Travel Tips – Visit Shipstern

General infos

Ready for your great adventure? Here are some helpful infos to be well prepared for your visit to Shipstern:

Climate

belize-climate-weather-sarteneja The best time to visit is January – April, with pleasant temperatures, hardly any rain and often a nice cool breeze. May is the onset of the rainy season, which lasts until July. August is the small dry season, while September – November is the proper rainy (hurricane) season. Shipstern remains the driest place in Belize.

Population

population-belize-village Belize has about 350,000 inhabitants, composed of Creole (of African descent), Garifuna (of Carib-indian and African descent), Mestizo (Spanish, Indian), Maya, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, East Indian and Europeans. Belizeans are friendly, welcoming and peaceful.

Language

language-belize English is the official language and widely spoken, along with Creole English and Spanish. In southern Belize, Garifuna and Maya are spoken. Mennonites speak Plautdietsch, an old version of German, but many do speak what is called “Bible German” which is Hochdeutsch.

Currency

Local currency is the Belize Dollar. 1 US dollar is equivalent to 2 Belize dollars. Banks and ATM’s available throughout the country includes Atlantic bank, Belize bank, First Caribbean, Heritage bank and Scotia Bank. There is an ATM in Sarteneja, Corozal Town and Orange Walk.

Visa

belize-visum-shipstern-yucatan
All travelers entering the country must have a valid passport (valid for up to six months after visit) and a proof of return to their country. No visas are required for citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Eu countries & Switzerland, and the majority of Caribbean Islands. Belize allows visitors a maximum of one-month stay in the country before requiring an extension.

Time Zone

The time zones in Belize is GMT minus 6 hours, identical to the US central standard time. There is no daylight savings time, which means that time difference fluctuates with neighbouring Mexico – something to think about when you cross the border.

Electricity

electricity-belize
Outlets and plugs follow the American system, and voltage is 110 volts A.C.

WIFI

wifi-shipstern-headquarter-internet
WIFI is available at Shipstern Headquarters

How to get there

Travelling to us

Travelling to Shipstern is doable with almost any vehicle outside the rainy season. From May to December, it is advisable to have a 4×4 vehicle. Only very rarely do roads get flooded. For those who have not rented a vehicle, we are happy to arrange transports for our guests. See our indicative rates below.

There are of course other options to reach us, some of which are listed below.

It is advisable to enquire at your point of departure where and when buses / boats leave, or whether they leave at all. Services are sometimes discontinued without much warning. For more information go to www.travelbelize.org.

Driving

Travelers driving from Belize City can drive to Shipstern via the Northern Highway through Orange Walk Town. A road branches off at the large roundabout approximately two miles after the toll bridge, past the sugar cane factory. The first exit will take you to a second roundabout, where, again, the first exit will take you on the road to Sarteneja. This will go through the villages of San Estevan, Little Belize and Chunox before arriving at Shipstern. You can also drive through orange Walk Town, a nice a picturesque place with a nice riverside park and small hotels.

Right before the Police Station, a road to the right takes you to the covered market and you’ll find the bridge over the New River, to San Estevan.

One can also opt to take the more adventurous drive through Corozal Town. This 1 ½ hour drive starts off at the south end of Town, and will take you across the New River and the Laguna Seca, both not on bridges but on hand-cranked ferries !

Public Bus Transportation

Local buses from the village of Sarteneja are easily recognizable. Painted in bright sky-blue color and easily distinguishable “Sarteneja” painted on the front and sides, the local Sarteneja bus line provide a fairly reliable means of getting to and from Shipstern. Buses depart Monday to Saturday from Belize City to Sarteneja making a brief stop in Orange Walk Town to drop off and pick passengers. Enquire in Orange Walk where the Sarteneja buses leave from, as this may vary.

Sarteneja Bus How to get here Belize Travel tips

Leave Belize City	Orange Walk	Arrive Shipstern
10:30 a.m.	12:30 p.m.	2:00 p.m.
12:30 p.m.	2:30 p.m.	4:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.	4:00 p.m.	5:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m.	6:00 p.m.	7:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m.	7:00 p.m.	8:30 p.m.

Water Taxi

Another option how to get here to Shipstern is to take the Thunderbolt Water Taxi to Sarteneja, which runs from Corozal to San Pedro with a stop upon request at Sarteneja. The Thunderbolt leaves at 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to go to Sarteneja and the fare for this is around $15 US. Please do not forget to tell the captain that you wish to stop at Sarteneja. The ride to Sarteneja from Corozal takes about 30 minutes.

Our Transportation Rates

travel-to-shipstern-by-car-birding-belize

travel-to-shipstern-by-bus-sarteneja-belize

Boat	US $
Corozal to Shipstern	100.—
Car (max. 4 p)
Belize City to Shipstern	120.—
Mexican Border to Shipstern	75.—
Orange Walk to Shipstern	75.—
Shipstern to Sarteneja (minimal fee US $ 10.—)	5.—
Bus
Corozal to Shipstern	100.—

Packing Checklist

It is not always simple to pack, especially if you do not know what to expect on your trip to an exotic place. Here are a few tips we put together to help ease the process. Should you have any questions, please feel free to ask us!

