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The Best Things to Do in Belize
Belize, a small English-speaking Central American nation, stands out with diverse ecosystems, Maya history, and easy accessibility. It surprises many who mistake its location for elsewhere, but its vibrant city streets and tranquil Cayes make it perfect for any traveler’s adventure.
1. Fly Over the Great Blue Hole
Discovery Channel rated The Great Blue Hole as one of the most amazing places on earth, and we agree. Scuba diving at the Blue Hole is deep, but flying over it? That’s otherworldly!
Flying above, the vivid contrast between deep blue waters and vibrant turquoise coral is as breathtaking from the air as it is mysterious below. This once-in-a-lifetime scenic flight offers a unique perspective of one of the world’s most extraordinary geological phenomena.
We chartered a flight with Tropic Air from San Pedro Town to see the stunning Great Blue Hole. We saw the sea hole, San Pedro Town, Secret Beach, and more on the hour-long flight. The tour also covered Caye Caulker’s Split and the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Belize’s Great Blue Hole is a must-see whether you dive or fly. Book your Blue Hole Tour at TropicAir’s website.
About the Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole, a huge marine sinkhole, sits near Lighthouse Reef, just 70 kilometers from Belize City. Jacques Cousteau made it famous in 1971, and it’s a top scuba diving destination. Dive trips usually include a second dive to a nearby reef wall teeming with marine life. This natural wonder spans 300 meters across and drops 124 meters deep.
Booking a Flight to the Great Blue Hole
Our private charter made four glorious passes around the entire Blue Hole. Giving us two passes each way for ample time to take it all in.
The Blue Hole flights’ cost changes by group size and season. Ours was $2500 BZD, or $1250 USD for two.
A great deal for an hour’s flight to an incredible view. Tropic Air offers bookings from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
2. Snorkel At Shark Ray Alley
Another one of the top Belize attractions is the famous Shark Ray Alley. 20 years ago, we went scuba diving through the crystal-clear Caribbean waters of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. It was a day swimming with nurse sharks and sea rays that we always remembered. So when we returned to Belize, snorkeling here was at the top of our list. It didn’t disappoint. More sharks and rays are in Belize now, because wild nurse sharks found out they might get treats from tour operators.
Belize’s coast has great snorkeling. You can spot Nurse Sharks, Spotted Rays, turtles, and Manatees easily.
We booked our tour with Wanderlust Sailing and Snorkeling on Caye Caulker. You can also visit Shark Ray Alley from San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.
History of Shark Ray Alley
Fishing boats drew sharks to Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Fishermen tossed leftovers, attracting nurse sharks and stingrays. They kept coming back for food, turning Shark Ray Alley into a hotspot for divers and snorkelers. Watching nurse sharks swim freely is amazing. This spot boosts Belize’s ecotourism and conservation.
3. Take a Private Sailing Trip
If you don’t want to get in the water with nurse sharks, never fear, you can book a sailing trip through the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Sailing through the Belize Barrier Reef is unlike other sailing trips. You can see the water change before your eyes, and you can spy nurse sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles directly from the bow of the boat.
We booked our sailing trip with Wanderlust Sailing and Snorkeling, who had the sails up once we left The Split and enjoyed fresh fruit, rum punch and fun music as we took in the views of this great barrier reef.
About the Belize Barrier Reef
The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching over 300 kilometers. It is the second largest barrier reef in the world after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Trip Information: Location: Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye Season: Visibility is best in dry season, mid-November to April, but manatees prefer to visit in the summer months when the water is warmer.
4. Pamper Yourself at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge
We spent four nights at the ultimate luxury Resort in Belize just outside San Ignacio.
The resort, seated in a 7000-acre Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, pampers visitors with luxury, fine dining, top-notch service, and stunning villas featuring plunge pools and rainforest showers. It also offers eco-tours in a jungle setting.
Recently renovated, the resort boasts chic designer furniture and meticulous attention to detail. Villa #1, starting at $600 per night, includes a private plunge pool, two outdoor showers, an indoor rainforest shower, two fireplaces, a kitchen, a living room, and an incredible outdoor sunroom equipped with a hammock, lounge chairs, and a dining table for romantic jungle meals.
Fine Dining
The menu at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge was designed by the number one chef in Belize, Sean Kuylen who represents the country around the world. He has taken local Maya and Belizian flavours and infused it with international cuisine. I am not lying when I say that the salad is the best I have ever had. It is an explosion of flavour and textures that I couldn’t get enough of.
