Kitesurfing in Belize

Belize is a sparsely populated country full of natural beauty and a gem of a location for kitesurfers. Located between Mexico and Guatamala on the Yucatán Peninsula, Belize has a 190 mile long barrier reef that runs along the pristine, turquiose waters of the Caribbean Sea. The reef is the 2nd largest reef in the world at 190 miles long and sits about 1 kilometer offshore. This creates an endless flat water paradise for kitesurfing in shallow warm water. Perfect for beginners and intermediates with miles of safe and uncrowded areas to kitesurf. Waves can be found on the ourside, for the more experienced kiters.

Belize is serviced by all major airlines and is only a 2 hour flight from Houston or Miami International Airport. Catch an early flight and you'll be kitesurfing that afternoon. Frugal travelers may prefer to fly to Cancun and take a 4 hour scenic ride on an air-conditioned bus to Belize. The best months for kiting are October through July with windspeeds averaging 12-20 knots. Cold fronts during winter often bring 20+ knot days. Direction is mostly from the east or northeast which means a nice sideshore or onshore direction. The average temperature in Belize is pleasant 79 degrees.

Belize was a colony of Great Britain, formerly known as British Honduras, and gained its independence in 1981. Thus, Belize is an English-speaking country with a good, modern infrastructure and purified drinking water. Unlike other Central American countries, there are no safety issues regarding food or water consumption. Lodging and meals are reasonably priced and the current exchange rate is: $1.00 US = $2.00 BZE. Electricity is 110 volts, so no adapters are necessary for US appliances and most hotels offer British wall outlet plugs. Belize’s telecommunication system is reliable and AT&T, Sprint, and MCI are easily accessed and internet access is available.

Belize stands out from other countries because it is protecting 60% of its tropical forests and protects over 500 species of birds, 130 species of mammals including jaguar and monkeys and 3,000 species of plants. Belize also hosts one of the most important ancient Maya civilization sites, known as Lamanai, which has 60 structures including a grand 112 foot high temple. There are 600 other significant archaeological sites in Belize. Xunantunich (Stone Maiden), is the archaeological pride of Belize and rises an impressive 131 feet above the jungle.

KiteBelize.com is located at the most exquisite place to kitesurf in Belize, Placencia, a charming village on a sixteen mile peninsula which has some of the best diving and fishing spots in the world. The town is the oldest inhabitance of Belize, founded by British Buccaneers in the 1600's. It has a quaint, narrow, one mile long main street lined with historic hotels, restaurants/bars and gift shops and has the distinction of being the narrowest street in the world in the "Guinness Book of World Records."