Visiting the Belize Zoo

Visiting the Belize Zoo

Animal love, Central America, Destinations, Musings/Reflections

Visiting the Belize Zoo

Why it’s worth a visit (even if you don’t like zoo’s)

The Belize Zoo is a safe haven for orphaned, injured, or misused animals local to Belize. I’m not a fan of zoos or animal encounters, as so many contain animals in unnatural habitats, living in cement cages, who were ripped from their parents and paid for for human enjoyment. So, I make sure to do research prior to contributing any funds towards something that could potentially endanger or threaten the quality of life for an animal. With this being said, the Belize Zoo is a gem of a place for the creatures it houses.

The Belize Zoo started as a simple ‘backyard zoo’ to help house and protect animals that were used on film sets in the 1980’s. Today it protects animals only natural to Belize’s land in open enclosures (some of which the animals could very easily leave if they wanted to). It serves as a resource to the country as prior to the zoo existing many did not know of the species native to their country.

These native animals living at this zoo have come in naturally; meaning they weren’t paid for to complete a set of animals a guest might want to see. As I stated earlier, this place began on the premise that film set animals needed a refuge after being used for ‘work’ (another post for another time). Currently many of the animals are rescues of wildfires, hunting accidents/orphaned young, or injured due to loss of habitat.

How unique & precious are tapirs?!

They are very difficult to see in the world and are Belize’s national animal. To me, they look like a cross between an ant eater and a hippo.

While still hesitant to visit any zoo, no matter it’s rescue efforts as a cage is a cage to a wild animal, I really enjoyed how the areas that held the animals were much larger than what I’ve seen at any zoo in the United States (with the exception of the San Diego Safari Park).

There were also signs throughout the park educating guests not to pluck any plants, the need for these animals to remain wild and why these animals ended up at the Belize Zoo. And the staff here are caretakers, not just assigned trash pick up or queue directors.

If you find yourself in beautiful Belize and are able to, try to make time to contribute to the conservation efforts of the Belize Zoo with a visit. See for yourself and compare to others zoos that you have visited- if you’ve been there, what did you think? Would you agree with how they have built this place?

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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End Note regarding the Belize Zoo:

I do not endorse any zoo or animal encounters of any kind. I truly believe that animals should be kept in their natural habitat if possible.

Unfortunately, much of Belize land has been changing (tourism increases and buildings) that if an animal’s home is burned or destroyed their last option may be a zoo similar to Belize’s.

Please keep in mind that we are all entitled to our own opinions- if you disagree with mine or the words used in this post feel free to share, but in a respectful and kind manner.

*there is an option to pay to feed one of the jaguars; I’ll admit I had considered doing this (as jaguars are my favorite big cat) however we connected with someone who used to work at the zoo while on another tour and he told us that he didn’t agree with the direction these encounters were going — as you can now have the jaguar perform tricks (?!) While these animals are well protected and cared for, this type of ‘entertainment’ should not be an option. Pay to visit the zoo, but don’t fall for the trap of this kind of animal encounter.

If you’re planning a trip to Belize, check out my other blog posts on the most beautiful places to visit & the best things to do in Belize

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Top Things to do in San Pedro, Belize

Top Things to do in San Pedro, Belize

Central America, Destinations

Top Things to do in San Pedro, Belize

Don’t miss this incredible island!

Considering a trip to Belize? Then you’re probably checking out San Pedro and wondering what are the top things to do on the island.

Beautifully clear blue waters, colorful small town and low key living …with a slight party habit, San Pedro, Belize is an ideal destination for anyone looking for an island getaway. San Pedro is perfect for travelers of all types.

Below is a list of things to do in San Pedro for both adventurous and low-key relaxing travelers.

How do you get to San Pedro?

There are two ways you can get to San Pedro, Belize – by water taxi or by plane. You can read all about both here.

With so much to explore, here are the

Top 8 things you need to see & do in San Pedro, Belize

Snorkel Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley

One of my favorite days out of the entire trip was snorkeling the Hol Chan Marine Preserve. Located a few miles off of the coast of San Pedro, this is a MUST do activity. Hol Chan Marine Reserve had the most incredible sea creatures & clear water for snorkeling and diving. And fun fact, it’s the second largest barrier reef in the world!

Check out my blog post that details what we saw and how the company we chose had an environmental focus.

Sunset Cruise

Being on an island means lots of access to beautiful sunrises and sunsets. TripAdvisor has plenty of options for cruising groups at sunsets. Some including drinks, dinner, etc. Based off of a locals recommendation we chose to walk along the beach to find a boat for sunset (thinking it would be cheaper, which it was).

