Tropic's View - Vol. 17 Edition 2

view TROPIC’S THE

OFFICIAL

MAGAZINE

OF

Vol 17, Edition 2

2016

TROPIC

AIR

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Welcome Aboard

Bienvenidos to the 17th edition of Tropic’s View and to Tropic Air. 2015 saw the beginning of our partnership with Condor and Thomas Cook Airlines, which for the first time, allowed same day service west and east bound between Belize and major European cities via Cancun. We also increased service to many of our existing destinations including Cancun, San Pedro, Dangriga and Placencia, in support of growing demand and new international air service into Belize.

In October, we inaugurated a new state-of-the-art maintenance facility in San Pedro. This facility allows Tropic Air to continue to grow and build upon its solid reputation, not only as The Airline of Belize, but as a strong Belizean company employing over 320 dedicated staff. It will also house some of our new corporate offices.

As we grow, we must also give back. Scholarships, beach cleanups, and support for organizations such as the Sea-to-Shore Alliance (Manatee Rehabilitation) are but a few examples of how we give back each and every day.

Š 2016 Tropic Air Limited. Cover Photos: JC Cuellar

As we continue to evaluate other service opportunities, both locally and internationally, we will continue to invest in our people, aircraft, equipment, maintenance and terminals. All with the goal of providing you, our customers, world class service every day.

We hope you have a pleasant flight today, and thanks for flying with us.

Sincerely,

John E. Greif III President

Steve Schulte Chief Executive Officer

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About Belize

HISTORY Independent since 1981, Belize covers 8867 square miles and has a little over 350,000 residents of Mestizo (Spanish - Indian), Creole (African - European), Maya, Garifuna, Chinese, East Indian and European descent. Bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south and the Caribbean Sea to the east, the topography ranges from mountains to sea level mangrove forests where three atolls and the second longest reef in the world (only Australia’s is longer) are dotted with hundreds of islands (called cayes).

Entry A valid passport is required for all. Some nationalities require visas.

Foreigners leaving are also required to pay a departure tax. Retirees and investment citizens are welcome, though a specialized immigration and residency process is required.

Currency The Belize dollar is pegged at BZ$2 to US$1. US dollars are accepted widely (crisp and unmarked bills are always best). ATMs are available countrywide, and most merchants will accept major credit cards.

Time Zone Belize is in USA central standard time (GMT --6); daylight saving is not observed.

Language English is the official language.

However, Spanish is widely spoken, as is the English Creole dialect. Garifuna, Maya (Ketchi, Mopan), East Indian, Mandarin, and Hindi are also spoken in the culturally specific areas.

© Belize Tourism Board

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Where We Fly

Belize City Belize City is the hub of transportation, commerce and culture. The Museum of Belize, The Bliss Institute and The House of Culture (housed in a 19th century colonial Governor’s residence) all showcase stunning ancient artifacts and © Belize Tourism Board historic memorabilia. Visit St. John’s Cathedral, the oldest Anglican Cathedral in Central America or watch sailboats rock gently near the hand cranked Swing Bridge. Get close to jaguars and other native species at the Belize Zoo, indulge in an airboat ride through Manatee Lagoon or climb the Temple of the Sun God at Altun Ha. Offshore, take a boat to St. George’s or Goff’s Caye for snorkeling and manatee spotting. Tropic Air serves both the Belize Municipal (TZA), and the larger Phillip Goldson International Airport (BZE).

Belmopan Referred to as “Garden City”, Belmopan was established as Belize’s capital after Hurricane Hattie in 1961. Here you will find the seat of government and its agencies along with foreign embassies. Belmopan is also one of the destinations to fly to if you’re looking for inland adventures and natural beauty of the Cayo District. In the Mountain Pine Ridge, you will find places such as Thousand Foot Falls, Rio Frio Caves, Rio On Pools, and beautiful caves and rivers. Cayo is also home to some of the most famous Maya sites. Don’t forget La Ruta Maya River Canoe Challenge every March, the inland Blue Hole, horseback riding, hiking, cave tubing, zip-lining and birding. © Belize Tourism Board T H E

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CaNCUN, MEXICO Situated on the south-east coast of Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun offers something for everyone. There are eco parks, ancient Maya sites, white powdery sand beaches and turquoise waters with all the water sports you can imagine. Enjoy fabulous restaurants, a throbbing nightlife and great shopping. Cancun also offers excellent connections for those wishing to bypass the USA on their way to and from European cities.

