frequently asked questions

 


Do I need a Visa to visit Belize?
US citizens do not need a visa to visit Belize, only a valid passport that does not expire within 6 months of the retreat. Non-US citizens should check the Belize embassy for entry requirements.

What language is spoken?
English is the official language of Belize. You will also hear Kriol, the local dialect, as well as Spanish.

What currency does Belize use? Can I use a credit card?
Fixed rate of $1US=$2BZ. US dollars are used all over Belize, change will be given in Belize dollars. You do not need to exchange any money into Belize dollars. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

What time zone is Belize?
Belize is on Central Standard Time, and does not utalize Daylight Saving Time.

 

weather

 

What is the weather like?
Belize is sub-tropical, and averages 80 degrees all year round. Daytime temperatures typically will be around 80-90 degrees, nighttime temperatures around 70-80 degrees. Cooler weather can occur (50-70 degrees) in the Winter and Spring months, especially in the mountains.

Should I be concerned about hurricanes?
Hurricane season is June-November. We only schedule retreats outside of hurricane season, or late November when there is minimal risk of a storm.

When is the rainy season?
The rainy seaon coinsides with hurricane season (June-November). Belize becomes increasingly drier and warmer from January-May.

 

flights

 

What airlines do you use?
American, US Airways, Delta and United/Continental.

How do you arrange flights?
We issue flight itineraries at three months prior to the retreat. We try to arrange for all students to arrive in Belize at approximately the same time.

What about multiple transfers and red-eye flights?
The vast majority of our students have one flight transfer, departing in the morning and arriving in Belize in the afternoon. Return flights generally depart Belize in early afternoon and return to your home airport late evening. If you are traveling from the Pacific Northwest, it may be necessary to schedule a red-eye flight or overnight layover. We will contact you if this is required based on flight schedules. All flight transfers will occur in the US.

Can I extend my stay to travel on my own?
We can arrange your flight so that you arrive early or stay late. There is a fee of $95-195 for travel outside of the retreat dates, depending on your airport and travel dates.

Can I arrange my own flight?
You may select a land-only package at $695 off of the retreat cost. If your arrival/departure coordinates with the rest of the group, you can still travel on the group transfers to and from the airport. Otherwise, you are responsible for your transfer costs, which can be significant as the resorts are remote. We can provide the transfer schedule two months prior to the retreat.

 

costs

 

How to do I reserve a space on the retreat?
Register online and place your deposit, this reserves your space on the retreat.

When is the balance due?
The balance is due 3 months prior to the retreat.

How do I pay the balance?
We will send you an electronic invoice to pay securely online.

What is included in the cost of the retreat?
Roundtrip airfare from the US, all transfers in Belize, 7 nights lodging, all meals beginning with dinner on arrival day and ending with breakfast on departure day, yoga sessions, adventures as listed in your retreat.

What is NOT included in the cost of the retreat?
Belize exit fee of $39.50, gratuities, alcohol, sodas & drinks not included with meals, laundry, phone, non-mealtime food or “off menu” ordering, additional tours or transfers not included in package, spa treatments, etc.

What if I have to cancel my reservation?
If you cancel more than 3 months prior to the retreat, you will lose your deposit. Cancellation between 45 days and 3 months is a $495 cancellation fee plus the cost of your airline ticket. You will retain ownership of your ticket. Cancellation within 45 days of the retreat, there is no refund, but you do retain ownership of your plane ticket. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance for this reason.

 

communication

 

What type of electricty/voltage is there?
Same as the U.S., 110V/60Hz.

Will there be internet?
Wireless internet is available at the main lodges of the resorts. There may be a charge for internet usage. Please note that the resorts use satellite internet, which cannot support the uploading of large files and photos.

Is there cell phone coverage?
Resorts are remote and cell phone coverage is spotty. Check with your service provider regarding international roaming rates, as they are very expensive without an international plan. If you do not have an international plan, we recommend keeping your smart phone on airplane mode during the retreat to avoid incurring fees for data, texts and calls.

 

health

Do I need any shots or medications to visit Belize?
There are no shots or medications required to visit Belize. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns or would like recommendations based on your health history.

Should I be concerned about malaria?
Belize does have some cases of malaria each year, with tourist cases being very rare. Insect repellent and long clothing are generally recommended when mosquitos are present, please consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Can we drink the water?
At the mountain lodges, the tap water is purified mountain stream water and is safe to drink. On the islands, tap water is rain water and is safe for bathing, etc., but purified drinking water is provided in rooms. All ice at the resorts is made with purified water.

 

packing suggestions

 


Passport and any additional documentation as required by your nationality
Sunscreen/aloe
Any medications you may need
Hand Sanitizer
Sunglasses
Hat
Insect Repellent
Toiletries, including shampoo
Reading material/journal
Reusable water bottle
Daypack or satchel for tours
Sturdy closed-toed hiking/walking shoes
Waterproof/quickdrying hiking shoes or hiking sandals
Beach shoes/flipflops
Supportive swimsuit for snorkeling tours, canoeing, cave tours
Lightweight long pants for horseback riding or hiking
Layered, lightweight clothing
Lightweight yoga clothing
Yoga mat if you are not renting one from Belize Yoga

Motion-sickness medication if you require for flights, boats or land transport
Laptop, if you like.
Camera, waterproof camera for snorkeling if you like
Battery-powered alarm clock or watch
Lightweight water-resistant jacket and or umbrella
Flashlight
Spending money, including $39.50 US in cash for Belize departure tax
Eye mask and earplugs if you have trouble sleeping in new environments


 
Belize Yoga
Belize, Central America