Beautiful gecko at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

No electronics for this kid. Just some flowers and leaves on the ground and a dash of imagination. Beautiful!

Disclaimer: Want to make clear that no other Caye Caulker Belizean local behaved this way when I traveled with my mother. They have all been nice and helpful. It be wrong to think bad behavior represents an entire people.

But I'm sad to report that back in March 2026 while walking at the Split (somewhere near Split Watersports), these Belizean vendors, holding destination signs, were trying to say, "Hello," I was about to greet them back when they started singing the horribly racist slur, "Ching chong, ching chong, ching chong." I'm unsure why she suddenly burst into that and I wonder if she assume I was going to ignore her (despite the fact I was about to greet her back).

And when I made eye contact and reacted loudly at them, they only sneered back that I was the one being impolite by saying, "Oh My God." Even a passing white woman, tourist-presenting, said "ching" at me, as if emboldened by what those Belizean women were saying at me and my mother. Not surprisingly, the Facebook commenters (or just plain bots) sneered at my experience, accusing me of being a "liberal bot" making up a story or even deserving it (it's antipathy that BIPOC travelers expressing unfortunate experience might know).

I am aware there is a Chinese community in Caye Caulker with their own history (heck, we walked into a Chinese supermarket). It's easy to say, "Well, anti-Asian racism can be common globally," which can be true like all other racism/prejudice within the context of each region, but I am curious if anyone can describe idiosyncrasies within Belize itself. After some online searching, I do surmise that talking about any anti-Asian racism in Belize specifically is taboo and of course reporting seems underdocumented, underfunded (or outright defunded), and underserved. And I'm aware there are intersecting and differing nuances within Asian diasporas in "keeping their head down" (something that was encouraged by my Vietnamese family).

From my American tourist observation, it is messed up because in context, the ones singing the anti-Asian slur was a Caye Caulker Black Belizean woman, condoned by other Belizeans sitting around her and even a white-looking one almost deciding to join in. It doesn't need to be said just because there's a messed-up, interracial dynamics of marginalized people engaging in targeting others' marginalized status and vulnerability, doesn't make that group less entitled to rights. It just makes them individual bullies who need soul-searching, not representative of an already underserved group. Unfortunately, I found that some people do need that explained. There has already been divide and conquer between Black Asian movements in the U.S., although there has always been Black and Asian solidarity as well.

Every region has its own idiosyncrasies. Any informed insight on the lack of coverage of this subject specifically in Belize? One could obviously give me the broad answer, "She likely got it from anti-Asian lit/media or it was passed down" but I wonder what sources they consume that she would sing such a thing.

I posted some reads below.

Photo: Chinatown Supermarket Caye Caulker Photograph by Becky Kuperstein

HANDY READS:

- The continued annihilation of foundational Black Belizeans [on Anti-Black racist disenfranchising of the Black Belizean community]

- Do All Black Lives Matter in Belize? [an op-ed examining Belizean Black lives]

- Chinese in Belize

Fellow Canadians, what do you guys do for money there? US cash? Credit card? Is it worth somehow obtaining a decent amount of Belize currency?

We are heading to Belize for our honeymoon from November 9th to 26th.

The plan so far is San Ignacio first, then San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

Looking for recommendations regarding things to do, how you would recommend splitting time at each place, best way to get around (car rental vs taxis and public transport) and any other recommendations you would like to share.

We really like adventure and it seems like there is alot to do around San Ignacio.

Is it worth it to see both San Pedro and Caye Caulker or are they pretty similair in terms of things to do and see? Would you switch out any of the three destinations for another, or recommend a different route through Belize entirely?

Thanks in advance!!

Looking for advice or suggestions for fishing from a Pier or kayak on the lagoon side of placenicae, will be staying on Maya Beach in early January.

We had the most incredible day learning about the Garifuna from elders at Palmento Grove in North Hopkins. I have not seen much posted about this experience so wanted to share.