Caye Caulker Just 21 miles northeast of Belize City and 11 miles south of Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker is the epitome of a laid back lifestyle.

June is famous for Lobsterfest which celebrates the opening of © Belize Tourism Board the lobster season. Front Street is full of brightly colored wooden houses, shops, restaurants and small hotels. The Belize Barrier Reef is clearly visible from shore and snorkeling at Shark Ray Alley / Hol Chan is highly recommended.

of Sarteneja and the Shipstern Nature Reserve with its abundant flora and fauna.

Dangriga Home to the Garifuna, Dangriga is famous for its drums and punta music. South Water Caye, Tobacco Caye and Glover’s Reef atoll are a short boat ride from here. Hopkins village, a 40 minute drive from Dangriga, is a quaint, quiet fishing village that has grown in popularity over the last few years. The surrounding marsh landscape is home to jabiru storks and other interesting birds. Stretching across nearly five miles of sandy palm strewn beach, Hopkins and its distinct culture, is home to hundreds of Garifuna families and many distinct resorts that combine the best of the Maya Mountains, the beach, and the reef.

Even if you aren’t staying with us...

Fish with us.

• Most experienced, local flats guides in Belize. Will travel to find fish • On-staff fishing director to make your trip a success • Fully-stocked fly shop including premium rods and reels for demo use

Photo: Orion Media

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AMBERGRIS CAYE

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Corozal Corozal town occupies the foundations of the ancient Maya city of Santa Rita, the remains of which can still be visited. Another Maya site, Cerros, overlooks the white capped Corozal Bay. Corozal was traditionally the heart of the country’s sugar in© Belize Tourism Board dustry, and sugar cane fields are still abundant in the surrounding countryside. Not far from Corozal are the picturesque fishing village 8

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JOIN US

Live reggae Friday nights

EVERY NIGHT OF THE WEEK!

MONDAY

Loco Lunes at Red Ginger… 50% OFF the entire wine list (Champagne too) TUESDAY

Original Sushi Tuesday at Blue Water Grill Wine Social at Wine de Vine 50% OFF dessert at Red Ginger

Home of the Original Sushi Tuesdays & Thursdays

Wood Fired Pizzas • Great Salads Fresh Seafood

Breakfast: 7AM – 10:30AM • Lunch: 11:30AM – 2:30PM Happy Hour: 4PM – 6PM • Dinner: 6PM – 9:30PM

Located on the beach (across from the airstrip at the Sunbreeze Hotel) Phone: 226 3347 www.BlueWaterGrillBelize.com

Live Music & Tapas every Wednesday & Sunday.

WEDNESDAY

Live Music & Tapas at Red Ginger THURSDAY

Sushi Thursday at Blue Water Grill

Open everyday for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Indoor A/C dining room or outdoor patio.

50% OFF Champagne at Red Ginger

5 Course Tasting Menu available every night.

Brunch on Saturday & Sunday 9AM - 2:30PM

FRIDAY

Breakfast 7:30AM - 10:30AM Lunch 11:30AM - 2:30PM • Dinner 6PM - 9:30PM

50% OFF Sangria at Red Ginger

Located at The Phoenix Resort (in town, at the end of Front St.) www.RedGingerBelize.com Ph: 226 4623

Wine social at Wine de Vine

Caribbean night at Blue Water Grill SATURDAY

Brunch at Red Ginger and 50% OFF martinis at Dinner at Red Ginger SUNDAY

Brunch at Red Ginger Live Music & Tapas at Red Ginger Like us on Facebook Twitter & Instagram: @BelizeFood

Wine de Vine Wine Bar & Gourmet Deli

Join us for wine socials on Tuesday and Friday nights.

Flores (Tikal), GUatemala Flores, Guatemala is home to the grand Maya site of Tikal. Deep in the Peten jungle of Guatemala, it ranks among the most significant archaeological discoveries of the region. Three thousand stone temples, palaces, and other structures date back thousands of years.

