Belize Excursions: Planning Your Adventure

Belize is a small country with a diverse range of attractions, from ancient Mayan ruins to pristine beaches. With so much to offer, it can be challenging to plan the perfect vacation. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip to Belize:

- Research the different regions of Belize and decide on the focus of your trip. Do you want to enjoy sunny days at the beach, explore nature, or tuck yourself away in a resort? Popular destinations include Ambergris Caye, Placencia, and the Cayo District, each offering unique adventures.

- Book your accommodations in advance, especially during the high travel season. Belize offers various lodging options, from budget motels to luxurious jungle lodges.

- Plan your activities ahead of time to ensure they don't sell out. Popular activities include zip-lining, cave explorations, river tubing, and snorkelling at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley.

- Apply for a passport if you don't already have one. It can take up to eight weeks to obtain, and a passport is required to enter Belize.

- Pack conscientiously and light. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, eco-friendly insect spray, long-sleeved clothing, hiking shoes, and sun protection.

- Visit your doctor to determine if you need any vaccinations or immunizations before your trip.

- Consider the best time to visit Belize. The dry season is from November to May, while the wet season runs from June to October. The high tourist season is during the dry season, but there is a shoulder season in July and August when rainfall decreases and wildlife is abundant.

- Use a combination of transportation options, including flights, water taxis, and ground transportation, to get around Belize.

- Be mindful of local customs and etiquette. Belizeans are friendly but generally avoid physical affection. English is the official language, but Spanish or Creole may be more commonly spoken in certain regions.

- Stay informed about safety precautions. While Belize is considered safe to visit, crime and gang violence can be a concern in some areas, such as Belize City. Book guided tours and stay in reputable hotels to enhance your safety.

Researching activities and booking ahead

Belize is a small country with a diverse range of attractions, from ancient Mayan ruins to pristine beaches and lush rainforests. With so much to see and do, it's important to plan your excursions in advance to make the most of your time. Here are some tips for researching activities and booking ahead for your trip to Belize:

Researching Activities

Before booking your excursions, take some time to research the different activities and attractions that Belize has to offer. Here are some options to consider:

• Mayan Ruins: Belize is home to numerous Mayan ruins, including Xunantunich, Altun Ha, Caracol, and Lamanai. These sites offer a glimpse into the ancient Maya world and are considered some of the best ruins in Central America.
• Snorkelling and Scuba Diving: With the second-largest barrier reef in the world, Belize is a top destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. Popular spots include the Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and Shark Ray Alley.
• Wildlife and Nature Reserves: The rainforests and wildlife of Belize are a nature lover's paradise. Look for tours that include wildlife sanctuaries, butterfly farms, and bird-watching hotspots to spot jaguars, howler monkeys, and colourful birds.
• Caves: Belize is known for its spectacular limestone cave systems, such as Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM Cave) and Nohoch Che'en Archaeological Reserve. Cave tubing and kayaking are popular activities for exploring these underground worlds.
• Cultural Experiences: Belize has a rich cultural heritage with influences from Creole, Maya, Garifuna, Mestizo, and Mennonite cultures. Immerse yourself in the local culture through food, music, and interactions with indigenous communities.

Booking Ahead

Once you've decided on the activities you want to do, it's important to book them in advance to ensure availability. Here are some tips for booking your excursions:

• Use Reputable Tour Operators: Book your excursions through reputable tour operators, either directly or through your hotel or resort. This ensures that you are working with experienced and knowledgeable guides.
• Consider a Guided Tour: Booking a guided tour can enhance your experience and provide valuable insights into the history, culture, and natural environment of Belize. Guided tours also take care of logistics and transportation, making your trip more convenient and stress-free.
• Check for Reviews: Before booking, read reviews from other travellers to get a sense of their experience with the tour operator. This can help you make an informed decision and avoid potential pitfalls.
• Book During Off-Peak Seasons: To avoid crowds and potentially save money, consider booking your excursions during the wet season (June to October) or the shoulder season (July and August). The dry season (November to May) is the high tourist season, so prices may be higher and availability lower.
• Be Flexible: While it's important to plan and book ahead, remain flexible during your trip. Last-minute changes or cancellations may occur due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

Packing light clothing and eco-friendly products

Belize is a balmy tropical paradise, with a subtropical climate and high temperatures all year round. So, when packing for your trip, lightweight, breathable fabrics are a must. Think cotton, linen and silk. Synthetics like polyester and nylon will make you sweat.

The seasons in Belize are the dry season, from December to March, and the wet season, from June to November. So, depending on when you're travelling, you'll need to pack for rain. A lightweight raincoat or poncho is a good idea, and quick-dry fabrics like linen are your best friend.

Mosquitoes are a problem in Belize, so you'll want to pack light-coloured clothing, as mosquitoes are attracted to darker tones. You'll also need insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or another approved product. Long-sleeved shirts and pants will also help protect you from bites.

