The Coastal Highway in Belize is an unpaved gravel road connecting the location of Democracia with the location of Melinda. In the rainy season, expect muddy road conditions, and the road may even be washboarded in areas. In the dry season, this road can be very dusty.
The Coastal Highway is also called the Manatee Highway (“the shortcut”). It is a shortcut, and it may even save you some time. Yet, the risk of a road accident is much larger on this road compared to other Highways in Belize. Some Belize car rental companies even forbid the use of this highway.
There is hardly any petrol available on this highway, so be sure to fill up before entering this road.