The coast is protected by the 185-mile Belize Barrier Reef, and the underwater environment this has created has helped to make the country a major draw for divers and snorkelers. There are coral gardens, almost 500 fish species including whale sharks and eagle rays, plus other spectacular wildlife such as dolphins and sea turtles. The most famous dive site is the Blue Hole, a circular opening in the sea bed that is 400 feet deep and was formed by the collapse of a sub-sea cave. If you want to stay above the water rather than under it you can explore the cayes and three coral atolls by boat, cast out your line and try to land a bonefish--or just relax on the sandy beaches.
Another classic Belize vacation involves exploring the natural splendors of the jungle, rain forest and other inland attractions. More than 40 per cent of the land is protected and if you're a nature lover you'll be in your element as you explore the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary, for example, has nature trails and hot springs and is home to jaguars, black howler monkeys, tapirs and a number of rare birds including jabiru storks and sandpipers. The country is crisscrossed by rivers that you can explore on adventure packages and guided tours. Alternatively you can clamber around Central America's largest cave system.
Belize was once the center of Mayan civilization, and history fans can base their holiday around visits to the many reminders of this period in the country's history. One of the most spectacular is the Canaa temple at Caracol, which--remarkably--at 143ft is still the country's highest man-made structure. Caracol is the most impressive Mayan site and covers an area of 65 square miles, but it is in a very remote jungle setting and you should consider visiting it with a tour guide. Mayan ruins can be found at a number of other sites--the ones at Cahal Pech stand out because they are in the middle of the modern town. Historians believe that thousands more Mayan buildings lie beneath the soil awaiting discovery.
