Belize Islands: Safe Tropical Paradise?

Belize is a popular tourist destination, with nearly 900,000 tourists visiting in 2022. It is known for its beautiful beaches, reefs, and rich cultural heritage. However, it is also known for its high crime rate, gang activity, and violent crimes. While most crimes are reported to be gang-related and occur outside tourist areas, tourists should still take precautions and stay vigilant. Here are some key points to consider when discussing the safety of Belize:

- Crime Rate and Violent Crimes: Belize has a high crime rate and is consistently ranked among the top countries for homicides. Violent crimes such as robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults are common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.

- Gang Activity: Belize has a significant presence of gangs, with around 40 active gangs operating in the country, mostly concentrated in Belize City.

- Tourist Areas: While tourist areas like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are generally considered safe, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur. It is recommended to stay vigilant and avoid isolated areas, especially at night.

- Public Transportation: Public buses and taxis are considered unsafe and unreliable. It is advised to use registered taxis with green license plates or stick to well-known ferry companies.

- Natural Disasters: Belize is not in imminent danger from natural disasters, but it experiences frequent hurricanes and storms. However, most hurricanes are weak and don't cause significant damage.

- Medical Care: The quality of medical care in Belize is variable, with public health institutions being underfunded and under-equipped. Private hospitals, mostly located in Belize City, are generally better equipped and provide better healthcare.

Avoiding isolated areas and staying vigilant in crowds

While Belize is generally considered safe for tourists, it's important to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid isolated areas, especially at night. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while visiting Belize:

• Avoid Isolated Areas: It is advised to stay away from isolated or secluded areas, especially at night. This includes avoiding walking alone on dark beaches, roads, or alleys. Instead, stick to well-lit, busy areas with tourists and other people around.
• Be Vigilant in Crowds: Even in tourist areas and during the day, it is important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, especially in crowded places like markets, beaches, and tourist sites.
• Use Reputable Transportation: When travelling, use reputable and registered taxi services with green license plates. Avoid using public buses as they are considered unreliable and lack safety equipment. If you must take a bus, keep your bags close to you and watch your belongings carefully.
• Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the latest safety updates and news. Monitor local media to stay informed about any evolving situations, and ask locals or hotel staff about the safety of specific areas before venturing out.
• Avoid Displaying Wealth: Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches, and try not to carry large amounts of cash with you. Leave unnecessary valuables, such as expensive electronics or jewellery, at home or in a hotel safe.
• Use Caution with Strangers: Be cautious when interacting with strangers. Avoid accepting rides, food, or drinks from people you don't know well. Be wary of strangers approaching you, and don't share your travel plans or accommodation details with them.
• Stay in Groups: Travelling in pairs or groups can provide safety in numbers. Consider joining a tour group or hiring a guide for certain activities, especially when exploring isolated areas like the jungle or less populated islands.
• Follow Local Laws and Customs: Be respectful of local laws and customs. For example, public drinking is prohibited in Belize, and there are specific rules regarding coral reefs and archaeological artifacts. Understanding and adhering to these laws will help you stay safe and avoid legal trouble.

By following these precautions and staying vigilant, you can help ensure that your trip to Belize is safe and enjoyable.

Avoiding Belize City, especially the south side

Belize is generally considered a safe place to travel, but it's important to take some basic precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. The country has a high rate of violent crime, and Belize City, especially the south side, is a hotspot for gang activity and violent crime. To avoid potential dangers in Belize City, it's recommended to:

• Avoid the south side of Belize City due to its high crime rate and gang-related activities.
• Exercise increased caution when travelling to this area, as local police may lack the necessary resources and training to effectively respond to serious criminal incidents.
• Avoid walking or driving at night, as most violent crimes occur during this time, even in tourist areas.
• Stay vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, as these locations may be targeted for robberies.
• Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery, to reduce the risk of becoming a target for robbery.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency situation.

