This page is to help all of you with questions and concerns as well as provide a common point of reference to make you all feel more comfortable about being a part of things. We could not be more excited to share this moment with those we feel closest to. If you haven’t traveled outside the US this can seem daunting but we want you to know we are working very hard to make sure everything is as comfortable as possible. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to reach out. Here is the run down: 

Why Belize? 

1. It is gorgeous and sits less than 5 miles from the largest barrier reef in the eastern hemisphere 
2. They speak English. Not just that but it is in fact the official language. 
3. They take the US dollar. You do not need to exchange money ahead of time. Be prepared as a lot of places especially on the island do not take cards. The main land, larger restaurants and airport all take cards. You will pay in American but often get Belize money back. the current exchange rate is 2:1 US:Belize dollars. 
4. It is quiet. we love that it is not like the hustle and bustle of most Caribbean settings and offers a more laid back vibe
5. The boys have threatened bodily harm if we don’t take them. It may not seem like much but The Menendez Trials was on our Netflix playlist so we are hedging our bets .

What you may be asking yourself:

1. What is it like there? Belize is not high brow by any means and is definitely an impoverished country so prepare for comfort and safety but not 5 star living. Like any large city there are good places and bad places. We will not be anywhere close to the bad places. 
2. Is it safe? Yes. Brittney implores me to tell you that a little girl gave us the bird the last time we were there and this deeply scarred her. This is and was the ONLY incident I have had with the shady underworld of Belize. Yes it is safe and we will be using reputable sources for all ours and your needs. 
3. Do I need a passport? Yes you do. 
4. COVID 19-Current Travel Requirements– https://www.pgiabelize.com/cdcs-new-travel-requirement-to-the-usa-and-testing-facility-at-the-pgia/
5. Does it take a long time to get there? It is only 2 hours or so to Belize City from most US airports however we will be off the coast so plan on a full day for travel each way. There is more on that below 

Caye Caulker, Belize

Caye Caulker is a small island about 5 miles off the coast of Belize. It is just Northeast of Belize City the capital. The island is very small, only about 3 miles, and was split into 2 by a hurricane decades ago. The northern portion is much less inhabited and  staying there involves daily boat rides to the souther island. We will be on the South Island. The island itself does not allow cars. It is the choice for relaxing and back packers rather than 5 star resorts and this is what we love about it. The only transportation on the island is golf carts and bicycles. We love Caye Caulker. The people are wonderful and the atmosphere forces you to be on island time. 

Getting there

You will fly into Belize City, Phillip SW Golden Int Airport (BZE). It is served by:

• American
• United

Please make sure your flight arrives before 3pm Belize time to ensure you can get to the island that day!!!!!

From Belize Airport to Chartered Water Taxi

Jose the Taxi Guy– We are currently trying to coordinate with Jose to get all of you 17 people from the Belize airport to the Water Taxi (Jonas, me, the boys and his parents will already be in Caye Caulker, we get in on the day before, June 10th).

**Please send us your flight times as soon as you have them so we can help get you a taxi with Jose to the Water Taxi.

From Belize City to Caye Caulker

Private Water Taxi

We are chartering a private Water Taxi for all you 17 people. We want to ensure everyone makes it to Caye Caulker with no issues and we figured this would be the best solution.

This Water Taxi will leave at 4:30pm on Friday, June 11th, from Belize and will take you to us in Caye Caulker where we will meet you at the dock with golf carts to help get you to your rooms.

Staying there

We have reserved 6 homes with Valento properties  about 1/2 mile from the famous split where the public beach and access is as well as the main strip. between these homes we will have access to 2 private pools, full kitchens, laundry rooms and a dock.

• Velento Properties

What should I bring?

• Mask
• Swimsuit
• Shorts
• T shirts
• Sandals
• Rash guard (for snorkeling, yes it really is worth it)
• Hat (the sun is intense and coming off the water it will bake you faster than you think)
• Sunscreen (preferably reef safe)
• Cash (again a lot of places do not take cards. You do not have to exchange US dollars ahead of time)

Internet

Be prepared that internet on the island is VERY spotty. Even places that claim to have wifi. Wifi may work if you stand in one special corner of the room but even then it is minimal at best. There are a couple of places in town where it is better than others like the coffee shop but even that is sketchy. You may be able to get a text or email out but it is not consistent. Come ready to relax and unplug.

Getting around on the island 

 We will reserve a couple of golf carts to make it easier for everyone but we highly encourage renting bicycles to get around. You can get them when you get to the island. At $5 dollars a day there is no better way to feel like you are on island time than to cruise the streets on an old school beach comber. There is also nothing like watching your beloved cart wheel head first trying to ride the ramps on the beach after a frozen coconut mojito. Don’t miss the opportunity to share the experience with those you love!! 

Sailing and Snorkeling Tour Saturday!!!

We have purchased a catamaran with Carlos’ Tours for Saturday the 12th for all 25 of us. This is our gift to you. It is a full day tour and will include lunch. We will see several amazing reefs and usually end the day with the nursing sharks. If you do not want to snorkel you can still come for the day and hang out on the large sail boat. It is amazing and one of our favorite things to do. Not for you? You can also take the day to relax and hang out at the split or lounge in the private pools at or residences. Whatever relaxes you. (No, you don’t have to swim with sharks. You can do some of the snorkeling or none .Yes, you should swim with the sharks)

Ceremony and Reception Sunday

We would like to have a sunset ceremony on the beach. The ceremony will be casual so don’t feel you have to pack fancy. It is set for about 1 hour before sunset on Sunday the 13th. From there we will go to Il Pellicano for the reception and dinner. We have set dinner up for family style to give everyone a few choices of entrees.

If you have ANY questions do not hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to share this adventure with you as we share the rest of our lives with each other.