For such a small country, Belize is incredibly rich in biodiversity. Whether you come to Belize to check a hundred or so species off your lifetime list, you'll be surrounded by a rich and varied collection of flora and fauna.

In many instances, the prime viewing recommendations should be taken with a firm dose of reality. Most casual visitors and even many dedicated naturalists will never see a wildcat or kinkajou. However, anyone working with a good guide should be able to see a broad selection of Belize's impressive flora and fauna. Boasting the longest continuous barrier reef in the Americas, Belize has a rich diversity of underwater flora and fauna. Any visitor to Belize's beach or island resorts should take some time to peek at the various undersea wonders of the ocean and barrier reef, whether it is by snorkeling, scuba diving, or riding in a glass-bottomed boat.

Any angler worth his or her saltwater fly rod already knows that Belize is a world-class fishing destination. Fly-fishing on the flats for permit, tarpon, and bonefish is the main draw, and they are excellent all up and down the coast and on the saltwater flats the length of the barrier reef. Bonefish and permit fishing is good year-round, while tarpon are best sought from April to November, with July and August being the best months. The Southern Zone around Punta Gorda and Placencia is prime fishing grounds for permit, while the coastal mangroves and rivers are excellent spots to land lively snook.

Belize will never rival the British Virgin Islands for sailing. The shallow water kicks up a lot of chop, and hidden coral heads and tidal currents are dangerous for even those familiar with the area. When you charter a boat you have to stay inside the barrier reef, but there's a lot of beautiful territory to explore. Tortola Marine Management (Coconut Dr., San Pedro, Belize. PHONE: 226/3026, FAX: 226/3072, www.sailtmm.com), which has a small fleet of catamarans (35 feet-47 feet) and one monohull, is the best boating outfit. Rates vary, depending on boat type and time of year, but range from BZ$3,700 to more than BZ$16,000 a week, not including provisions, cruising fee (BZ$30 per person), and incidentals. Skippers and cooks are each an additional BZ$200 per day. Split among three to eight people.