san pedro news, ambergris caye news, belize news - the ...seaside real estate – many listings,...

Visitor Guide September 20, 2007

Reservations: 501-226-2012Fax: 501-226-2338Email: [email protected]

www.tropicair.comThe Airline of Belize

When we run for cover, what do our feathered friends doin the face of imminent danger? Read about the amazingadaptations birds have to survive Mother Nature’s wrath.

Plus, the Toucan Trails lead you to the Cayes!


Where did you read yourSan Pedro Sun?

Where did you take your San Pedro Sun & Visitor Guide?Take a photo of you and the paper and send it to us at:

[email protected]

Photos taken in unique and unusual places are preferred. Be sureto identify who is in the photo and where the photo was taken.Don’t forget to include your names and what you were doing.

Isabel Goldberg, of Go Graphics in Belize City, recentlytraveled to Bangkok, Thailand, where she took her copyof The San Pedro Sun for some reading. She is picturedabove at the Grand Palace, with her reading material everat her side!

Greetings to my visiting friends On behalf of the peopleof San Pedro Town, I ex-tend a warm welcome to allvisitors arriving to ourshores. I assure you thatyour trip to “La Isla Bo-nita” will be no ordinaryvacation. Our island is fa-mous for its rich culturaldiversity, where Mestizos,Creole and Garinagu blendto form a unique encoun-ter. While here, I encour-age you to explore the Car-ibbean Sea and find Belize’sabundant treasures. HolChan Marine Reserve and Shark-Ray Alley are just two of the manyspots where you can enjoy our coralreef formation and abundant andbreathtaking sea life. San Pedro isalso home to world-class fishing andscuba diving. For the more adventurous, “LaIsla Bonita” offers a wide array ofwater sports and for those lookingto get a glimpse of the mysticalworld of the Maya, these historicalruins are just a short expeditionaway. You will also be able to dis-cover Belize’s vast cave systems

and many natural sanctuaries thatare home to our country’s uniqueflora and fauna. Whether you are spending yourhoneymoon at an exclusive resortor looking for an adventurous, yetromantic escape, San Pedro issurely the place to be. I invite youto explore our home and see themany wonders it has to offer. We welcome you with open arms.Bienvenidos a San Pedro!

Elsa Paz, Mayor,San Pedro Town

Publisher The San Pedro Sun Ltd.Editor Ron Sniffin [email protected] Tamara Sniffin [email protected] Editor Kainie Manuel [email protected] Writer/ Mary Gonzalez [email protected] DesignStaff Reporter Maria Novelo [email protected] Assistant Nathalie Manuel [email protected] The San Pedro Sun,

P.O. Box 35,San Pedro TownAmbergris Caye, Belize

Telephone 011-501-226-2070US Telephone (307) 460-4114Fax 011-501-226-2905E-Mail [email protected]/WEB www.sanpedrosun.netMain Office #63 Barrier Reef Drive, San Pedro

Receive Receive Receive Receive Receive The San PedrThe San PedrThe San PedrThe San PedrThe San Pedro Sun & Visitor Guideo Sun & Visitor Guideo Sun & Visitor Guideo Sun & Visitor Guideo Sun & Visitor Guide weekly in weekly in weekly in weekly in weekly inyour mailbox. your mailbox. your mailbox. your mailbox. your mailbox. 26 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $50 U.S.26 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $50 U.S.26 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $50 U.S.26 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $50 U.S.26 ISSUES (six months) US, Canada: $50 U.S.Domestic: $50 BZ. 52 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $90 U.S.Domestic: $50 BZ. 52 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $90 U.S.Domestic: $50 BZ. 52 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $90 U.S.Domestic: $50 BZ. 52 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $90 U.S.Domestic: $50 BZ. 52 ISSUES (one year) US, Canada: $90 U.S.Domestic: $90 BZ.(OtherDomestic: $90 BZ.(OtherDomestic: $90 BZ.(OtherDomestic: $90 BZ.(OtherDomestic: $90 BZ.(Other locations vary.)

The San PedrThe San PedrThe San PedrThe San PedrThe San Pedro Sun o Sun o Sun o Sun o Sun is mailed everywheris mailed everywheris mailed everywheris mailed everywheris mailed everywhere.e.e.e.e.

More foreign subscribers than any newspaper in Belize!

