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We traveled to Belize in 2019 for our first international trip as a couple. This beautiful country took a piece of our hearts, and upon coming home, we planned our second trip right away. Here’s a recap of our first visit.
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Mark and I spent our “10 years together, four years married” anniversary, taking our first international trip to Belize in 2019. We flew from Tampa International Airport to Miami International Airport and arrived in Belize City, Belize, at the Philip Goldson International Airport just a few hours later!
Caye Caulker to Dangriga to San Ignacio
Belize City Airport was exciting and a bit hectic in customs, but once we got through the long line, we were greeted by our driver, Richard from Discounted Belize Shuttles and Tours, whom I had hired to drive us to all our adventures around the country. It was fantastic to step outside baggage claim and have a smiling local standing there with my name on a sign to whisk us away from the chaos of Belize City.
On the way to the San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi, he recommended we grab a drink and a bite to eat at The Last Drop Café while we waited on our next mode of transportation to Caye Caulker. It was a fantastic way to calm our nerves before the next leg of our trip.
Water Taxi to Caye Caulker
The terminal for the water taxis to Caye Caulker was full of shops and eateries, which felt like a typical tourist trap area full of cheap souvenirs where some vendors were aggressive. Still, like anywhere you go, you must watch yourself and your belongings. We never felt unsafe and were grateful for the excellent recommendation and AC while we waited.
The hotel we booked had already arranged our tickets and simplified the process because we already had a reservation. Boarding the water taxi also felt a bit hectic as it was a large mixture of locals and tourists, with many people and their luggage crammed into a space I didn’t think we could all fit in. Remember that this was in September 2019 (pre-COVID), so I have no idea how this boat ride would be now, but looking back, it was one of the more spontaneous and fun experiences we had getting to paradise! There are also many options to charter a more spacious and private boat or plane to get to the islands, but since this was our first trip and we were trying to be as economical as we could… we went for it, and now it’s a great memory to look back on.
Arriving in Caye Caulker
Once we arrived and gathered our backpacks that had been crammed under the seats of other passengers, we walked up the dock and again were greeted by a lovely local named Leroy. He was holding a sign with my name on it – it does make you feel a little VIP when you watch everyone else scramble for transportation – yay for researching and planning and requesting that our hotel pick us up.
Leroy was on a luxury golf cart that Jan’s Hotel in Caye Caulker had arranged. Before arriving at the hotel to check in, Leroy drove us around the island and pointed out all the shops, restaurants, and vendors he recommended. It was such a fantastic bonus – a FREE tour to help us learn the lay of the land. We checked in to the hotel and were given room #206 with a queen-sized bed, a side water view balcony, and a gorgeous surprise – they had decorated the bed with bright pink petals to welcome us for our 10th anniversary! It was so unique and something we weren’t expecting.
Exploring Caye Caulker
We hit the streets to explore as soon as we dropped our bags in our room. I only booked one night here, and we have since regretted that we didn’t stay longer, but hey – something to go back for, right? – so we only had one evening to see what Caye Caulker had to offer.
We spent the evening walking the main drag, shopping at local vendors, and enjoying a waterfront meal and drinks at Sobre Las Olas. We walked to The Split and the Caye Caulker Sign and then headed toward the west coast to take in a sunset. We were amazed when we stumbled across another hotel with fantastic amenities – tons of waterfront seating, an outdoor Tiki Bar, in-the-water hammocks, AND giant stingrays and sea horses to swim within their natural environment. The Iguana Reef Inn looked terrific, and even though we truly loved our stay at Jan’s Hotel, we might return to stay there next time! (Our trip in November 2021 was all about the Jungle!)
After an epic sunset, we walked back towards our hotel, stopped to pick up the famous local Belkin Beer that Belize is known for, and took advantage of the rooftop patio at Jan’s Hotel, which we had all to ourselves. After a whirlwind day of adventure, we got some much-needed rest – because the following day would be the start of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure…
Raggamuffin Sailing Trip in Belize
The following day, we enjoyed an excellent breakfast and Bloody Mary’s right next door at Paradiso Café, took another quick walk around the island (it’s so walkable! but you can rent bikes and golf carts easily), checked out of Jan’s Hotel and walked right across the street to check in for our Raggamuffin Tour – a three-day 2-night snorkeling and sailing adventure!
We spent three indescribable days sailing on the Ragga Queen from Caye Caulker to DANGRIGA with ten strangers and three vibrant and hilarious hosts, all while snorkeling and sleeping on private islands along the way.
Sailing Down the Coast of Belize
Our Captain Jerry was jolly, comical, and full of stories, and our guide Dane was an expert in fishing and snorkeling and knew all the good spots, which helped us find sharks, sea turtles, eels, sting rays, manatees, and some of the most gorgeous fish and reefs I have ever seen. Lastly, our chef Lithon supplied never-ending fresh shrimp ceviche, cooked up all the seafood we caught along the way, served endless fresh fruits and vegetables, and poured unlimited Rum Punch!
We tent camped on Rendezvous Caye our first night, and knowing what we know now, we would have figured out a way to bring an air mattress, LOL! We agreed we were glad to have made this trip at our ages because it wouldn’t be impossible later in life with all our existing aches and pains. But looking back, we will never forget how amazing it is to sleep like that on a private island.
Over the Water Bungalow
The next day, we continued to sail and snorkel, explored a few random islands like Tobacco Caye, where we met so many island kitties, and then spent night two in an over-the-water bungalow in Ragga Caye, another exclusive private island (and two island dogs!).