Tikal is a place for marveling at the amazing accomplishments of the Maya civilization and the splendors of the surrounding jungle. The area also presents an excellent opportunity to see toucans, spider and howler monkeys among other wildlife.

Guatemala City Guatemala City is the economic, governmental and cultural capital of Guatemala and the largest city in Central America.

The city itself is a sprawling, bustling metropolis. In addition to a wide variety of restaurants, hotels and shops the city has art galleries, theatres and museums.

It offers all the sites and sounds of a modern city sprinkled with important historic sites. Just a short drive away and worth a visit, are the beautiful towns of Antigua and the wonders of Lake Atitlan.

ORANGE WALK (TOWER HILL) Orange Walk Town is the second largest town in Belize. With about 13,400 residents, it is the capital of the Orange Walk District.

It is located on the left bank of the New River, 53 miles north of Belize City and 30 miles (50 km)

Over 300 wines plus 50 meats & cheeses Gift baskets, party platters, & more Open from 9AM - 6PM. Closed on Sundays.

Open until 7PM on Tuesdays & 8PM on Fridays.

Located on Coconut Drive (behind Ramon’s Village) Phone: 226 3430 www.winedevine.com

© Belize Tourism Board T H E

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south of Corozal Town, and is considered the gateway to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve. In addition to Lamanai, Orange Walk is also the historical home to the sugar industry. Even today in “Sugar City”, this industry continues to thrive, and plays a vital role in the local economy.

MÉRIDA, MEXICO Merida is the capital and largest city in Yucatan state and the historical, cultural and financial capital of the region. It’s also a modern, cosmopolitan city with museums, art galleries, restaurants, shops and boutiques. A © Yucatan Tourism Board major center of commerce, Merida Yucatan is considered the crossroads of the region and one of the most important places to experience the Mayan heritage.

As a result of its unique geographic location, strong Spanish influence and isolation from other parts of Mexico, Merida developed a distinct cultural and political identity. It is famous for the guayabera, a loose fitting men’s shirt with tucks and pockets.

Placencia The 16 mile long Placencia Peninsula in southern Belize is also home to the communities of Maya Beach, and Seine Bight. Placencia village itself, boasts the narrowest main street in the world, according to Guinness World Book of Records. Here too, Lobsterfest is a popular celebration in June. In February, the Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival takes place. April and May see © Belize Tourism Board the arrival of the magnificent whale shark and diving or snorkeling with them is a not-to-be-missed experience. From here, you can also explore Monkey River and the 12

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Cockscomb Basin or sail to many of the southern cayes. Laughing Bird Caye National Park is just a short boat ride away.

the market on front street showcases produce from farmers and handicraft items from local Mayan artisans.

Punta Gorda PG, as it is locally known, is the largest town in the fishing and agricultural focused Toledo District. The surrounding areas are full of traditional Maya © Belize Tourism Board villages where visitors can interact with the local Maya people, spend the night in traditional houses, experience their culture, and try out tasty “caldo” and corn tortillas.

ROATAN, HONDURAS Situated 30 miles from mainland Honduras, Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands. Measuring 40 miles long and surrounded in coral reef, it is famous for its diving (especially reef walls, shipwrecks, and even a submerged airplane). Its beautiful waters and sandy beaches are a vacationer’s paradise. The island’s inland attractions include horseback riding, biking and two canopy tours.

Visit Toledo in May and experience chocolate and wine at The Chocolate Festival. For the adventurous, some of the largest cave systems in the world can be found nearby. On Wednesday and Saturday,

Roatan also shares many cultural ties to Belize. One will notice many of the same place names such as Corozal and Punta Gorda, and even some of the same “Creole” dialect being spoken.