I am not the best at writing about descriptive food experiences, but if you could read my mind, you will know that the … restaurant at Hidden Valley is an experience to remember on your Belize itinerary. Check rates and availability here.
5. Relax at El Ben Cabanas, Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is often touted as a place full of budget travelers and expats who visited the key and never left. However, Caye Caulker North is starting to develop luxury hotels and is attracting high-end clientele to its quieter and more reserved shores.
We stayed at El Ben Cabañas on Caye Caulker North and loved our stay in this beautiful property that houses waterfront bungalows with swaying palm trees overlooking the water. It has two swimming pools, and the best fine dining on the two sides of the island combined.
The resort offers free water shuttles to Caye Caulker Town on a regular schedule. We loved going into Caye Caulker to enjoy the nightlife, but having the luxury of leaving the party atmosphere for a quiet, luxury retreat. Check rates and availability.
The Split
Caye Caulker was split into two parts by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The fierce storm carved a narrow channel known as The Split, creating a distinct north and south division of the island.
The Split is not just a geographical landmark but fun hub for partying, watching the sunset and for day cruises to come in and enjoy a rum punch at the legendary Lazy Lizard bar.
Shuttles leave on demand throughout the day to take people to Caye Caulker North for $5 USD per person. You have to ride this ramshackle shuttle at least once. It’s a rite of passage.
6. Chill Out on Caye Caulker South
Located just a 10-minute flight from Belize City, Caye Caulker is one of most popular chill-out places in all of Central America. It was the first place we chilled out in 2003 and when we visited again last month, it was the first place we flew into.
Colorful, low-key, and downright funky, Caye Caulker laughs in the face of conventional beach holidays. You won’t find a proper beach on the limestone coral island, but swaying palm trees line the sandy streets, and most visitors agree that swimming in the Split is a more than adequate substitute. There is a makeshift swimming pool with lounge chairs right on the side of the split.
And not to worry, if it’s a cold beer with toes in the sand that you crave, you can do just that at more than a dozen “cool spots” across the island.
If a couple of days swaying in a hammock, cooling off in the Caribbean, and sipping on ice-cold Belikin beers is just too relaxing for your tastes, rent a kayak and explore the mangroves of the western shore, try your hand at stand up paddle boarding, eating at the local restaurants or booking a snorkel or scuba day trip exploring some of the best sites along the Belize Barrier Reef.
Day tours to Belize City, Ambergris Caye and to see the marine life of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve can be booked at tour operators lining the sandy streets of the island.
7. Join a Food Tour
One of the best ways to get acquainted with the food scene, nightlife, and cocktails of Caye Caulker is to join A Taste of Caye Caulker food tour. We had the best time seeing the top bars and places with the best sunset views as we ate our way through the island.
This was one of the best food tours we’ve ever taken, as our guides knew everyone, and there was no way we were leaving hungry. We tried traditional Belizian foods paired with a cocktail as we learned about life on the island and made new friends. The Taste of Caye Caulker Food Tour is an excellent introduction to the Cayes and trust me, by the time yo are finished, you’ll want to move to Belize!
8. Take a Jungle Tour to Waterfalls
A trip to the jungle is a must after playing in the tropical waters of the Cayes of Belize. San Ignacio is the jumping off point for jungle adventures in Belize and there are plenty of tours can you can book.
We stayed in Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge, which had its own jungle adventures. Located within 7000 acres of Jungle, this tour was one of the best things we did outside San Ignacio. We spent a day exploring hidden pools and waterfalls.
The waterfall located on their property is the same one that Bher Grylls rapelled down when he took a trip to Belize. Their reserve is one of the best places to go bird watching in Belize and if you have a chance to stay here for a night or two, we highly recommend it.
Other Jungle Tours
Mayflower Bocawina National Park is a jungle paradise for outdoor adrenaline seekers, offering rappelling, zip lining, and hiking experiences through lush tropical rainforest.
Few places offer the chance to fly through the air (on Belize’s longest zip line), stand face-to-face with cascading falls, and cool off in idyllic pools while surrounding yourself in a jungle paradise. Do you like rare and colorful birds? Mayflower Bocawina’s also got some of the best birding in Belize. Truly a bucket list adventure and one of the best things to do in Belize!
Trip Information: Location: Stann Creek District, near Dangriga and Hopkins Season: Best time to visit is dry season, mid-November to April. Lodging & Outfitters: We recommend Bocawina Rainforest Resort & Adventures. Cost: Varies, depending on activities and length of stay.
