Belize: A Family-Friendly Vacation Destination?

Belize is a small country with a big punch. It's a great destination for families, with a wide range of activities for both kids and adults. From ancient Mayan sites to incredible wildlife, Belize has something for everyone.

The country is known for its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests, as well as its cultural diversity. English is the first language, making it easy to navigate and communicate with locals.

There are plenty of family-friendly resorts and activities in Belize, such as the Lodge at Chaa Creek, which offers eco-adventures like butterfly farms and archaeological sites. The Belize Zoo is also a popular attraction, with natural enclosures that mimic real wildlife habitats.

With its mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, Belize is sure to offer an unforgettable family vacation.

The Belize Zoo and its Tropical Education Centre

Belize is a great destination for families, offering a mix of beach relaxation and jungle adventures. The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre (TBZTEC) is a must-visit for families travelling with small children. Here's everything you need to know about this unique attraction.

The Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre:

The Belize Zoo is not your typical zoo. Founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, it started as a small collection of wild animals that were used in a natural history documentary. Matola, who cared for these animals, decided to turn them into an educational attraction. Today, the zoo spans 12 hectares (29 acres) and is home to over 175 animals representing about 48 native species. The zoo's focus is on educating visitors, especially locals, about Belize's wildlife and instilling a sense of appreciation and conservation for the country's natural heritage.

One of the unique aspects of the Belize Zoo is that it only houses rescued, confiscated, or rehabilitated animals. The habitats are carefully designed to reflect the animals' natural settings, providing an immersive and educational experience for visitors. The zoo is currently home to various mammals, birds, and reptiles, including jaguars, tapirs, monkeys, crocodiles, and more.

The Tropical Education Centre (TEC) is an extension of the zoo's mission. Located on an 84-acre site adjacent to the zoo, it serves as a lodge, learning centre, and training facility. Here, visitors can learn more about the wildlife and natural environment of Belize through various programmes and activities.

What to Expect at the Belize Zoo:

When visiting the Belize Zoo, you can expect an up-close and personal experience with Belize's native wildlife. The zoo offers traditional daytime tours, but also night tours to observe the behaviour of crepuscular and nocturnal animals, such as jaguars, tapirs, and howler monkeys.

One of the highlights of the zoo is the "Junior Buddy" encounter, where visitors can safely enter a cage within the jaguar exhibit. "Junior Buddy" is a young jaguar born and raised in the zoo through their Problem Jaguar Rehab Program. This programme aims to educate locals about jaguars and reduce conflicts with farmers whose livestock may be preyed upon.

The Belize Zoo also offers other interactive experiences, such as the Scarlet Macaw encounter, where you can learn more about these colourful birds and even feed them.

Practical Information:

The Belize Zoo is located about 47 kilometres (29 miles) west of Belize City on the Western Highway. It is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM) and on Sundays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (last admission at 3:30 PM).

The zoo is easily accessible, situated roughly halfway between Belmopan and Belize City, and it is just a 30-minute drive from the international airport. This makes it a convenient stop for families looking to experience Belize's wildlife up close.

Why the Belize Zoo is Great for Small Children:

The Belize Zoo provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn about and connect with nature. The immersive setting allows children to see animals in habitats resembling their natural environment, fostering an appreciation for wildlife conservation. Additionally, the zoo's focus on education ensures that children gain knowledge about the animals and their importance in the ecosystem.

The interactive encounters, such as the "Junior Buddy" jaguar experience and the Scarlet Macaw feeding, offer a safe and engaging way for children to get up close to the animals. These experiences can create lasting memories and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

In conclusion, the Belize Zoo and its Tropical Education Centre offer a fun, educational, and immersive experience for families travelling with small children. With its focus on wildlife conservation and unique interactive encounters, it is a must-visit destination when exploring the wonders of Belize.

Snorkelling at the Blue Hole

Belize is a great destination for families, offering a mix of beach relaxation and jungle adventures. The small country is packed with ancient Mayan sites, incredible animals, delicious food, and thrilling activities.

Now, let's talk about snorkelling at the Blue Hole in detail.

The Blue Hole in Belize is a famous underwater sinkhole located about 50 miles across the open ocean. While it may not be the most impressive site at water level, with a dark centre encircled by a ring of coral, it is an iconic image that has put Belize on the map.

When you enter the water, you'll swim around the inside of the reef ring, witnessing the sea floor drop off into the depths below. The reef ring features beautiful corals, fans, and sponges. It is important to note that there is a lack of tropical fish variety in this area, and the tour boats' gasoline leakage can be an unpleasant and harmful experience for both visitors and the environment.

For a more enjoyable snorkelling experience, it is recommended to explore the spots along the barrier reef or opt for resorts on Turneffe Atoll or liveaboard snorkelling tours.

Practical Information:

To make the most of your snorkelling experience at the Blue Hole, consider the following:

• Accessing the Blue Hole - You can reach the Blue Hole by joining an organised tour or visiting independently. If you're staying at a nearby North Dahab resort, walking or taking a taxi is an option. However, since entry permits and fees are required, joining a tour can save you time and hassle.
• Entry Fees and Permits - As of 2019, a permit from the Egyptian army is required for all vehicles entering the reserve area, costing approximately $10 per vehicle per day. Additionally, there is an entrance fee of $10 per person for accessing the Blue Hole.
• Snorkelling Tours - Snorkelling trips to the Blue Hole can be booked locally or online, either from Dahab or Sharm el Sheik. These tours typically include lunch and visits to other snorkelling locations, such as the Ras Abu Galum Reserve or the Three Pools site.
• Safety Considerations - While snorkelling at the Blue Hole is safe for recreational snorkelers, it is not recommended for non-swimmers or first-time snorkelers. Know your limits, stay fit, and respect the sea to ensure a positive experience.
• Depth of the Blue Hole - The Blue Hole has a total depth of 120 metres (394 feet), with a shallow opening at 6 metres known as the "Saddle." This is the primary snorkelling area, offering a vibrant coral garden and a diverse range of fish species.
• Other Blue Holes Worldwide - Blue holes can be found worldwide on shallow carbonate platforms, formed through erosion during past ice ages. Some notable examples include the Dragon Hole in the South China Sea, Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas, and the Blue Hole Gozo. However, the Dahab Blue Hole in Egypt offers the best snorkelling experience among them.

