Belize Solo Travel: Planning Your Adventure

Belize is a small country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, making it a perfect stop for travellers exploring the region. With its crystal clear waters, incredible wildlife, and adventurous activities, it is a great destination for solo travellers.

Belize is generally considered a safe place for solo travellers, but it is always good to exercise caution, especially at night. The only high-crime area in the country is Belize City, which should be avoided. The rest of the mainland and the Cayes are deemed safe, with the latter offering a range of water-based activities such as snorkelling, diving, and sailing.

English is the official language of Belize, making communication easy for English speakers. The country also has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, with hostels, guesthouses, and tour operators catering to solo travellers.

So, if you're planning a solo trip to Belize, get ready for an adventure-filled journey where you can explore ancient Mayan ruins, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, and relax on pristine beaches.

Where to go: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Hopkins, Placencia

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize. It is about 25 miles long and a mile wide, with a 190-mile-long barrier reef, making it the second-largest "living" reef in the world. San Pedro, located on Ambergris Caye, is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of bars, restaurants, and nightlife options. The island is easily accessible by plane or ferry from Belize City.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize, known for its laid-back vibe and "Go Slow" motto. It is a great choice for solo travellers looking to relax and reflect. The island offers snorkelling and swimming with sharks and stingrays, as well as beautiful sunsets at "the Split". English is widely spoken, and the US dollar is accepted, making it convenient for American travellers.

San Ignacio

San Ignacio is a less-visited destination in Belize, offering a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle. It is known for its safety, especially for female solo travellers, and provides opportunities to learn about the Garinagu culture. It is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions, such as the ancient Mayan ruins and the Belize Barrier Reef.

Hopkins

Hopkins is another secluded destination in Belize, located in the Stann Creek region. It is known for its oceanfront dining and unique culinary experiences, such as the Bioluminescence tour.

Placencia

Placencia is a popular tourist destination in Belize, known for its beaches and all-inclusive resorts. It offers a variety of dining options, including the Hobbs Brew Barge, a restaurant located on a barge with creative cocktails, beer flights, and live music.

How to get there: plane, bus, taxi, water taxi, shuttle, domestic flights

Belize is a relatively small country, so it's easy to get from one place to another within a few hours. The best way to get around will depend on your budget and time constraints. Here is some information on the different ways to get around Belize:

Plane

Belize has two domestic airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, which serve destinations such as Corozal, Orange Walk, San Pedro, Dangriga, Placencia, and Punta Gorda. Flying is a memorable way to get around Belize, offering incredible views of the jungle canopy, sweeping savannahs, and colourful coastline. While it is a more expensive option, it is a good choice if you are short on time or want to visit destinations that are unreachable by road.

Bus

Local bus services are a good-value way to get to most major towns and villages in Belize. The bus network covers all the major highways, including the Northern, Southern, Western, and Hummingbird highways. The longest bus ride in the country, from Belize City to Punta Gorda, takes around five to seven hours and costs BZ$25. Buses are usually old school buses painted in bright colours, and you can flag them down anywhere along the roadside. Tickets are purchased from the conductor on board, and the cost will depend on the distance travelled.

Taxi

All taxis in Belize are licensed and can be identified by their green number plates. They operate from special ranks in the centre of all mainland towns. There are no meters, so be sure to establish the fare in advance. Within towns, a fixed rate of BZ$8-10 should apply. It is also possible to negotiate a taxi ride between cities, but this option can be quite expensive, usually costing at least US$60-100 per person for a three-hour ride.

Water Taxi

Water taxis, or boat transport, are commonly used to visit the various cayes, including Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The San Pedro Belize Express water taxi runs from a terminal in Belize City, offering a regular shuttle service to Caye Caulker and San Pedro. Tickets cannot be purchased in advance, so it is recommended to arrive half an hour before your desired departure time.

Shuttle

Shuttle services are another option for getting around Belize. These are typically vans that offer a range of mainland routes, particularly to and from San Ignacio. Shuttle services can be more affordable than taxis, with a shuttle from the airport to San Ignacio costing around US$35 per person.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights are a good option if you want to reduce travel time and visit multiple destinations. They are also a great way to see the country from above, taking in the incredible views of the jungle, savannahs, and coastline. While they may not be the cheapest option, domestic flights are relatively affordable, with prices starting at around BZ$70-90.

Where to stay: hostels, hotels, resorts, guesthouses

When it comes to accommodation, Belize City offers a range of options, from large hotel chains to small guesthouses and villas. The city is home to the country's only international airport and was once the capital of Belize, so it remains a hub for commerce and tourism. Here are some recommendations for places to stay in Belize City:

Hotels

• Villa Boscardi: Located in the quiet neighbourhood of Buttonwood Bay, this quaint, eight-bedroom villa is just a block away from the Caribbean Sea and offers a safe and comfortable bed-and-breakfast experience.
• The Great House Inn: This historic British colonial-style hotel is situated in the prestigious Fort George neighbourhood, just a 10-minute walk from the city centre and a stone's throw from the Caribbean Sea.
• Harbour View Boutique Hotel & Yoga Retreat: Nestled on the eastern edge of Belize City, next to the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, this intimate hotel offers a rejuvenating escape with serene yoga experiences.
• Golden Bay Hotel: Guests seeking tranquility and convenience will appreciate this hotel's central yet quiet location, spacious rooms, and rooftop restaurant with breathtaking sea views.
• Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel: Located in a quiet area of North Belize City, this hotel chain boasts 75 rooms, a full-service spa, a 24-hour gym, a pool, and a restaurant, catering to both leisure and business travellers.
• Seaside Chateau Resort: This small resort, located near the outskirts of Belize City and close to the airport, offers cosy seaside cabanas, an infinity pool, and complimentary kayaks for exploring the sea and mangrove forest.
• Radisson Fort George Hotel: Positioned near the Caribbean Sea, this hotel is just minutes away from attractions such as the Baron Bliss Lighthouse, the Museum of Belize, and the 17th-century Battlefield Park.
• Ramada by Wyndham Princess Belize City: This lively casino hotel is set on the shore of the Caribbean Sea in the upscale Kings Park neighbourhood, attracting both tourists and business travellers.