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We at Southwind Properties specialize in the listing & sale of fine island properties -Homes, Condos, Hotels, Commercial, Income-Producing Properties & Land for homesor large parcels for development. Be sure to meet with Marianne, Edwardo or Claudioto discuss your particular needs. Southwind Properties prides itself in being there full-time for full service and full disclosure for all your real estate needs. Call 226-2005/2060 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Serving San PServing San PServing San PServing San PServing San Pedredredredredrooooosince 1980!since 1980!since 1980!since 1980!since 1980!

Commercial/Condos/HomesThis popular Sub Shop is new on the market (H37) Great business opportunity – with anexcellent location in one of San Pedro Town’s main streets; the shop has proven to be a successfulbusiness over the past year. Business comes fully equipped. Asking price only $59,000.00 US.Cash only.Beach Front Home at Spanish Reef: (W29) Attractive beach house located only 4 miles northof San Pedro. Home consists of 2 bdrms, 1 bath, wide porch & large storage room. Lot - 50’ x 100’.$450,000.00 US.Beach front property on the west coast (R40) 1.5 acres with more than 400’ of water frontageon the western coast of Ambergris Caye. Two concrete buildings; 2bed/1bath and a 1bed/1 bathcaretaker building. Beautifully filled and with plenty of newly planted palm trees. $650,000.00 USSan Pablo Rentals (G10) Prime rental property offering six fully equipped units. Beautiful, spa-cious first class owners quarters. A deal at $165,000.00 US.

Raw LandPalmero Point (G43) Nice lot located several rows off the beach in the beautiful Palmero PointBeach Club subdivision, located 9 miles north of town. Measuring approximately 107’ x 164’. Only$30,000.00 US.Paradise Coves (C49) Good sized lot 3.5 miles north of San Pedro – great location and greatprice at $25,000.00 USSan Pablo (G40) Great Canal & Corner lot located in the nice San Pablo subdivision. Excellentinvestment and opportunity for a home or business. $60,000.00 U.S.Ambergris Bay (A25) Beachfront Lot # 446, approx. 66’ x 110’. $66,000.00 US. Can be boughttogether with lot 447 for a combined beach frontage of 148’Ambergris Bay (A26) Beachfront Lot # 447, approx. 82’ x 110’.$82,500.00 US. Can be boughttogether with lot 446 for a combined beach frontage of 148’Ambergris Bay (G36) Lot # 33. Measuring approx. 58’ x 155’. $70,000.00 US.Ambergris Bay (E13) Beachfront parcel approx. 50’ x 95’ depth. $65,000.00 US.Flying Fisherman (D16) lot 300’ off the beach, measures 50’ x 78’. Only $22,000.00 USSanta Rita (H32) Lot 18 – 50’ x 110’ -3rd row - $24,500.00 USBasil Jones (R55) and (R56) Two beautiful beach front properties located in one of the mostpicturesque areas of the island. World-class snorkeling and fishing at your doorstep. Lots # 6 & 7,each measuring 75’ x 150’. Priced at $200,000.00 US for each parcel. Make an offer for both!

Hurricane Birds“Where Do Birds Go During Hurricanes?”

When hurricane winds threaten to tear down palapas and toppledocks, do you ever wonder what birds do when a storm invadestheir territory? Most birds have lightweight bones that are hollowand filled with air. Therefore they can literally ‘feel it in theirbones’ when there is a sharp drop in barometric pressures andknow instinctively to take shelter when a big storm is on the way. It’s no coincidence that birds do their chick-raising in the calmer

Continued on Page 4

Birds’ feet work differently than ourhands. When birds’ feet relax, themuscles tighten around the branch onwhich they are perched, holding themtightly when they sleep. Therefore,during a storm, the birds do not nec-essarily need to “hang on” tighter inorder to not be blown off their perch,actually they need to relax, not asimple thing to do when waiting out ahurricane!