So, if you're planning a family trip to Belize, definitely consider including snorkelling at the Blue Hole in your itinerary. It's a unique experience that combines adventure, natural beauty, and a chance to explore one of the world's most famous dive sites.

The ancient Mayan site of Xunantunich

Belize is a great destination for families, offering a mix of beach relaxation and jungle adventures. The ancient Mayan site of Xunantunich is a fascinating place to visit and is located about 70 miles west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. Here are some details about Xunantunich to help you plan your trip:

History and Excavations

Xunantunich, meaning "Maiden of the Rock" in the Maya languages Mopan and Yucatec, is an ancient Maya archaeological site. The name combines "Xunaan" (noble lady) and "Tuunich" (stone for sculpture). The site served as a Maya civic and ceremonial centre during the Late and Terminal Classic periods. The first modern explorations of Xunantunich were conducted by Thomas Gann in the 1890s, who was drawn to the area by his interest in Maya archaeology. Subsequent excavations by archaeologists like Euan MacKie and teams like the Xunantunich Archaeological Project (XAP) and the Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance Project (BVAR) have contributed significantly to our understanding of the site.

Architecture and Layout

Xunantunich's core city occupies about one square mile and consists of six plazas, more than 26 temples and palaces, ball courts, and hundreds of mounds yet to be unearthed. One of its notable structures is the pyramid "El Castillo," which is the second tallest structure in Belize at 130 feet tall. El Castillo is believed to be the ""axis mundi" of the site, representing the intersection of the two cardinal lines. The core city is surrounded by fertile farmland that once contained small villages divided into family groups, all of which were economically self-sufficient.

Discovery and Folklore

Xunantunich remained largely unknown until Irish surgeon Thomas Gann became the district commissioner in 1892. Local folklore also adds to the mystery of the site. According to legend, a man from a nearby village encountered a beautiful Maya maiden dressed in traditional clothing near El Castillo in the 1890s. Others claimed to have seen her as well, but she would disappear into a cave. This gave rise to the name "Stone Woman" associated with the site.

Visiting Xunantunich

To reach Xunantunich, you'll need to take a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River. The site is located just one kilometre east of the Guatemalan border. The entrance fee to explore the ancient Mayan ruins is affordable, and there are nearby accommodation options in Benque Viejo del Carmen and San Ignacio. Xunantunich is also on the tourist route for those travelling between Belize and Tikal in Guatemala, making it a convenient stop for those interested in ancient Mayan culture and history.

The Placencia Peninsula

Placencia Village, at the southernmost tip of the peninsula, is the hub of restaurants, shops, and beach bars. It's only about one square mile, with two main avenues, so it's impossible to get lost. The village has a tight-knit community, and everyone knows each other, which adds to the feeling of safety for travellers with children.

There are plenty of family-friendly activities and childcare options in Placencia. Here are some suggestions:

• Snorkelling and fishing: The Placencia Resort offers tours that depart straight from the resort, including snorkelling at Ranguana Caye, a private island off the coast of Placencia.
• Zip-lining and hiking: Try jungle zip-lining and cave tubing to see the jungle from above and below.
• Visiting Mayan Temples: Tour ancient Maya sites such as Xunantunich and the Southern Ruins to learn about local history.
• Learning how to make chocolate: Make chocolate from scratch the Mayan way and take it home as a souvenir.
• Scuba diving: Kids aged 10 and up can learn how to scuba dive and explore the Belize Barrier Reef and various dive sites in the area.
• Exploring Placencia Village: Stroll along the narrowest main street in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, and enjoy the colourful wooden houses, restaurants, and pubs.
• Interacting with the local culture: Expose your children to the Garifuna people, a community with roots in Africa and the eastern Caribbean islands. Sample their ethnic foods, art, and unique music, and consider taking drumming lessons.
• Boat tours: Take a cruise along the Monkey River to spot Howler monkeys, iguanas, toucans, and other wildlife.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Accommodation

The Lodge offers a range of accommodations, from rustic charm to unparalleled luxury. The Ix Chel Luxury Rainforest Villas, for example, offer stunning views, private Jacuzzis, plunge pools, and amenities such as the attention of a personal butler. There are also standard cottage rooms, camp sites, and luxury villas. The Lodge caters to all budgets.

Activities

The Lodge has plenty of onsite activities for kids, including a butterfly sanctuary, hiking trails, and many resident iguanas and howler monkeys to entertain you. There is also a pool, a pier where you can take out canoes and tubes, and horses for trekking through the jungle. The Lodge also offers tours of nearby Mayan ruins and snorkelling tours.

Dining

The Lodge has an all-inclusive option, so you don’t have to leave the property for meals if you don’t want to. The restaurant, Mariposa, serves delicious food and there is also a bar. The Lodge also offers driving services if you want to venture into town for a meal.

Environmental Initiatives

The Lodge is dedicated to sustainable development and has been involved in several environmental initiatives and investigations. 10% of all accommodation revenue at the Lodge goes directly into environmental and community projects under their Chaa Creek Cares™ initiative. The Lodge also runs educational and natural history programs with a focus on Belize's Maya culture and civilization.

Frequently asked questions