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Wilson Road, Punta Gorda, Toledo District, Belize Central America Telephone: +1 888 299 9940 Email: info@belcampobz.com

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SAN IGNACIO / Benque Located in western Belize, San Ignacio, serves as the capital of Cayo District. It got its start from mahogany and chicle production in the Colonial era, but has gradually evolved into the center of commerce and tourism for west© Chaa Creek ern Belize. Visit the area to see its many Maya sites (including Cahal Pech, Caracol, and Xunantunich), caves such as A.T.M, and other sites such as the Mountain Pine Ridge, Tapir Mountain Reserve and the Macal River. Cayo is also home to many award winning resorts and nature programs (such as the Green Iguana Project).

San Ignacio, and its sister towns of Benque Viejo del Carmen (on the border with Guatemala) and Santa Elena also serve as a hub

of agricultural activity. In recent years, oil has been found in the areas settled by the Mennonites, and this has also led to a burst of economic activity.

San Pedro, AMBERGRIS CAYE

Photo © Belize Tourism Board

San Pedro is the main town on Ambergris Caye, the most northerly and largest of the 200 cayes off the coast of Belize. The barrier reef is just a 20 minute boat ride away making this truly a worldclass fishing, diving and snorkeling destination.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a snorkeler’s dream, alive with schools of fish, big and small.

Shark-Ray Alley allows visitors to get up close and personal with friendly nurse sharks and stingrays. The island’s clear, shallow waters and prevailing winds are ideal for windsurfing, sailing and kite surfing. North of the island, 16

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the Bacalar Chico Reserve is an adventurer’s paradise. The lagoon on the island’s western side provides an excellent opportunity for birding and flat fishing for tarpon, bonefish and permit. There is even a small Maya site, Marco Gonzalez, on the south end of the island.

Photo © Belize Tourism Board The Curve Bar serves delicious traditional specialties while overlooking the river under a thatched rooftop palapa. Our spacious grounds, organic vegetable garden, walking trails, official size sand volleyball court, and additional thatched palapas make this a perfect location for destination weddings, celebrations and business events. Located along the Sittee River in southern Belize amongst 5 acres of tropical, natural flora and fauna we offer easy access to all of Belize’s top attractions including the largest Barrier Reef in the Western Hemisphere, Mayan ruins, lagoons and lush Rainforest. Offering Belizean cuisine created from the fusion of ingredients and produce from Belize’s various ethnic groups – an exciting twist to traditional recipes. We grow much of our produce on site in order to bring you the freshest dining experience possible!

KITCHEN

Tuesday thru Sunday: 10 am to 9 pm

BAR

Tuesday thru Thursday: 10 am to 10 pm Friday thru Sunday: 10 am to 11 pm

MARINA HOURS

7 days/week 6am to 5:30 pm

Reservations are highly recommended

24-Hour Security • Ice (Bags or Buckets) • 110 V Power • 30 and 50 Amp • Fresh Water • Groceries and Sundries Marine and Fishing Supplies • Kayak Rentals • Boat Charters • Land Tours • River Pool • Gas and Diesel • Wireless Internet Available • Restrooms and Shower • Dry Docking • Restraunt and Bar • Tropic Air Authorized Booking Agent Sport Fishing Licenses Available • Monitoring VHF Channel 9

Curve Bar +501 669 8525 Marina +501 533 7888 or +501 670 8525 Sittee Village, Stann Creek 18

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www.sitteerivermarina.com

San Pedro town has a unique feel and offers sophisticated international cuisine in beach side restaurants, mixed with local cafes and bars serving traditional Belizean food and drinks.

The island is also home to many award winning hotels, spas, tour operators and resorts. The town streets bustle with local artists and craftsmen displaying their wares. Best of all it is also the place Tropic Air calls home.

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SAN PEDRO SULA, HONDURAS San Pedro Sula is located in the northwest corner of Honduras, about 60km south of the Caribbean coast. With an estimated population of 802,598 in its metro area (2010), it is the second largest city, after the capital, Tegucigalpa. It is considered the industrial center of Honduras, and serves as the capital of its region.

The city serves as a major transportation hub for the rest of the country, while economically maintaining its base in light industry and the commercial production of coffee, bananas, beef, sugar cane, tobacco, and forestry. San Pedro Sula generates two-thirds of Honduras’ GDP and offers some of the best shopping in Central America.