times of year. By the timehurricane season hits –peaking in September –the baby birds are mostlyfully grown and quite ca-pable of flying long dis-tances. When birds detectan approaching storm, es-pecially in the fall whenthey don’t have a nest orbabies to protect, they canhigh-tail it out of thestorm’s path. Strong-fly-ing birds fly ahead of thestorm, carried by thewinds at the forefront ofthe system. Other birdsdon’t go too far, findingany sort of shelter out ofthe wind, hail and rain.They tend to go low to theground when heavystorms hit, staying out ofthe swaying and snappingtrees. They duck for coverunder rocky overhangs, incaves and other naturally

safe areas. They find large trees likelyto survive the winds and settle down intohollow cavities. Woodpeckers and othercavity nesters ride out storms in treeholes, which works unless the tree snapsor is uprooted. Shorebirds leave thebeaches and move inland. Songbirds flyfor dear life in advance of storms or tryto ride them out, clinging to sturdy, shel-tered branches. Birds’ feet work differ-

“Little feet, mighty grip”


ently than our hands. When birds’ feetrelax, the muscles tighten around thebranch on which they are perched, hold-ing them tightly when they sleep. There-fore, during a storm, the birds do notnecessarily need to “hang on” tighter inorder to not be blown off their perch,actually they need to relax! Some birds are picked up by the stormsystem and carried long distances. Theybecome trapped in the calm eye by thetowering, fierce storms. The eye of thestorm, in effect, becomes a bird cageuntil the hurricane begins to fizzle andbirds can escape. It is the eye of the storm

that displaces birds, not the strong winds.These displaced birds, known as “Hur-ricane Birds,” can get blown 200-300miles from their native habitat and presentrare opportunities for birders to see birdsthey normally wouldn’t see, such asocean-going birds blown ashore. Each year, migratory birds cross theGulf of Mexico during the hurricane sea-son. Birds wait for favorable winds andweather before taking flight, so theywon’t try to fly during a hurricane. If amigrant bird lands at a spot that has beendevastated by storms, it will continue

Continued on Page 8

Hurricane Birds Continued from Page 3

When you only weigh a tenth of an ounce, like this resident Cinnamon Humming-bird, facing the force of hurricane winds can be a daunting challenge. MotherNature has provided birds with some amazing built-in survival features that helpthem weather any storm.


The Lions Club of San Pedro relieson income from its Friday and Satur-day Night BBQ to support the needycommunity. Help a great cause -havedinner with us!Green Reef A non-profit organizationdedicated to the promotion of sustain-able use and conservation of Belize’smarine and coastal [email protected] /226-2833San Pedro AA - 226-4464, 600-9061Saga Society A non-profit “humane so-ciety” to address the stray cat and dogpopulation in San Pedro. Phone 226-3266.CARE BELIZE - Children’s Special-ist, San Pedro. 622-8200SP Town Library - 206-2028

SEASIDE REAL ESTATE – Many listings, from rawland to beautiful beachfront homes. We can help youown a piece of paradise. Call 226-4545 or [email protected]

SUNRISE REALTY - Land, homes, businesses, con-dos and investment properties. Call 226-3737, fax 226-3379 or E-mail: [email protected]

SOUTHWIND PROPERTIES - For all your Real Es-tate needs. Call 226-2005 or 226-2060 for informationor E-mail: [email protected] for current listings.

SUEÑO DEL MAR - Paradise has a new address!Located on Barrier Reef Drive (Front Street), acrossfrom Fido’s Restaurant. 8:30AM to 5PM,www.dreambelize.com, Phone: (US #) 719-302-5398,(Belize #) 011-501-226-4001.

INVEST IN BELIZE - Call for Appointments and pick-ups. 226-4000 or www.investinbelize.com

RE/MAX Isla Bonita, 1ocated at 10 Coconut Drive,San Pedro. 226-4400 e-mail: [email protected] orvisit our website at www.owninbelize.com

ISLAND FERRY SERVICE & WATER TAXI – Sched-uled ferry service & water taxi for Ambergris Caye. Phone226-3231.

MONCHO’S GOLF CART RENTALS - Four & Six seatergolf carts available. Open daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. We deliverto your room. 226-3262 or 226-4490.

CRYSTAL AUTO RENTAL – Largest fleet in Belize. Of-fices at International Airport and Belize City. 223-1600, 0-800-777-7777.

SAILSPORTS BELIZE – Windsurfing, kite sailing andsailing. The latest equipment and expert instruction makesit easy to learn. 226-4488 [email protected].

GRUMPY & HAPPY - Snorkeling - private snorkel tours- just you on the boat, no set schedule! Visitors with spe-cial needs and children are welcome. Call 226-3420 or672-1234. Visit www.grumpyandhappy.com, or Email:[email protected].

