General Questions:
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Check-In: 3:00 PM
Check-Out: 11:00 AM
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For reservation confirmation, 1 night’s deposit is due at the time of booking with balance due 45 days before arrival. Your payment is fully refundable up to 31 days prior to check-in, less a 5% administrative fee. If you cancel 30 days or less before check-in, your payment is non-refundable. Refunds are processed in USD and will reflect the exchange rate the day the refund is processed.
For Emergency Cancellations within 30 days of check-in, we recommend you purchase travel insurance in case of travel delays, bad weather/natural disaster/pandemic events in your area, personal illness/death in family, or personal situation preventing your travel.
While we provide refunds for cancellations more than 31 days before check in (minus 5% service fee), events causing cancellations within 30 days are non-refundable; these may be claimed under your travel insurance. We will assist with documentation requested so that you may submit your claim.
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Casa Bahia Verde, translates to Greene Bay House and features 2 separate units, our Hacienda, which translates to “Big House” and our Casita, which translates to “Small House”.
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Both units have access to our pool and our docks so that you may fully enjoy the property.
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YES!
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Your unit has laundry facilities however we do not provide specific laundry supplies. You are free to use the washer and dryer in the unit.
Transportation Questions:
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The most popular method is to take one of Belize's regional planes ("puddle jumpers") from the Belize International Airport (BZE) to Placencia. The flights are scheduled throughout the day. Flight is only 40 minutes long.
When you get off the plane you'll go through immigration and customs, and then after collecting your bags will proceed to the Tropic Air/Maya Island Air counter to check in for your flight to Placencia. If you breeze through immigration and customs, you may be bumped up to an earlier Tropic or Maya Air flight.
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Some people take shuttles or rent a car at BZE. The drive is anywhere from 3.5-5 hours. You can set up your transport through our preferred, well known shuttles are
You can book them online.
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Car rental is expensive in Belize, as there are not many cars here ($75-100us per day). Gas is also pretty pricey. It is a great experience to drive through the country, and see our post above about driving in Belize. If you are seeing the whole country, it is economical.
When you arrive at BZE, the car rental places are located just outside the main entrance to the airport, easy to find, and works like a US car rental.
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We recommend leaving at least 75-90 minutes between your incoming flight and your puddle jumper flight. Please note that the airlines still recommend 2-3 hours in between. While there is always a chance of delays, please schedule what makes you comfortable.
If you breeze through customs and immigration, they will put you on an earlier flight.
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You can easily rent a golf cart and we recommend that you do this in advance to avoid disappointment; they rent for around $65US.
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There is a page dedicated to this information in your Guest Book and most everyone in Belize uses whatsapp to communicate.
Weather Questions:
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Belize is subtropical, with a mean annual temperature of 80 degrees F. It is similar to South Florida weather. During the months of November to March expect temperatures in Placencia to be in the middle to high 70's or low 80's.
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Winter storms called "Northers"may bring rain and lower the temperature down to the low 60’s. Inland, temperatures are usually higher, reaching the 90's during the warm season. Trade winds blow along the coast and on the cayes most of the year, keeping temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months, except for a few weeks, generally around mid-August through mid-September.
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The dry season generally lasts from November through May while the rainy season is typically June-November. The rain during this season often comes during the night. Hurricanes occasionally occur August through October (about once every 30 years, in the last hundred years). Rainfall is heaviest in the south and the jungle areas (around 180 inches), lightest in the north and on the Cayes (around 50 inches). Water temperature averages between 76 and 83 degrees F.
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Many people ask if they should even consider coming during rainy season. There are many mini droughts in "rainy season" and sometimes it seems to rain as much in "dry season." Weather is always unpredictable, but, your chances of having your particular week ruined by the weather are statistically small. There is not one particular time of year that is "predictable" - with the exception, September and October are typically the wettest/muggy-ist/hottest/buggy-est - but you can also find great deals on travel then.
Tropical Diseases/Bugs Questions:
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We always refer to the CDC page for any updates. We recommend being careful with applying DEET especially at high risk times (after a rain, at dusk/dawn, in the jungle.)
