Belize Beach Resorts: A Tropical Paradise Just A Stone's Throw Away

Belize is a medium-sized country with a coastline hugging the Caribbean Sea and more than 200 offshore islands. The beaches in Belize are a boat or plane ride away from Belize City. While Belize City is the largest city in Belize and the place where most people arrive when visiting, it does not have long stretches of white sand beaches. Most of the nation's coastline is covered in mangroves, and sandy spots are few and far between. However, there are beach resorts in Belize that offer various experiences, such as sand and beach, Maya ruins, culture, jungle experiences, fishing, diving, and more.

Placencia Peninsula

Placencia Village, located at the southern tip of the peninsula, is a charming, low-key fishing village with a laid-back, no-shoes ambience. The village boasts colourful murals and artwork along its 4,000-foot-long pedestrian-only "main street", recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the narrowest main street in the world. Placencia offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly spots, as well as charming cafes and seafood restaurants.

The peninsula is bordered by a mangrove-lined lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, providing a stunning backdrop for activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and sailing. The nearby southern reef is famous for attracting whale sharks annually, making Placencia a popular spot for marine life enthusiasts.

In addition to its beach attractions, Placencia also offers easy access to mainland tours and attractions. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, home to some of Central America's last surviving jaguars, is a popular destination for hiking and exploring the jungle. The Monkey River is another favourite, offering boat tours and the opportunity to spot howler monkeys.

Placencia is an ideal destination for those seeking a mix of beach relaxation and jungle exploration, with the convenience of a charming village atmosphere and a variety of accommodations and dining options.

Ambergris Caye

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and the place where most people arrive when visiting on vacation. However, the city is not known for its beaches, and those looking for long stretches of white sand will be surprised to find that most of the nation's coastline is covered in mangroves.

For the best beaches in Belize, you will need to travel beyond Belize City. Ambergris Caye, the largest of the Belize islands, is among the main destinations for vacationers. The city of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye has several options for overnight luxury accommodations. The island is also home to several small beaches that are among the best in the region for lounging in the sun and swimming in the clear blue Caribbean waters. The island is a tourist hotspot for diving, snorkelling, and water sports.

The east side of the island, also known as the reef side, is where most of the action is happening. Here, you will find Ambergris Caye's only town, San Pedro, which is also the island's hub for resorts, hotels, and homes enjoying cool sea breezes and gorgeous ocean and reef views.

San Pedro is a bustling town that now has paved streets downtown and leading north towards the major tourist resorts. The side streets are mainly made of sand, so the island still retains its historic fishing village charm. The town is named after the patron saint of fishing, St Peter.

Golf carts are the preferred mode of transportation for locals and tourists. They provide a means to travel from home to a wide variety of grocery stores, trendy restaurants, nightclubs, coffee houses, and friendly mom-and-pop stores. Some residents still prefer to get around on a bicycle, on foot, or by taxi.

The far north of the island is home to Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve, a protected area with incredible wildlife and ancient Mayan history. You can take an all-day boat trip to explore the mangroves, the waterways, and the narrow canal that separates Belize from Mexico's Yucatan peninsula.

For amazing food and drinks, join the Belize Food Tours, which will take you on a walking tour of San Pedro, where you will get to taste local specialties, including food, desserts, treats, and drinks.

For snorkelling, Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a must-visit. It is generally a two-stop snorkelling trip. The first stop is Hol Chan, for snorkelling around and over the reef, where you can see tons of fish, rays, eels, and sometimes even a manatee. The second stop is the famous Shark Ray Alley, where you will spot a tangle of sharks.

Mexico Rocks is another snorkelling site that is quickly moving to the top of the list, rivalling Hol Chan for the number one spot. It is a gorgeous trip with crystal clear waters, pockets of white sand, big chunks of coral, and lots of sea life.

If you're looking for the cheapest time to visit, consider travelling between March and May, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between December and February.

Goff's Caye

Belize City is the largest city in Belize and the place where most people arrive when visiting on vacation. However, it does not have long stretches of white sand beaches. Instead, most of the nation's coastline is covered in mangroves, and sandy spots are few and far between.

