Adventure Enthusiast Prince Harry Makes First Trip to Belize

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Feb 27, 2012, 03:45 ET

BELIZE CITY, Belize, Feb. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In less than five days, one of the world's most recognized adventure enthusiasts, HRH Prince Henry of Wales will visit Belize March 2 - 3, 2012 on behalf of The Queen as part of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Though Prince Harry will be on an official visit, certainly the many natural wonders and extraordinary experiences that await in Belize will have His Royal Highness caught-up in the moment, and encourage him to "Be one with adventure."

As one of the last unspoiled places on earth, Belize offers its guests an exciting array of adventure experiences that stir the soul, expand the mind and encourage the senses to come alive. Activities like cascading waterfalls, cave tubing, zip-lining, hiking through ancient Maya relics, snorkeling at the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and diving the Blue Hole are just a few of the many extraordinary experiences one can have on a Belize vacation. Below are a few more adventure packages sure to offer any traveler the richly rewarding authenticity they seek in a Central American/Caribbean getaway.

The "Survivor" Adventure

Expert guides who have trained everyone from the stars of today's hit survival shows to thrill-seeking vacationers show you how to live off the land by learning about Belize's abundant natural resources. These customizable survival-training packages are perfect for anyone craving the adrenaline rush of extreme adventure; and, offer activities such as rappelling high over the rainforest canopy in search of natural shelters, zip-lining through the jungle, tubing down the rivers of underground cave systems and snorkeling among sharks and sting rays at Shark Ray Alley.

Diving the Blue Hole/Snorkeling the Barrier Reef

Belize is home to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest barrier reef in the world. Measuring 185-miles in length, this magnificent coral formation creates the perfect location for snorkeling and diving. Another, popular and spectacular dive site is the world-renowned Blue Hole. At approximately 412-feet deep, this almost perfectly circular sinkhole is a must for divers looking for once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

The Explorer/History Buff

Personalized discovery expeditions await the true explorer in ancient Maya temples and caves that wind through the inland of Belize. The expeditions can be tailored to focus on either extreme adventure, or the gripping history of this magnificent ancient civilization. A tour of the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave yields a series of chambers where Maya sacrificial ceremonies once took place, and where artifacts remain to this day. Other Maya sites offer such relics as a detailed depiction of the sun god which is displayed on the eastern side of El Castillo, the largest temple of the famous Xunantunich Maya site. These tours are offered by multiple Belize Tourism Board-certified tour operators, which can be found at www.travelbelize.org.

Sun and Sand

The amazing beaches of Belize speak to your soul. Boutique hotels and resorts are spread out among the tiny beach towns lining the coastal areas. Rest, relaxation and plenty of sun can be found anywhere! A 15-minute flight north from Belize City to Ambergris Caye will put travelers in San Pedro, a small island town known for its bars, restaurants and energetic nightlife. A short 35-minute flight south of Belize City lands brings visitors to laid-back Placencia or Hopkins Village, two former fishing villages that dot the southern coast and immerse guests in a relaxed vibe. Belizean airlines', Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, make island hopping simple and affordable for any visitor. Great specials on beach and jungle lodges are also found at www.travelbelize.org.

About the Belize Tourism Board

The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is a statutory body within the Belize Ministry of Tourism, and it is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Tourism. The BTB works in conjunction with members of the private sector - including the Belize Hotel Association, Belize Tourism Industry Association and Belize National Tour Operators Association – and is dedicated to building tourism in the most economically and environmentally sustainable manner. As a part of its responsibilities, the BTB promotes Belize as a premier tourism destination to both in-country and international consumers. Among its outreach to the international travel market, the BTB markets the country's unique attractions to travelers, members of the travel trade industry and media outlets in key markets. The BTB is also dedicated to developing and implementing tourism programs that will help strengthen and grow the Belizean tourism industry; promote good destination stewardship; and instill high-quality standards for accommodations and travel experiences. For more information on the BTB and its services, visit www.TravelBelize.org.

Media Contacts
Erin McKeon
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212.967.5895

SOURCE Belize Tourism Board