If you’re researching your next exciting adrenaline-fueled adventure holiday, and you’ve come across our website, you’re in the right spot. We’re here to show you why Belize is such a fascinating place to explore, and here, we’ll give some of the most interesting facts that your local travel agent won’t know about the Belizean way of life. With a stroke of luck, these insights will help you see a different side to Belize and encourage you to get out here and see the wonders of the country for yourself.
Only the Great Barrier Reef is Larger Than the Belize Barrier Reef
Few people are aware that Belize boasts its own Barrier Reef, which stretches more than 180 miles along the Belizean coast. That makes it the world’s second-largest barrier reef, with only Australia’s Great Barrier Reef providing a bigger spectacle than our coral reefs. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its breathtaking natural ecosystem welcoming tourists and marine biologists alike to the country to explore a habitat that’s perfect for endangered species, such as marine turtles and manatees.
Reportedly, the Belize Barrier Reef features as many as 65 species of coral as well as 500-plus species of fish. Contrast that with the entire Caribbean Sea, which has 70 species of coral in total, and it’s easy to see why our Barrier Reef is such a special place.
Belize is Home to Its Own Breed of Monkey
Belize boasts a breed of monkey that’s 100 percent indigenous to our island, the black howler. This monkey is one of the 10 loudest creatures on our planet, with an ear-splitting howl that rips through the rain forests as far as 3 miles. Subsequently, the black howler monkey is the noisiest terrestrial animal in the Western Hemisphere. It’s quite plausible for you to bump into or hear a black howler on one of your excursions!
Belize was One of the First to Champion the iGaming Industry
Belize was also one of the first countries to take online casino gaming seriously. Way back in 1996, the Computer Wagering Licensing Act passed, helping to regulate all online casino and sports betting platforms based in the country. However, since the U.K. introduced its own regulated iGaming legislation via the U.K. Gambling Commission (UKGC), a license issued in Belize is no longer as important as it once was. That’s because operators looking to offer iGaming services to British residents must now have a license from the UKGC. However, now that the US market is opened to betting, the companies and their upcoming sportsbooks such as FOX Bet may also show interest in those shares.
Check Out the Mayan Ruins That Lie Throughout Belize
Our nation was once the heartbeat of the ancient Maya empire. Some two million Mayans lived in and around Belize, surviving on these lands for several millennia before the sudden end of its civilization. Nevertheless, the Mayan footprint is still left everywhere in Belize, which is an absolute dream for those fascinated by ancient history. The Mayans utilized the Belize River as a means of transporting goods across the country and into neighboring Guatemala. Allegedly, there are some 900 individual Mayan ruins located throughout Belize. Of course, some of those are merely tiny outposts, but others are relics of past Mayan cities and even temples.
The most imposing Mayan temple of them all is Xunantunich, which translates into English as “Maiden of the Rock.” It’s 133 feet tall and is one of the tallest and most historical religious symbols in Belize today.
From the history of ancient Maya to the majestic natural wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and the nation’s passion for high-tech industries, it’s clear to see that Belize is a unique country like no other. An adventure to Belize is an adventure well and truly worth having, but don’t take our word for it.