The bungalow was lovely, but I won’t hesitate to say that the toilet situation was pretty scary! (and I have been on a train in India.) Anyway, it was worth the few extra bucks to have our hut versus sleeping in bunk beds with the other passengers – and man, oh man, was it cool to experience a thunderstorm sleeping out over the water – epic memory when you love storms!
The next day, after breakfast, we all waved goodbye to our guides and our island as we hopped on a speedy transport boat that took us to Dangriga, where our sailing trip would end… this was also a little sketchier than I expected, meaning the dock was very run down. Many locals were standing around looking to “help” tourists for tips – but once again – my trusty driver from Discounted Belize Shuttles and Tours was waiting to take us to the last leg of our trip – into the Jungle!
Heading into the Jungles of Belize
As our driver, George drove us away from the coast and towards the jungle, he pointed out local area gems, told historical stories, and even pulled over to ensure we saw the sleeping giant in the Maya Mountains. At this point, we interacted with so many locals and were so overwhelmed by their pride in their beautiful country that we fell in love with Belize. We received so many recommendations, and to hear the joy and excitement in everyone’s voices and how much they wanted to share it with others was something we will never forget.
Table Rock Jungle Lodge
Our last stop was two hours into the jungle – Table Rock Jungle Lodge. We were head over heels when we saw the sign and the palm tree-lined driveway! This is one of the most magical places on earth, and it’s all been created by a couple of newlyweds from Florida! Learn the whole story and why we choose this eco-lodge on their About Us page – here is a preview:
WE CAME FOR AN ADVENTURE . . .
WE STAYED FOR A LIFE UNCOMMON.
Sustainable tourism is not just a buzz word, it’s a way of life. At Table Rock, we believe in helping the environment and our local community, and emerging travelers into our world of endless adventures, sustainability, and conservation.
Our story begins in 1998, when newlyweds Alan and Colleen honeymooned in Belize with only a rented 4×4, an axe, and a paper map. With little distraction, they became enamored by jungle life–the land, the flora and fauna, and most all, perhaps, the people. Belize became the spot they returned to again and again.
It was an excellent start to what became Table Rock Jungle Lodge. It is on a 105-acre jungle reserve along the Macal River, with ten intimate eco-friendly cabanas, farm-to-table cuisine, an infinity pool, and a full-on working, organic farm! We can’t say enough about this place; it’s incredible, and that is why we returned again in 2021! Check out their gallery at the link and some of our photos below!
From the moment we stepped into our room and onto our balcony in the jungle, a piece of my heart decided to live there. Our room was gorgeous, airy, clean, and decorated for our anniversary. We had a massive hammock for our patio, complimentary local rum, and our little fruit bats. Some people might not be excited about that, but we loved it!
We only had a few nights to enjoy this tranquil paradise. We spent every day waking up to the sounds of the jungle, specifically howler monkeys, walking the vast property, feeding the farm animals, hiking the trails along the river, swimming in the gorgeous pool, and eating the most fantastic food for three meals a day – the craziest part is that September is a slower season for them. There was one whole day and night when we were the only guests! It’s an entirely private resort, all to ourselves. Even on the day’s other guests were around, we hardly noticed; it was a dream.
Archeological site of Xunantunich
We did venture out on a guided tour at the archeological site of Xunantunich (pronounced “shoo-NAN-too-NICH”), which means “Stone Maiden” in Maya. My husband was in heaven! Xunantunich is an ancient Mayan archaeological site in western Belize, about 70 miles west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. Xunantunich is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River, well within sight of the Guatemala border. It served as a Maya civic ceremonial center to the Belize Valley region in the Late and Terminal Classic periods. At that time, when the region was at its peak, nearly 200,000 people lived in the Belize Valley. We climbed to the very top and watched storms roll in over Guatemala – something I will never forget.
The Lodge at Cha Creek
Our last full day was spent using their complimentary canoes to adventure along the Macal River to get drinks at another nearby resort that was recommended to us by our resort staff. We tied the canoes up and headed up the bank to The Lodge at Cha Creek. Again, we were just blown away by what we found. This resort had excellent amenities like nature preserve trails, infinity pools, a natural history center, and a butterfly exhibit. Not to mention THE BEST MARGARITA OF MY LIFE at their restaurant Mariposa. Just ask my friends; I never stop talking about the jalapeño infused margarita I got in Belize, and every time I have one at home, I always compare it to that!
Besides the epic margarita, the best experience came just as we were about to head back to our resort… Toucans, Tarantula, and Howler Monkeys, oh my. We had incredible sightings of multiple toucans, but the sighting at Cha Creek was great.
On the way down the hillside to the canoes, I got distracted by the Mexican red-rumped tarantulas all along the bank. I was watching where I was walking and staring at the ground when all of a sudden, Mark froze in front of me and said my name weirdly… honestly thinking it was probably the enormous spider of my life, I didn’t even realize he was pointing up… MONKEYS were all over the bamboo and sleeping right above our heads. INSANE, and hands down, it was one of the greatest moments of my life. A troupe of howler monkeys, complete with a tiny baby in their natural environment… Ahhhhh, it’s Incredible and the perfect way to end our first of many trips to Belize!
We returned to Table Rock Jungle Lodge in 2021 for Mark’s 40th birthday, and you can find that post here.
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