Belize: Affordable Paradise?

Belize is a beautiful country filled with jungles, ruins, wildlife, and pretty beaches. It is also one of Central America's biggest tourist destinations. However, it is considered to be an expensive destination, especially when compared to its neighbouring countries.

The cost of a trip to Belize depends on factors such as your travel style, choice of accommodation, transportation, and activities. For a round-trip ticket, flights can range from $300 to $800, and accommodation costs vary, with budget hotels or hostels starting at around $30 per night, and luxury hotels reaching up to $300 per night.

Belize has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, with one-way tickets costing around $1 to $5. When it comes to food, you can expect to spend around $10 to $30 at budget restaurants and $30 to $60 at mid-range restaurants.

If you're on a tight budget, you can plan to spend around $50 to $70 per day, but this will require careful planning and research. A mid-range budget of $180 per day will allow you to stay in a budget hotel, dine at restaurants, and participate in various activities.

Overall, Belize is a moderately priced destination, but it is considered expensive compared to other Central American countries. The prices for food, accommodation, transportation, and activities are all fairly reasonable, but they can add up quickly, especially if you want to experience everything the country has to offer.

Budgeting for accommodation

Belize is a small country that imports most of its goods, which results in higher prices for travellers. While the country is known for its beautiful beaches, jungles, ruins, and wildlife, the basic infrastructure can make it hard to get excited about the money you're spending.

Where to Stay

If you're looking to minimise costs, it's best to avoid the more expensive areas of Belize, such as Ambergris Caye, which is popular with families, and Placencia, where there are a lot of pricey accommodation options.

Instead, consider staying in Belize City, which is mid-way between the airport and the beach. Villa Boscardi is a great option, with rooms for $116 per night. It's in a very safe area, close to the beach and great restaurants, and the owner can help with travel recommendations and tour bookings.

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, Colinda Cabanas on Caye Caulker is the best-rated accommodation on the island. For $209 a night, you'll get a large cabana that sleeps three, with air conditioning, free drinking water, consistently hot showers, fast Wi-Fi, and Netflix.

For a more affordable option on Caye Caulker, consider DreamCabanas, which is almost as well-rated for $92 a night.

Costs

The average price paid for accommodation in Belize is $46 (BZ$93) for one person per night, and $93 (BZ$186) for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room.

However, it's important to note that prices vary depending on the location, date, season, and level of luxury. The average hotel room price in Belize is $159 (USD) before taxes and fees.

To save money, consider travelling during the off-peak season, which runs from September to October. Hotel prices tend to be at their lowest in June and July.

Other Tips

• If you're travelling with a family or a group, the price per person often goes down as kids' tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared.
• If you're staying for a longer period, your daily budget will also decrease.
• Consider renting a room or an apartment from a local, as this can offer better value than hotels.
• Book your accommodation early, especially if you want to stay in a hostel, as there aren't many in Belize.
• If you're on a very tight budget, consider camping, which can cost as little as $18 (BZ$36) per night.

Food and drink expenses

Belize is a moderately-priced destination for food and drink. The average cost of food in Belize is $29 (BZ$57) per day. A meal in a sit-down restaurant will cost around $11 (BZ$23) per person. Breakfast is usually cheaper than lunch or dinner. Street food is a cheaper option, with meals costing between $5-7 for a simple meal of rice, beans, and some kind of protein. A couple of dollars will get you a Mexican-style tamale.

In restaurants, prices go up depending on how fancy the establishment is and what you order. Expect to pay around $10 for standard breakfasts like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito. Fry jacks, a local specialty of deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese, and meat, usually cost between $8-10. Later in the day, you’ll pay around $10 for jerk chicken, $15 for a burger, $20 for a shrimp curry, and $25 for a rack of ribs and sides.

Alcoholic drinks cost around $15 (BZ$30) per day. A beer is 4-5 BZD, and local alcoholic drinks like rum and coke cost around 5 BZD. Water is 1.50 BZD.

Groceries for a week cost about 80 BZD. This gets you basic staples like rice, beans, vegetables, and some chicken or fish.

Transportation costs

The cost of transportation in Belize depends on the mode of transport and the distance travelled. The country has a good public transport system, with buses, boats, and planes connecting most destinations. However, some forms of transport, such as taxis and rental cars, can be expensive.

Buses

Buses are the cheapest way to get around Belize, with fares ranging from BZ$5 to BZ$25, depending on the distance travelled. The longest trip in the country, from Belize City to Punta Gorda, takes 5-7 hours and costs BZ$25. Buses are also available from Belize City to nearby Mexican destinations such as Cancún and Playa del Carmen. Additionally, James Bus offers daily transportation between Belize City, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda.