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Lubaantun

B E L I Z E

This map is for informational purposes only, and is not intended for navigation or as an accurate representation of distances involved. © 2016 Tropic Air Ltd & Yellowtail Creative

Punta Gorda

San Antonio

Nim Li Punit

To l e d o District

Cayo District

(Benque Viejo, Maya Flats, Chaa Creek, Melchor)

San Ignacio

Central Farm •

Chan Chich

• Gallon Jug

Caracol

Uxbenka

La Milpa

Orange Walk District

Privacion •

Benque Viejo •

Xunantunich

Mexico

22 Cerros

Corozal

Guatemala

Placencia

Stann Creek District

Hopkins

Turneffe Atoll

Lighthouse Reef

PACIF IC

El Salvador

O CEAN

Connect in Flores to flight to Guatemala City operated by TAG

Guatemala City

•Belmopan

•Cozumel

CARI BBEAN SEA

Honduras

Nicaragua

Tegucigalpa

Honduras

San Pedro Sula

•La Ceiba

Bay Islands, Honduras

Roatan

(International Airport)

Belize City

• San Pedro

Cancun

Chetumal•

•San Salvador

Flores (Tikal)

Mexico

Guatemala

G U L F O F ME X I CO

Glover’s Merida Reef

Maya Site Highways & Roads Rivers Reef Current Route Planned Route

City / Town

Tropic Air Destination

Map Key

Regional Network

• Northern Two Cayes

C A R I B B E A N S E A Dangriga

(Municipal Airport)

• Caye Chapel

Belize City

w w w . t r o p i c a i r. c o m

r e s e r v a t i o n s @ t r o p i c a i r. c o m (+501) 226-2012

Destination Map

Belize Domestic Network

Caye Caulker

Santa Cruz

Mexico

Sarteneja

San Pedro

Altun Ha

Belize District

Orange Walk

Belmopan

Chetumal

Corozal District

Belize City Int’l Airport

Lamanai

Cuello

Noh Mul

Santa Rita

un

N

• Miami

nc

Ca

Guatemala

to

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The North

Near Corozal Town lies the foundations of the ancient Maya ceremonial centers of Santa Rita and Cerros. Santa Rita is one of the earliest Maya settlements in the north dating from 2000 BC. Cerros, with its intricate stucco masks representing the rising and setting sun, overlooks the bay and offers a glimpse into the our Maya past. © Belize Tourism Board

Of the six districts in Belize, the two most northerly are Corozal and Orange Walk. Both share many similarities culturally, agriculturally and historically.

The Corozal District is the northernmost area and for many Belizeans, it is the gateway to Mexico.

The name Corozal comes from the Maya Yucatecan name for the Cohune Palm, which grows wild in the area. These trees were considered by the Maya to be symbols of fertility, which is a fitting name for the area of Belize that is arguably the most agriculturally productive in the country. The main crops are corn and sugar cane, with corn playing a major role in all local culinary dishes (tortillas, tamales, tamalitos and of course tacos).

Sugar is farmed throughout the area and is milled for export to Europe, making it one of Belize’s biggest exports.

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On the shores of Chetumal Bay lies the tranquil fishing village of Sarteneja. The Maya name, meaning of water between rocks, refers to the huge stone well in the village, which has never run dry. The main industries here are commercial fishing and boat building. Villagers sail as far south as Guatemala and Honduras in search of conch, lobster, shrimp and fish. Holding

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up to 15 men, these sailing boats with canoes are a frequent sight up and down the coast of Belize. When their ice supply becomes low, they begin the return journey, often selling their catch in Belize City and San Pedro on the way home. In recent years, Sarteneja has also gained popularity through sport fishing in © Belize Tourism Board the freshwater lagoons which are rich in gamefish such as tarpon, snook, and cubera snapper.

The Shipstern Nature Reserve, near Sartenaja, covers over 32 square miles of unspoiled jungle, savanna and mangrove swamps. This protected area is now under the control of Belize Audubon Society and is home to an astonishing diversity of wildlife. All five cats living in Belize can be found here along with the tapir, armadillo peccary, coatimundi, manatee, crocodile and over 200 species of birds.

