Belize offers visitors a fascinating blend of Caribbean and Central American culture, along with a diverse landscape. Situated on the East Coast of Central American, bordering Mexico and Guatemala, Belize is ideally situated for visiting the world's second largest barrier reef, a World Heritage Site. Furthermore, the country offers keen historians over 15 archaeological sites dating back to the Mayan Indians almost 3,000 years ago.

Along with the ideal diving, snorkelling and sailing opportunities that the Belize Barrier Reef offers, visitors can discover rainforests, rivers and mountains inland. Intrepid visitors can enjoy jungle trials, caving and the baboon sanctuary along with the watersports. Wildlife to look out for include crocodiles, turtles, iguanas and over 540 species of bird life. For fishing enthusiasts, Belize offers you the opportunity to catch blue marlin, yellowtail, mutton and mangrove snappers, kingfish and tuna.

Further aquatic highlights include the Blue Hole at Lighthouse Reef, a perfect circle of blue water nearly 1,000ft (300m) in diameter and 400ft (122m) deep, surrounded by an atoll and containing a cavern with the largest underwater dripstones – stone formations created by dripping water – ever discovered. Ambergis Cay, the largest of Belize’s many offshore resort islands, is 25 miles long and less than a mile wide (40km by 2km). It has 40 diving sites, including wrecks and coral. In Shark-Ray Alley, you’ll see sharks and stingrays in less than eight feet of water.

For those with a love of history, adventure and breath-taking natural environments Belize is a fascinating destination.

Official Language: English. Spanish and native languages also spoken.

Transport: Driving is on the right, temporary licence requirements - presentation of a valid foreign driving licence for 3 month Belize licence.

Currency: Belize Dollar (Bz$)

Departure Tax: Bz$40

Capital: Belmopan

Entry Requirements: full valid passport and return ticket. No visa required for UK citizens.

Time Zone: GMT - 6