Clothing

Shirts – T-shirts and long sleeved cotton shirts
Pants – Shorts and long cotton pants
Hat – for rain and sun protection
Boots – light weight hiking boots with ankle support
Sneakers – do not bring new ones
Socks – white Athletic socks
Flip flops/Sandals – optional but probably best
Swimsuits
Jacket – light weight windbreaker (pref. Waterproof)
Bandannas

Other Items

Passport and a photocopy of the first two pages
Flash light / head lamp
Binoculars / camera – (bring a large zip-lock bag and silica gel packets to protect them from dampness / humidity)
Insect repellent
Sunscreen – high SPF preferable
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Personal medication- pain relievers, vitamins etc.
Personal toiletries – soap, deodorant, tooth brush, shampoo etc.
Backpack / fanny pack

Download Packlist

Visit Sarteneja

Sarteneja is only the most idyllic fishing village you will ever see. A great spot to relax and to enjoy the slow pace of live, well accessible but not on the radar of the large tourist masses. Shipstern is of course proud to promote its natural wonders, its tours and activities, and its facilities and accommodation, run by our local and friendly staff. As a conservation organization, we do however wish to support local communities by creating opportunities for local endeavours, since Shipstern is a powerful magnet for tourism. Below you will find a list of bars, restaurants and accommodations in Sarteneja. Please enquire about the latest updates when staying at Shipstern the region.

Restaurants & Pubs

Pablito’s (la estrella):

Pablito’s place has been around for quite a while. It offers very affordable meals in a simple but cosy environment. Some of the meals include local dishes, soups, and fresh sea food. Open every day .

Shipstern:

The dining facilities at Shipstern are set in a natural, rustic and clean environment. A spacious dining area with palapa bar mostly caters to guests staying at the reserve, but we do welcome visitors from the outside, for lunch or dinner. Although we try to be always ready to cook a dinner, it is best to give us a phone call (501) 666-4423 for reservations in advance or send us an email.

Liz fast food:

A popular place for locals and tourists. Offers local fast food including tacos, empanadas and salbutes. Always open.

Ado’s Chill and Snack Place:

This is a new place that is rapidly gaining attention. They serve a variety of food but are especially known for their Mexican chilaquiles, coffees, and free wifi.

Accommodations

Backpacker’s Paradise

At the entrance of the village, this cosy place is run by Nathalie and offers camping and very affordable rooms in small cabañas. The place has its own restaurant.

Fernando’s Seaside Guesthouse:

Fernando’s is an award winning small hotel, one of the pioneers in Sarteneja. On the seaside, hotel with a/c.

Birder’s Lodge at Shipstern:

Basic but comfortable and clean lodge cabanas located right at Shipstern’s headquarters. The best location to start your bird tour in Belize.

Home stay:

There are home stay programs in Sarteneja , where visitors can spend a few days, sharing the life of locals. Host families provide food and lodging. contact us for more info.

Activities

Nightlife in Shipstern:

The other nightlife ! Shipstern offers a Tour Nocturno, during which our guides will take you into the forests to spot some of the exotic nightlife, from insects to lizards and, with a bit of luck, mammals.

Shipstern:

Birding, hiking, trekking. See tours and activities.

Local guides:

Local tours around the village include: cave tour, community tour, swimming and fishing. Contact us for more info.

Biking:

There are affordable bike rentals in the village. Please, don’t hesitate to ask us where to find them.

Community Events

Easter Regatta:

This is THE yearly event in Sarteneja. Many participants from all over Belize for boat races, dances, food, and other entertainment.

September, Independence activities:

During the month of September the community plans a variety of events to celebrate the independence of Belize. Contact us for more info on upcoming events.

Visit Belize

Belize may be the smallest country of Central America, but has lots to offer. From the beautiful caribbean sea to the precious forests, from picturesque fishing villages to vibrant Towns and Cities. Due to conservation efforts, a lot of Belizes nature is still intact.

Nature

Shipstern

Cenotes

Freshwater Creek Forest Reserve

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Maya Mountain Forest Reserve

Manatee Forest Reserve

Barrier Reef & Sea

Blue Hole National Monument

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve

Culture

Cerros

Lamanai

Orange Walk Town

Caye Caulker

San Pedro

Visit the Yucatan Peninsula

Belize

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.

General info

How to get there

Packing Checklist

Visit Sarteneja

Visit Belize

Visit theYucatan Peninsula

General infos

Climate

Population

Language

Currency

Visa

Time Zone

Electricity

WIFI

How to get there

Travelling to us

Driving

Public Bus Transportation

Water Taxi

Our Transportation Rates

Packing Checklist

Clothing

Other Items

Visit Sarteneja

Restaurants & Pubs

Pablito’s (la estrella):

Shipstern:

Liz fast food:

Ado’s Chill and Snack Place:

Accommodations

Backpacker’s Paradise

Fernando’s Seaside Guesthouse:

Birder’s Lodge at Shipstern:

Home stay:

Activities

Nightlife in Shipstern:

Shipstern:

Local guides:

Biking:

Community Events

Easter Regatta:

September, Independence activities:

Visit Belize

Nature

Shipstern

Cenotes

Freshwater Creek Forest Reserve

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Maya Mountain Forest Reserve

Manatee Forest Reserve

Barrier Reef & Sea

Blue Hole National Monument

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve

Culture

Cerros

Lamanai

Orange Walk Town

Caye Caulker

San Pedro

Visit the Yucatan Peninsula

Belize

Mexico

Tulum

Cancun & Isla Mujeres

Chichen Itza

Guatemala

Lago Atitlan

Antigua

Tikal & Flores

Visit the
Yucatan Peninsula