additional consumer goods and services will continue to be needed.

Case in point, the Belizean government has just opened its doors to Norwegian Cruise Lines, which will soon be building a terminal and theme park just outside of the village.  Although locals and even those in the tourism community have expressed opposition, fearing the influx of tourists would negatively impact the area’s pristine environment and low-key atmosphere, the new traffic means a wealth of opportunity for investors.

The area will not only need more of what tourist infrastructure is already in place, there will be a much greater demand for all kinds of niche businesses and services. It’s just a matter of matching your passion with a consumer offering that will be well-received by others just like you.

If becoming an expat in a laid-back Caribbean beach town where natural beauty abounds and shirts and shoes are optional, then maybe you should take a serious look at Placencia, Belize.  There’s never been a better time for expat entrepreneurs to make it their home!