(30 Reviews)
100% Recommended

marian wattel

Stockton, CA
Speciality: Adventure & Destinations for All Ages

I have always wanted to travel.  The journey was just as important as the destination.  Seeing new things, meeting new people, and having new experiences was a treat.  I never envisioned I would get too far from home.  Little did I know my future ...
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Belize Travel Agent Expert

Sunset in Belize
Sunset in Belize

Belize, a small but diverse country in Central America, is a hidden gem for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and culture. From the lush rainforests and ancient Mayan ruins to the world-class diving in the Belize Barrier Reef, this tropical paradise offers something for everyone.Day 1: Arrival in Belize CityFly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, the main gateway to the country. After arriving, take some time to explore the city’s colonial architecture and visit the Belize Museum to learn about the country’s history. For a casual start, stroll along the Swing Bridge, the world’s only manually operated bridge, or take a boat ride along the coast.Day 2: Snorkeling and Diving at the Belize Barrier ReefOn your second day, head to Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker, two popular islands known for their proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. Take a snorkeling or diving tour to explore the vibrant underwater world filled with colorful corals, tropical fish, and marine life like rays and sea turtles. Don’t miss the famous Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim with nurse sharks and stingrays in crystal-clear waters.If you’re an experienced diver, consider visiting the Great Blue Hole, one of the most famous dive sites in the world. This massive underwater sinkhole offers a unique diving experience with stunning geological formations.Day 3: Exploring Ancient Mayan RuinsTake a day trip to some of Belize’s incredible Mayan ruins. Altun Ha, just an hour from Belize City, is a well-preserved site where you can climb ancient pyramids and learn about the Mayan civilization. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, visit Xunantunich, near the Guatemalan border. Here, you can explore the towering El Castillo pyramid and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.Another must-visit is Caracol, the largest Mayan site in Belize, located deep in the Chiquibul Forest. It’s a more remote destination, but the grandeur of the ruins and the wildlife you’ll see along the way make it worthwhile.Day 4: Jungle Adventures and WildlifeBelize’s rainforests are teeming with wildlife, and there’s no better way to experience it than by venturing into the jungle. Visit the Belize Zoo, where you can see native species like jaguars, tapirs, and toucans in a natural setting. For a more active experience, take a guided tour of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to jaguars and numerous bird species.Adventurers can try cave tubing at Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, where you’ll float down an underground river through ancient cave systems. Alternatively, explore the incredible ATM Cave (Actun Tunichil Muknal), a sacred Mayan site filled with artifacts, skeletons, and awe-inspiring cave formations.Day 5: Relax on the BeachAfter several days of exploring, take some time to relax on Belize’s pristine beaches. Placencia is a laid-back village known for its long stretches of sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. You can simply unwind, enjoy fresh seafood, and take in the tropical atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for more adventure, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the nearby mangroves.Tips for Visiting BelizeBest Time to Visit: The dry season, from November to April, is ideal for outdoor activities.Currency: Belize uses the Belizean dollar, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted.Language: English is the official language, making communication easy for English-speaking visitors.Belize offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences, making it a fantastic destination for any traveler looking to immerse themselves in nature while exploring ancient history.        

My Reviews

8 of 10 people found this review helpful
upcoming trip
Marian is both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. She also thinks of things I never would. Which is way you would use a travel agent.
By  Rob  from  Los Angeles, California
Traveled to  Barcelona ~ Spain ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

marian wattel responded:
Thank you, Robert. It has been delightful organizing your adventure in Barcelona. Planning this adventure has helped me learn about the many cultural offerings available. Eager to hear about the trip and see your pictures. Mew

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6 of 9 people found this review helpful
The most unbelievable trip!
Anything less than amazing would be an understatement without Marian my trip wouldn’t have been as productive and organized. With Marian’s help I got to see the most stunning places of Italy. Marian was so easy to work with and was very flexible with time there wasn’t a moment she wasn’t available seriously. I am so grateful that I got to work with Marian and I will not go anywhere else for a travel agent!
By  Nelson James   from  San Jose California
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

marian wattel responded:
Thank you Nelson! It was such a pleasure working with you. Thank you for keeping in touch with me throughout your adventure. It was fun to experience your enjoyment of Italy and travel. Looking forward to working with you in the future. Marian, The Optimistic Tourist

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7 of 11 people found this review helpful
Spectacular Family Cruise
Marian made our travel arrangements to take our children on a Caribbean cruise. She picked the correct ship for our 3 children and us. When we needed a little adult time, there were clubs for the children to attend. We are adventuresome, and that was the vibe of our ship. Bravo, Marian, for assessing our needs and matching us up so well.
By  JT  from  California
Traveled to  Caribbean Sea ~ At Sea ~ At Sea
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

marian wattel responded:
Thank you for the opportunity to assist in making your family adventure a success. I really knew we had a fit but needed to have a work through. You made my hunch become a reality. I know there will be other family adventures to follow.

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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Biggest Trip in Retirement
My wife and I are currently having the pleasure of working with Marian on our upcoming two week trip to Italy. We have found that Marian is resourceful, knowledgeable and timely in answering any questions we have. Marian gave us a beginning itinerary and has worked with us to adjust and change it to meet our goals. Her recommendations and expertise has made this process simple and smooth.
By  David & Carla  from  Stockton, CA
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

marian wattel responded:
Thank you David and Carla. I know you will thoroughly enjoy you Italian adventure. Please send a picture of you in Cinque Terre. Looking forward to assisting with the next trip. Mew

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3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Held my hand throughout.
Marian did the impossible - she got a flight that met up with my Australian girlfriend in Frankfurt so we could arrive together. She also kept me calm when not one, but two flights were missed and guided me through the steps to get back on track. Her fee is ridiculously low for the service she supplies. I will use her once again as I have in the past.
By  Lynne  from  Winters, CA
Traveled to  Tunisia ~ Africa
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

marian wattel responded:
Lynne, It is always a pleasure working with you. So glad you are back home, safe, and with a smile in your voice. Mew

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Destination Expert:

  • Belize
  • Belize City
  • Ambergris Caye
  • Corozal
  • San Pedro

Travel Specialist:

  • Scuba
  • Beach Vacations
  • Couples & Romance
  • Hiking & Backpacking
  • Water Sports

Certifications/Awards:

  • Hawaii Destination Expert Certification
  • Kaua'i , Maui, Oahu Specialist
  • Los Cabos Specialist
  • American Queen Voyages
  • Royal Caribbean Specialist (certified)

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