Things to do in Belize – 30 tips

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Belize is a small paradise located on the Caribbean Sea between Guatemala and Mexico. In this only English-speaking country of Central America, you can relax on perfect beaches, visit ancient Mayan cities, explore a lush jungle filled with waterfalls and birds, and immerse yourself in a unique underwater world at one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, where dolphins, rays, sharks, and sea turtles are no exception. Not only will you soak up the Caribbean atmosphere, but you’ll also experience an interesting mix of cultures and people. In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about visiting Belize, including tips on things to do, the highlights and attractions in different parts of the country.

Discover my tips and things to do in Belize

Belize is a small country, allowing you to visit its different sides and highlights in a short amount of time. I loved traveling through Belize and I can’t wait to share my experiences with you. Enjoy this article with tips for things to do and attractions in Belize.

The Belize Barrier Reef – top things to do

The Belize Barrier Reef is one of the country’s highlights and best things to do if it comes to nature. It is the second largest barrier reef in the world, after Australia, and also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you can snorkel, dive, and enjoy the most beautiful underwater world with countless species of coral, fish, rays, sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, and sharks. Famous places such as the Great Blue Hole, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Laughing Bird Caye, Glovers Reef Atoll, Turneffe Atoll, and the Silk Cayes are all part of this natural phenomenon. The Belize Barrier Reef can best be visited from Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, Hopkins, and Placencia, destinations that I will be discuss later in this article.

Do you want to take a trip to the Belize Barrier Reef? Here you can find a selection of tours.

Thousand Foot Falls

The highest waterfall in Central America is located in Belize. Contrary to what the name suggests, the Thousand Foot Falls is 1,600 feet high, about 500 meters. It is beautifully situated in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. From San Ignacio, it is a 1.5-hour drive to the viewpoint. Of course it is possible to admire the waterfall up close. But as you can imagine, this requires a steep climb down and back up.

Caye Caulker

One of the best destinations and attractions in Belize is Caye Caulker, located in the Belize Barrier Reef. On this tropical island, eight kilometers long and one kilometer wide, you are welcomed by swaying palm trees, a gentle sea breeze, reggae music, and an incredibly relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy the sun, a delicious cuisine, the turquoise sea, and the unique marine life, with rays, dolphins, and sea turtles. Life doesn’t get any better.

Wondering what to do on Caye Caulker, Belize? In the next article, you’ll find all my tips for activities and things to do on Caye Caulker, Belize.

Ambergris Caye

Off the coast of Belize, there a several islands, of which Ambergris Caye is the largest. I love the laid-back atmosphere of Caye Caulker, but if you’re looking for a bigger and busier island in Belize with more things to do and activities, definitely check out San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. From here, you can also explore the stunning underwater world through snorkeling and diving tours. Ambergris Caye is accessible by water taxi or plane from Belize City or the nearby Caye Caulker.

Great Blue Hole – top things to do in Belize

If you hear about Belize, chances are you’ll come across the Great Blue Hole. This massive blue sinkhole lies within the Belize Barrier Reef near the small atoll Lighthouse Reef and is one of the country’s highlights. The best way to view the Great Blue Hole is from the air. In a small plane, you’ll fly over the impressive dark blue hole, which is 70,650 square meters in size, in about forty minutes. You can book a flight through Tropic Air or Maya Island Air.

The Great Blue Hole is also one of the most unique places to dive due to the countless sharks, turtles, rays, corals, and stalactites you’ll encounter there. Jacques Cousteau even named it one of the top 10 diving spots in the world. However, to get the most out of your dive, you need some experience.

Hol Chan Marine reserve

Swim with rays, starfish, dolphins and sharks? In Belize, you will go on amazing snorkeling trips, which will take you to different places along the coast. One of the highlights in Belize is the Hol Chan Marine reserve where you swim past species of fish, coral, sponges, sea turtles, rays and sometimes manatees. At Shark Ray Alley, you won’t believe your eyes when hundreds of sharks, over 2 meters in size, swim around you. Fortunatly, these are Nurse Sharks, that are not dangerous.

Curious? You will find a selection of tours here. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is easily accessible from Caye Caulker. In the next article you can read my tips for attractions and things to do on Caye Caulker Belize.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Belize

Even though the chances of running into a jaguar are not that high, it is always nice to go looking for one. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected nature reserve and the world’s first jaguar sanctuary. According to numbers, around 200 jaguars live here in addition to tapirs, toucans, ocelots and howler monkeys.

