Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced diver, a Belize liveaboard experience will give you unrivaled access to some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean, such as the Turneffe Island and Lighthouse Reef Atolls. By staying onboard, you’ll be right near the action, and able to experience even more of the great marine diversity. Don’t spend any of your precious dive time traveling to and from sites. The Adventure Junkies will help you pick the right liveaboard for your adventure.

For more of our liveaboard recommendations, check out these popular articles: 

Caribbean |  Bahamas | Cuba | Turks & Caicos

North Pacific |  Galapagos | Guadalupe | Socorro | Cocos

South Pacific | Australia | Palau | Fiji | French Polynesia | PNG | Solomon Islands

South East Asia | Raja Ampat | Komodo | Similan | Tubbataha | Burma

Red Sea & Middle East | Egypt | Sudan | Oman | Djibouti

Indian Ocean | Maldives | Seychelles | Visayas | Truk Lagoon

QUICK ANSWER: THE BEST BELIZE LIVEABOARD TRIPS

1. BELIZE AGGRESSOR III
2. BELIZE AGGRESSOR IV

BELIZE LIVEABOARD REVIEWS

BELIZE AGGRESSOR III

Photo Credit: Belize Aggressor III Liveaboard

The Belize Aggressor III is 110 feet (33.528m) long and 72 feet (22m) wide. With room for 18 divers and a crew of 6, it’s a perfect size for small to medium-sized groups. The Aggressor III has nine cabins, each including a private head and shower and TV/DVD. You can book a master stateroom, deluxe stateroom and deluxe stateroom bunk style.

When you’re not diving or sleeping, you can enjoy Karaoke, movies, a library, and a sun deck complete with hot tub and bar service. Enjoy local food and all-inclusive beverages, including beer and wine.

You’ll store your dive equipment in a personal locker, and enjoy fresh water showers on the back deck after your diving for the day is complete. Photo equipment is available to rent, and a large camera table and charging station will keep you ready to capture amazing memories of your underwater adventure.

BELIZE AGGRESSOR IV

Photo Credit: Belize Aggressor IV Liveaboard

The Belize Aggressor IV is 138 feet (42m) long and 26 feet (8m) wide. The Aggressor IV welcomes up to 20 guests, offering the choice between 8 deluxe staterooms with twin or king beds, or 2 master staterooms with queen beds. All rooms are individually climate controlled.

The Aggressor IV also provides a great place to relax when you’re above the water. Enjoy some down time on the sun deck, with deck chairs, stereo, shaded wet bar, grill and photo center.

The Aggressor IV has a huge dive deck with bins to hold your gear, rinse tanks and a three-tiered camera table.

COMPARISON TABLE – FIND THE BEST BELIZE LIVEABOARD FOR YOU

PICTURE	LIVEABOARD	MAX DIVERS	NITROX	WIFI	PRICE
	BELIZE AGGRESSOR III	18	AVAILABLE	NO	$$
	BELIZE AGGRESSOR IV	20	AVAILABLE	NO	$$$
PICTURE	LIVEABOARD	MAX DIVERS	NITROX	WIFI	PRICE

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A LIVEABOARD IN BELIZE

GROUP SIZE

If you’re traveling with a group, you’ll need to know how much space you need. While both Belize liveaboards are well-sized for a medium to large group, you may not be the only ones reserving a cabin. Plan ahead and keep in mind that larger groups will need to reserve farther in advance.

If you’re planning a trip with a large group, knowing the liveaboard capacities ahead of time can save you some heartache. Make sure you don’t sign up more people than your sailing castle can hold.

BUDGET

Liveaboards offer the ultimate in convenience when it comes to planning your dive trip. While you may pay extra for gear or nitrox, with food and lodging all included, you’re not likely to spend beyond your meal budget by wandering off to the latest hot spot in town.

That said, the cost of a liveaboard vacation isn’t low. Costs typically range from $250-$300 USD/person, per day, depending on the season and duration of your trip.

UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY

One great feature of a liveaboard is built-in camera stations to clean and care for your underwater photography equipment. Whether you’re new to the world of underwater images, or you’re an experienced photographer, taking your camera – in a water-safe housing, of course – into the deep can produce incredible images. Check out our guide on how to take great pictures underwater if you want to level up your skills.

Regardless of which liveaboard you select, be sure you understand all of your camera gear and how to care for it before you travel. Knowing what type of charging stations, rinse stations, and gear storage is available will help you pack effectively for your trip and make sure you have all of the right pieces to capture some incredible moments beneath the seas.

CLIMATE & SEASON

Belize has the great feature of being dive-ready for most of the year. According to Dive-The-World, you can actually dive in Belize during any season. That said, April until June is typically considered peak season. This is when the weather will be most dry, and generally you’ll find the most tourism in during this part of the year. However, you can still dive during the rainy season, from late June through November. It’s rare to get more than a few days of rain in a row, and you’ll be underwater where the views aren’t impacted by the rain.

If you are traveling via liveaboard, you’ll want to pack your motion sickness medicine, however — in the rainy season, the water can be a bit more rough than during the dry months.

The other factor when it comes to planning your trip is the wildlife you want to see! Just like land creatures, aquatic animals move about during the year, seeking out colder or warmer water depending on whether they are breeding or searching for food.

In Belize, if you’re looking for whale sharks, you should plan a trip during the high season from April to June. During this time of year, the whale sharks tend to congregate along the southern barrier reef.

GEAR RENTAL

Unless you have all of your own gear, you’ll want to understand what is available to rent once you arrive. Most liveaboards will arrange a full setup of rental gear for you, but you’ll want to ask ahead of time to make sure understand what is available, especially if you have any special requests. Does the rental include a dive computer? What type of bouyancy control device (BCD) is available? Are the weights integrated or added to a weight belt?

VIDEO: SCUBA DIVING IN BELIZE

The post Best Belize Liveaboard Trips appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Never fear! Even if your current fitness practice is limited to doing marathons of TV shows, The Adventure Junkies can help set you on the right course. A bit of time invested to learn how to train for skiing will pay off once the snow starts to fall. Read on for our best suggestions on how to get ready for the skiing season.

THE UNIQUE DEMANDS OF SKIING

Skiing is a blast, but it is also a great workout. Just like running or hiking, skiing demands a basic cardio fitness level. To maximize your training for skiing, you’ll need to expand your routine beyond cardio. The thing is, training regimens can be confusing and overwhelming especially for casual skiers or people who aren’t as active in the offseason. So, where should you begin when you want to know how to train for skiing?

The Denver Post interviewed six fitness trainers to help prepare weekend warriors for another season on the slopes. The trainers all agreed that endurance, stability, balance and flexibility are crucial factors to improving your performance and preventing potential injury. A training routine that focuses on each element will set you up for success and lower your chances of getting injured, so you can enjoy skiing all season long.

ENDURANCE

Skiing is like a marathon. If all goes well, you can be outside for hours on end either riding the lifts or skinning up the mountain.

REI.com explains in their basic training guide that whether you plan to ski straight from top to bottom of the mountain or stop along the run for photo ops and rest breaks, interval training should be part of your preparation. Interval training will let you build endurance with low-intensity cardio combined with high-intensity intervals. When training in high-intensity intervals, focus on including five to 10 intervals of 30–120 seconds each. Allot about a minute to recover in between each interval.

Any form of cardio – from running to swimming – will help. To mimic the muscles used in skiing, the Telegraph suggests integrating workouts on a step machine or bicycle.

STABILITY & STRENGTH

One of the challenges of skiing is the variable terrain. There is always the possibility that you’ll find yourself on nicely groomed runs, or darting between the trees in knee-deep powder. Regardless of the surface, you’ll be in great shape if you can increase your core strength and overall stability.

A great way to mimic the unpredictability of the ski slopes is to train on diverse surfaces. Running on a trail or on sandy surfaces is a good option. Your legs and ankles have to adapt quickly to diverse conditions. This is also a good way to build your core strength.