*Travel TIP : Book a sunset cruise PRIOR to arriving to San Pedro. Boats don’t go out every evening so booking in advance will guarantee you a stress free experience. Luckily, we found a unique sail boat last minute, who provided us rum punch and light snacks.

Explore San Pedro town

San Pedro town is colorful, with welcoming locals. Meander through the streets, and the shops located beachside. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see how people live on the island.

 

Belize Chocolate Company

This adorably decorated business right on the shoreline provided amazingly delicious baked goods and homemade chocolates. They focus their efforts on recycling and sustainability for the island so is a great business to support.

Rent a Golf Cart

There are almost no cars on San Pedro island, so you can either rent bicycles or golf carts. I would suggest golf carts because (1) it’s fun and (2) the roads are fairly bumpy so riding a bicycle on them is like asking for your bum to be sore. Renting a golf cart is an easy & efficient way to explore parts of the island that you can’t access by foot near San Pedro town.

Enjoy local nightlife

There are a lot of options for bars in San Pedro’s town. As any other place you travel to, not all bars are created equal in providing a comfortable experience. So, go where you feel you can have the most fun with no concerns. Monday night is the islands most mellow night.

Here are a list of bars that were suggested to us:

  • Crocs
  • Playa Bar
  • Blue Water Grill
  • Lola’s
  • Wet Willys
  • Big Daddys
  • Barefoot Iguana
  • Jaguar Temple

On the weekends at the central square, there are various tented areas where you can purchase grilled street food (Plant based people, these street food vendors may not be for you as I did not find any vegetarian options).

Blue Hole National Park

Another MUST do experience, however since we weren’t able to scuba dive we chose to not visit (at least for this trip). Here is the information I was able to gather while we considered going:

  • It is a two and a half hour boat ride to get there, so it is an all day excursion
  • There are three tour groups that take you there, for scuba divers and snorkelers

Amigos Del Mar

Ambergis Dive

Ramons

  • When you first arrive to San Pedro book this excursion if you want to do it. The tours do not go out daily so if you aren’t on the island for too long you may not get the chance to go
  • For snorkelers, you will snorkel around the Blue Hole (1.15 miles), then Half Moon Caye, have lunch and do a short hike, then snorkel at The Aquarium

*see the TIPS section of this post for more about the Blue Hole National Park Experience

Spend a day at Secret Beach

I had heard whisperings of Secret Beach on San Pedro. You’ll find an off the beaten path, slice of heaven. Visiting here will leave you more than surprised that a paradise like this still exists.

If you want to find specifics on how to get there (as there is no cell service, nor map leading you there) and how to pack for it check out this blog post.

Read More: Travel Guide to get to Secret Beach, Belize

Water Activities

Your hotel will have plenty of options for companies offering jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, kayaking, catamarans… pretty much any water activity you could want to do. There aren’t major waves off of San Pedro so if you’re hesitant don’t let your fear of a strong current deter you. It’s a very approachable water area.

Spend an evening at Truck Stop

A food truck hub complete with an ice cream shop, pool and epic sunsets! Truck stop has nightly events that you can find out about through their facebook page.

Where to stay in San Pedro, Belize

When choosing where to stay in San Pedro, I would suggest staying near San Pedro town. You’ll be conviently close to the docks where you arrive and depart (unless you fly into their small airport), and you’ll be near the majroity of restaurants, excursion docks and more

Check out current hotel deals for San Pedro below

Booking.com

Don't Forget to Pack:

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Deet-Free Bug Repellent

GoPro Hero 8

Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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Top TIPS for visiting San Pedro, Belize:

  • San Pedro has small beaches, and depending on the weather (storms) there may be seaweed washed up on the shore. If you’re staying near the main town understand that while convenient, it is not meant to be a lay on the beach and wade into the water type of place. Those perfect beaches are there but further on a less trodden path (see my post about getting to Secret Beach). Or rent a boat to swim in the ocean further from the shoreline.
  • Humidity is real in Central America and can be intense. Stay hydrated.
  • Unless you are scuba diving or an avid snorkeler, I would not suggest snorkeling the Blue Hole National Park. According to local advice, you will see much more wildlife at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and the excitement behind the Blue Hole is that scuba divers have a rare opportunity to dive so deep into unobscured waters.
  • Rent a golf cart to get around. Since the island of San Pedro is longer than it is wide, it’s not convenient for cars to drive around. Most hotels will be able to connect you with a golf cart company. Prices are all very similar so going through your lodging is great because they will bring it right to you.

