Do I need to get WhatsApp?

Yes, it allows free texting and phone calls (both local and international). The country of Belize runs on WhatsApp for local calls. Our WhatsApp number is U.S. 1(860) 716-4487.

How far are you from San Pedro Town?

Are there restaurants and bars close by?

Yes, we have more than a dozen restaurants and bars on Secret Beach, and many others within 5 miles.

Do I need to rent a golf cart?

Unless you are planning on never leaving the property and 100% eating at the Secret Beach restaurants, you need a golf cart. A round-trip taxi ride from town costs about $100 USD. We do have a reliable taxi driver who we can arrange if you choose not to have a golf cart.

Do I need electrical adapters?

Our electrical system is the same as the U.S. and Canada (120V, 60Hz), with electrical plugs that are the same as the U.S.

Can you arrange local flights, golf cart rentals, and excursions for us?

Do I need a Passport or Visa?

Yes. You will need a valid passport and a return ticket to enter Belize. No Visas are required for citizens of the U.S., Canada, British Commonwealth Countries, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, and Uruguay.

Is there laundry service at Casa Cava?

Do you have WiFi?

Yes. We have WiFi, and it is free for our guests. You can get WiFi throughout the island, but you will need to request the password from each place you visit.

Do the locals speak English?

Can I drink the water?

We provide bottled drinking water in a water dispenser in your room that is refilled daily. We also provide two refillable bottles of drinking water upon your arrival, which we suggest you refill from your room water dispenser. We also suggest that you stick with bottled water during your stay. Some of the island is on city water, some is on cistern water, and some is on well water. While many locals drink the local water, we recommend that our guests only drink bottled water.

Can I use credit cards, and is there an ATM available?

Visa/Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. Some guides and tour operators accept credit cards, but you will want to check with them first, and be prepared to pay cash if need be. ATMs are available in multiple locations for a nominal fee.

Should I bring sunscreen and bug spray?

Sunscreen lotion and bug spray is readily available for about the same cost as in the U.S. Save the luggage space and buy it here.

How do I get from Belize International Airport to San Pedro?

You have two options to get from Belize International Airport (BZE) to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The first option is a quick 15-minute flight via Tropic Air or Maya Air to get you to the island, with both costing about $175USD round trip. This is a truly beautiful flight with some wonderful views of the Caribbean, the reef, and the many shades of our clear turquoise waters. We highly recommend this easy and quick flight, and who knows, you may get selected to sit in the co-pilots seat… spectacular! We can arrange your flight for you if you like. The second option is via a Water Taxi, which costs all said and done about $80USD roundtrip, which includes a 20-30 minute taxi ride from BZE to the Water Taxi Terminal. The Water Taxi ride is about 90 minutes to our island, with a stop first at Caye Caulker. Here are the two water taxi services we recommend: http://www.belizewatertaxi.com, or https://sprinter.bz.

How much should I tip?

Tipping is the same here as in the U.S. or Canada; 15-20% at restaurants, for taxi drivers, and tour guides. It is common to tip baggage handlers, gas station attendants, or anyone who helps you, (please use your best judgment depending on the level of assistance provided). A small sign of appreciation for assistance is well received and can help the locals immensely.

What excursions should we take?

The sky is the limit here, as there are many great options: scuba diving, snorkeling, jungle tours, biking, Mayan ruin tours, fishing (reef, deep sea, and fly), boating, jet skiing, sunset cruises, jungle zip lining, cave tubing, hiking and cliff repelling, kite surfing, parasailing, the wonderful Belize Zoo, sailing to Caye Caulker, swimming with nurse sharks, food tours, Chocolate Company classes… you can look online, or we can help tailor a tour with one of the guides we use.

What about money?

The exchange rate is $2 Belize Dollars to $1US Dollar. Both currencies are accepted everywhere, except by the Belize Government. U.S. coins are not accepted or bills that are ripped or have markings on them.

What does off-the-grid living mean and how does it affect my stay?

We, like everyone on our side of the island, are completely off the electrical grid, which means our entire property is powered by the sun. Solar power is a wonderful gift, but can only be collected during the sunny part of the day. As such, we ask that you please turn off your lights, fans, and AC units, when you leave your room. Our AC units are equipped with a turbo setting and will cool down your room quickly upon your return. In addition to solar, all of our fresh water comes directly from the sky. Rain is collected under all of our buildings and then filtered for your showers, the faucets, and toilets. As noted in a prior FAQ, please do not drink water from the faucets. We have water dispensers in all the rooms, which are refilled daily. As on any island, water is considered a precious commodity, and we ask that you please use it conservatively. As a guest, you should not see any appreciable difference.

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