Water, Sports & Tours

CASTILLO’S HARDWARE - Storm supplies, elec-tronics, household appliances, tools, home repair itemsand a wide variety of paints, stains and varnishes.Pescador Drive. Phone 226-2302.

Real Estate...

Emergency 911Medical Emergency: 226-3231Crimestoppers 800 922-TIPSPolice 226-2022Fire 226-2372Wings of Hope - Medical emergencyair ambulance. Phone: 223-3292.Lions Health Clinic - 226-4052; emer-gencies 600-9071 or Hours: Mon.-Fri.,8am to 8pm; Sat., 8am - noon.Los Pinos Clinic 602-6383 and 226-2686.Dr. Lerida Rodriguez: 226-2197 or cell620-1974.San Pedro Chiropractic Clinic 226-4695Hyperbaric Chamber - 226-2851, Dr.Otto Rodriguez - 600-0287 or 226-2854.Antonia Guerrero - 600-5475 or 206-2152. Eleazar Portillo - 610-4560 or 226-3195.San Pedro Polyclinic II - 226-2536. 8-12 and 2-5, Mon. to Fri. Emergencies226-2555/2918 or 606-3864.Ambergris Hopes Clinic - 226-2660,Emergencies: 606-2316US Embassy - 822-4011Labour Office - 226-2700 (Open 8am -5pm, Mon. - Fri.)Canadian Consulate - 223-1060Mexican Embassy - 223-0193Guatemalan Embassy - 223-3150Honduran Embassy - 224-5889San Carlos Medical (MD & DentistServices) - 7:30am - 9:00pm, 226-2918

IMPORTANT #s

Miscellaneous

San Pedro Roman Catholic ChurchSun. Mass: 9 a.m. English; 11 a.m.Children’s; 7:30 p.m. Spanish; Sat. Con-fessions 5-7 p.m; Mass or CommunionService every night at 7:30 p.m.Living Word Church Service Sun.10:45 a.m. Bible study Mon. 7:30 p.m.We do Christian charity work. 226-2950.Assembly of God Church onAngel Coral St. T-W-St.-Sn. at 7:30 p.m.Lighthouse Christian Radio - 101.3FM. 226-4673, Cor. Buccaneer &Pescador Drive.The Church of Jesus Christ of Lat-ter Day Saints - Sunday Service: 9:30am, Wednesday Scripture Study 7:00pm. 17 Lagoon St. (between the bak-ery and the bridge).San Pedro Community Church -meets Sundays at 10a.m. at the Am-bergris Elementary School. All AreWelcome.

Church Services

Services...

Transportation...

THE HOLIDAY HOTEL - Every Wednesday, livemusic and a fabulous Beach Barbeque 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Barrier Reef Dr. 226-2014.

THE TACKLE BOX - come rock da box out overthe water! Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday andSunday (starting @ 9:00PM) we have amazing livebands ranging from Reggae to Punta to old schoolRock-n-Roll. Located off the San Pedro Water TaxiPier at the end of Black Coral St. 226-4313.

ROADKILL BAR - For a GREAT time! Mondayswith Dennis Wolfe and Caroline’s BBQ. Enjoy happyhour from 2pm - 6pm on Thursdays and Sundays.BBQ Lunch on Saturdays. Across from CrazyCanucks, open daily from 12 - 12.

Party...Party...Party

Belize Tourism Board - 223-1910.

Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) -227-5717.

San Pedro Tourist Guide Association 226-2391.

Tourist Information


SAN PEDRO FITNESS CLUB – A/C Gymat Belize Yacht Club, Fully-equipped. Opento the public. Tennis Courts, Lap and Familypools, Aqua Fitness and Toning Classes.Open7am Daily, 8am Sundays. 226-2683.

CAYE COFFEE – Take a taste of our locallyroasted fresh coffee back home. A wonderfulcup of coffee makes such a great difference inyour day. Try it and ask for more. 226-3568.

THE GREENHOUSE - Fresh Produce & Sea-food. Belizean and imported speciality. Freshherbs, cold cuts, chilled goods plus an excit-ing selection of groceries. A/C local on Bar-rier Reef Dr. 226-2084.

CAYE INTERNATIONAL BANK - Offer-ing Demand Deposit Accounts, Loans, Sav-ings Accounts, etc. [email protected] or phone 226-2388.

