Belize City's Best Beach Resorts Revealed

Belize is a tropical paradise with 240 miles of coastline and over 450 islands. While Belize City, the largest city in Belize, does not have any long stretches of white sand beaches, there are several beach resorts located a short distance away. The Placencia peninsula, three hours from Belize City, offers 16 miles of gorgeous white sand beaches and a range of resorts and local guesthouses. The Hopkins Village Beaches, two hours from Belize City, is another option, known for its laid-back atmosphere and surrounding mountains. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the island of Ambergris Caye, located off the coast of Belize, is home to several beach resorts, including the Coco Beach Resort. Caye Caulker, an island accessible by water taxi from Belize City, provides a taste of island life with a relaxed motto of Go Slow. While Belize City may not be known for its beaches, there are plenty of options for those seeking a beach resort experience in Belize.

Placencia Peninsula

Placencia, located at the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula in southeastern Belize, is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. The peninsula is approximately 19 miles long but only half a mile wide, giving it the look and feel of an island. In fact, it is often described as the "caye (island) you can drive to".

Placencia is bordered by a mangrove-lined lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, and is renowned for its beautiful beaches. The village has a range of shops, cafes, seafood restaurants, a small medical clinic, and an airfield. It is also a gateway to the southern reef, making it a popular spot for maritime activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and sailing.

The peninsula is home to three villages: Placencia, Seine Bight, and Maya Beach. Placencia Village has a population of fewer than 2000 people and is known for its laid-back, no-shoes ambience. The Main Street in Placencia Village is a pedestrian-only sidewalk adorned with colourful murals and artwork. It is recognised by the "Guinness Book of World Records" as the narrowest main street in the world.

The Placencia Peninsula has a range of resorts and hotels to fit almost any budget, from budget-friendly spots like Miramar Apartments to exclusive luxury resorts like Chabil Mar. The best time to visit Placencia is from December to April, during the dry season, but this is also the high tourism season, so hotels and tours are more expensive.

Placencia is easily accessible by air, with a 35-minute flight from Belize City. It can also be reached by vehicle or bus, with a trip of approximately 3 hours by taxi or shuttle, or 6 hours by bus. Once in Placencia, transportation options include bikes, taxis, and car or golf cart rentals.

Caye Caulker

The primary mode of transportation on Caye Caulker is by golf cart or bicycle, although many choose to walk or even go barefoot! The island is only five miles long and has a "Go Slow" motto that is quickly adopted by its visitors.

The island's food scene includes everything from barbeque to fresh seafood, with lobster and conch being "must-try" dishes. There are also street grills cooking up great seafood until the late afternoon.

Accommodation in Caye Caulker ranges from hostel-type accommodations to boutique properties with more modern amenities. The island has resisted major commercialisation, and lodging options tend to be simple and geared towards laid-back travellers looking to spend most of their time outdoors.

Ambergris Caye

The north of the island is home to Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, a protected area with incredible wildlife and ancient Mayan history. On the west side is Secret Beach, a must-visit spot with calm, crystal-clear waters and a selection of beach bars and restaurants.

There are plenty of activities and events to keep visitors entertained, from live music and festivals to sports, shopping, and dining. Golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation, and the island has a unique golf cart culture.

Some popular resorts on Ambergris Caye include Victoria House Resort, Pelican Reef Villas Resort, and Mahogany Bay Resort & Beach Club.

Hopkins

While Belize City itself does not offer long stretches of white sand beaches, Hopkins, a village on the country's southern coast, is home to a range of beach resorts.

Belizean Dreams is an all-inclusive resort in Hopkins, comprising nine standalone villas in a horseshoe shape, and seven boutique rooms in the Promenade Building. The resort offers packages such as the Belize Mayan Jungle & Beach Package, and the All-Inclusive Package, as well as add-ons like the Honeymoon & Romance option. The resort provides three Belizean meals a day, unlimited local drinks, and accommodations with a choice of one, two, or three bedrooms.

For those looking for eco-tourism, Hamanasi, a Belize eco-resort, is nestled in 21 acres of coastal forest near Hopkins. The resort offers 23 spacious accommodations and limitless adventures, including snorkelling and SCUBA diving.

San Pedro

There are several options for beach resorts in San Pedro, including:

• Xanadu: An island getaway a short walk from San Pedro, overlooking the Caribbean and the Barrier Reef. The resort features 18 thatched-roof domes housing luxurious suites with fully equipped kitchens and modern amenities.
• Victoria House: A small and exclusive resort with only 42 accommodations, Victoria House retains the casual ambiance and outstanding staff that make it a true Belizean experience. Guests can choose from a variety of rooms, suites, and villas, as well as numerous activities to make their stay unforgettable.
• Mahogany Bay Resort and Beach Club: This beachfront resort offers guests a range of amenities and activities to enjoy.
• Ocean Tide Beach Resort: This resort provides guests with a comfortable stay and easy access to the beach and water activities.

In addition to resorts, San Pedro also offers a range of hotels, villas, and Airbnb options for visitors.

Getting to San Pedro from Belize City can be done by plane or ferry. The flight time is approximately 15-20 minutes, and the ferry ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

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