Climate
The subtropical climate of Belize provides some brisk prevailing winds off the Caribbean. The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees F. Summer temps range from 70-85 degrees and winter from 70-80 degrees.
Documentation
A valid passport, good beyond the duration of your stay is required to visit Belize, along with proof of return. No visas are required from the United States. In fact, the national language of Belize is English.
For International travel to Belize be sure the full name that appears on your passport is the same full name listed on your airline ticket.
Currency Exchange
Local currency is the Belize Dollar, or $BZ. One U.S. Dollar is equivalent to $2BZ. ATMs are located in the larger cities but don't count on their availability in smaller towns like they are in the U.S. Most places accept major credit cards but some of the smaller restaurants and bars may only take cash, so come prepared. You may provide payment in U.S. Dollars but receive $BZ back as change. Both currencies are widely accepted throughout the country. Note: there is a 7% government/hotel tax and a sales tax of 8% applicable to both goods and services. Tipping is voluntary. Usually 10% is acceptable with 15% for exceptional service. In some cases gratuity may be added to the check. This practice varies by establishment so be sure to ask before paying.
Official language in Belize
The official language of Belize is English. In our area near Hopkins Village
and Dangriga, people also speak Garifuna, Creole, Mopan Mayan, Ketchi Mayan
and Spanish. In other parts of the country people also speak low-German and
Chinese, as well as Yucatec Mayan.
Travel to Parrot Cove Lodge once in Belize
Most guests prefer to reach our location by taking a 15 minute commuter
flight to Dangriga from the Belize City International Airport on Maya
Airways or Tropic Air. The cost of the flight is US$108 per person roundtrip
or $54 one way. This is the quickest way to travel. We will be happy to
arrange your in-country flight for you. Please e-mail us your arrival time
in Belize City and we will take care of the arrangements for you. Plan to do
your traveling during daylight as the small commuter planes do not fly after
dark. Once you arrive in Dangriga, our driver will be waiting for you at the
airstrip and will provide ground transfer you to the lodge by vehicle
(approx. 40 minute drive). Some people enjoy the ride through the
countryside and choose to take the bus which is a 2-1/2 to 3 hour trip.
While the bus is affordable it is not the quickest way to get to your
destination and may require transfers of both you and your luggage along the
way.
Air Travel - Belize City Airport to Dangriga
$US54 - One way per person
US$108 - Round-trip per perosn
Road Transfer - Dangriga to Parrot Cove Lodge
US$50 - One way 1-4 passengers
US$100 - Round-trip for 1-4 passengers
Electrial
The electric current in Belize for room outlets is the same as in the USA
with 110 V. Outlets are the same as in the USA however, it is a good idea to
bring a surge protector for electronic devices such as laptops or other
computer/camera devices to prevent the possibility of electrical surges
traveling to your equipment.
Internet access and checking email
Parrot Cove Lodge has high speed wireless Internet availble in the office,
restaurant, bar and some of the rooms. We recommend you bring your
wireless-ready laptop computer to access the Internet or to check email
on-site. Another option is to go into Hopkins Village (1-1/4 miles north)
where you can visit a place Windscheif for access to the www. They have
laptops set-up which you can pay to use by the hour. It's a wonderful small
building which is air conditioned, located seaside with a sandy beach front
and a Tiki-style bar so you can order a beverage while checking your email
from Belize. The cost is affordable (approx. US$2.50 per hour) and the
drinks are tropical and refreshing. Belize Internet is slower than in the US
but you're there to relax and go slow anyways, so enjoy the Caribbean view
and have another drink! Windscheif is actually a windsurf school and rental
outfit but the owner was smart enough to put in Internet access and
computers with it. They're open daily at 10 a.m. And closed on Thursdays.
You'll also enjoy the ride through Hopkins Village where you can see the
cultural and local life in this area.
Central Time zone
Belize is on Central Standard Time, like Chicago, Illinois, USA. However,
there no daylight savings. This means no time change in the summer months.
During those months Belize is on Mountain Standard Time, like Denver.
Colorado, USA.
Drinking water
While Belize tap water technically is safe to drink we do not recommend that
you do so. We provide bottled water in all of our rooms, the restaurant and
on tours. Please stay hydrated when involved in physical activities.