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Getting to San Pedro, Belize

Getting to San Pedro, Belize

Central America, Destinations

Getting to San Pedro, Belize

Directions to make your travel day pass with ease

Often while planning for a trip it’s important to also research how to get from point A to point B. And with so few tools out there to help with traveling around Belize I wanted to share how we were able to get to San Pedro Island in Belize. *If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Landing into Belize City is a breeze as the airport is small with only one baggage claim area and its 90’s decorated simplicity. Grab your items and head outside where you will be able to order a taxi or hire a car and ask them to take you to the Marine Terminal (or water taxis).

*The fare should be a fixed rate (I believe around $25 USD) TOTAL.

Driving from the airport to downtown Belize City’s marine terminal has a similar look to driving through Cancun; the marsh and less built up areas in between the airport and the resorts (although no large resorts in Belize). You’ll see simple structures, palm trees, flowers budding on trees, and dirt roads with avid bike riders.

[Related: Top Things to do in San Pedro, Belize]

Arriving at the dock you will find a covered courtyard with various shops offering (overpriced) knick-knacks and snacks, with the ticketing office towards the back right.

*My suggestion would be to purchase round trip tickets as they are cheaper than two one-way tickets and can be used at any time during a three-month time period.

Luggage is boarded separately at no extra cost. Be sure to tell them which island you are going to.

*Make sure you have don’t lose your luggage tags they hand you

Choose your seat wisely when boarding as they pack in people like sardines and the ride is over an hour and a half long. Prepare for a numb bum and for a visual transition of murky brown water to the sparkling teal blue you’ve dreamt of from pictures. En route you will pass by other islands, one of which is the other well known island, Caye Caulker (pronounced ‘key’ Caulker). Don’t worry they shout which island they are stopping at so that you depart at the correct one.

When you arrive at San Pedro, the boat will dock at the center of the island where town is and only a breezy two-minute walk to the closest hotel, the Mayan Princess. If your hotel is further away there are taxis waiting to swift travelers off their feet to their end destination.

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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TIPS for getting to San Pedro, Belize

  • The taxi fare from the Belize City airport to the Marine Termianl should be a fixed rate (I believe around $25 USD) TOTAL.
  • Purchase round trip tickets as they are cheaper than two one-way tickets and can be used at any time during a three-month time period.
  • Don’t lose your luggage tags they hand you
  • the boat ride from Belize City is almost two hours, so be prepared and try to find a comfortable seat

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Snorkeling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Snorkeling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Central America, Destinations

Snorkeling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Including Shark Ray Alley!

Some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving destinations are located within Belizean waters. I personally have only snorkeled a handful of times prior to arriving at San Pedro, Belize. And I’m convinced that the Hol Chan Marine Reserve will be one of my favorite and best places to snorkel. Ever. If you are visiting San Pedro or Caye Caulker snorkeling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley is a must.

Read More: If you’re staying in San Pedro, check out the TOP Things to do on the island

Snorkeling the Hol Chan Marine Reserve

off the coast of San Pedro Island in Belize

What it is, what to expect and how to best be prepared

When you arrive at San Pedro you’ll want to book your snorkeling tour for Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You can do this by going to the docks where the diving companies are located. There are docks all along the eastern coastline of the island and are quite easy to spot.

We chose to book a company called Amigos Del Mar – both Marcus & I vibed well with the people there and they provided great insight into the experience prior to us booking anything. The cost was only $50 per person for a three-hour excursion! It also includes the cost to enter the marine reserve.

Hol Chan means ‘little channel’ in Mayan and the name is fitting as the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a Quebrada off the coast (Quebrada is a cut through a reef). It’s located about four miles southeast from San Pedro town, relatively close to the Ambergis Caye island. You can only access the reserve with an excursion tour group. But don’t fret, many are small groups. Our groups only had eight people in attendance.

There are four sections to the reserve and most tours go through three of them- the reef and seagrass beds, and then Shark Ray alley. Not sure if the time of year affected this but there weren’t many other boats out snorkeling or scuba diving when we went (March), so you can enjoy at your own pace without feeling overcrowded.

Your second stop will be at Shark Ray Alley. Here is where you will snorkel with massive stingrays and nurse sharks. Don’t be alarmed, neither will hurt you if you keep your distance and respect their home. You will notice that as soon as you enter this area nurse sharks and rays will surround your boat in anticipation of being fed. This is due to tour groups bringing food to coax them in for snorkeling.

Amigos Del Mar leads the way with an eco-conscious mindset as their guides will NOT provide food for the nurse sharks. The benefits of not feeding the nurse sharks ensures that they still rely on their hunting instincts, as opposed to relying on humans to feed them in exchange for interactions.