9. Play in the Waters of Ambergris Caye
While we stayed on Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye is the larger and more popular of the two Cayes. You can easily travel between both via water taxi, ferry or by flying. We booked flights with Tropic Air. The flights are only 5 minutes long and cost approximately $50 per person.
San Pedro is the main town on Ambergris Caye. It’s busy, filled with lots of golf carts buzzing around. While there, we booked a flight over the Blue Hole and went parasailing over the Belize Barrier Reef.
Belize Parasail Ltd. offers parasailing adventures from Boca del Rio Resort. The tour lasts an hour and includes a cruise along Ambergris Caye’s coast. After that, you’re strapped in for a high-soaring experience above the blue waters. They picked us up in San Pedro Town and drove us to the island’s far end, where we boarded a speedboat. Parasailing in Belize is great for families planning a vacation.
10. Eat At El Fogon Restaurant
It is one of the most famous and oldest restaurants in Belize. El Fogon Restaurant is a staple in San Pedro Town and if you want authentic Belize cuisine, this is the place to go.
Owned by the Arceo-Eiley who bought this prime chunk of land more than 35 years ago and turned it into a thriving restaurant in the early 2000s. It is family-owned and operated, and now her daughter is running the restaurant, serving Belizian stews, soups, and traditional dishes from the fire pit and firewood stove.
It is packed with people and lively entertainment and if you visit Ambergris Caye for a day or a week, eat here!
11. Tour the Mayan City of Caracol
While Mexico and Guatemala may be more famous for their Mayan history, Belize has ancient Maya cities to explore without the large crowds. HIstory buffs will love exploring the ruins of Belize and Carocal is a great place to start. We were picked up from Hidden Valley resort by Maya Walk Tours for a two-hour drive deep into the heart of the jungle to explore the ancient Maya civilization of Caracol.
They are currently paving the road to Caracol, making it easier to visit the Mayan Temple in the middle of the jungle, so the time to visit is now. There were only five other groups at the Maya City during our visit and we had the chance to walk through the nearly deserted ancient Maya ruins free from crowds.
Caracol, which translates to “The Snail” in Spanish, was one of the most powerful Mayan cities, rivaling even Tikal in neighboring Guatemala. At its peak, it boasted a population of over 100,000. Today, visitors can stroll through the site and can even climb the Mayan Temple of Caana (Sky Palace), which remains one of the tallest structures in Belize.
Caracol is surrounded by a lush rainforest home to abundant wildlife, including howler monkeys, spider monkeys toucans, and jaguars.
12. Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve
Caracol’s location in the Cayo District allows for easy combination with the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, or indulge in caving adventures in the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave (ATM Cave). We didn’t get the chance to do this as the rains came in making driving and caving treacherous.
If you want to do adventures when visiting Belize such as cave tubing, the ATM Caves, or other cave tours, make sure to avoid the rainy season and instead visit during the dry season from December to May. However, we visited in December and thanks to climate change, it was still raining long after the season ended.
San Ignacio is a jumping-off point for Belize jungle adventures, and it is an excellent place to make a base and do some shopping.
Located in the heart of Belize’s lush Cayo District along the banks of the Macal and Mopan Rivers, it is a culturally rich destination that offers a perfect blend of adventure and heritage. Known as the eco-tourism capital of Belize, San Ignacio is a gateway to ancient Mayan ruins, including the Carocal and the renowned Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, offering a deep dive into the mysteries of Mayan civilization.
Tours you can book from here include river tubing, horseback riding, and caving adventures, such as the famous Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave (ATM Cave).
We also picked up some souvenirs at San Ignacio’s outdoor market, brimming with local crafts. The town’s proximity to natural reserves like the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve allows for easy access to stunning waterfalls and wildlife sightings.
14. Swim & Tube Through Sacred Mayan Caves
Sadly, we didn’t get to explore the ATM cave as there was heavy rains during our time in San Ignacio that flooded the caverns. Luckily, Dave Baxter of AwayGoWe, who contributed to this past, did have the chance. Taking a day trip from San Ignacio to Actun Tunichil Muknal (or ATM Cave) is hands down one of the most popular inland activities and the best things to do in Belize. And it’s easy to see why.
Trekking deep into the Mayan underworld combines adventure, intrigue, history, and Mayan mysticism, not to mention subterranean swimming, hiking, climbing, and crawling.
