Josh Buettner, a partner in Ambergris Seaside Real Estate in Belize, believes cruise traffic is not good for Belize: “Passengers don’t spend a lot of money, but they leave a large footprint.” Overnight tourists pay a departure tax of US$30, while cruise passengers pay only a couple of dollars. “People here are not fond of cruise passengers. They’ve overwhelmed the Mayan ruins and snorkel destinations.”

Tourism in Belize is up. Cruise ship tourism is way up (300% in five years). If these figures are any indication, this tiny tropical paradise could be on its way to becoming the next hot destination for explorers, expats, retirees, and investors. from its Caribbean shores to its jungle interior, Belize has great natural beauty—blue water, deserted beaches, and inland retreats, where you can explore Mayan ruins, tall waterfalls, rainforests, and rivers. Until recently, Belize was rarely mentioned in the international media…but the European press is starting to take note.