*This is sort of a catch 22 situation- you want to snorkel with these beauties but there is a need for them to maintain their independence, as this is NOT an aquarium.

Sealife critters we saw in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve:

  • Manta Rays
  • Leopard Manta
  • Loggerhead Turtles
  • Nurse Sharks
  • Black & yellow Angel Fish
  • Barracudas
  • Green Moray eel (it was huge!)
  • Schools of fish
  • Neon & black tiny fishies (clearly I don’t know their proper name)
  • Conch shells
  • Grouper Fish (or what our guide called Belize piranhas!)
  • Christmas tree worms: they are pink/purple and white and shrivel up when you snap your fingers near them. They reminded me of the plants in the movie Avatar.

Our guide from Amigos Del Mar was kind enough to provide us with one more stopping point along our ride back to San Pedro. A place he called the ‘Conch Farm’. Conch is a sought after delicacy along these Belizean shores and the fishermen who catch conch leaves the shell behind in what I would consider a conch graveyard. Albeit it was slightly sad to see a mini shell graveyard, what was great to see were loggerhead turtles swimming about as they feed off of the tossed bits of conch the fishermen throw out.

Whether you are an ocean fiend or a timid swimmer, snorkeling the Hol Chan Marine Research and Shark Ray Alley is an easy, relaxing and beautiful adventure to be had. It’s also a wonderful way to support the conservation of the ocean waters surrounding Belize. The people of Belize fought to conserve this area and only in 1987 did it become an official reserve. What was once a depleted, overfished area is now teeming with a flourishing sea life population that visitors can happily enjoy.

Don’t forget to pack these for your snorkelling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve:

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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Top TIPS for snorkeling at San Pedro, Belize:

  • Go during a morning tour session; more sea creatures are likely to be out in the morning than the afternoon
  • If you’re prone to sunburn (like me) lather sunscreen each time you get out of the water, or wear a rash guard. Your constant state of being in the water AND exposed to direct sunlight will guarantee you a sun burnt back

Interested in visiting Belize? Check out my other blog posts that include TONS of tips and the best places to visit

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Hiking Madeira’s Mountains

Hiking Madeira’s Mountains

Destinations, Environment, Europe

Hiking Madeira’s Mountains

An experience I never expected

Tossing bits of dried fruit over to a pair of red-legged partridges, it suddenly dawned on me that perhaps I greatly underestimated the vast wildlife we were about to encounter on our eight-hour hike through the mountains of Madeira. The local guide and our new long-limbed friend, David, chuckled with my sudden influx of inquiries concerning the danger of mountain lions and cliff jumping goats. Much to my surprise, the only ‘predators’ to fear on this Portuguese island located off the coast of Morocco were the hungry feral canines and felines that roamed the domesticated neighborhoods.

I jumped at the opportunity for an all-day nature hike in lieu of another day of urban exploration; however, amidst my excitement I neglected to research what to expect from this Portuguese archipelago. As we continued our cliff-hugging journey through the tallest peaks of this island, I was mindfully balancing out the thoughts of ‘how did I not consider the wildlife?’ and ‘do NOT look down!’

Tall, lush grass veiled the hand laid steps that furrowed into the fertile mountainside which appeared hidden from a faraway glance. The only note of caution was to not grip the slim wire that hangs like a mere barrier between the rocky mountain side and the steep descent down the sharp cliffs.

Madeira is a floating garden-like island where what little was brought here has remained. A place where the most popular beverage, Poncha, uses ingredients sourced from the backyards of neighbors growing sugar cane in their own yard. The friendly and modest locals prepare seafood with inherent skill and captivate visitors with conversation in English. I learned that the only wildlife sustained on the island are birds and feral ‘pets’, at least for now.

Immersed in the island’s flora and fauna, not only did my experience cultivate a newfound respect for this island that dates to the ice ages, but I didn’t feel like a tourist.

It’s moving to be in a place that still feels untouched by human permeation of insatiability. With little to fear from non-existent predators, it is no wonder the partridges teetering on a cliffside with us were welcoming during our midday snack break. This pearl of the Atlantic Ocean maintains much of its original beauty, and is truly a paradise in the purest form. It felt as if we were the first group to hike this trail, and when we left no trace that we had been there- I had the distinct feeling that I experienced something I never expected to.

The majoirty of the hike was on hand made trails with this wiring you see here. Our guide told us to not truly hold onto it as it had sharp pieces… yet the ground was slippery, so we needed to hold on (haha). However the views (below) were well worth the before-dawn pick up and tricky hiking conditions.

