The Caribbean waters off the coast of Belize are resplendent with the colors of azure, indigo, sky blue, royal, sapphire and turquoise. Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System, an amazing span of marine life that boasts 65 coral species, more than 300 fish species, and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites along its length. The land biodiversity of Belize is just as stunning, with 500 species of birds and 145 species of mammals tallied to date.

Belize gained its independence from Great Britain in 1981 and the country remains predominantly English-speaking. In fact, Belize is the only country with English as its official language in all of Central America. Nevertheless, the nation is home to a fascinating mix of more than ten cultures including Garifuna, Maya, Creole, Mestizo, East Indian, and German Mennonite. Belize also lays claim to hundreds of ancient Maya temples and large tracts of intact tropical rainforest.

Despite its relatively small size, the country offers a myriad of exciting adventure possibilities. A network of picturesque rivers and cascading waterfalls winds from the Maya Mountains to the Caribbean Sea, while spectacular limestone caves strewn with Maya pottery beckon you to canoe and go cave tubing. With 40 per cent of the country's landmass now protected – much of it dotted with restored and unexcavated Maya sites – visitors are enticed to hike along rainforest trails, bird watch and climb ancient ruins and temples.