Belize: A Tropical Family Adventure

Belize is a small Central American country with a diverse range of attractions, from lush jungles and rainforests to aqua blue waters and white sand beaches. It is a family-friendly destination, offering a mix of beach relaxation and jungle adventures, as well as ancient Mayan sites, incredible wildlife, and delicious food.

Belize has something for everyone, with activities suitable for both children and adults. From snorkelling and swimming with nurse sharks in Shark Ray Alley to exploring Mayan ruins and learning about the country's cultural diversity, families can enjoy a range of educational and exciting experiences.

When it comes to accommodation, Belize offers a variety of options, including beach resorts, jungle lodges, and condos, allowing families to find the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. The local people are friendly and happy to help, ensuring that your vacation is memorable and enjoyable.

Belize is safe and family-friendly

Belize is a safe and family-friendly destination, offering a unique blend of beach relaxation and jungle adventure. With its crystal-clear waters, ancient Mayan sites, incredible wildlife, and delicious food, it's no wonder that many families choose Belize for their vacations. Here's why Belize should be your next family-friendly destination:

A Warm and Welcoming Culture:

Belize boasts a diverse cultural landscape, with Mayans, Creole, Mestizos, and Garinagu groups living harmoniously together. The locals are passionate about their country and are always eager to share its beauty and hidden gems with tourists. English is the first language, making communication and navigation a breeze for English speakers.

A Range of Accommodations:

Belize offers a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. From beach resorts and jungle lodges to condos and villas, you can find the perfect place to stay for your family. Condos, in particular, offer a great balance between space and amenities, providing a kitchen and washer/dryer for day-to-day convenience.

Exciting Excursions for All Ages:

Belize has something for everyone, from snorkelling in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and swimming with nurse sharks in Shark Ray Alley to exploring ancient Mayan ruins and learning about the life cycle of butterflies at a butterfly farm. Horseback riding, cave tubing, and visiting the Belize Zoo are also great options for families.

Safe and Accessible Transportation:

Getting around Belize is easy and safe. Golf carts, the preferred mode of transportation on Ambergris Caye, can be rented in advance, providing a fun way to explore the island with your family. Taxis and water taxis are also readily available, and internal flights are an option for shorter travel times.

Delicious Dining Options:

Belize offers a range of dining choices, from cooking in your condo to dining out at local restaurants. Fresh seafood, including lobster and fish caught straight from the Caribbean Sea, is a must-try. You can also find a variety of international cuisines, such as Caroline's Cookin', a small, local establishment in San Pedro, which serves incredible food and provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Overall Safety:

Belize is considered a safe place to visit, especially in tourist areas with lower poverty rates and a higher police presence. As with any travel, it is always advisable to use common sense and take necessary precautions.

In conclusion, Belize is a family-friendly destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and exciting adventures. With its range of accommodations, excursions, and dining options, it is sure to create lasting memories for your family. So, if you're looking for a safe and captivating place to explore with your loved ones, Belize is an excellent choice.

English is the first language

Belize is a great destination for a family vacation. The small country packs a punch with its epic adventures, ancient Mayan sites, incredible animals, delicious food, and more. It is a melting pot of different cultures, heritages, and languages.

English is the official language of Belize, which was a former British colony. All laws, signs, and schools use English, and it is the native tongue of approximately 80% of the population. This makes navigating and communicating with locals easy for English speakers.

While English is the primary language of public education and government, it is spoken natively as a first language by a minority of people. Belize is a multiethnic state with a small population, and bilingualism is very common. Many Belizeans are multilingual, and apart from English, Spanish and Kriol are also widely spoken, with over 40% of the population speaking these languages.

Kriol, or Belizean Creole, is a unique Caribbean version of English spoken by many Belizeans, especially the Creole. It is quite distinct from standard English and can be challenging for outsiders to understand. However, it is an important part of the country's cultural heritage and is used by most groups to converse with each other.

In addition to English, other languages spoken in Belize include Mayan dialects, such as Q'eqchi', Mopan, and Yucatec; Spanish, which is the native tongue of many Mestizo people; and the Garifuna language, which is a mixture of European and indigenous Caribbean tongues.

There are plenty of beach and water activities

Belize is a small country with a diverse range of beach and water activities. The country is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and has some of the world's most scenic beaches, ecological diversity, and crystal-clear waters. Here are some of the top beach and water activities that Belize has to offer:

Beach Activities

Belize's beaches offer the perfect setting for relaxation and fun in the sun. With its white sandy beaches and aqua blue waters, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and soaking in the stunning natural surroundings. The beaches also provide an excellent opportunity for families to unwind and spend quality time together.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Belize is home to the second-largest barrier reef in the world, stretching 185 miles along its coastline. This reef presents a thrilling playground for divers and snorkelers, with the iconic Blue Hole Natural Monument as its crown jewel. Divers can explore giant stalactites, dripstone sheets, and limestone columns while swimming alongside reef sharks and tropical fish. Other renowned dive spots include Turneffe, Lighthouse Reef, and Glovers Reef. For those without diving certification, snorkelling offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant underwater life. Belize's shallow reefs, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine wildlife make it a snorkeller's paradise.