You can take several hikes. The route to Ben’s Bluff is beautiful, and an absolute must is the tough Tiger Fern Trail, which ends at a waterfall. The last one can only be done with a guide. Keep in mind that due to the heat, this is not an easy hike, so wear good shoes and bring plenty of water. A map of the hiking trails is posted at the entrance.

Want to visit the Cockscomb basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize? Find a selection of tours here.

Visit the Sleeping Giant

When you’re in Belize, you’ll definitely want to book a stay at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant. This luxury boutique lodge is located in the Sibun Nature Reserve, at the foot of the Maya Mountains. It consists of 10,000 acres of greenery with an idyllic river and the mountains in the background, including the Sleeping Giant (a mountain shaped like a sleeping giant). The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant is a place where you not only stay in gorgeous rooms, and enjoy luxurious facilities but also go out daily to explore the area. What about hikes to viewpoints, kayak tours on the river or exploring ancient Mayan caves? This is a place you don’t want to leave anymore.

Do you also want to stay at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant in Belize? Find the latest prices and availability here. You can read more about my stay in the next article.

Whale shark spotting in Belize

Ever wanted to see whale sharks up close? One of the top attractions and things to do in Belize between March and June is Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve. Countless snapper and grouper come to this reserve annually to mate, and the eggs ensure that the whale sharks are here in large numbers. The very best time to spot whale sharks is 2 days before the full moon or 10 days after. Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve is best reached from Placencia.

Mayflower Bocawina National Park Belize

Want to hike in a tropical setting and look for idyllic waterfalls? Then put Mayflower Bocawina National Park on your list. Bocawina consists of 7,000 acres of nature and is located in Stann Creek district, between the Maya Mountains and the coast, in southern Belize. The area is home to more than 200 bird species including toucans, kingfishers, owls, colorful woodpeckers, hummingbirds and the stunning Tarogon birds. Even the tapir, jaguar and ocelot are found here, although they are difficult to spot. Greater chances are you’ll see nose bears, the agouti, kinkajou, the gray fox, howler monkeys and deers. But the walks through the rainforest are reasons enough for a visit.

Trails

Mayflower Bocawina National Park has hiking trails to several waterfalls. The map at the entrance shows the trails and you can choose how strenuous you want to make your adventure. Bocawina Falls Trail requires the least amount of effort. The Big Drop Falls Trail and Antelope Trail, lasting about 45 minutes, are a little tougher because you are going up the mountain, but still doable for anyone with normal fitness. Should you go for the latter trail, you will get to enjoy wide views of Belize along the way. Moreover, at the top you can cool off under one of the waterfalls. On a number of trails you pass former Maya temples such as Mayflower Plaza, Maintzunun Tau Witz, which are still completely under vegetation.

Are you looking for adventure and adrenaline? Then you can book a tour here, where you will abseil waterfalls. In addition, you can stay overnight in the park and have a bite to eat at the Wild Fig Restaurant.

Sunset cruise

In Belize, you get to experience the most beautiful sunsets, and one of the best ways to observe them is by going on a sunset cruise. Watching the sun set while sipping your cocktail and listening to raggae music is surely the ultimate vacation feeling. And when there are also, dolphins and sea turtles swimming around you, it really can’t get any better.

Relax on a private island

Along the coast of Belize there are numerous small paradise islands. And there is nothing better than spending a day here. To relax, kayak, snorkel, eat fresh fish or a combination of all of these. I myself visited from Hopkins, Rythm Reef Key, a private island of the Belize Collection. And Rythm Reef Key is an island as you imagine it in your dreams. Sandy white beaches, palm trees and a clear blue sea where you see every fish swimming. There is also a team of staff ready to pamper you completely.

Rythm Reef Key can be visited from The Lodge at Jaguar Reef in Belize. Are you looking for your perfect private island? Then contact me at contact@passporttheworld.com. I am happy to help you put together your dream trip to Belize.

Placencia

Placencia is a peninsula in Belize measuring 27 kilometers long and 25 kilometers wide. It has been one of Belize’s popular attractions and things to do for many years because of its perfect beaches, colorful cottages and good cuisine. There are also many snorkeling and diving opportunities, around the islets off the coast of Belize. At Laughing Bird Caye and Silk Caye, there is a good chance of seeing sea turtles, manatees, sharks, rays and colorful fish. Placencia is also accessible from Livingston in Guatemala.

