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Have you ever visited Belize ?
The first thing to do isto visit, stay for2 years, understand the laws, the practices, immigration, work permit etc etc

I plan on going in September for a week or 2 then make some plans for following spring.

waynepayne wrote:

I've been doing a lot of research over the past year and pretty certain this is my next phase in life, I want to get away from the craziness of bills, etc just to live comfy in Canada. I'm not high maintenance just a fun spirit that loves adventure. I love snorkeling and scuba diving and I would love to eventually buy a small boat and have some tours ( nothing crazy) of snorkeling and diving and fishing? Is this possible? I'm sure I would hire a local to help be a bit of a guide.

Other than that I was thinking of possibly owning a bar? is this doable?

Bottom line I will one day make the move(sooner rather than later) just if anyone can offer advice it would be appreciated.

thanks very much.

Sean

As Launia said you need to visit first.

Belize is unique in many ways, some good, some not good. Read through this forum for some of the details. Use the search feature to narrow down your searches.

Some observations I have made over the last ten years visiting on vacations, Then the last three years as a homeowner that spits time  between Placencia Belize and Texas.

Lots of Canadians and Americans come as snowbirds during the winter. If one is going to operate a tourist oriented business, 80% of your business is going to be during a 3-4 month "High Season period.

Tour guides are a dime a dozen as a result of the fishing industry decline (a whole separate topic with many reasons) most former fishermen have tried to switch over to become guides. In Placencia alone there are about 160 Government licensed tour guides, and who knows how many trying to make a living without being licensed. Dozens of Tour Brokers and Tour Operators are operating. Some great, many not so much.

Bars: There is no lack of bars and restaurants, and  roadside food stands. Many good ones, many wannabes.

In both categories you mentioned the competition is intense. However Belizean business folks seem to  be their own worst enemy. They climb all over one another rather than cooperating to make their chosen industry better. They really lack marketing skills, or seem to not be interested in learning any, except in one small area, Ambrose Caye. That is the"Very touristy" Island in the North that has become the Cancun of Belize. It was too  touristy for me in 2008. But many seem to like it.

It is easy to make a million dollars in Belize, just start with three million. 

Having said all that, I love the people and the place, I spend about 6 months a year in Belize over about four trips a year. Come down, explore for a couple of weeks the first time. If you like it, come back a few more times in different seasons. You will either fall in love with it, or just want to come back for vacations, or hate it. There is no substitute for your own "sandals in the sand" (Quote stolen from Bill...I wonder what happened to Bill a great contributor here that I haven't seen in a very long time)

waynepayne wrote:

I plan on going in September for a week or 2 then make some plans for following spring.

Good time to come for a real first  "test". 

By that I mean it tends to be the slowest and hottest time of the year. many business chose to close completely for part or all of September and October.