While Belize City has a variety of accommodation options, it is recommended that solo travellers avoid staying in the city due to safety concerns. Instead, consider staying in less-visited destinations such as Hopkins, Tobacco Caye, or San Ignacio. These locations offer a more immersive cultural experience and provide opportunities to connect with locals and other travellers.

Hostels

• Lower Dover Jungle Lodge & Maya Ruins in Caye Caulker
• The Old House Hostel in Caye Caulker
• Sandbar Beachfront Hostel & Restaurant in Caye Caulker
• The Royal Rat Hostel in Caye Caulker
• The Funky Dodo Backpackers Hostel in Caye Caulker

Resorts

Coco Plum Island Resort: This adults-only, all-inclusive resort is located on a private island off the coast of Southern Belize, offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. With a focus on personalised service, this award-winning resort provides beach beds, lounge chairs, hammocks, and intimate dining experiences.

What to do: snorkelling, scuba diving, visiting ancient ruins, caving, zip-lining, birdwatching, exploring nature

Belize is a great destination for solo travellers, with its laid-back vibe and friendly locals. The country has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty, ancient ruins, and outdoor activities. Here are some ideas on what to do when planning a solo trip to Belize:

Snorkelling and Scuba Diving

Belize is known for its world-class snorkelling and scuba diving spots. With over 400 islands, white sandy beaches, and the longest unbroken barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the underwater world. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located just 6 km from Ambergris Caye, is teeming with marine life and is a popular spot for snorkelling. If you're interested in seeing sharks and rays, Shark Ray Alley, which is part of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, is the place to go. For scuba diving, the Blue Hole is Belize's most famous dive site, with its massive underwater sinkhole. Other popular scuba diving sites include Turneffe Reef Atoll, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and Glover's Reef Atoll.

Visiting Ancient Ruins

Belize is home to numerous Mayan ruins scattered throughout the country. One of the most impressive sites is Caracol, located in the Chiquibul Forest. This ancient city was once home to more than 140,000 people and has the tallest man-made structure in Belize, the Canna ("Sky Palace"). Another notable site is Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, which is accessible by boat from Orange Walk Town. Here, you can explore beautifully preserved Mayan ceremonial buildings, such as the High Temple and the Jaguar Temple. Xunantunich, accessible by a hand-cranked cable ferry from San José Succotz, is another impressive Mayan site with the second-largest structure in Belize, El Castillo ("The Castle"). For a less crowded experience, Cahal Pech, located in the Belize River Valley, offers a glimpse into the ancient Mayan residential architecture.

Caving

Belize also offers unique caving experiences, with many caves containing relics and artefacts left by the Mayans. Actun Tunichil Muknal, a remote cave, is filled with Mayan relics and is a popular spot for cave tours. The Caves Branch offers various caving and tubing tours, including the River Cave Expedition, where you can explore ancient Mayan ceremonial centres, pottery, and artefacts.

Zip-lining, Birdwatching, and Exploring Nature

For those who enjoy outdoor adventures, Belize has plenty of options for zip-lining, birdwatching, and exploring nature. The Belize Zoo is a great place to start, as it is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities and houses over 150 species of native wildlife. The Green Hills Butterfly Ranch is another popular spot, with thousands of live butterflies and a botanical garden. The Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, in addition to its Mayan ruins, also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, including iguanas, crocodiles, and howler monkeys. Altun Ha, another Mayan site, is a great spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds, as well as other exotic creatures such as armadillos and white-tailed deer.

Safety tips: avoid walking alone at night, watch your drink and belongings, avoid certain areas of Belize City

When travelling to Belize, it's important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Here are some safety tips to follow when visiting Belize, especially Belize City:

• Avoid walking alone at night. As much as possible, travel with a group or at least one other person. This is especially important if you plan on venturing out after dark. Walking in a group will lessen the chances of being targeted for crimes such as robbery or mugging.
• Watch your drink and belongings at all times. Petty theft and bag-snatching are common in Belize, so always keep your valuables secure and within your sight. Don't leave your belongings unattended, especially at the beach or in bars or nightclubs. Carry only small amounts of cash with you, and keep the rest in a secure location, such as a hotel safe.
• Avoid certain areas of Belize City. Belize City has a reputation for violent and petty crime due to gang violence. The southern part of the city, south of Haulover Creek Canal, is particularly dangerous and should be avoided. The northern part of the city should also be avoided at night. If you do visit Belize City, stick to the tourist areas and well-patrolled areas such as the tourism village, tourist attractions, and downtown Albert Street.
• Take a taxi after dark. Taxis are inexpensive and one of the safest ways to get around, especially at night.
• Stay in well-reviewed accommodations. Do your research and choose accommodations that have good reviews for safety and security.
• Be cautious when drinking alcohol. Avoid getting drunk, as it's important to keep your wits about you to avoid being targeted for crime. If you do go out drinking, make sure you're with someone you trust.
• Be vigilant and trust your instincts. If an area doesn't feel safe, avoid it. Use common sense and follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

Frequently asked questions