Want to visit the various islands off the coast of Belize? Here you will find a selection of tours.

Meet the Garifuna – cultural things to do in Belize

When in Belize, you will definitely want to meet the proud Garifunas, Caribbean people descended from African slaves from the 17th century. Today, an estimated 200,000 Garifuna live across Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize and Guatemala. You will encounter this population in various places in Belize but if you really want to learn more about the culture, it is recommended to visit the Kalipuna Cultural Heritage Island near Hopkins, a center dedicated to preserving and spreading knowledge of the Garifuna culture.

The Garifuna are for example known for their fantastic rhythms of drumming and dancing and delicious cuisine. During a visit you can take a cooking or dancing course. And I am sure that the drumming ceremony will make a deep impression, whether you participate or not.

Would you like to get to know the Garifuna? Here you will find a selection of tours.

Hopkins

Are you looking for a lovely spot to relax on the beach? Then you want to go to Hopkins. Here you will not only be welcomed by the friendly Garifunas but you can also enjoy fine beaches such as at Jaguar Reef. There are bars and restaurants with live music in the village and enthusiasts can join a drumming or dancing session. Hopkins is also a perfect base for day trips to Mayflower Bocawina National Park and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

ATM Cave – adventurous things to do in Belze

One of the cool things to do and absolute highlights in Belize is the ATM cave. The Actun Tunichil Muknal (Cave of the Crystal Tomb) is a former ceremonial cave of the Maya and today a special archaeological site. In this dark underworld, lit by wooden torches and fire pits, important rituals used to take place, where in many cases even people were sacrificed.

Named the No. 1 destination for sacred caves in the world by National Geographic, you can visit the cave on an adventurous tour. In fact, since large parts of the cave are underwater, the tour consists of swimming, scrambling and walking through chambers full of stagnites and stalactites. With a life jacket on and lantern on your head, you swim into the cave as the start of your adventure. Pretty exciting, which is why you shouldn’t think about it too much. Once you are in the cave, you will realize that you are going to be all fine.

Maya history

During your visit you will not only get to know the beauty of the cave but also walk past ancient Mayan artifacts and human remains dating back to 600 BC. The highlight is the cathedral where several skeletons of sacrificed persons lie. Through the guide’s explanations, you will soon learn more about the reasons for the rituals and be transported into the fascinating time of the Maya. The tour lasts a full day and is a unique experience that you will remember for a long time.

Do you want to visit the ATM cave? Find a selection of tours here. It is forbidden to film and photograph inside the cave, as visitors in the past dropped their equipment on skulls and skeletons. In addition, it is good to know that you will be entering the water and get wet. So it is important to put on appropriate (water) shoes and swimwear and bring a towel and dry clothes, for afterwards.

Archaeological things to do in Belize – 6 tips

Many people think that you have to be in Guatemala or Mexico to see Mayan ruins, but Belize also has a large number of archaeological sights and things to do. And these are not just a few. In Belize you will find more than 700 Maya sites scattered throughout the country. Because of their beautiful location, it must have been the Côte d’Azur of the Mayan Empire. Want to visit one of these Mayan ruins? Here are my tips for archaeological sites in Belize and this is a selection of tours.

Caracol

One of the most famous archaeological sites and things to do in Belize is Caracol. It is the largest and most important Maya complex in Belize and a 2.5-hour drive from San Ignacio. Here you walk through the old city, past temples, plazas and tombs. You will also find the Caana temple here, which means “Heavenly Place” – close to the upper world of the gods. At 40 meters, it is the tallest temple in Belize.

Lamanai

Lamanai is located on the shores of the New River Lagoon. The best way to visit this former Maya city is by taking a boat ride from Orange Walk Town, an ancient route the Maya used to travel themselves. Along the way, you have a chance of seeing howler monkeys and numerous birds.

Nim Li Punit

Nim Li Punit, is an archaeological site hidden in the tropical rainforest, in Toledo Province, in southern Belize. This historical place contains the largest Maya monument in Belize, and the second largest in the entire Maya Empire. This is a stela with hieroglyphics of 9.5 meters high, which can be admired in the accompanying museum. Only 30% of the site has been excavated and the rest is under vegetation, something that creates a mysterious atmosphere. Because it is a small site, chances are you will be walking here all alone early in the morning.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech, one of the oldest Maya sites in Belize, is one of the things to do that can be reached on foot within ten minutes from San Ignacio center. The Mayan complex consists of 36 ruins of temples, ball fields and palaces. The tallest temple is 25 meters high. In the accompanying museum you will find information about the complex.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha served as a ceremonial center and is one of the country’s smaller complexes, but no less extraordinary.  The site is known for the temple of the sun god, Kinich Ahau, where a large jade artifact was also found. This national treasure is today on display in the Central Bank of Belize, and seen as a watermark on Belize’s banknotes. Altun Ha is an hour’s drive from Belize City.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is another Maya ruin near San Ignacio, known for El Castillo, offering beautiful views, reaching as far as Guatemala.