Another great tactic, especially if you’re focused on gym workouts, is to build eccentric leg strength. Backcountry.com interviewed Rob Shaul, owner of the Mountain Athlete training center in Jackson, Wyoming, who defined eccentric leg strength as the strength used to lower yourself into the bottom of the squat or hike downhill. Eccentric leg strength is a key factor in the endurance and strength needed for a long day of skiing.

BALANCE

Balance goes hand-in-hand with stability. Working on your sense of balance will help your ski form and performance, especially on steeps and moguls. At the most basic level, balance will let you stay upright and standing on your skis. If you’re a brand new skier, balance is perhaps the most important skill to develop.

Specific attention to the adductor and abductor muscles will help create better balance, increase your leg strength and stability and protect your knees. Improving your balance will help your body maintain its best position in any circumstance. Balance will also make all of your other ski skills feel a little easier to maximize.

FLEXIBILITY

Flexibility helps your body, and especially your knees, react to the unpredictable surfaces of the ski slope. ESPN featured five yoga moves designed for the skier, pointing out that open and flexible hips are essential to protect the knees in the event you hit an unstable surface. Improving your flexibility will also provide a bonus when your friends are filming your descent as you’ll be able to fall more gracefully.

The importance of flexibility extends beyond the ski season. If you are active in the offseason, be sure you take care of your knees and other joints when hiking, running or lifting. Avoiding injury and establishing good habits will prepare your body to take on the added stress of snow and steep slopes.

CROSS-TRAINING

Ultimately, the best way to train for skiing is to incorporate a blend of activities that will cross-train your body and hit on all four of the key points, namely, endurance, stability, balance and flexibility. Consider adding activities, such as yoga, that focus on more than one area of development. A yoga class can help you with stability, balance and flexibility. Likewise, strength training will improve your endurance and stability.

Finding a similar activity that you can do in the summer is also a great way to train for skiing. Lots of the same principles apply for summer hiking and backpacking, especially when it comes to ascending and descending on rough or steep terrain. Hiking up a mountain will test your endurance, while the hike down will help build balance and stability as you avoid slipping on loose rocks or gravel. The Adventure Junkies’ guide on how to train for hiking is a great resource on how to take advantage of the warmer season.

Need more inspiration? Check out these five essential preseason training moves used by the U.S. Ski Team. These simple exercises, which are focused on building a strong core and legs, will help anyone prepare for a better ski season!

The post How To Train For Skiing – A Beginners Guide appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Ski glove liners are available for a variety of budgets and purposes. While some high-end gloves come with a removable liner, purchasing a separate liner will let you customize the entire glove to fit your needs.

The Adventure Junkies has done your research – here are the things to consider and our recommendations of the best selections on the market. Keep your fingers toasty and your focus on the powder!

For more of our top ski gear recommendations, check out the Best Ski Gloves. 

