Frequently Asked Questions About Belize

Q1. Is a Visa required when travelling to Belize?

A1. Visitors to Belize are required to be in possession of valid passports and return/onward tickets. Visas are not required for citizens of the U.S., European Union, Commonwealth or Caricom Nations, Mexico, Austria and Costa Rica. Visas are required for all other nationalities and can be obtained from any Belizean Embassy, consulate or British Embassy. For specific information contact the Immigration and Nationality Department.

For further information on visa entry requirements for Belize please visit the Belize Tourism Board website by clicking the following link: Visa and Immigration

Q2. Do I need to take any malaria shots or any shots when visiting Belize?

A2. We live in an unusual and fascinating ecosystem that affords us the enviable position of a sound environment. We have never had any cases of malaria reported by Chaa Creek guests, however you may wish to check with your tropical medicine research centers for their advice.

Q3. What’s the weather like in Belize?

A3. Belize enjoys a subtropical climate with bright sunshine all year round. We may experience intermittent showers, which help to keep our country green and lush. The days are warm with an average annual temperature of 80 degrees. The mountain areas experience cooler weather than the islands and coastal plains. In the Cayo district our warmest months are April and May and our coolest months are January and February.

Q4. What is the probablility of a hurricane strike during hurricane season?

A4. The probability of a hurricane making landfall in Belize in any given year is 17%. A hurricane hasn't hit Belize in August in well over 100 years, but the prime storm season arrives in Belize and the Western Caribbean region in September and October. Of the 20 hurricanes that have made landfall in Belize in the past 117 years, 17 or 85% have arrived in September and October.

Note, however, that the length of the coast of Belize (less than 200 miles) is much smaller than the length of the coasts of Florida, the Gulf Coast and the East Coast – for example the East Coast of the U..S. is 1860 miles in length, so it offers a much greater area for storms to strike.

Q5. How do I get to Chaa Creek from the airport and how long does it take?

A5. We offer private transfers to and from the airport in recent model SUVs and Vans. The duration of the guided tour is approximately 1 ½ hours. The cost for a one way transfer is $150.00 for a group of 1 to 4.

Q6. What tours are recommended for families traveling with small children?

A6. Adventure abounds within our rainforest reserve. With hiking, horseback riding and canoeing, as well as guided nature walks and river exploration included in on-site activities, there are plenty of choices to excite every member of the family. There are also half day tours to the ancient Mayan cities of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, the mysterious Barton Creek Caves, and the Belize Zoo. We also arrange family friendly trips, accommodation and experiences along Belize's stunning coast and cayes.

Our friendly staff pays personal attention to guests of all ages, offering baby-sitting services and child friendly jungle safaris to ensure that the whole family has fun while sharing a truly special Belizean adventure. Considering that kids up to 18 stay for free and also enjoy a number of complimentary activities, the Chaa Creek experience is an affordable holiday option for creating an exciting and priceless experience!

Bonus: Read blog on traveling to Belize with kids.

Q7. Are the rooms air conditioned?

A7. Because of our commitment to conservation, The Lodge at Chaa Creek only has three air-conditioned accommodations. Ceiling fans are standard in all of our rooms, and additional standing fans can be provided upon request. Our cottages, suites, and villas are all well ventilated and fully screened, allowing guests to enjoy the cool evening air while open-air verandahs allow plenty of outdoor space to sun seek, stargaze or simply relax in a hammock. Our lodgings are located near the Macal River, which provides a refreshing river breeze.

We do have a small number of accommodations which feature air conditioning: Ix Chel Villas, Spa Villa

Q8. What amenities are included with the room?

A8. Coffee and tea service delivery is available for the early riser and exotic fruit drinks are available all the time. Botanical shampoo, conditioner and soap products provide nourishing care for all skin types.

All of our guests, regardless of accommodation type or length of stay, enjoy at no extra charge: Entry into our 400-acre Rainforest Reserve, Guided tours of our Natural History Centre and Butterfly Farm, Access to our Ruta Maya Trail System, Canoeing, Early Morning Bird Walk with one of our Naturalist Guides, and a guided interpretive tour of our Rainforest Medicine Trail.

Q9. Are meals included with the room rate?

A9. Your choice of full breakfast is included in full room rate. Special offers may or may not include breakfast, please check with our reservations team or read the offer details. Individual and family meal packages are also available.

Q10. Which beach property would you recommend visiting?

A10. We offer 7 night combination packages with seven different and very unique beach and coastal properties. Victoria House in Ambergris Caye, The Inn at Robert’s Grove, Naia Resort & Spa, Hatchet Caye and Chabil Mar in Placencia and Turneffe Flats in the Turneffe Atolls.

Q11. Is it safe?

A 11. We have always taken a very proactive approach to the safety, security and well being of our guests. We maintain a 24 hour security staff should any of our guests require assistance at any time. All of our guides and frontline personnel are CPR and First Response trained. A professionally trained paramedic resides on the property along with our security manager and a local physician is always on call.

Q12. What to bring along?

CLOTHING:

• Lightweight breathable sportswear
• Shirts – both long and short sleeve
• Pants – both long and short
• Comfortable closed toe walking/hiking shoes or boots (bring two pairs if you have room, they can be slow to dry)
• Extra Socks
• Water sport Sandals
• Windbreaker or light jacket or sweater
• Hat (wide-brimmed)
• Swimwear
• Raincoat/poncho
• Umbrella (works well and is much cooler)
• One set of “nice” clothes for visiting finer establishments in the evenings. Ladies can add a large shawl, for over the shoulders in the evening, and also a sarong over a swimsuit; a dress and/or skirt, depending on how much room is left in the suitcase.

GEAR:

• Camera with lots of film and extra batteries
• Binoculars
• Flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries
• Day pack
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen (SPF 35 & waterproof)
• Insect Repellent
• Sun glasses
• First-aid kit
• Naturalist Field Guides: Birders: “Don't forget to bring your birdbook”! (Birdbooks are also available in our gift shop)

Traveling with Small Children:

• Although life jackets are a requirement for all boat operators, smaller sizes are not common, so bring along life jackets for babies and small children.
• Pack water toys, stuffed animals and books to keep your children busy especially on the journey to Belize .
• You will find a selection of disposable diapers, cereal and formulas in town, however if you have a preferred brand, be sure to bring.

Personal:

• Personal medications (Any prescription medications for you and your kids – enough supplies to last for the duration of your stay)
• Contact lens supplies (you might be better off with glasses but if you prefer contact lenses be sure to bring sufficient cleaning supplies)
• Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, a wash cloth, and enough razors.

Good to Have:

• Garbage bags – for wet and dirty clothes
• Good Book
• Maps, Guidebooks
• Alarm clock
• Notebook & Pencil

Surprisingly Useful:

• Bubble Wrap – for wrapping of souvenirs
• Padded half-finger gloves – very practical for canoeing, bicycling, and protection when scrambling through cave, climbing temples, etc.

NOTE: Avoid bringing perfumes, heavily scented toiletries (they attract mosquitoes). All expensive jewelry and watches should be left at home.