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South of Corozal, lies the Orange Walk District which was named for the orange groves that historically grew along the New River. Like Corozal, culturally it is a rich mix of Creoles, Mestizos, Maya, Chinese and East Indian. In addition, there are several different Mennonite communities, with Shipyard and Blue Creek being the largest. These communities still maintain the traditional Mennonite way of life that frowns upon modern machinery and technology. To this day, horse and buggy remain the main mode of transport.

The Orange Walk District is the third largest populated area in Belize, boasting stunning countryside vistas and some of the best archaeological sites in Belize. Orange Walk Town (Sugar City) Š Belize Tourism Board sits on the western bank of the New River. Originally inhabited by the Icaiche Maya, the British started logging it in the 18th century, and transported the timber down the river to Chetumal Bay. Hints of the British colonial past can be seen in the vestiges of two forts, Cairn and Mundy, now converted into government buildings. After, the Caste Wars saw the rise of the Mestizo Maya, and the Spanish influence that remains until today.

The District is also rich in Maya sites. Lamanai, dating back to 700BC and meaning submerged Crocodile, at the edge of New River Lagoon, is one of the most important and oldest in Belize. The site has over 700 buildings, but only about 5% have been excavated in an effort to preserve the area for future generations. Lamanai was once a thriving Maya city with, at its height, a population of approximately 35,000 residents. As many other Maya cities started to collapse during the Classic Period, Lamanai continued to thrive as a trading T H E

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city. The spectacular boat trip to the site, down the New River, through mangrove swamps, offers the opportunity to observe crocodiles, exotic birds, monkeys and bats. The 950 acre archaeological reserve in which Lamanai is situated is rich in tropical flora and fauna. Here you will find among other ancient buildings, the impressive Jaguar Temple. A climb of El Castillo offers stunning views of the surrounding jungle.

: Visit Tikle)al Bucket list yan city in the jung (Spectacular Ma

A MUST visit from Belize en with Make it happl.c jaguartika om

The 250,000 acre Rio Bravo Conservation area, about an hour from Orange Walk town, is the largest single land conservation area of Belize. The habitat comprises of subtropical forest, freshwater lagoons, marsh forest, pine forest, broadleaf forest and palm forest. Within this environment live all of Belize’s five © Belize Tourism Board cats along with a host of other mammals, howler and spider monkeys, tapirs, crocodiles. There are also many archaeological sites situated within the reserve including La Milpa and Chan Chich.

Hotel • Transfers • Tours

Since much of the economy of the northern districts relies on agriculture and in particular, sugar cane, it is also home to the only operational sugar refinery in Belize at Tower Hill. In addition, many of the country’s rums are made here (Caribbean Rum for example).

The northern districts offer so much for the more adventurous traveler, a traveler that is interested in nature and culture. In recent years this eco-tourism potential has been recognized and realized in the hotel and resort growth of the area. From the luxury eco-lodge at Chan Chich, to camping at Honey Camp Lagoon, this area offers something for everyone.

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Above & Below

by Dr. Rachel Graham MarAlliance

© Pete Oxford

As you soar over Belize, traversing stretches of the Caribbean to reach your resort, peek out the window and look for big animals in the water, notably sharks and rays. If you are flying low enough, you can definitely spot their distinctive shapes. This is especially true when flying to Caye Caulker and San Pedro and occasionally down to Dangriga, Placencia and Punta Gorda: elongated bullets for sharks with a wider head than tail, diamond-shaped eagle rays and southern stingrays to round-shaped Caribbean whiptail rays. If you are taking a tour to the atolls and Lighthouse Reef’s Blue Hole or crossing the Gulf of Honduras to Roatan, keep your eyes peeled for the largest fish in the ocean, the highly migratory whale sharks and their cousins, the distinctive and graceful manta rays, that travel throughout the Western Caribbean. If you see these animals (and throw in the lovely manatees with their tell-tale mud trails behind them for good measure!), let us know (date, time and leg of your trip) as this will help us to build a map of Belize’s marine megafauna by citizen scientists such as yourself. Over the course of 18 years working with sharks and rays we have recorded at least 42 species of sharks and rays in Belize¹s waters, only a portion of the Caribbean¹s known 181 species of sharks and rays and a mere fraction of the estimated 1,200 species described globally. We use standard32

