Belize

Reef and Rainforest

Belize is the only country in Central America with English as its official language. Offshore, the Belize Barrier Reef runs for about 300 kilometres and is listed by UNESCO; beyond it lies the Great Blue Hole, a deep circular sinkhole in the reef. Inland, forests hide the Maya cities of Caracol and Xunantunich.

Hopkins and the Garifuna

The camera is in Hopkins, in the Stann Creek District, a fishing village of the Garifuna, a people of mixed African and indigenous Caribbean descent whose language, dance and music are recognised by UNESCO. The view runs along the beach and the calm water inside the reef. Every 19 November, Settlement Day celebrates the arrival of the Garifuna on this coast. Inland, the Cockscomb Basin was the world's first reserve created for the jaguar.

Dry and Rainy Seasons

The dry season, from February to May, brings calm seas and clear water. The rains arrive in June, and from then until November storms can sweep in from the Caribbean.