PROVIDENT BANK & TRUST - Offering a

MATA CHICA - Mambo Cuisine - for foodlovers. Homemade pasta, shrimp paté,bruschetta, charbroiled seafood and muchmore! Call 220-5010/5011. (CLOSED untilOctober).

ELVI’S KITCHEN - serving the finest foodsince 1977. Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials.Caribbean Night on Thursday. Mayan Fiestaevery Friday - come try our Maya Buffet. OpenMonday – Saturday. Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00p.m. Dinner: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Call usfor group reservations. Ph 226-2404/2176“Where something good is always cooking!”

CELI’S RESTAURANT ON THE BEACHat the San Pedro Holiday Hotel, serves GreatFajitas, salads and local dishes for LUNCH. DELECTABLE SEAFOOD SPECIALTIESfor dinner. OUTDOOR & INDOOR DINING

T H E S A N P E D R OT H E S A N P E D R OT H E S A N P E D R OT H E S A N P E D R OT H E S A N P E D R O S U NS U NS U NS U NS U N VVVVVI S I T O R ’ S G U I D EI S I T O R ’ S G U I D EI S I T O R ’ S G U I D EI S I T O R ’ S G U I D EI S I T O R ’ S G U I D E

Dining Out...

full range of International Banking Services.phone 223-5698 services@prov identbank.bz

GRANIEL’S DREAMLAND - Locally madefurniture & accessories from all Belizean ex-otic hardwoods & Mahogany. On PescadorDrive, opposite Rock’s, Call 226-2632, ext.18 or 226-2938. Open Mon-Sat 8:30-12:00noon & 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. & Sun 10-12 noon.

SUNDANCER + MOONDANCER - Uniqueboutiques featuring beautiful, quality clothing,jewelry and gorgeous gift items for both men(Sundancer) and women (Moondancer). Phone:226-3126.

BELIZEAN ARTS GALLERY - Local art!

BELIZE MINI STORAGE / SELF STORAGE- Located in San Pablo. Elevated concrete con-struction and gated entry. Security. Water ac-cess and a great new boat launch ramp on site.Call 672-1234.

11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Beach barbeque every Wednesday night withlive music.

LILY’S TREASURE CHEST RESTAU-RANT - On the beach behind Lily’s Hotel.Join us for a cool breeze and the best seafoodor USDA beef on our veranda by the sea.226-2650.

RAMON’S VILLAGE - Enjoy breakfast, lunchand dinner in a Mayan atmosphere or on theveranda overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Co-conut Drive. Phone 226-2071.

LUNA at Journey’s End Resort - Experiencefine dining on the beach north of San Pedro.Visit our tropical bar featuring karaoke, danceand fun music. Phone 226-2173.

PAPI’S DINER – The place for fine food atdiner prices. Taste the Caribbean. Call 664-9491.

MICKEY’S PLACE - Open daily 6:30 a.m. -10 a.m. for breakfast, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.for lunch and 6 - 10 p.m. for dinner. Burritoson Wednesdays. Pescador Drive. Call 226-2223.

BLUE WATER GRILL – Island cuisine witha twist! Wood-fired Oven Pizzas, Sushi &more! Open daily. Happy Hour 4 to 6 p.m.226-3347.

EL DIVINO RESTAURANT at BANANABEACH - Serving breakfast, lunch and dinnerfrom 6 a.m - 10 p.m. Book your party or ban-quet today! Phone 226-2444.

WET WILLY’S - World Famous Ladies’ Nightevery Wednesday night! Plus, great lunch anddinner specials! Great drinks over the water!Come visit us or call 226-4136.

BEACH ‘N’ KITCHEN - NEW! Mimosa orBloody Mary Brunch on Saturdays and Sun-days. Choose delicious Eggs Benedict, stuffedFrench toast or continental breakfast! Dailylunch specials and treats! North of the bridge,near Palapa Bar. Call 226-4456.

REEF GRILL at Costa Maya Resort – Delec-table dining in air conditioned comfort or un-der the stars. Serving scrumptious local andinternational cuisine, seven days a week. Liveentertainment, Monday, Wednesday and Fri-day. Family beach BBQ every Sunday withlive entertainment. For reservations, call: 226-4700.

PORTOFINO RESTAURANT AND GREENPARROT BEACH BAR - Meet our boat at6:30 p.m. at Fido’s Dock for a complimentaryride to one of the best culinary experiencesyou will have while in paradise. For reserva-tions, call 220-5096.