ATM Cave Tour Information:Location: Day Trip from San IgnacioCost: From $95 per person on GetYourGuide
Crystal Cave
During the rainy season you’ll have a better chance to visit the Crystal Cave as it is a dry cave. However, be prepared to crawl through narrow passageways. There are many other lesser-known water caves to explore throughout the rest of the country as well, where you can go cave tubing and take cave tours to see other Maya civilizations.
Some of our other favorites include Barton Creek Cave (which involves taking a boat through the jungle to the mouth of the cave), cave tubing through Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, and exploring Blue Creek Cave outside Punta Gorda in Southern Belize.
15. Placencia
During our first visit to Belize we spent a lot of time in Placencia. This time we didn’t make it, but we still wanted to mention it as it is an excellent place to visit in Belize. You can still visit the Belize Barrier Reef for world class scuba diving and snorkeling from Placencia and unlike the Cayes, it has wonderful sandy beaches.
Visitors can also enjoy kayaking through the mangroves. Placencia’s narrow main street is lined with colorful boutiques, local art galleries, and inviting eateries and offers a taste of Belizean culture and cuisine.
There are multiple lobster festivals in Belize, but many consider Placencia’s Lobsterfest a tail above the rest. Held every June since 1998, Lobsterfest offers a diverse selection of lobster and other dishes, with Creole, Maya, Garifuna, Indian, Chinese, European, and North American influences. And it’s hard to beat the beach location. And be sure to book lodging in Placencia well in advance, as accommodation fills up fast for the ever-popular event.
More Things to Do in Belize by a Local
This post was originally written by Dave Baxter who spent a year in Belize living, working, and exploring the width and breadth of this one-of-a-kind destination. They had the opportunity to go beyond the tourist attractions and hit on a few more things that we didn’t get the chance to see. Here are their discoveries in Belize.
16. Snorkel at Mexico Rocks and Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary
While Hol Chan Marine Reserve gets much of the attention and notoriety for sharks, rays, and sea turtles, Mexico Rocks, a bit farther north, is a less crowded option, offering the chance to see all of the above without the crowds.
For a rare chance to snorkel near the elusive manatee, head to the mangroves of Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary. For snorkel trips in Belize, we recommend having 1-3 days of flexibility in your trip itinerary. Belize is an amazing snorkel and dive destination. However, weather conditions (even in “dry” season) can be quite unpredictable from day to day.
17. Get Up Close & Personal with Howler Monkeys
Visit Ancient Maya ruins, hear Black Howler Monkey growls. They’re hard to spot. At the Community Baboon Sanctuary near Belize City, see them more. Residents protect the forest for the monkeys. Join guided tours daily.
Visit Information: Location: Bermudian Landing, about 45 minutes west of Belize City Duration: 1-2 Hours Cost: US$7 entry fee
17. Ride Horses on Jungle Trails
Near Hopkins in Kendal, Outback Trails lets riders of any skill level explore Southern Belize’s mountains and streams on horseback.
Ride through jungle trails, cross streams, and pass cohune trees. Add a tower climb or jungle hike to a hidden waterfall and swimming spot for more adventure.
Trip Information: Location: Kendal, near Hopkins Season: Best time to visit is dry season, mid-November to April. Duration: 3+ hours.
19. Experience Southern Belize’s Top Festivals
If you find yourself in Southern Belize in November, don’t miss Battle of the Drums, one of the main events of Garifuna Settlement Week in Punta Gorda. See some of the best Garifuna-style drummers on the planet compete for the top prize. Groups come from across Belize, as well as Guatemala, and Honduras, to display their talent and skill for a packed venue.
Every May, Toledo’s famous Cacao Fest (Chocolate Festival) celebrates the region’s economic and cultural connection to cacao, showcasing local producers’ best chocolate products.
Belize Brewing Company even gets into the spirit of the season with their much anticipated Belikin Chocolate Stout brewed just for the occasion.
Each year, the festival begins in the center of Punta Gorda with chocolate, local crafts, and entertainment, and finishes at the nearby Mayan ruins of Lubaantun.
20. Feed Your Chocolate Addiction in Toledo District
For many families in Belize, cacao farming has been a way of life for generations. Fortunately for the rest of us, family traditions have translated into tasty (and sustainable!) family businesses, particularly in the Toledo district, where local farmers produce some of the highest quality chocolate in the world.