Of course, you can’t visit all the Maya archaeological sites but be sure to pick 1 or 2, depending on the region you are in. The large and well-known sites tend to be the busiest. At a small and lesser-known site, chances are you’ll be walking here with a handful of other visitors.

Want to visit Mayan ruins in Belize? Find a selection of Belize tours and tips here.

Travel guide + tips Belize

Tours and tings to do in Belize

Are you looking for tours, tips and things to do in Belize? Have a look at Viator, an easy platform to search, compare and book tours.

Best time to visit Belize

Belize has a tropical climate with temperatures around 29 degrees Celsius. In the mountains around the Maya Mountains it is generally cooler than on the coast. Belize has two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season runs from mid-November through May.

In the rainy season, which runs from June to mid-November, there are occasional heavy showers but it is still regularly sunny. Moreover, nature is then green and at its finest. Hurricane season in Belize is accompanied by wind and rain and takes place around September and October.

You can dive all year in Belize but between July and December the water is calmer and visibility better. The best months to spot whale sharks, one of the highlights in Belize, are in the months of April, May and June. Keep in mind that July and August and the days around Christmas and New Year’s are high season. Availability is more limited and prices are higher.

Festival tips Belize

Chocolate festival

Every year in May the province of Toledo is all about chocolate, a tribute to this cacao fruit. The fruit played an important role in pre-Columbian times and even served as currency. Chocolatiers from all over the country travel to southern Belize for the Chocolate festival to showcase their crafts. There are performances, markets, chocolate artwork and lots of tastings.

Taco Festival

Do you love tacos? Orange Walk Town in northern Belize hosts a taco festival every November, where you can try and sample countless varieties and flavors.

Lobster Festival

Every year in San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Placencia, the Lobster Festival celebrates the grand opening of the lobster season. During the month of June, you can enjoy most delicious dishes and listen to live music.

How to reach Belize

There are several airlines that fly to Belize. You can easily search, compare and book flights via Skyscanner. It is also easy to travel overland from Mexico and Guatemala. Check here for available routes and prices. Looking for your dream trip to Belize? As an independent travel consultant, I am happy to help you put together your customized trip. Please email contact@passporttheworld.com for more information. 

How to get around Belize

Are you planning to tour Belize and visit its many attractions and things to do? There are several ways to get around the country. Personally, I love renting a car and getting around on my own. But there are also numerous tours offered where transportation is included or travel by public transportation or shuttle service.

From the port in Belize City, ferries and water cabs leave at various times a day, taking you to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye within an hour. Check here tips for available routes and prices in Belize. Have a little more money to spend and want to experience Belize from the air? Then book a flight with Maya Air or Tropic Air. These are small planes that drop off and pick up people like a bus service at various places like Belize City, San Pedro, Corozal, Caye Caulker, Lamanai River, Dangriga, Placencia and Punta Gorda. The views along the way are breathtakingly beautiful. Find, compare and book flights easily through Skyscanner.

Travel by bus or shuttle

Looking for transportation tips for Belize? Then book on Bookaway which immediately finds the best route for you.

Car rental

Looking for a rental car for your trip to Belize? With Rental Cars you can easily search and compare prices. A handy tool, so you no longer have to have countless tabs open to find the most affordable option. Plus, you often save many dollars and you can cancel up to 48 hours free of charge.

Book your flight

Looking for a flight to Belize? Use Skyscanner, when it comes to searching for cheap flights across the world. An easy way to compare and book flights, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.

Insurance

Looking for a travel insurance? World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. With coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.”

More about Belize

Did you enjoy reading this article with tips, highlights and things to do in Belize? Let me take you on a further journey along the most beautiful destinations and attractions in Belize in the next articles.

• Things to do in Caye Caulker Belize – 10 tips
• The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant – boutique hotel in Belize
• The Lodge at Jaguar Reef – boutique hotel in Hopkins Belize

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