Looking for Immersive
and Sustainable Travel Options? Visit Belize!
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have for travelers – it’s a must-have. In fact, nearly 70% of travelers say sustainable travel is important to them, according to research from Booking.com. More than half of travelers say they are more determined to make sustainable choices when looking to travel in the future.
But there’s a huge issue for travelers: According to the research, 41% of travelers say they don’t know how or where to find sustainable travel options. Meanwhile, half think there aren’t enough sustainable travel options available.
It’s clear travelers care about sustainability today more than ever. For those who are looking for a great experience that respects Mother Nature, Belize is the perfect option. The destination is often praised for its undisturbed flora and fauna. And with untamed rainforests and “no-take” marine zones, it only makes sense the green country encourages its visitors to take care of the environment as well.
Belize has taken great steps to offer responsible travel options to natural areas that conserve the environment, sustain the well-being of local people, and educate visitors. The Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA), for one, focuses on the day-to-day management and administration of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.
Turneffe is the largest atoll in the western hemisphere. Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve covers over 325,000 acres of seagrass, mangroves, corals and flats. In addition to the four resorts travelers can find respite at on the atoll, there are several immersive experiences that keep eco-tourism at the forefront.
The Wit Concrete
The Wit at Turneffe Atoll is one of the largest wreck dive sites in the Caribbean. The 375-foot, 16-chamber ship was submerged in December 2021. The ship, which previously stored molasses, began attracting fish the day after it sank. Five minutes from Calabash Caye, divers will be delighted to witness many species, including rainbow pirate fish, manatees, midnight fish and more. For added awe, divers can use a GoPro to help monitor the growing coral at the shipwreck. Photos can be uploaded to an app back at the resort to help with coral-growth tracking. For those who would rather not take on adventure diving, no worries – simply snorkel above the ship on calm days and view the wildlife below.
Calabash Nature Trail
Created in March 2022, this enchanting experience through the forest features boardwalks, 150-foot hammock bridge and an observation deck. Travelers can see mangroves and wildlife – manatees included! – from the top of the 40-foot tower. If travelers are feeling a little adventurous, they can even try a termite on the trail (hint: they taste minty). Travelers can walk at their own pace and take in the many Mayan artifacts on the trail. There’s always something interesting to see!
Mangrove Restoration
Beach erosion is a serious problem on the atoll. But visitors can take an active role in restoring the island by helping to plant trees. In this educational experience, guests at nearby resorts are invited to spend the afternoon at the base and participate in several projects, such as mangrove restoration, with rangers.
Calabash Snorkel Trail
No trip to Belize would be complete without some fun in the water. Located about 500 yards from TASA’s base is the Calabash Snorkel Trail. Here, it’s not just about snorkeling. Swimmers can learn a lot about what they see in the water thanks to guide cards and GoPro cameras that help to identify fish. Visitors will snorkel from the boat with their guide. Once they arrive at each of the five stations, they can float above on the water’s surface as they read the guide cards and pay attention to the animals and activities as they swim from buoy to buoy.
Seaweed Farming
The goal for the seaweed farm at Turneffe Atoll is to serve as a means of supplemental livelihoods for fishers when the lobster or conch seasons are closed. The seaweed farm, which was founded in 2017, harvests seeds to give to fishers to start their own farms. Seaweed sells for an average $15 per pound when dry. Travelers to the atoll can visit the farm and learn about seaweed, harvest some, and learn how it’s dried. They will also enjoy delicious seaweed punch that they make themselves during the experience.
For an added bonus, visitors can head to the Starfish Motel next to the seaweed farm, where there’s a new starfish to meet every two feet. The water here is only 3 feet deep, so it’s perfect for kids and non-swimmers. It’s a must-do activity when visiting the farm!
Crocodile Eyeshine Surveys
This popular, immersive experience is only done at night. Travel with a guide and conservation officer on a boat and learn how to spot the eyeshine of a crocodile! Travelers will help the crocodile research team input information into their smart system to track the population of crocs in Turneffe. Not only is the experience exciting, but it also helps the research team understand how the American saltwater crocodile species is thriving in Belize.
Book Trips for Clients, Earn Rewards for You
As a travel agent, when you book Belize trips for clients, you can also earn rewards. Enroll in the UnBelizeable Rewards Program for a chance to experience the destination for yourself.
This exciting new program, designed exclusively for travel agents, rewards you with points for every confirmed booking you submit. You can redeem points for stays with partner hotels and select Belizean handmade merchandise when you arrive in Belize. Additionally, the top-selling travel agents will be rewarded with a special trip to experience Belize on a whole new level.
Participation in the UnBelizeable Rewards Program is open to all travel advisors. By signing up and reporting your bookings that include an overnight stay in Belize, we will reward you with points. Trips to Belize can be booked with any tour operator, any third party or direct. To earn points, the booking needs a minimum of one overnight in Belize on the itinerary. You will earn points for every confirmed room night booked in Belize. Points are valid for 24 months after the date of departure.
Even more exciting: Although this is a new program, as an agent you can add your largest trip booked to Belize for a client within the past 24 months to start earning points. All you need to do is show proof of booking, and you’re on your way to exciting rewards.
Enroll in the UnBelizeable Rewards Program by visiting the website. To better equip you to sell more of Belize and earn more points, become a member of the Belize Specialist Program by clicking here.
The editorial staff had no role in this post's creation.