...Unique Offerings...

The San Pedro Sun

Visitor Guide

Contact The San Pedro Sun formore information.

[email protected](501) 226-2070

FAX: (501) 226-2905www.sanpedrosun.net

EVERY WEEK weprint a new editioncovering the “good

news” aboutSan Pedro and

Belize!


onward in search of better stopover ar-eas. Unfortunately, sometimes migratorybirds get caught in bad weather whilecrossing open water. Although migrantshave enough fat (fuel reserves) to makethe 600-mile Gulf crossing in favorablewinds, they may not have enough energyto survive if they have to fight againstheadwinds. A major storm will undoubtedly killsome birds; anything that can rip apart ahouse isn’t going to be very gentle to abird that weighs one tenth of an ounce.Many times, inland birds right along thecoast are blown out to sea, where theydrown unless they come across some-thing to settle on. On the other hand,storms sometimes blow birds into areasthey would not normally visit, openingtheir eyes to fresh, new territories withplenty of food and nesting space. Resi-dent birds in hurricane areas also sufferwhen their food supplies, such as fruitsand berries, are stripped from trees andshrubs. Even when local populations of birdsare decreased by storms, the birds thatremain now have an abundance of foodand nesting locations compared to before.The relative lack of competition meansthat more chicks next year will survive

to adulthood, repopulating the area to itsprevious levels. Nature is used to the cycleof storm and renewal, and birding is justone part of that large cycle. Birds and hurricanes have coexistedfor millennia, and given the chance,healthy bird populations can reboundfrom the effects of natural disasters.Unfortunately, this can be difficult forsome birds because much of their origi-nal habitat has been destroyed by hu-man development. With fewer birds andfewer places where they can live, hur-ricanes pose greater threats to vulner-able bird populations. For this reason,one of the best things we can do to pro-tect birds from hurricanes is work toensure that there are enough birds andplaces for them so they have the oppor-tunity to rebound. Preserving criticalhabitats is important for birds in orderto recover from natural disasters andrebound from population impacts sus-tained from the storm.

Hurricane BirdsContinued from Page 4

Cavity dwelling birds, like this Golden-fronted Woodpecker, often seek shelterinside a hollow tree, which works well unless the tree is blown over. Should thathappen, finding an alternate shelter may not be possible during a fierce hurricane.

SuDoku AnswersCheck out the puzzle on Page 2!


Gallow’s Point Gallows Point Private Caye, is just east of Belize City and a few yardsfrom the world’s second largest barrier reef. Travel back in time and con-sider it a great adventures odyssey to walk on this unique Caye which historytells was once the home of pirates in the early 1600’s. The island sits on approximately 300 acres, consisting mainly of man-groves, which provides food and shelter to the abundant diversity of marinelife. You can have a close up view of crabs and iguanas that can be seenmoving about, while also being entertained by colorful butterflies and melo-dious sound of birds. An abundance of tropical flowers and fruit trees add anextra touch to this enchanting caye. Needless to mention are the many coco-nut trees that offer a cool shelter during those hot sunny days.Half-Moon Caye Natural Monument

Toucan Trails - The Cayes! Known for its marine environment, Belize is well publicized for possessing thesecond longest barrier reef in the world, as well as three major offshore atolls.In addition to the aforementioned, Belize possesses numerous mangrove systemsboth offshore and along the coast, thus creating a tremendous wetlands environ-ment in which birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles can propagate. With such asignificant marine ecosystem, scuba divers, marine biologists, and sport fisher-men have long recognized the importance of Belize, and it has become a favoritedestination for them.

Half Moon Caye, located at the southeast corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll,was the first reserve to be established by the Natural Parks System Act of1981. One of the main reasons that the natural monument was created wasto protect the Red-footed Booby bird and its rookery. The MagnificentFrigatebird shares the rookery with the Red-footed Booby, and both speciescoexist in apparent harmony. Some ninety-eight species of birds have beenrecorded on the Caye, of which some seventy-seven are migrants. Regularwinter migrants include Ospreys, Mangrove Warblers, and White-crownedPigeons. The Iguana, the Wish Willy, and the Lizard are permanent residents onthe island, while the Loggerhead Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle come ashoreannually to lay their eggs.The waters surrounding Half Moon Caye are abundant with life, and snor-keling and scuba diving opportunities are excellent.Tobacco Caye Taking its name from the main crop cultivated by the puritans that once