One of the offshore islands in Belize is Goff's Caye, a small island paradise with powdery white sand beaches and aquamarine waters. It is one of the few white sand beaches in Belize with shallow crystal blue waters. The island is palm-fringed and offers the perfect beach getaway for people of all ages.

A trip to Goff's Caye typically involves a comfortable powerboat ride of less than 30 minutes from the Belize Tourism Village or the Belize Cruise Ship terminal. The scenic boat ride allows visitors to bask in the sun and explore the tropical island and its surrounding reef.

Upon arrival at Goff's Caye, visitors can lounge on the beach, build sandcastles, snorkel along the nearby reef, or enjoy a complimentary rum punch. The island also offers refreshments, snacks, and a barbecue with a variety of food options, including chicken kabobs, grilled chicken, lobster, and hot dogs (available for purchase).

In addition to beach and water activities, Goff's Caye also features a local craft market and hair braiding services. The island's small size, rustic charm, and natural beauty make it a unique and unforgettable destination for those seeking a tropical escape.

For those interested in exploring other beach resorts in Belize, here is some additional information:

Placencia Peninsula: Located 180 miles south of Belize City, Placencia offers an ideal beach scene with white sand and warm waters. It is home to a small village and provides hotel accommodations for those seeking swimming, snorkelling, and relaxation.

Caye Caulker: A short boat ride from Belize City, Caye Caulker offers a range of beach activities, including world-class snorkelling along the Belize barrier reef, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, and swimming.

Ambergris Caye: North of Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye is the largest of the Belize islands. It is a popular destination for vacationers, featuring luxury accommodations, small beaches, and clear blue Caribbean waters. The island is known for diving, snorkelling, and water sports.

These destinations, along with Goff's Caye, showcase the diverse beach experiences that Belize has to offer, combining natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a range of activities for visitors of all ages.

Hopkins Village Beach

Hopkins is a small Garifuna village on the coast of the Stann Creek District in Belize. It is known as the "coast with the most" in Belize and was voted "The Friendliest Village in Belize" by Belize's First Magazine. The village is known for its warm hospitality and safe environment. Hopkins has a rustic local beach vibe with many small restaurants, bars, and gift shops. The village is surrounded by the Maya Mountains and the Cockscomb Range inland, and the Caribbean Sea on its shore.

While the beach shore lies adjacent to private businesses and residences, Belize rules allow the public to access any beach area within 60 feet of the water, including all docks. Visitors can walk to the end of any road to access the shore, and scenic coconut palms line the sandy shore. Hopkins Road, the main road into town from the Southern Highway, leads straight to a public dock and divides the shoreline into north and south areas. A couple of bars sit at the intersection of Hopkins Road and the shore, and the town offers a mix of local businesses and tourist-oriented cafes, hostels, hotels, and bars.

The water at Hopkins Village Beach is warm, but not especially clear. However, those seeking clearer waters can book a tour to the Belize Barrier Reef, which is about a half-hour boat ride from the mainland shore. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Maya ruins and the Sittee River. Hopkins is a great place to experience the Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo, and Creole cultures, and the village is known for its diverse and delicious food offerings.

Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort

When visiting Hopkins Village Beach, consider staying at the Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort. This award-winning resort offers world-class diving and snorkelling adventures and is uniquely located in Hopkins. The resort features spacious private tree houses, beachfront rooms, and suites with air conditioning, private porches, and gorgeous hardwood furnishings. Onshore, guests can explore Mayan ruins, the Jaguar Preserve, caves, jungle rivers, and rainforest waterfalls.

Caye Caulker

The island is a short boat ride from Belize City, and there are plenty of beach activities to enjoy. The beaches on Caye Caulker may not be large or particularly stunning when compared to other Caribbean destinations, but they are some of the best beaches close to Belize City. The island offers world-class snorkelling along the Belize Barrier Reef, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming, and the chance to get up close with manatees.

There are two ways to get to Caye Caulker from Belize City: by ferry or by air. The ferry, or water taxi, takes around 45 minutes and costs between $23 and $35. Two companies, San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry, operate daily scheduled runs between Belize City and Caye Caulker. The alternative option is to fly. This journey takes around 10 minutes and costs between $45 and $120. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer flights from Belize City Municipal Airport to Caye Caulker Airport.

There are 155+ hotels on the island, with prices starting at $100 USD per night.

Frequently asked questions