Belize's Surfing Scene: Catching Waves In Paradise

Belize is a vibrant country with a wide array of biomes and a long coastline of 386 kilometres (240 miles). It is known for its lush tropical rainforest, ancient Maya history, and white sand islands. However, surfing in Belize is limited due to the country's barrier reef, which is the longest in the Northern Hemisphere and blocks big waves from forming. While this reef provides invaluable protection against storms, it also means that Belize is not a popular destination for surfing. Nevertheless, there is one notable exception for surfers seeking waves in Belize: Glover's Reef Atoll.

Belize's reef blocks big waves but protects the shoreline

Belize is home to the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, which, while blocking big waves, also protects the shoreline from storms. The country's coastline is 386 kilometres (240 miles) long and the reef stretches along the entirety of it, preventing large waves from forming. As a result, surfing is sparse in Belize, and the country is not known for its surf culture.

The calm waters created by the reef's protection, however, provide an excellent opportunity for windsurfing. The trade winds that blow through the region, particularly between February and June, are ideal for this sport. San Pedro, located on Belize's largest island, Ambergris Caye, offers windsurfing, sailing, and kitesurfing lessons for beginners.

For those seeking a more traditional surfing experience, there is one notable exception to the country's generally calm waters: Glover's Reef Atoll. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers the only quality surfing spot in Belize, with waves reaching up to 4 feet (1.2 metres) tall. The best time to visit Belize for surfing is during the dry season, from December to March, when ocean swells and trade winds are consistent.

Long Caye, located within Glover's Reef, is the best-surfing spot in the country, featuring the only surf break along the coast that is both safe and easily accessible. The shoal is composed of old dead corals that are not sharp, making it a perfect spot for beginners to try out surfing or surf kayaking.

There are limited surfing spots in Belize

Belize is a vibrant country with a wide array of biomes and a long coastline that spans 386 kilometres (240 miles). With all this considered, it is surprising that the country does not have a big presence in the world of surf-related vacations. This is because the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest in the Northern Hemisphere, blocks any big waves from coming in. The reef also provides priceless shoreline protection against storms.

While the reef makes most of Belize unsuitable for surfing, there are a couple of spots where surfing is possible. The most notable exception for die-hard surfers looking to ride the waves in Belize is Glover's Reef Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the ocean swells reach 4 ft (1.2 m) tall, and the north-east trade winds are consistent throughout the winter season.

Another spot for surfing in Belize is Long Caye, which features the only surf break along its coast, safe for surfers and easily accessible. The shoal is made up of old dead corals, which are not sharp and easily walkable. The waves here reach 2-4 ft during the winter season and are perfect for those interested in trying out some laid-back surfing or surf kayaking.

The best time to visit Belize for surfing is during the dry season, from December to March, and from November to May to enjoy warm temperatures.

Long Caye is the best place to surf in Belize

Belize is not usually known as a surfing hotspot, as the Belize Barrier Reef, the longest in the Western Hemisphere, blocks big waves from reaching the shore. However, there is one notable exception: Long Caye, which is, in fact, the best place to surf in Belize.

Long Caye is the only surf break in Belize that is both accessible and safe. The reef has hard coral rubble instead of soft sand, which may not be ideal for beginner board surfers, but the coral shoal is not sharp and is easily walkable. The surf spot is quite good, with moderate to steep drops and a fun, punchy, fast inner section. The waves are consistent and moderate, reaching 2-4ft during the winter season, and are perfect for experienced surfers looking for a more relaxed surfing experience.

Long Caye is also a great place for beginners to try surf kayaking, which has become increasingly popular in Belize. The moderate waves suit the skill level of those new to the sport, and Slickrock Adventures offers basic training for surfing and kayaking, making it a great option for first-timers.

The best time to visit Belize for surfing is during the dry season, from December to March, when the water waves and trade winds are ideal, and the water temperature averages 78-80°F. So if you're planning a trip to Belize and want to surf, be sure to add Long Caye to your itinerary!

The winter season has the most consistent waves

Belize is not usually considered a top surfing destination. The country's long barrier reef, the longest in the Northern Hemisphere, blocks big waves from forming along the coast. The reef provides priceless protection against storms, and as a result, the coastal waters are calm and often likened to a lake.

However, there are still a few spots in Belize where surfers can ride the waves. The winter season, from December to March, offers the most consistent waves. During this time, ocean swells can reach 4 ft (1.2 m) tall, and north-east trade winds are consistent. One of the best places to surf during the winter is Long Caye, which features the only surf break along the coast that is easily accessible and safe for surfers of all skill levels. The surf break at Long Caye is created by a dead coral shoal, which forms consistent and moderate waves that are perfect for those interested in trying out surfing or surf kayaking.

Another great spot to catch some waves during the winter is Glover's Reef Atoll, the sole quality surfing location in all of Belize. Surfing at Glover's Reef is more exclusive due to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but tour companies can help visitors gain access to this unique surfing experience. The Right Point Break at Glover's Reef is especially popular for wind and water sports enthusiasts.

While Belize may not be the first choice for surfers looking for big waves, the winter season offers consistent and moderate waves that are perfect for beginners or those seeking a more relaxed surfing experience.

There are lots of other water-based activities in Belize

Belize is not known for its surf culture, and surfing opportunities are limited due to the country's barrier reef blocking big waves. However, there is no shortage of other water-based activities to enjoy.

For those who still want to ride the waves, there are a couple of surf spots in Belize. Long Caye, for example, features the only surf break along its coast, with waves reaching up to 4 ft (1.2 m) tall during the winter season. The surf break at Long Caye is easily accessible and suitable for beginners. Another option is Glover's Reef Atoll, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you're open to exploring other water activities, Belize offers a plethora of options. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Scuba Diving: Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, providing divers with a spectacular combination of white sandy sea floors and blue waters. The Belize Blue Hole, visible from space, is a bucket list item for divers, who can witness giant stalactites, dripstone sheets, and limestone columns surrounded by reef sharks and tropical fish.
• Snorkelling: For those who don't want to dive, snorkelling is a great way to explore the shallow reefs, crystal clear waters, and abundant marine life. Shark & Sting Ray Alley is a hotspot for brave snorkelers who want to swim with friendly reef sharks.
• Sailing: Belize's calm sailing conditions and clear waters attract enthusiasts from around the world. Catamaran tours are ideal for beginners, while overnight trips along the cayes offer a more adventurous experience.
• Jet Skiing: Jet skiing is a thrilling way to explore the unexplored Cayes of Belize and experience the beauty of the Caribbean waters.
• Kayaking: With over 25 species of birds and resting areas for dolphins, Turneffe Atoll offers a striking ecological diversity for kayakers. Guided tours take paddlers through mangroves, uninhabited cayes, and coral gardens.
• Fishing: Belize is a surprising destination for sport fishing, with 5% of its total area covered in lagoons. Fishing trips cater to all levels, from first-timers to experienced anglers, and include catch and release, fly fishing, deep-sea fishing, spearfishing, and inner reef drop fishing.
• Cave Tubing: In Western Belize, the Nohoch Che'en Caves offer a unique water-based experience. Visitors can tube through the dark Mayan cave, admiring the bats and ancient walls without getting wet.
• Big Rock Falls: Located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Big Rock Falls offers a natural spa experience with cascading waterfalls and refreshing pools.

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