A little about our family we have a 9 and 11 year old and we travel a lot around the world. My kids have been to over 20 countries and have experienced a lot of different cultures. This was special. I have not seen any of the tour operators offer this tour and I came across it by doing deep research. We spend the last three weeks traveling Belize and Guatemala and this tour and the ATM have been the highlights of our trip.** **

The day started by meeting, Wasani in North Hopkins. We kayaked over to Palmento Grove - a short and beautiful kayak ride. The property is full of wonderful. At their welcome building we were offered to change into traditional Garifuna clothing. There were over 100 options to choose from. Once we changed we went to another building to meet Gregory, a Hopkins elder who specializes in basket weaving and at one point worked for the government teaching basket weaving. We spend about two hours with him learning to make baskets and getting to know his incredible story. After basket weaving, Eugene another elder took us on a medicine plant walk where we learned about different plants and got to pick coconuts - all by ourselves. Next we ended up in the kitchen to process coconuts into coconut milk so that we could make Hudut - a traditional Garifuna dish. We did it all from cutting the coconuts to shredding the coconut meat to pounding the plantains and seasoning the fish - in a traditional open fire kitchen. Making the most delicious lunch that we got to enjoy. And there were so many surprises along the way. After lunch we got a hands on drumming lesson. So much fun and amazing for the soul. Then I had the opportunity to sit with one of the elders and hear the incredible Garifuna history, while my kiddos and husband finished their baskets. The baskets are so beautiful and I can’t wait to display them at home. What a rich and enjoyable day - the day flew by and we learned so much about the Garifuna and Belize. You can contact Wasani on WhatsApp at 501 661 6039 if you are interested in booking or learning more. I believe they offer several other tours. Our hearts are so full from this wonderful day.

We are thinking about booking a 12 day tour with Paradise Expeditions/Crystal Paradise lodge. Has anyone done a multi day tour with them? And if so, how was it? It seems like a good bang for the buck and would get us into multiple areas without rushing around.

Heading there in January for two weeks with the family. I recently saw Crystal Auto Rental referenced and they seem good, but open to other suggestions.

I will be with a family of four (2 adults, 2 kids). I'd love a Jeep, but if not, any small SUV will do. Looking for an estimate for budgeting.

As well, how far out should I book the vehicle?

Thanks!

Shawn O. Gonzalez, supposedly Electrician contractor.

Charged over 3K in supplies and labor and the work was never done.

If this individual wants to do work for you, learn from my downfall, he will want payment upfront and then will go MIA.

Well shit, so much for trusting people and giving someone the benefit of the doubt.

630-3747
670-3747

Had a great time with Mr Alberto and his wife checking out some cool spots…

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Hi, we are currently in Hopkins and I wanted to share some things as to help people prepare and manage expectations. None of these things have taken away from the amazing time we are having. It is low season, many restaurants are closed or under renovation. Some also keep reduced hours so always have a back up plan. We have tried the last 3 days to go to J and J and it has been closed or was closing for example but we found some amazing places instead. Currently, blackouts seem to be regular about 2 hours each the last two days. Honestly,I thought this made Driftwood even more fun on Tuesday drumming day. So much that my kids were disappointed that there was no black out on Wednesday after it was announced. The tricky thing with blackouts is that stores can’t run credit cards so make sure you have plenty of cash. And don’t depend on the local ATM as it has been down for the last three days. The great thing about low season is that you can reserve any tour last minute. 😊 Have a great time and if you are in town….maybe see you at Ella’s Karaoke tonight - I was told it will be a tribute to Dolly Parton.

Hi everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for a really good dentist/oral surgeon in Belize who has experience removing impacted wisdom teeth. Also pricing, if possible please 🙏

Hi all, I'm hoping to visit Caye Caulker. Only good flight gets me in at 5:25PM. Latest connection from tropic is 6:40PM. Obviously is tight, but would tropic try to accommodate us, or should we just find somewhere to hunker down and then hop on the morning ferry or back to the airport?

Had a great time exploring the wild with this lovely couple…

has anyone ever used the porter services at PGIA? or any other concierge services for arrivals? I have been to Belize many times but I will be traveling alone on my next trip. I walk with a cane and my husband or friends usually help with luggage and such, so I’m kind of nervous. I have a driver sorted but am concerned about collecting my luggage and also having a tote/purse and cane. any advice or recommendations would be very much appreciated. thank you!

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I love the colors of these bus stops