Belize: The Ultimate Adventure Guide

Belize is a small, easy-to-navigate country with a diverse range of activities and attractions. From scuba diving to exploring ancient ruins, here are some ideas for how to do as much as possible in Belize.

Explore Mayan Ruins

Belize was once the centre of the Mayan empire, and the country is home to many Mayan ruins, including Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Caracol. These sites offer a unique insight into Mayan history and culture, as well as breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

Scuba Dive the Blue Hole Natural Monument

For deep-water enthusiasts, Belize is a popular diving destination, and the Great Blue Hole may be the most thrilling dive site of them all. This underwater sinkhole, located at the centre of Lighthouse Atoll on the Belize Barrier Reef, offers divers the chance to explore a unique ecosystem, including coral, tropical fish, and stalactites, down to 400 feet.

Party on Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a chilled-out Caribbean island that attracts backpackers and younger travellers. The Split beach is the main attraction, known for its seaweed-free waters. The island also offers a variety of activities, such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking, and manatee-watching tours.

Search for Jaguars in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Belize is home to the highest concentration of jaguars in the world, and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in southern Belize is your best chance to spot them. The sanctuary is also home to a diverse range of other animals, including bird species, black howler monkeys, and snakes.

Go Birdwatching

Belize is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 500 avian species to spot, such as keel-billed toucans, scarlet macaws, and indigo buntings. Head to Black Rock Lodge near San Ignacio to learn from some of Belize's top birding guides while immersing yourself in the jungle.

Visit the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is the perfect place to encounter a wide variety of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. The zoo is committed to wildlife rescue and conservation efforts, and it is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.

With its diverse cultural heritage, beautiful natural attractions, and exciting activities, Belize offers something for everyone. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or adventure seeker, Belize is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Explore Mayan ruins

Belize was once the centre of the Maya Empire, and exploring the Mayan ruins that remain is a popular activity for tourists. Here are some of the best Mayan ruins to visit in Belize:

Caracol

Caracol is a large Mayan site located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve in the Cayo District. Once one of the most powerful cities of the Mayan era, it is now a large archaeological site, with reservoirs, walls, and tombs still to be discovered. The main attraction is the Canaã, or Sky Place, a 143-foot-tall pyramid that offers incredible views and surprising acoustics. Caracol is one of the more challenging ruins to reach, but the trip is also one of the most scenic drives.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is one of Belize's best-excavated archaeological sites and the easiest of the Mayan ruins to visit. It is located about an hour's drive north of Belize City. The site consists of two main plazas surrounded by over a dozen Mayan temples, pyramids, and residential structures. Hundreds of other buildings are still covered by jungle foliage, awaiting excavation. Altun Ha is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including armadillos, bats, and white-tailed deer.

Lamanai

Lamanai is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize. To get there, you must first make your way to Orange Walk Town, and then take a 26-mile boat ride up the winding New River. The site itself is set apart from others by the lagoon out front, which is filled with the sharp-toothed crocodiles that give the site its name, which means "submerged crocodile". Lamanai features a range of beautifully preserved Mayan ceremonial buildings, including the High Temple, the Jaguar Temple, and the Mask Temple.

Xunantunich

To reach the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, you must take a free hand-cranked cable ferry from San José Succotz over the Mopan River. The site features several large structures, including El Castillo, a pyramid that is the second-largest building in Belize. Xunantunich is estimated to be very old, with some experts believing people were living there as far back as 3,000 years ago.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is the oldest-known ruins in the Belize River Valley and has served as a valuable source of information on what life was like for the Mayans during the Preclassic period. The site features two ball courts and around 34 structures, all linked together via a series of interconnected plazas. The hilltop location of Cahal Pech also gives tourists panoramic vistas of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley.

Lubaantun

Located just a couple of miles northwest of the Maya village of San Pedro Columbia in southern Belize, Lubaantun is another astounding set of Mayan ruins. The ancient city thrived as an administrative hub and ceremonial centre starting around the year 700 AD. Lubaantun is unique in that its structures were built without any mortar.

Snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Belize's Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a beautiful nature reserve with world-famous diving and snorkelling opportunities. It is part of the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world, and is home to a diverse array of marine life. Here is a detailed itinerary for snorkelling at Hol Chan.

Getting There

Hol Chan Marine Reserve is located about 4 miles south of San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye. It is easily accessible by boat, with a short 15-minute boat ride from the Ambergris Divers pier.

When to Go

Belize's dry season, from the end of November to mid-April, offers ideal conditions for snorkelling. During this period, you can expect clear skies, warm temperatures, and good visibility underwater.

What to Expect

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve covers approximately 3 square miles and is divided into different zones based on marine habitats. It is home to a vast array of marine life, including over 160 species of fish, nearly 40 species of corals, sea turtles, nurse sharks, southern stingrays, and more. The reserve is also known for its vibrant coral formations and crevices that provide habitat for green eels and lobsters.

Tour Options

There are various tour options available for snorkelling at Hol Chan, ranging from half-day to full-day excursions. Some popular choices include:

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel Tour on the 40' Sirena Azul Sailboat: This tour includes snorkelling at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, with the opportunity to see a variety of marine life.
• All-inclusive Snorkelling at Hol Chan: This full-day tour makes six different stops around the marine reserve, including areas known for nurse sharks, southern stingrays, and manatees.
• Hol Chan Full-Day Bucket List Snorkelling and Marine Life Tour: This tour includes snorkelling at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley, with the chance to see sea turtles, stingrays, and nurse sharks. It also includes a fresh lunch on board the boat.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel and Caye Caulker Tour: This full-day tour combines snorkelling at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley with a visit to Caye Caulker for sightseeing and lunch.

What to Bring

Don't forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit, a towel, and insect repellent. If you have your own snorkelling gear, you may want to bring it, although most tours provide the necessary equipment.