Reviews - The Best Ski Glove Liners

The North Face Power Stretch

Specs

• Best For: Overall
• Material: Powerstretch

BEST FOR ALL AROUND

PROS: Reinforced construction at thumb joint; four-way stretch

CONS: Glove clips may be annoying

View at Backcountry

Icebreaker Apex

Specs

• Best For: Overall
• Material: Merino

BEST FOR ALL AROUND

PROS: 97% merino, lycra adds stretch

CONS: May run small or long in the fingers

View at Backcountry

Icebreaker Oasis 200

Specs

• Best For: Budget
• Material: Merino

BEST FOR BUDGET

PROS: 97% merino, strong construction

CONS: Not true-to-size

View at Backcountry

Mountain Hardwear Stimulus

Specs

• Best For: Conductive
• Material: Powerstretch

BEST FOR CONDUCTIVITY

PROS: Flexible and lightweight material

CONS: Glove hooks may be annoying; not as durable

View at Amazon

Seirus Innovation Arctic Silk

View Women's Version

Specs

• Best For: Budget
• Material: Silk

BEST FOR BUDGET

PROS: Extremely lightweight, very thin, great for wind

CONS: Not sufficient for below freezing conditions

View at Amazon

Terramar Thermasilk CS

Specs

• Best For: Budget
• Material: Silk

BEST FOR BUDGET

PROS: Ultra-lightweight, features carbon thermoregulation technology

CONS: Easily damaged by velcro or external fastenings

View at Amazon

Alaska Bear Natural Silk

Specs

• Best For: Budget
• Material: Silk

BEST FOR BUDGET

PROS: Soft and long ribbed cuff covers wrists, lightweight

CONS: Easily damaged by velcro or rough surfaces

View at Amazon

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SKI GLOVE LINERS

MATERIAL

MERINO WOOL

Merino wool is a popular choice for base layers, whether for your hands or your core. REI explains that Merino wool is non-itchy, breathable, and anti-bacterial. It’s a great choice for cool weather as merino is often warmer than synthetic material, but can comfortably be worn across a wide range of temperatures. If you opt for merino, be sure to care for your investment properly!

SILK

Silk is a great choice for moisture wicking. Additionally, silk liners are often very lightweight and thin. This allows them to fit comfortably beneath your outer glove. Silk liners can be more expensive and are often better for moderately cool temperatures.

POWERSTRETCH

Many glove manufacturers utilize powerstretch, fleece, and technical synthetic materials for their gloves. These are a great option and offer benefits in quick-drying capability and warmth, but can be bulkier than other fabrics and reduce dexterity. Often, powerstretch gloves may be your first choice for versatility, offering a great everyday glove as well as serving as an insulating liner.

CONDUCTIVITY

Just like your primary gloves, many glove liners are designed to be used with your electronics and offer fingers or thumbs coated with conductive material. With a conductive liner, you can still protect your hands from the elements while you are snapping a photo or video of your friends.

CONSTRUCTION & FIT

The fit of your glove liners is a critical consideration, just as it is for traditional gloves. First, you’ll want to ensure that the glove construction works for your hands, and doesn’t include seams or spots that cause rubbing or internal friction.

Second, remember that your body heat does most of the work when it comes to keeping your hands warm. As noted in Big Sky Fishing, a glove that is too large for your hands will allow extra cold air in, and require your body to work harder to try and keep your hands warm.

Finally, fit is crucial when you consider your hands may be holding poles, cameras, other gear, or even a beverage! Selecting the right size liner that will work alone as well as with an external glove will provide your fingers with the dexterity they need to complete any cold-weather task.

INSULATION

Don’t leave all of the work of insulation to your outer glove layer! The best glove liners will insulate your hands and wrists. The wrists are an often overlooked part of the body when it comes to cold weather gear, but as climber Andy Kirkpatrick notes, the wrists have the third highest potential for heat loss on the body.

The different materials available for liner gloves offer varying levels of insulation. Some liners are ultra-thin, while others approach almost a stand-alone glove when it comes to insulating properties. Be sure to select your glove liners in concert with your exterior glove, as you’ll want them to work together to provide sufficient warmth without causing your hands to overheat or sweat.

WICKING & BREATHABILITY

Any layer worn close to the skin must be breathable and able to carry excess moisture away from your body. This is just as true with gloves as it is with a t-shirt or any other piece of your outdoor wardrobe.

Merino, powerstretch, and silk each offer reasonable wicking qualities. Depending on your activity and level of intensity, you may have different requirements. For instance, an intense nordic ski session may cause your entire body to generate heat and sweat, while a walk in the woods on a snowy day may not require as much consideration of wicking fabric. Ultimately, just as with any sport, your specific activities will drive your choice of gear.

VERSATILITY

Finally, a great feature of glove liners is the versatility they bring to your outdoor gear kit. Layering is incredibly useful when it comes to keeping your hands warm and dry.

A good pair of liner gloves can also serve as the perfect single layer in warmer weather or during activities where you’re not knee-deep in powder. The Appalachian Mountain Club reviewed glove liners that were perfect for both cold-weather base layer, and more moderate activities such as walking your dog.

The post Best Ski Glove Liners of 2022 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.