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ized monitoring methods across a range of countries globally to regularly assess the status of sharks and rays. In Belize specifically, five species dominate sightings: nurse and Caribbean reef sharks and three ray species, notably the Southern and Caribbean whiptail stingrays and eagle rays. Greater species diversity exŠ Rachael Graham ists closer to the coasts and greater abundance with lower diversity as you move offshore, away from human populations. Coastal species such as blacktip,nurse and bonnethead sharks vie for space with longnose and Caribbean whiptail stingrays and small yellow spotted stingrays. Moving closer to the reef, the assemblages of sharks and rays encountered also changes to reflect a different ecosystem and the role they must play there as regulators of prey species or scavengers that keep their environs in top health.

If you are lucky, near the coral reefs you may encounter Caribbean reef sharks, and if you are very lucky, an occasional bull shark or the

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rare great and scalloped hammerheads.

During the spring months right after the full moon, you may encounter highly migratory whale sharks aggregating at Gladden Spit to feed on snapper caviar.

All these animals are only interested in minding their own business (and trying to survive) as they forage for fish along the world¹s second largest barrier reef.

A move into deeper waters beyond a diver¹s reach finds yet other species, such as the smoothhound and gulper sharks with their large green eyes that help them see in little to no light. Survival is a key word for sharks. Despite being around for close to 400 million years, an estimated 73 million sharks a year now are killed

© Rachael Graham

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for their meat and fins through targeted and non-targeted fishing. Sharks are fished in Belize, yet infrequently consumed in country, notably as “panades”.

Not eating sharks is wise: our research has shown that they bioaccumulate harmful levels of methylmercury, a potent toxin that damages nerve and can even kill consumers. These same animals bring in millions of dollars a year in park and trip receipts for Belizean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and tour businesses, so lets keep them in the sea to fulfill their role in the food chain and ecosystem and help support our network of MPAs. So when you don your mask and enter the sea, know that you are entering the beautiful wilderness of the Caribbean. We are all lucky to share it with some of the Earth’s oldest and most charismatic creatures.

Enjoy them, marvel and photograph them, but please don’t touch them! Contact us at info@ maralliance.org or through our web page (maralliance.org), Facebook page if you want to support shark and ray research and conservation in Belize or if you want to share with us your experience during your stay!

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Our Fleet Cessna 208 Caravan Passengers: 14 Number in Fleet: 11

Gippsland GA8 Airvan Passengers: 6 Number in Fleet: 2

Cessna 172 Passengers: 3 Number in Fleet: 1

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Our Featured Tour

BLACK HOLE DROP Traverse the foothills of the Maya Mountains before rappelling 300 feet down through the rainforest canopy into the “Mother of all Caves”, Actun Loch Tunich and the river that shares its name.

Experience the sights and sounds of the forest and its caves. After your adrenaline fueled black hole experience, return to the Belmopan airstrip for your flight back to San Pedro. Gear, Guides, light lunch and / or refreshments, and most of all, a day of extreme fun are included in your adventure.

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Final Thoughts Belize as a country is a huge melting pot of peoples and cultures.

The first inhabitants, the Maya, were gradually joined over the centuries by the Kriol, Garinagu and Mestizo peoples.

The 20th century saw the arrival of the Mennonites and those escaping atrocities in Central America. The 21st century has seen a big influx from North America, Canada, Europe and Asia.

Some come just for a vacation, some are enchanted enough to come back time and again, others come for an extended stay or to retire and for many Belize becomes home.

Just like all our visitors do, those who come to stay, fall in love with the warmth and friendliness of the Belizean people.

TO KNOW CHRIST AND TO MAKE CHRIST KNOWN Biblically sound messages delivered with a healthy dose of humor and creativity.

SAN PEDRO, PARADISE THEATRE

across the bridge

SUNDAY 8:30 AND 10:30 AM. “KIDS PLANET” FOR KIDS

Whether you are here for a fortnight or forever, we would just like to say….Welcome Home!

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facebook.com/sagebush.bl

belize@sagebrush.cc

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www.portofinobelize.com info@portofinobelize.com