Sandflies "No See-ums"
Towards sunset the sandy beach areas sometimes have sand flies. When there
is little or no breeze, they come out and can even get through screen. These
small gnat-like insects that are difficult to see but can be prevented from
biting if you use an insect repellant that contains DEET. Sandflies are
bothersome for some people and not for others. You won't know until you get
there so we recommend that you wear DEET based insect repellant to be sure.
A pair of lightweight pants and a long sleeve shirt are also good remedy
when the sandflies are out and about. You might consider bringing
hydrocortisone cream and/or Benedryl to help stop itching.
Nightlife in the Hopkins Village area
Hopkins is a fairly quiet town and this area is safe. During weekend nights
there are often villagers playing drums at one of the local watering holes
in the Village but for the most part, you will not find overcrowded bars
with loud music in this area. For the most part, evenings are quiet and laid
back so you can enjoy good conversation, good company, a nice evening meal
in a restaurant and a few drinks.
Driving a rented vehicle
Should you consider driving on Belize roads? Yes and no. In general it is
safe to drive here. However, many roads are unpaved and are best with a four
wheel drive vehicle and there are many unmarked speed bumps. We do not
recommend driving at night, especially if you are not familiar with the
area. Additionally, there are numerous one-lane bridges without advance
warning signs. During the rainy season dirt roads are prone to flooding and
severe pot holes. Your travel time could take much longer than anticipated
by simply looking at a map. The roads here are more rural. In Belize, drive
on the right side of the road, like in the USA. (Sometimes you will drive on
the smoothest side of the road to avoid the bumps!)
Tipping
Bar service and meals do not include gratuity. Tipping is customary in
Belize and 10-15% is standard. As always, tipping is at your discretion
based on the quality of service you receive.
Swimming in the sea
Belize waters are warm and have almost no undertow. The water temperature is
75-86 degrees Fahrenheit year round. There is some turtle grass off the
beach. which gets stirred up and washes up on the sand, however, it is still
safe for swimming. Of course, you can always swim in our freshwater pool
with cascading waterfall.
Clothes to bring
Tee shirts, shorts and sandals are the dress of the day and evening. There
is no need for "After Five" formal attire in this area of Belize. The
attitude is laid back, relaxing and casual for dress. Wear what is
comfortable and be sure to bring appropriate attire for tours/activities.
Jungle hikes require good hiking shoes or boots and sometimes it can get
muddy so be prepared. Sunscreen is a must to prevent sunburn.
Jaguars in Belize (Jaguar Preserve)
The world's first Jaguar Reserve was established in 1990 and is located in
Belize. This area consists of rugged forested mountains and has the greatest
density of jaguars anywhere on the globe. The preserve is part of an even
larger Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary located just minutes from Parrot
Cove Lodge in the Stann Creek District if you would like to arrange a tour.
Hiking trails range from gentle to quite arduous and long. Remember that
Jaguars are elusive and prefer to be out at night,so don't get your hopes up
too high for seeing one during the day.A good guide may be able to show you
Jaguar tracks in the mud. Cockscomb Basin is home to a variety of wildlife
including over 300 species of birds so your hike through this jungle terrain
will be rewarding.
How far are the Islands, Airports and Local Towns?
The Islands (Cayes) are located just off shore and are accessible by boat
(30-45 minutes) to areas well suited for diving, snorkeling and fishing. The
closest airstrip is in Dangriga, a 40 minute drive from Parrot Cove Lodge.
Both Maya Airlines and Tropic Air have smaller commuter flights within the
country and to some Islands (Cayes). Visit their websites:
www.MayaAirways.com and TropicAir.com for schedules.
Best time of year to travel to Belize
Belize attracts visitors all year round but the peak season is from December
to May and depending on your desires - affordability or specific
tours/activities may dictate your travel plans. The dry season usually
starts in late December and extends through May (High Season and higher room
rates for this winter travel time). The "green season" which is the period
June through November and provide a Summer Room rate that is more
affordable. This is a time when you can expect more precipitation although
rains seldom last very long and for only a few minutes which rarely
interrupt touring activities. The seas are the most calm in the summer
months (June-July-August) and are great times for diving and snorkel
activities so don't eliminate the idea of coming to Belize during summer
months. We have activities and tours available year round for jungle, river
and sea adventures.
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