Additionally, when travelling throughout Belize, it's important to follow general safety guidelines such as:

• Staying in well-reviewed and populated areas, especially at night.
• Avoiding isolated areas, especially after dark, to reduce the risk of being targeted for robbery.
• Being aware of your surroundings, even in crowds, to prevent petty theft or pickpocketing.
• Avoiding wearing flashy items or jewellery, and try to blend in with the local dress code to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
• Keeping your belongings secure and locked up when not in use, especially in accommodation or on beaches.
• Using only authorised taxis with green license plates, and tracking your route on your smartphone to ensure your safety.
• Staying vigilant and trusting your instincts—if a situation or location feels unsafe, it's best to avoid it.

Avoiding public transport, especially at night

While Belize is generally considered safe for tourists, it's important to take some precautions to ensure your safety, especially when it comes to avoiding public transport at night. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid public buses at night, also known as "night buses", as theft is common on these buses. Opt for a taxi instead.
• If you must take public transport at night, keep your valuables secured and stay vigilant.
• Only use licensed taxis, which have green license plates, and ask your accommodation to call a taxi for you to ensure a reputable driver.
• Avoid travelling alone at night, especially as a solo female traveller. Travel with a group or take a taxi.
• Keep vehicle windows closed and doors locked when driving, and don't pick up extra passengers if you're the driver.
• Avoid driving at night, especially in rural areas, due to poor road conditions and the risk of accidents.
• If you're driving, stay within the speed limits to help you react quicker to unexpected hazards.
• Don't stop to help people with broken-down cars, as this could be a robbery ploy.
• Be cautious when using water taxis, ensuring the vessel isn't overcrowded and has enough life vests.

Avoiding travelling alone at night

While Belize is generally considered safe for tourists, it's important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety, especially when travelling alone at night. Here are some tips to avoid travelling alone at night in Belize:

• Avoid walking or driving at night, especially in secluded urban areas. Take a taxi instead.
• Stick to well-lit, busy areas with other tourists.
• Stay in well-reviewed hostels or guesthouses to keep your belongings safe and meet other travellers.
• Do your research and use reputable, well-reviewed tour companies, restaurants, and accommodation.
• Avoid isolated or secluded spots, such as beaches, and stick to public areas.
• Be cautious when visiting banks or ATMs, and don't carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you.
• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Follow local laws and avoid drugs and sex work.
• Keep a low profile and try to blend in with the locals by avoiding wearing expensive jewellery or clothing that identifies you as a tourist.
• Stay in a group or with a trusted companion whenever possible.
• Keep your hotel or accommodation staff informed about your whereabouts.
• Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Staying cautious of petty theft

Belize is a safe place to travel, but it is always good to be cautious of petty theft. Here are some tips to avoid being a victim of petty theft:

• Avoid isolated areas, especially at night. Stay where the crowds are to avoid being singled out by potential muggers.
• Be aware of your surroundings in crowds. Tourists are usually easy targets for pickpockets, so keep your valuables secure and out of reach when in popular tourist areas.
• Don't wear flashy items like jewellery or watches, and avoid waving your phone around. Try to blend in so you don't become a target for pickpockets.
• Don't leave your items unattended, especially on beaches or while swimming. If possible, take turns with friends to watch over each other's things.
• Carry a spare wallet with only a small amount of cash, and keep the rest of your cash and cards locked up in your accommodation.
• Avoid taking the bus at night. If you need to get somewhere, take a taxi and make sure it has a green license plate to indicate it is authorised.
• Be careful on public transport. Keep your valuables on you and well-secured, especially on "chicken buses" (colourfully decorated school buses). Theft is common on night buses, so avoid these if possible.
• Don't leave valuables in your hotel room unless there is a safe. It is better to leave them with reception.
• Be vigilant at tourist sites like Mayan ruins or tourist areas such as San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia. Thieves often target bags on buses in these areas.
• Keep your luggage with you at all times if possible.

Frequently asked questions