There may be some sand flies and mosquitoes but primarily when it is calm and at dawn or dusk. They are more prevalent on the mangrove cayes and near the lagoon. The biggest health hazard is a serious sunburn which can ruin your travels. It is highly improbable that you will be in an area on the peninsula where you will be bitten by an Anopheles mosquito with the malaria parasite. The same is true of other diseases, such as Dengue Fever. If your plans include a stay in the jungle however, check with your health provider about risk versus treatment. It is always a good idea to keep your tetanus booster up to date though no shots are currently required to enter the country.
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These are present in all tropical places. Where you see raked sand, you are probably pretty safe from them. We recommend using Avon's Skin So Soft as this is a natural repellent they can't bite through. As they are actually tiny crustaceans and not insects, DEET has no effect on them. Most people will have no problems, they are generally active after a rain, or when it is cooler. You will not know you are bitten until the next day, when they show up as very itchy red bumps, often many at a time. They are a nuisance but nothing serious or life threatening - Benadryl cream is helpful to stop the itching.
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In your suite, you may come across a few common bugs. Tiny (non biting) ants are common, and you will see that if you leave any sort of food out they will find it. Occasionally you may run across a cockroach but they stay away from people and only come out when it is dark, and we do treat for them frequently. You may also see an occasional gecko in the cabanas—they are harmless and scared of people, and actually are pretty cute. They are good guys in that you rarely see too many bugs/spiders, because they eat them. They make a loud bird like chirping noise you may hear from time to time. Scorpions are present in Belize, but usually prefer to be where it is wet. Please be aware anytime you are putting your hand into a dark space. Scorpion stings are painful but temporary. SPF and DEET are readily available at all local stores.
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Because we are close to the reef, where there is a plethora of sea life, you will occasionally find jellyfish in the water. We have occasionally sighted a stingray and barracuda close to the shores as well. The best defense against jellyfish is to wear goggles, and exit the water if you see more than one, as the current may be bringing them closer to shore. If you get stung, take a Benadryl and scrape the sting with a credit card, then apply white vinegar. Barracuda normally do not attack people. Take caution in wearing shiny jewelry in the water, and if you see one, give it plenty of space. We do not recommend getting into the lagoon as there is clear evidence that there are crocks in the water. For this reason we do not provide kayaks or paddle boards.
Belize Questions:
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Placencia is considered safe, with little violent crime. The crime here is mostly opportunistic theft - we recommend you keep a close eye on your belongings and do not leave anything unattended, just as you would do anywhere. You can be lulled into a sense of security here because it is so quiet and peaceful, and lose vigilance to lock doors and bring things inside. We have had very few incidents of theft here, and these have only occurred as a result of leaving things unlocked or unattended. You have a very low chance of anything crime related happening here, and this is true throughout the country.
The one exception is the south side of Belize City, where tourists do not go. This pocket accounts for the majority of reported crimes in the country. Because the country is the least population dense in Central America, the crime appears on paper, higher than reality. Visitors come here again and again because they do feel safe here, and unlike a lot of tourist destinations, you do not have to stay behind the closed walls of your rental. The village IS the experience and it is encouraged to go out and enjoy. Just like anywhere, don't flash cash or bring attention to expensive items.
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Yes - right out of the tap; it is delicious! The tap water on our property is treated municipal water from a deep artesian well located on the mainland in Big Creek and is filtered. Water is provided via a relatively new PVC pipe system to commercial and household users throughout the country. It is generally recognized as safe to drink. It is known to be potable and most expats and tourists drink right from the tap. Each person is different, however, and bottled water is available all over the peninsula, and is very affordable, but in the interest of the environment, we encourage you to have your personal reusable water bottle.
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Electrical power is 110 volts/60 cycle, which is the same as the United States and Canada. The plugs and outlets are the same as the US. A small surge protector is highly recommended for computers and other sensitive equipment.
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Belize is on Central Standard Time, however, they do not observe Daylight Savings Time. The local time is Greenwich mean time minus six hours.
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English is the official language, though Spanish, Creole, Mayan, and Garifuna are also spoken. While the population of Belize is only about 365,000 and it is only about the size of New Hampshire, there is a great deal of ethnic diversity among Belizeans, who include Creoles (African-European), Mestizo (Spanish-Indian), Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian.
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A valid passport and return ticket is necessary for entry into Belize. No visas are required for citizens of the U.S., British Commonwealth nations, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey and Uruguay.