Continued on Page 10

Come visit Half-Moon Caye in all it’s glory!


settled the island, the first thing you’llnotice about this caye is that it’s tiny.Five acres of sand and stately coco-nut palms sitting right in the middleof the reef, and occupied entirely byan assortment of lodges and smallwooden houses. The reef doesn’t play hard to geton Tobacco Caye, barely giving youa chance to wade into the water be-fore presenting her treasure. Snor-keling is almost too easy with suchready access to the reef. You canspend hours swimming in the festi-val of coral splendor and marine life,including the eagle ray and an occa-sional manatee, without even going ahundred feet from the island.

Toucan TrailsContinued from Page 9

The caye is also a haven for scubadivers with excellent wall diving just300 feet from shore. Technicolormountains of coral and countless va-rieties of marine flora and fauna willleave you blissfully exhilarated. Twotanks recommended. On land you can expect to get atrue taste of island life without thefrills of the fancier cayes. The peoplethat live here are very friendly andtake their relaxing as seriously asthey take their work. A thatch roofbar just a few feet from the waves isan ideal spot for sipping on cool Car-ibbean rum concoctions and chattingwith the residents. Less than an hourfrom Dangriga, Tobacco Caye is adelight that proves good things do in-deed come in small packages.

For further information about theToucan Trail in Belize, kindly visitwww.toucantrail.com

[email protected]

Press Release – Belize Tourism Industry Association, Belize City, BZ – September 17th, 2007 - The BelizeTourism Industry Association (BTIA), an organization committed to develop, promote, and secure Belize tourism,is excited to launch its partnership with AIG Travel Guard. United States residents booking travel to Belize throughBTIA are now able to purchase travel insurance plans through AIG Travel Guard, the nation’s leading provider oftravel insurance and assistance plans. With natural disaster and hurricane coverage, travel insurance can be a wise investment for those traveling tohurricane-prone regions such as Belize. When travel plans collide with unexpected weather, those with travelinsurance coverage have a means to obtain reimbursement for covered pre-paid non-refundable trip expenses in theevent their travel must be canceled or delayed. AIG Travel Guard’s Travel insurance plans include coverage for emergency medical treatment, medical evacu-ation, lost or delayed baggage, and travel cancellations or delays caused by covered unforeseen circumstances.Each Travel Guard plan also includes 24-hour travel emergency service for emergency medical assistance, last-minute or emergency travel changes, lost luggage tracking, pre-trip travel advice, and more. For more information, please contact AIG Travel Guard representative David McGowan at 1-800-826-7791extension 13335 or [email protected].

BTIA announces AIG travel insurance partnership


byDennis Wolfe

Wolfe’s Woofers

In yourDreams

DEVELOPED PROPERTIES

Grande Caribe Condos 1 mile north of the bridge on 500 ft of coconut grove.From $ 295,000 1,2 & 3 bedrooms. San Pedro’s most exciting new project 3 pools& marina. Under construction. Inquire! Caye Casa - Three beachfront condos under construction, quiet, in town, pool,

pier, thatch porches, furnished, with on site property management. Living the dream.Inquire! Bermudan Landing 3 Bedroom new condo only $ 325,000 furnished Beach villa - Caye Villas Mata Grande 2 Bed 3 bath fully furnished pool rental

management program $429,900 offers! Oasis Del Caribe Fully furnished 2nd floor ocean front 2 bedroom $335,000 Miramar new 3rd floor beachfront furnished 2 bedroom condo with 4th floor

penthouse suite unfurnished – all reasonable offers considered Miramar new completed 2nd floor beachfront 2 bedroom furnished con-

dos from $375,000. Blue Reef 2 bed 2 bath tastefully furnished beach level condo rental income

$385,000 Banana Beach 1-3 bedroom ocean front condos with 2 Pools, beach, restau-

rant and bar from $115 to $165,000 with guaranteed rental incomes. Tres Cocos 2 bed/2 bath garden home with swimming pool $495,000 Vista Del Mar – Attractive and well maintained Holiday Lands home. 2

bedroom 2 bathroom spacious owners quarters with 4 immaculate one bed, onebath rental apartments. 100% occupied. $ 575,000. St Georges Caye private island large beach home $1,150,000

