Belize all to ourselves!

If climbing through caves isn't your idea of a good time, then there's an alternative called Cave Tubing. Just like at all good theme parks, you can sit yourself on an inflatable rubber ring and let the current whisk you off. Only here the river is real and so are the caves you float into! The flow of the river was pretty gentle on the day we went, and at times, pretty shallow. "Raise your butts, unless you want a butt massage" we were told. It turns out, a butt massage was unavoidable at some stages along the way!

This was part of our days journey from San Ignacio to Placencia - Belize's only beach resort on a peninsular jutting out on the east coast. Keeping alive the spirit of the ATM tour (only minus one Italian), Stuart drove us around in search of fun things to do on the way, and Cave Tubing was certainly one of them! We found ourselves a freelance guide at a fraction of the cost and he took us on a short walk through the jungle until it was time to plop ourselves onto a rubber ring and float away. Very relaxing!

We also stopped by a place called Blue Hole - which was just that. A gorgeous pool of blue water above a hole which is presumably a cave entrance. (we ignored the sign!)

The great thing about all this is, there is hardly anyone around. Perhaps a combination of the recession and it being low season out here, but it is fantastic to have all these natural treasures to ourselves! Yes, it is more likely to rain, but I don't understand why more people don't come out at this time of year. Its hasn't rained all that much, and when it does, its not cold! Our guide on the Cave Tubing told us at high season they have about 400 people floating along. Now that definitely wouldn't be the same!

Oh, and the other great thing is traveling around by car. A big thank you to Stuart! Although an expensive way to travel around Belize (the petrol is extremely costly here), its certainly the best way to see what you what you want, when you want it.

We found Placencia after a few miles of terrible road and settled on staying at Deb and Dave's Last Resort. As last resorts go, it was pretty prefect. Lots of hot water, and our rooms opened onto an enclosed lounge area which was great for sitting and having a few beers. Plus the ONLY Halloween party in town was just across the boardwalk!