Barnacle Bill's - What you should know

Home Page Accommodations Rates Reservations Tours Guest comments Photo Gallery

A passport is required to enter Belize along with proof of return. No visas are required for U.S. or Canadian citizens, nationals of Caricom countries and of the European Community member nations. Visas are probably required if you live elsewhere. Visitors are allowed a one-month visit without requesting an extension.
The following airlines provide service Belize: American Airlines, Continental, Delta, TACA, and US Airways. International flights to Belize are through Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Miami and Los Angeles. A charter flight out of Toronto is now available.
The following airlines provide hourly flights to the Placencia Airstrip: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. Let us make your reservations for you and we can make changes easily if needed.
If you decide to rent a car in Belize City and drive down, the drive will take you approximately three and a half hours. We recommend you drive during daylight hours, with sunset being between 5:30 and 6:30. There are also car rentals available in Placencia.
US cash is accepted everywhere. Bring as much as you feel comfortable carrying. Travelers checks are accepted at most places. It's best to bring large denominations in travelers checks or cash to pay for accommodations and tours, and smaller amounts to pay for meals. You can also get an ATM cash advance on your credit card at the Atlantic Bank in Placencia.
The Belize dollar has a fixed rate of $2 BZ = $1 US when using cash or travelers checks.
Credit Cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at some places. Leave your American Express card at home. Please be aware that when using your credit card your amounts are charged in Belize dollars. The exchange rate into US dollars will not be 2 to 1 . Check with your credit card company to see what exchange rate they will give you. If you are using Mastercard you should plan to call your credit card company before arriving in Belize to allow any charges over $500 US to go through. Also bring your credit card company phone number (preferably a collect number) to call in case your charge is declined while here in Belize.
$35 US departure tax per person required when leaving the Belize Int'l Airport. This tax is most likely included in the cost of most tickets anymore.
Tours and accommodations are quoted in US dollars, where as meals, groceries and gift shops quote in Belize dollars.
The time zone is Central Standard. Daylight savings is not observed.
The overall climate of Belize can be described as sub-tropical. November to January are usually cooler months with a 75°F average and May to September are the warmest at about a 81°F average. The mean annual humidity is 83%, but the offshore breezes often provide cooler temperatures.
Bring light cotton clothing - shorts, t-shirts, bathing suits, comfortable walking shoes and sandals. Leave your formal clothes at home.
For jungle trips, long cotton pants, long sleeved shirt, and sneakers or tivas are recommended.
If you come in the fall or winter you may want to bring a rain poncho and a jacket or sweatshirt.
You should bring sunscreen, aloe vera gel or some kind of after burn, insect repellent, and a hat.
Don't forget your flashlight and extra batteries! It get's dark around here by 6:00 pm so you'll be glad to have one with you.
There is a small local grocery store in Maya Beach, a couple minute walk down the road, where you can buy food to make your meals. You can also buy fruits and vegetables from venders that stop by a couple times a week in our driveway.
It's a good idea to bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it. If your diving you can bring your BC, regulator, fins and mask.
We don't have pipe water, nor do we use well water. We enjoy filtered rainwater exclusively, which is perfectly safe to drink and tastes good. For this reason, we will probably ask you to be conservative with your water usage during the dry months.
Electricity is 110 volts A.C. Same as U.S.
No immunizations are needed for your stay here at Barnacle Bill's. Please consult your doctor for the best advice. Malaria medication may be advised for extended stays in the jungle.
Sand flies may be a problem during certain times of the day. If you tend to be one of those people whom react to insect bites, you might want to bring anti-histamines and an anti-itch cream to help reduce any reaction. We provide bug coils and rubbing alcohol to reduce the bugs and the itch.
There is a part time doctor available in Placencia and a hospital in Dangriga. Should there be a serious medical problem, Belize Emergency Response Team is available for air evacuation. Please remember to bring your medications. There is a pharmacy in Placencia were you may be able to buy needed items.
Please feel free to leave our phone/fax number and e-mail address for you to be reached in case of emergency. We can send an email for you also. Internet is also available at Mangos and the Maya Beach Hotel. If you need to call home, you can do this from from the local market using a pre-paid BTL phone card, which can be purchased there.

Home Page Accommodations Rates Reservations Tours Guest comments Photo Gallery