English is most common. In some parts of the country you will find Spanish, Creole or Maya spoken.

A Passport is required for all visitors from the U.S. No visa required for U.S. citizens. Other countries should check with the Belize Embassy. Otherwise, bring shorts, swimsuits, and cool shirts. The atmosphere on the island gives new meaning to the term “laid back.”  Some restaurants you might want to dress up “Beach Formal”, Dresses, Khakis etc.  You can go barefoot anytime, anywhere. Sandals and beach footwear is always advisable when walking the beach. Also bring plenty of sunscreen lotion. You’ll need it. Be careful. Avoid mid-day sun or wear something to block the tropical sun. We advise that you bring lightweight cotton long pants and long shirts for fishing and snorkeling trips or if you should get burned. Sox are good to keep your feet from burning. A light rain poncho or rain gear would be nice in case of a shower or two.

Banyan Bay Suites is located on the island of Ambergris Caye. It is about a 15 minute walk south along the beach from the town of San Pedro. San Pedro is home to about 3,500 San Pedranos and has gift shops, restaurants, street vendors and the ever-present beach bars. The roads on the island are sand–except for a stone-paved section at the airport. Banyan Bay has an on-site dive/gift shop/gym/spa and the “ova di wata” restaurant. Golf cart rentals available for guests.

Belize is an independent nation (since 1981) and a member of the British Commonwealth/United Nations. The current Prime Minister is Rt.Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow. Belize has enjoyed a stable, democratic political climate for many years. What about electricity? No adapters needed. Same as in the U.S. Some smaller hotels in remote areas have generators. What time zone is Belize? Belize observes Central Standard Time all year. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time. Note: When you visit a tropical destination, you probably won’t care what time it is.

The Belize Dollar. The exchange rate is fairly constant at $2 Belize to $1 U.S. Dollar. U.S. cash and travelers checks are accepted everywhere. At Banyan Bay Suites, we also accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards.

Our tap water is potable in the rooms.  It is desalinated  water, perfectly safe. Restaurants use purified water for drinking and ice.