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A 30 day visitors permit will be issued to you upon arrival. Extensions are routinely granted at the Immigration offices located throughout the country.
Money Questions:
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Local currency is the Belize Dollar. One U.S. dollar is worth two Belize dollars - it is set at this rate and does not change. Almost all prices are in Belize dollars except where noted. There is no need to exchange money as USD is accepted - for example, if the total is $30, this means Belize dollars, and if you hand them $15US, they won't bat an eyelash.
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Credit cards are accepted widely in the village. Some tour operators accept credit cards, but you will want to be prepared to pay cash for some.
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ATMs are available in the village for a fee of a few dollars.
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Tipping is appreciated and is about the same as the US. It is always kind and appreciated to tip tour guides or for any extra service.
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Produce is sold at farm stands throughout the village, and at the grocery stores. The grocery stores here are relatively well stocked. You can always find the basics, but specific, selective items are inconsistent. Things like bug spray, SPF, toilet paper, basic groceries are plentiful. There is a pharmacy in the village. There is a range to suit all diners here, from basic and casual to amazing dining. Prices here are similar to the US. Remember all prices are in Belize dollars so it looks double the price.
Recommendation Questions:
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The options are wide: Cave tubing, hiking, snorkeling, boating, sailing, fishing, local restaurants, shopping, Mayan tours, sunset cruises, scuba diving, cave exploration tours, bird watching, biking, jungle tours, ziplining, parasailing, kite surfing, the zoo, and more.
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The most popular (80% of visitors go here) place is Ambergris Caye. This is a very busy, crowded, active island on the northern Coast of Belize. Although Belize is small, the options are SO different throughout the country. Placencia is very popular for people who want world class diving and snorkeling, a laid back beach town (with no chains), very authentic, rustic, and where one can safely hang out in a walkable Caribbean village. People who want more nightlife and the busy-ness of a large town go to Ambergris Caye. People who want adventure in the jungles and mountains go to Cayo - San Ignacio. In San Ignacio, a few must do's in order - Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave tour is spectacular, Xunantunich Mayan Ruins, and any of the cave tours are a unique and amazing experience.
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"Low season" (arguably) starts around June. June has Lobsterfest, however, so things stay pretty lively. The weather gets a bit hotter and a few more rain showers (at night) by June, and many of the hard working businesses will shutter for a couple weeks/month at a time to recover from high season. There is NO reason to not come here in " low season." You can have just as much fun, a couple places here or there might be closed but you can't possibly hit every hot spot here on one trip anyway. Generally, September and October are the slowest times to come, least crowded, and it will be the hottest/wettest/buggy-est. However - plenty of people come during those months and have a wonderful experience. Come when your schedule allows you to, and know that you will have more to do here, than you know what to do with!
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There is an Episcopal church in town, St. John’s Memorial, as well as a Catholic Church in Seine Bight about 10 minutes drive from CBV. Sunday services begin at 8am. Seventh Day Adventists-Friday at sunset, Saturdays 9am.
Specialized Questions:
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The process is fun and easy, and you can contact us at:
stay@casabahiaverdebelize.com to start the process!
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Belize is not known for cutting edge medical services, and this should be taken into consideration. Belize City has the most advanced medical services, and for serious medical incidences, it’s best to arrange for private charter to fly out on the next available puddle jumper directly to Belize City (TZA) ; the airport is normally opened from 7:00AM - 6:00PM. There is a moderately equipped hospital in Dangriga, about an hour drive away. The village has an on call, 24/7 doctor, Dr. Alexis who can be reached at 011.622.7648 or the newly opened Policlinic can be reached at 011.503. 3326. This is located next to the Placencia Airstrip.
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The Maya Beach Police station is located about 5-7 minutes drive from Casa Bahia Verde.
Police: 911 or 011.523-3018
Placencia Fire Station: 011.503-3222 -
Lastly, before coming to Belize make copies of your passports, credit cards and driver’s license. Scan and email yourself copies and leave a copy at home in a safe. That way if you lose any of these items while you are here they will be easier to replace. Also, bring enough medicine with you if you take any prescription meds. Our local pharmacies are usually well stocked with general antibiotics, minor pain killers, cold and flu meds, etc, but if you need anything special bring it with you.