Ixcacao, San Felipe
Ixcacao in San Felipe offers a unique opportunity to not only indulge in a variety of local chocolate products from the Cho family farm, but experience the entire process from start to finish with members of the family as your hosts.
Cotton Tree Chocolate Factory in Punta Gorda
If you can’t get out to San Felipe or attend the Cacao Fest (mentioned above), be sure to check out Cotton Tree Chocolate Factory in downtown Punta Gorda for your chocolate fix as well as insight into the local chocolate making process.
21. Explore the World’s First Jaguar Preserve
Don’t count on spotting a jaguar at Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. But rest assured, around 200 of these stealthy cats are scattered across the immense and densely forested reserve.
What you can count on is seeing colorful native bird species and other tropical jungle creatures across dozens of kilometers of hiking paths. Tube the river, explore the remains of aircraft wreckage hidden in the jungle, or hire a guide and trek to the top of Victoria Peak.
Cockscomb also offers a variety of lodging options from the very basic to the comfy and quirky. Check out our complete guide to visiting the sanctuary, including details on hikes and lodging.
Experience Information: Location: Near Maya Centre, 20 km southwest of Hopkins Season: Year-round
22. Island Hop to Uninhabited Caribbean Islands
Kicking off our list is a one-of-a-kind 3-day sailing adventure to Dangriga with stops at remote and unknown islands along the Belize barrier reef.
By day, enjoy gliding through crystal clear waters under sail, stopping along the way to access some of the best snorkeling and fishing areas along the Belize reef.
Stay overnight on uninhabited cayes in beach camping accommodations with the option to upgrade for one night to an over-water bungalow.
Our own trip with Ragamuffin was one of the highlights of our time in Belize and highly recommended for anyone looking to get away from it all while experiencing a true paradise.
Tour Information: Location: Starts in Caye Caulker and ends in Dangriga. The trip cannot be done in reverse. Duration: 3 days, 2 nights Cost: $400 All-Inclusive ($450 over Christmas/New Years)
23. Take a Boat Through the Jungle to an Ancient Mayan City
Once a major ancient Maya city, Lamanai was inhabited for 3,000 years until the early 20th century. The sprawling archaeological site is impressive in its own right, but the spectacular setting and unique way of accessing steals the show.
To top it all off, the ancient Mayan city is accessed by a one-hour boat ride through the jungle. Makes for an unforgettable day trip from Belize City or Orange Walk, or an even more memorable overnight excursion staying in one of the nearby jungle lodges.
Visit Information:Location: Near Orange WalkCost: Varies, depending on length of trip and whether you book a package tour.Arranging a Package Trip: For the best rates, inquire with your guesthouse in Belize City or Orange Walk.
If you wish to book in advance, Lamanai Belize Tours is one of the most respected operators.
24. Scale Belize’s Rugged & Remote Victoria Peak
With a height of just 3,675 feet (1,120 m), Victoria Peak might not be the tallest mountain you will ever hike, but it might be the most strenuous, most spectacular, and most rewarding!
Located deep in the heart of Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the multi-day mountain trek takes 3-5 days round trip to complete, depending on conditions and personal ability, and must be done with a licensed tour guide, which can be hired from the nearby community around Cockscomb.
Expect long hiking days, high temperatures and humidity, biting insects, and lots of elevation gain (and loss). Your reward? Stunning views from the top of Belize and an experience like none other.
Trip Information:Location: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife SanctuarySeason: The trail is open from February 1 – May 31 (dry season)Cost: Inquire locally.
25. Get Down with Garifuna Culture
In Belize, spending time with locals stands out. The Garifuna people offer a glimpse into Belizean culture, especially in Hopkins and Punta Gorda. Their vibrant history, celebrated through food, music, and dance, is accessible to visitors. The Battle of the Drums in November during Garifuna Settlement Week is a highlight in Punta Gorda. For those curious about drumming or keen on Garifuna music and dance, Warasa Garifuna Drum School in Punta Gorda offers drum lessons with masters.
26. Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo stands out – it houses only rescued animals. It’s called the best little zoo globally. It rescues wildlife from illegal trades.
This guide unveils Belize’s wonders – from the famous barrier reef to its rich culture. Come explore its landscapes, wildlife, and heritage, making it a must-visit.
This post was originally written by Dave Baxter of AwayGoWe, a travel blog inspiring independent travelers hungry for off-the-beaten-path destinations and adventure travel in less-developed countries. Follow his adventures at AwayWeGo / Facebook / Pinterest. It has been updated for 2024 by The Planet D
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