We took this hike with a tour group — Up Mountain Madeira

I would highly recommend them. They were easy to book with, communication was always timely and the guides went above what I would have expected. We also loved that the size of groups were limited.

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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A Visit to Crater Lake, Oregon

A Visit to Crater Lake, Oregon

Destinations, Environment, United States

A Visit to Crater Lake, Oregon

Winters affect on Crater Lake

Note: this post contains affiliate links to products we love and have purchased ourselves on Amazon. Clicking these links doesn’t cost you any extra money, and you’re supporting us by doing so. You can view my disclosure page for additional details.

When I strapped on borrowed snow shoes at Crater Lake National Park, I laughed out loud at how much difficulty I’d have with this simplistic adventure. With multiple layers of clothing on and too-large-for-me snow pants, two steps in and I was teetering over… fortunately onto 15 feet of snow. Luckily, the winter weather doesn’t harm the forested surroundings of Crater Lake National Park as much as it hindered my ability to walk. Inhaling a deep calming breath of crisp air, our national park guide directed through our first (successful) steps on top of the snow into the wilderness surrounding America’s most beautiful lake.

The snow crunching underneath our feet was a rhythm in itself as we snow shoed single file behind our park ranger through a mixture of tall and small pine trees. He huddled us into a circle for the first of four stops to discuss the winters season impact on Crater Lake. One of the snowiest places in America, it averages over 40 feet of snow annually. A burning question of whether this wintery weather is a blessing or a burden to the area was one our guide happily explained throughout our snow shoe trek.

Hi! I’m Laura, a sustainable travel blogger, as well as freelancing online brand strategist. I share real & honest information about traveling, how to do so sustainably, and ways to earn an income while working remote.

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1. Evolution at its finest:

One of the hikers with us was asked to grab the top of a small pine tree and pull it to the ground. Surprisingly, the tree was pliable enough to bend all the way over like a slinkie. Throughout time trees that are more pliant have survived the mass snowfall. The flexibility allows them to bend to the heavy snowfall without breaking. This progression has allowed the trees to be protected by the snow instead of harmed by it.

2. The annual snow covering

The snow protects the flora from drought and in turn from fire. So, it keeps everything safe like a big blanket.

 

3. Seasonal animals

Surprisngly animals can thrive in this environment. Shrews, voles and pikas tunnel deep beneath the ground with the snow covering adding an extra layer of warmth overtop of them.

4. Melting Snow

As the snow melts in the warmer months it flows downstream supporting local farmers, wildlife and cities.

5. Crater Lake itself

Probably the most important, the caldera that is Crater Lake exists because of this annual snowfall. No streams or rivers feed into the lake, which is what makes it so clear and blue– zero pollution!

Finishing our snow shoe hike, behind us are the tree covered slopes, in front stunning vistas of Crater Lake. After a massive eruption almost 8,000 years ago, what used to be the Mount Mazema volcano collapsed and is now home to the cleanest body of water in the world. The deep blue waters that fill Crater Lake are the deepest, bluest, most clean and clear in the world.

Check out more images from Crater Lake, Oregon by scrolling through the pictures below!

Crater Lake National Park | Blue Eyed Compass
Crater Lake National Park | Blue Eyed Compass
Crater Lake National Park | Blue Eyed Compass
Crater Lake National Park | Blue Eyed Compass
Crater Lake National Park | Blue Eyed Compass

Top TIPS for visiting Crater Lake, Oregon-

  • Snow shoeing is a free activity offered in the winter months; dress warm!!
  • If snow shoeing, bring some extra cash to ‘tip’ the guide; it goes back into the national parks fund
  • Winter months are often dreary so be prepared for a less than stellar view (we just happened to be lucky to visit on a clear day)
  • Only one road is kept open during the winter months due to the difficulty of plowing with high levels of snowfall. Summer months you can drive around the entire lake.
  • Hiking & skiing can be done here! Plan ahead for the weather.

You can find some of the winter gear I use here:

Grey Beanie Pom hat: I love this hat because the inside is so soft & fluffy, plus it looks cute with almost any of my other winter gear. The exact hat is not longer available but I found a few similar items:

Womens Winter Knit Hat

Thick Cable Knit Fuzzy Beanie

Women’s Winter Soft Knitted Beanie

North Face Backpack: I’ve had this backpack for years! Its very comfortable to wear on your shoulders & I love how it’s cushioned so I feel comfortable traveling with delicate items in it. It’s also durable for outdoor activities. It doesn’t look like this color pattern is available anymore but here is the style:

North Face Classic Backpack

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