Belize is a predominantly Catholic country, so modesty is important. While a bikini is fine on the beach or on a boat, it's a good idea to cover up with a sarong or kaftan in towns and villages.

When it comes to eco-friendly products, it's important to consider the environmental impact of the toiletries you take. Some ingredients in sunscreen, for example, can be harmful to reefs. So make sure you pack a water-resistant, coral-safe sunscreen. You could also consider using natural products like coconut oil as a moisturiser, and shampoo bars instead of plastic bottles of shampoo. Solid soap bars are another good option, and you can even get solid conditioner bars. Biodegradable bamboo toothbrushes and toothpaste tablets are other good eco-friendly alternatives.

When it comes to clothing, natural fibres like cotton, linen and silk are not only breathable in the hot climate, but they're also more environmentally friendly than synthetic fabrics, which are derived from petroleum and can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Finally, a good way to be eco-friendly is to minimise packaging and disposables. So, instead of buying bottled water, take a water bottle with a built-in filter.

Visiting a doctor for recommended shots and immunisations

When planning a trip to Belize, it is important to visit your doctor to ask about recommended shots and immunisations. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Belize:

• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A
• Polio
• Yellow Fever
• Chikungunya
• Rabies
• Hepatitis B
• Influenza
• COVID-19
• Pneumonia
• Meningitis
• Chickenpox
• Shingles
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis)
• Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)

Additionally, antimalarials may be recommended based on your itinerary. It is also important to be aware of the risk of contracting the Zika virus in Belize, as well as other mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and chikungunya. To protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses, use insect repellent, wear clothing that covers your whole body, and sleep under bed nets.

It is also recommended that you make sure your routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling to Belize, including your tetanus vaccine.

Planning transportation and accommodation

Transportation

Belize is a small country, but its diverse attractions are spread out across the country. As such, you will likely need to use a combination of transportation methods to get around.

Flights

Belize has many airports, but all flights from the US land at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. From there, you can get flights on Maya Air or Tropic Air to many small airports across the country, including San Pedro and Caye Caulker.

Driving

Driving is a good option for getting around the mainland. Roads are notoriously poor, however, and it can take a full day to drive what appears to be a short distance. If you plan to drive, consider renting a car through a company like Discover Cars.

Water Taxis and Ferries

Water taxis and ferries are commonly used to get to and from the mainland and many of Belize's islands and dive sites. They are relatively affordable, but the schedules can be unpredictable.

Shuttles and Transfers

Some hotels offer free shuttle services to and from the airport. You can also book private transfers through companies like Welcome Pickups.

Accommodation

Belize offers a range of accommodation options, from budget motels to luxury jungle lodges. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the high season. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Location

If you want to stay on the beach, consider Ambergris Caye or Placencia. For eco-friendly adventures, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences, choose the Cayo District. San Ignacio is a lively town in this region with excellent restaurants, shops, and services.

Cost

The cost of accommodation in Belize can vary widely, from $150 per person per day for budget options to $500 per person per day for luxury tours.

All-Inclusive Resorts

Many travellers to Belize prefer to stay in all-inclusive resorts where the hotel staff takes care of every detail, including meals, transportation, and planning activities.

Checking visa requirements

When planning excursions in Belize, it is important to check the visa requirements. Here is a detailed and instructive guide on checking visa requirements for your trip to Belize:

• Passport Validity: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned stay in Belize. This is a standard requirement for entry into the country.
• Visa-Free Entry for 30 Days: Many countries' citizens are exempt from obtaining a visa for visits to Belize of 30 days or less. These include citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Caribbean Community Member States (except Haiti), Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Tunisia, Switzerland, and Uruguay.
• Belize Visitor's Permit Extension: If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to visit an Immigration Office in Belize to extend your stay. The 'Belize Visitor's Permit Extension' is the required permit for stays exceeding 30 days, and you will need to pay an additional fee for each additional month.
• Multiple Entry Visas and Permanent Residence: If you hold a valid multiple-entry visa or Permanent Residence Card from the USA, Canada, or a Schengen country, you are exempt from a Belize entry visa for visits of 30 days or less.
• Transit and Sponsorship: If you are transiting through Belize, ensure your travel itinerary shows the expected arrival and departure dates. If you are being sponsored, you will need a Letter of Financial Support and your sponsor's identification.
• Application Form and Flight Itinerary: Ensure you complete all sections of the Belize visa application form. Your flight itinerary must show your expected arrival and return dates.
• Valid Passport: Aside from the validity period, ensure your passport is in good condition and has blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Other Requirements: You must also have proof of an onward or return ticket and sufficient funds to cover the costs of your stay. If entering by land, different fees apply depending on the duration of your stay.
• Visa Information Sources: For the most up-to-date and accurate visa information, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Belize High Commission or the Embassy of Belize.

Remember to check the visa requirements well in advance of your trip and allow sufficient time for any necessary applications or extensions.

Frequently asked questions