Important Considerations

Belize takes its ecosystem very seriously, so be sure to follow all rules and regulations when visiting the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Additionally, some tours may have weight or age restrictions for snorkelling, so be sure to check before booking if you have young children or other specific requirements.

Visit the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a great way to get introduced to Belize's wildlife and ecosystem. The zoo is located 29 miles west of Belize City on the Western Highway and is set in 29 acres of land. It is home to over 150 animals of about 43-48 native species. The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who was left with a handful of wild animals after a natural history documentary was filmed.

The zoo is accessible to persons with physical disabilities and is the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Belize. The habitats designed for the animals reflect their natural settings. The zoo is also a great way to see Belize's fauna reliably, especially if you are short on time.

The zoo has a variety of mammals, including Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, and the five wild cat species found in Belize: jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, and jaguarundi. Other mammals include white-tailed deer, red brocket deer, collared peccaries, white-lipped peccaries, Yucatan spider monkeys, black howler monkeys, Central American agoutis, lowland paca, gray foxes, neotropical otters, coatis, kinkajous, and tayras.

There are also several species of birds, including scarlet macaws, red-lored amazons, yellow-headed amazons, keel-billed toucans, jabiru, harpy eagles, king vultures, great black hawks, and barn owls.

Reptiles at the zoo include American crocodiles, Morelet's crocodiles, boa constrictors, fer-de-lance, green iguanas, and black spiny-tailed iguanas.

The zoo offers guided tours and even accommodations on its premises. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and on Sundays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is BZD 30 for adults.

The zoo is a great way to connect with Belize's unique natural heritage and learn about its wildlife conservation efforts. It is an excellent educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Take a cave tour

Belize is home to a series of ancient ceremonial caves, some featuring human remains, pottery, and crystal skulls, making it a popular destination for cave tours and cave tubing adventures. Here is some information on how to make the most of your time in Belize by taking a cave tour:

Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour

This physically challenging tour is located about 19 miles from San Ignacio and is considered one of Belize's most popular and memorable experiences. The ancient Maya believed this cave was the underworld, or Xibalba. You will need to hire a guide to take you through the archaeological site, which includes skeletal remains and artefacts from Mayan ceremonies. Due to an incident where a camera was dropped on a skull, photography is prohibited. You will need to navigate tight spaces and water-filled areas during the three hours inside the cave, and tours may be cancelled in the event of heavy rain.

Barton Creek Cave Tour

This half-day tour involves exploring a stunning Maya ceremonial cave by canoe, with a licensed guide introducing you to the natural and cultural wonders of the site. You will learn about the history and significance of the cave while admiring the crystal formations that cast eerie shadows in the black abyss.

Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve

This tour involves gentle tubing through the caves and jungle, providing a relaxing and adventurous experience. You will hike up a path, cross a small creek, and then climb up to the cave entrance. Inside the cave, you will find ancient Mayan pottery and incredible crystal formations. The whole experience can feel like a dream, and you will also get to interact with local artists in the market area.

Chechem Ha Cave Tour

This tour takes you through a lush valley and up the opposite wall to the cave entrance, located about 1400 feet above sea level. Inside the cave, you will descend through the nine levels of the underworld and see an altar with a stone relief carving of Ix Chel, the Mayan fertility goddess, as well as ancient Mayan pottery. After emerging from the cave, you will descend back into the valley and follow the path to your guide's family home.

Crystal Cave (Mountain Cow Cave) Tour

This tour involves a 45-minute hike through the jungle to the cave entrance, followed by a challenging but rewarding climb and spelunking experience within the cave. You will need to wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, and your guide will ensure you know where to place your hands and feet during the climb.

Go to Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island with a laid-back, Caribbean vibe. It's a popular destination for backpackers and younger travellers, who get around the island on foot or by bicycle.

The island is busiest during Belize's dry season, from January to April, and is known for its friendly locals, great seafood, and fantastic snorkelling opportunities.

Getting There

Caye Caulker doesn't have an international airport, so you'll need to fly into the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City and take a domestic flight or water taxi from there.

Where to Stay

If you're looking for a luxury resort, Caye Caulker may not be the island for you. The island has resisted commercialisation, and accommodation options tend to be simple and geared towards laid-back travellers who want to spend most of their time outdoors.

Top places to stay include Weezie's Oceanfront Hotel & Garden Cottages and Bella's Backpackers Caye Caulker.

Things to Do

Caye Caulker Forest Reserve

This nature reserve takes up 100 acres of the island and is home to a variety of sea life, plant life, and over 170 species of birds. It's also a great spot for kayaking.

Lobsterfest

In July, Caye Caulker celebrates Lobsterfest, a festival honouring lobster and other crustaceans. Tourists and locals can enjoy competitions, cocktails, beach parties, and music.

The Split

The Split is a stretch of water that divides the island in two. It's a great place to lounge, swim, snorkel, or have a drink at the Lazy Lizard bar. It's also the best spot on the island for snorkelling, where you can see coral, sponges, puffer fish, starfish, and stingrays.

Manatee Watching

Take a tour to Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary to spot huge, docile, and highly endangered manatees.

Snorkelling at Shark Ray Alley

At Shark Ray Alley, you can get up close and personal with nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. The water is warm and clear, and you can even pet the nurse sharks, which are harmless.

Other Activities

Caye Caulker is a great base for exploring the Belize Barrier Reef, which is just a few minutes from the island. The reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a diverse range of marine life.

The island is also a popular spot for diving, with sites like the Blue Hole Natural Monument nearby.

For those who prefer to stay on land, the Caye Caulker Forest Reserve is a great place for birdwatching, and you can also explore the island's south end, which is rich in crocodiles and bird-nesting sites.

Frequently asked questions