Gales Point Manatee is a beautiful secluded village of about 300 people. The hosts and villagers were warm and welcoming. The cabana is exactly like in the pics, charming and homey. You can swim in the lagoon a few yards away, surrounded by a jungle paradise. The restaurant is charming too, and Myrtle’s meals and fresh juices are delicious and affordable. If you want to take a boat ride to fish and see some manatee, Jay can make it happen. If you catch fish, Myrtle will cook it for you. If you want you can learn the whole process from casting a line to gutting and scraping the fish. You can learn many great homesteading skills here! There are shops and Gentle’s Cool Spot for basic needs or a place to sit and drink a Belkins Beer or fresh homemade cashew wine. The 2.5 mile peninsula is the perfect size for long walks. You’ll greet folks along the way and see village dogs and farm animals. Buy hand made souvenirs of carved bamboo, coconut shell and beads from local artisans. Make sure to bring cash to spend, either USD or BZD, as no one here takes plastic. Transportation to and from GPM is expensive but regulated. Gas is expensive in Belize, and the village is a two hour $125 USD taxi from Belize City Airport (international one). You can also fly Tropic or Maya Air from Belize City to Hope Creek, Dangriga for $100 USD and taxi from there, about 30 minutes, to GPM for $35 USD. There are public buses in Belize but they’re slow and none go to GPM. Talk to Jay for other possible transport options. Renting a car isn’t a bad idea (around $600 USD for a week) but make sure it’s a 4x4 so you don’t get a flat, and driving or hitchhiking at night is not advised because of the roads and darkness.
This place is not fancy but it is set in paradise. It’s a rustic look and feel, with a hand crafted touch that blends well with the natural environment.