COMMERCIAL Oceanside beach bar and restaurant Caye Caulker $650,000

UNDEVELOPED PROPERTIES

West Bay LAST OF ITS KIND private sandy cove 260 ft frontage only $325,000.Cash offers 4.6 acres 302 ft beach Mexico Rocks area $1.9M Playa Blanca by La Perla del Caribe 75 x 300 ft beach $300,000 Mata Grande 100 x 200 ft prime beach lot with pier permit $445,000 Bacalar Chico area beach lots from $85,000 Acreage available on Lagoon side Inquire. Commercial sized Islands in the lagoon Inquire. Boca Ciega 4.5 acres 170ft beach front. $350,000. Buena Vista Point ocean view 75ft x 150ft $79,000. Buena Vista Point ocean view 75ft x 150ft $89,000. Laguna Estates ocean view lots from $60,000.

TEL 501-226-3737 / FAX 501-226-3379www.SunriseBelize.com

E-mail: [email protected]

YOUR ISLAND SPECIALISTS!

All prices are in US dollars and subject to change withoutnotice. For further details on these properties and much more

call your AMBERGRIS CAYE SPECIALISTS

Trivia Tidbits... *The palms of the hands and soles of the feet contain more sweat glandsthan any other part of the body. *Fireflies like to light up together. Two fireflies found near each other willeventually start lighting up at the same time. *When baby opossum are born, they are so small that an entire litter canfit in a tablespoon. They live inside their mother’s pouch for three monthsbefore climbing out and riding on her back. *A type of lizard, the chuckwalla, escapes pursuers by crawling into acrack in a rock and inflating its body with air so that it is wedged tightly intothe crack and can’t be pulled out. *Spider silk is an extremely strong material and its on-weight basis hasbeen proven to be stronger than steel. Experts suggest that a pencil-thickstrand of silk could stop a Boeing 747 in flight. *The blubber of a male elephant seal is considered superior to that of thesperm whale for lubricating machinery. *A dog’s nose has over 200 scent receiving cells. *Biologists have discovered that cockroaches can change course as manyas 25 times in one second, making them the most nimble animals known.

“Hey, Dennis; how’s it going?” Mark asked me.

The rest of the band was unloading equipment for the Sunday jam session atBC’s while I was sneaking off loafing at the bar.

“It’s really been going good this week,” I said. “My wife hasn’t spoken to mefor two days, now.”

“Is she mad at you?”

“I don’t know,” I told him. “I never can tell. I just thought I was lucky.”

“If she hasn’t spoken to you for two days, that’s probably a good cue thatshe’s mad,” Mark said. “My experiences with women say that it’s a lot worsewhen they don’t speak than when they do.”

That evening I made the mistake of saying, “Are you mad about something?”

“You’d better believe I’m mad,” Dulce said.

“What did I do?”

She said, “I saw you looking at that blonde who was dancing at Crazy Canuck’slast Saturday.”

“Was she really tall with a tattoo of a killer whale on her ankle and wearinga red blouse with white shorts?”

“That’s the one.”

“I really don’t remember much about what she looked like,” I said. “Whywould you be mad at me about her?”

“I think you were dreaming about her that night. All night long you keptsaying ‘Free the whales! Free the whales!!’ Anyway, I dreamed I caught youdancing with her. That’s why I’m so mad.”

“But, Dulce,” I said. “I wasn’t really dancing with her. That was just some-thing you dreamed.”

“That’s true,” she said. “But if you’ll act like that with her in my dreams Ican just imagine what you’d be doing to her in your dreams.”


, Ambergris Caye’s latest trendy restaurant, is now open.Serving Palm Tree Cuisine, a fusion of Central American andCaribbean delicacies, offers a selection of fresh local

seafood, tender meats and exotic vegetables prepared byour renowned chef.

Menu selections include:Jerk Seared Sea Scallop Crouton,

Smoked Oyster Bruschetta,Spinach Pesto Goat Cheese Salad,

Rib-Eye Steak Argentino, Almond Nut Crusted Grouper,White Chocolate Pudding laced

with a cardamom anglaise sauce,Strawberry & Mango Ice Parfait.

boasts an atmosphere of relaxed elegance and style,with inventive cuisine in an enchanting setting.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner…

At Journey’s End ResortReservations: 226-2173

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