Boats

Water taxis are the best way to access Belize's numerous cayes (small, low-lying islands). Tickets for water taxis usually cost between BZ$25 and BZ$45 and can be purchased from San Pedro Belize Express, which operates daily shuttles between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and Ambergris Caye.

Taxis

Taxis are affordable and easy to flag down in Belize City and Ambergris Caye's main city, San Pedro. Taxi fares typically range from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approximately US$5 to US$7.50). However, regular taxis do not have a fixed meter rate or a consistent look, so it is important to agree on a price before getting into the taxi.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are readily available near Belize City's two major airports, and driving is a good option for visiting outlying Maya sites. An international driving permit is required to drive in Belize, and it is recommended to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle as some roads to the Maya sites can be rustic and challenging to navigate in rainy weather. Rental cars typically cost between BZ$90 and BZ$150 per day.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a common practice among locals in Belize, but it is important to remember that it is never completely safe. In remote areas, hitchhiking may be the only option if there is no bus service.

Flights

While flying is a quick way to get around, it can be expensive. Domestic airlines such as Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer daily flights from Belize City to popular destinations, with prices varying depending on the route, airline, and season.

Diving and snorkelling prices

Belize is known for its world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, with the second-largest barrier reef in the world. The country's crystal-clear turquoise waters are home to an abundance of marine life, including colourful coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and dolphins.

There are many exceptional dive sites in Belize, including the famous Blue Hole, a massive underwater sinkhole located off the coast, near the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. Other popular spots include the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

The cost of diving and snorkelling in Belize can vary depending on the location and duration of the trip. Half-day snorkelling tours typically range from $35 to $180, while scuba diving excursions can be more expensive, especially for trips to the Blue Hole.

• Caye Caulker Sailing with snorkelling at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley ($$)
• All-inclusive snorkelling at Hol Chan ($$)
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley snorkel tour from Ambergris Caye ($$)
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve snorkel tour on the Sirena Azul Sailboat ($$)
• Snorkelling at Silk Cayes with turtles, rays, and sharks ($$)
• Premium private fishing, snorkelling, and beach cookout tour in San Pedro ($$$)
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve snorkel and Caye Caulker tour on the Sirena Azul Sailboat ($$)
• Full-day private snorkelling experience and Caye Caulker tour ($$$)
• Second largest Barrier Reef Adventure snorkelling ($$)
• Barrier Reef snorkel and fishing combo ($$)
• Belize Bliss Tour: Hol Chan, Shark Ray Alley, Coral Gardens ($$)
• Snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley ($$)
• 2-tank scuba diving at Ambergris Caye ($$)
• Night scuba diving at Ambergris Caye ($$)
• 3-tank scuba diving at Ambergris Caye ($$)
• Scuba diving for beginners ($$)
• Private full-day snorkelling at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef ($$$)
• Discover scuba diving resort course ($$)

Note: Prices are not available for all tours and may vary depending on the season and other factors. The symbol ($) indicates a lower price, ($$) a moderate price, and ($$$) a higher price.

Tour and activity fees

Belize is a moderately priced destination, with fairly reasonable costs for food, accommodation, and transportation. However, it is considered one of the most expensive places in Central America.

• Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave Tour: BZ$225-250 per person.
• Caracol Ruins Tour: BZ$15 entrance fee.
• Xunantunich Ruins Tour: BZ$10 entrance fee.
• Cahal Pech Ruins Tour: BZ$5 entrance fee.
• Altun Ha Ruins Tour: BZ$10 entrance fee.
• Lamanai River Boat Safari and Mayan Ruins Tour: Includes lunch and museum entry.
• Tikal Mayan Site Day Trip: Includes lunch and transport. A border tax of $19 USD is not included.
• Cave Kayaking Tour: Includes equipment. A ziplining add-on is available.
• Snorkelling in the Belize Barrier Reef: Includes national park fees and GoPro footage.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve Tour: Activity prices start at BZ$180 for half-day tours.
• Belize Zoo: BZ$30 admission fee.
• Bacab Eco Park: Activities include horseback riding, kayaking, nature walks, and more.
• The Belize Barrier Reef: Diving and snorkelling tours are available.
• St. John's Cathedral: Free to visit.

Please note that prices may vary and some tours may have additional costs. It is always a good idea to book in advance and confirm the prices with the tour operator.

Frequently asked questions