Conch Shells found on the beach! Grand Caribe has so much to offer its guest and as this blog continues, the uniqueness of the resort as well as of Ambergris Caye and Belize itself will be discovered.

Pelicans flying over Grand Caribe The last blog spoke of the culture of Belize, the people that inhabit this small yet culturally diverse country. And now we discover another important element of Belize, the other inhabitants which are just as diverse and laid-back. The wildlife and marine life is abundant here and make life both more exciting and more beautiful. According to the Belize Audubon Society there are as many as 587(types) birds in Belize. Many of which can be seen from Grand Caribe.

Belize's national animal and bird are rare and intriguing animals; the tapir and the toucan. Yet they are not the only rarities, for there are jaguars, the scarlet macaws, howler monkeys and the crocodiles to name a few of our larger more visible land loving neighbors. We also have the Barrier Reef which houses our beautiful and wondrous water loving friends, dolphins (which seem to love accompanying boats), manatees, sea turtles, sting rays, sharks and an array of fish, shellfish and invertebrates make Belize there home.

These animals are sprinkled everywhere, Belize is nature and nature is Belize; we Belizeans simply live amongst it. Our guests do the same as they stay in their island home, where nature surrounds them in the sky, in the sea and on the land.

Grand Caribe Beach The culture of Belize is not defined by a strict set of characteristics but rather a plethora of values, beliefs, ethics and traditions which Belizeans find something in common. The classic case of "everyone knows someone whose..." These characteristics can be seen as either negative or positive. A popular example would be "Belizean Timing," which does not apply to everyone, professionals are professionals but it is the rule of thumb. If a Belizean plans an event for 7pm, then they invite their guests for at least 6pm hoping they'll arrive at 7pm, knowing that most won't come until 8pm. This amongst other choice characteristics are the basis of Belizean Culture.

This unique culture is further magnified by the smallness of the country and its matching population. The theory of "5 degrees of separation" quite possibly can be broken down to two or three. Every Belizean growing up could go home and say "I'm going to Sam's house", and have his/her father say "Sam? John Smith's boy from Regent St?" and the mother saying "I went to school with his mother" or better yet Grandma pipes in with "Sam Smith? I dated his grandfather!" I dare you to go to any small town such as San Pedro and pull out the name of your most recent Belizean acquaintance and someone in your vicinity will say "Yeah I know him/her" with some anecdote such as "works at Grand Caribe" or "that's my neighbour" or "that's my cousin;" after all as we all know in a small town its 2 degrees to family.

Grand Caribe chose its home carefully, settling on nothing less than the perfect mix that is found on the island of Ambergris Caye. Just one mile north of the town of San Pedro was its destined spot. Ambergris Caye proved itself to have all the qualities anyone could ask for, amazing views, close to the reef with four park and marine reserves, a rich history at a Mayan site and at only 15mins by air or approx. 1.5hrs by boat from the mainland, highly accessible.

Of these qualities the most noted would be the Barrier Reef, being the largest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere it protects the island, keeps the beach calm and is an adventure on its own for snorkelers, divers and fishermen alike. This site to be seen lines the entire 25mile coast of Ambergris Caye. Of these 25 miles, 1mile from San Pedro town, there is a special spot consisting of 5 acres with 500ft of pure beach that makes the home of Grand Caribe. Its proximity to San Pedro Town allows its guests seclusion from the town but yet close enough to access easily.

Belize was coined the slogan "Mother Nature's Best Kept Secret," by the Belize Tourism Board, however, the secret is out. Its out and Belize is stealing the hearts of people from all over the world. A little jewel in more ways than one. Belize is only 180mls long X approx. 68mls wide; yet it has all the attractions a person could ask for in the tropics. Zip lining through the rainforest, discovering the history of the Mayas, diving the blue hole and snorkeling the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world are just a few of the different adventures Belize has to offer, in order to appeal to any adventurer.