Sailing and Boating

Belize's calm sailing conditions and picturesque cayes covered in palm trees create an inviting atmosphere for sailing enthusiasts. A sailing holiday with Xsite Sailing allows visitors to spend their days swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and exploring bustling islands like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye or isolated southern islands. For a shorter excursion, boat tours through the mangroves along the cayes and Caribbean waters provide ample photo opportunities of Belize's scenic flora and fauna.

Fishing

Belize is a surprising hotspot for sport fishing, with its chain of freshwater rivers and estuaries serving as a spawning ground for a diverse range of marine species. The country's lagoons and coastline offer an unparalleled fishing experience, and the consistent temperature means there is never a wrong time to cast a line. Fishing trips cater to all levels of experience, from first-timers to seasoned anglers, with options such as catch and release, fly fishing, deep-sea fishing, and spearfishing.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

With its ecological diversity and calm waters, Belize is ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. Kayaking tours led by experienced guides take visitors to explore the striking ecological diversity of Turneffe Atoll, home to over 400 cayes, mangroves, uninhabited cayes, and magnificent coral gardens. Paddleboarding, a popular and easy-to-learn activity, allows individuals of all ages to enjoy the serenity of the sea without worrying about balance or waves.

Whether you're seeking relaxation on pristine beaches or thrilling adventures under the sea, Belize has an array of beach and water activities to offer. From snorkelling alongside tropical fish to sailing between picturesque islands, families can create unforgettable memories and experiences in this beautiful Central American country.

There are Mayan ruins and cultural experiences

Belize is a great destination for families looking for a mix of beach relaxation and jungle adventure. The country is home to several Mayan ruins and cultural experiences that offer a glimpse into the ancient Maya world. Here are some highlights:

Mayan Ruins

Belize was once home to more than 2 million Mayas, and the country is dotted with well-known and historically important pre-Columbian Maya archaeological sites. One of the most notable sites is Caracol, located in western Belize near the border with Guatemala. Caracol was the center of one of the largest Maya kingdoms and contains the remains of thousands of structures. Another impressive site is Xunantunich, situated on the Western Highway across the river from the village of San Jose Succotz. This site features six major plazas, more than 25 temples and palaces, and a new museum. The highest ruin here stands at 133 feet tall, making it the second tallest temple in Belize.

Other notable Mayan ruins in Belize include:

• Altun Ha: Located close to Belize City, this site is known for its two major plazas and pyramids.
• Lamanai: This site, located on the New River in Orange Walk District, is known for being the longest continually occupied site in Mesoamerica.
• Cerros: Located on Corozal Bay in northern Belize, Cerros is one of the earliest Maya sites and features five temples, plazas, and a large canal system.
• Cahal Pech: Located in San Ignacio Cayo district, this site features temple pyramids, ball courts, an altar, and well-preserved examples of Maya Corbel or False Arch.

Cultural Experiences

In addition to exploring Mayan ruins, families can also immerse themselves in the local culture and interact with the diverse groups that call Belize home, including Mayans, Creole, Meztisos, and Garinagu. Here are some cultural experiences to consider:

• Cacao bean workshop: In San Ignacio, families can learn how to turn raw cacao beans into drinking chocolate.
• Iguana conservation project: San Ignacio Hotel houses a conservation project aimed at protecting iguanas, one of the country's beloved creatures.
• Garifuna drumming lesson: In Hopkins, families can take a drumming lesson at the Warasa Garifuna Drum School, an internationally recognised institution.
• Traditional Mayan experience: Spend an afternoon with a traditional Mayan homemaker, who will teach you how to make corn tortillas from scratch.
• Farmers' market: Interact with locals and sample traditional foods by visiting a farmers' market on a Saturday.

It's easy to get to and get around

Belize is a small country, so it's easy to get from one spot to another within a few hours. The easiest and most popular way to get to Belize is by flying into the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. There are five major US airlines and five other airlines that fly into Belize. These include American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Avianca Airlines.

Once you are in Belize, you can get around by plane, bus, water taxi, boat, car, or even kayak. Domestic flights are one of the fastest and easiest ways to get around Belize. The two domestic airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, fly to 11 domestic destinations, including Corozal, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and San Ignacio.

Belize also has a good bus system that is both inexpensive and reliable. Buses can be caught at bus terminals or flagged down on the roadside. The bus experience is less strict, and you can generally flag down a non-express bus anywhere along the route and ask the driver to let you off wherever is convenient. The longest bus ride is from Belize City to Punta Gorda, a seven-hour trip that costs BZ$27 (around US$13).

Local taxi companies operate out of all cities, and their vehicles are easy to identify with their green license plates. Taxi rates are inexpensive and should be negotiated with the driver before getting into the vehicle. In most cases, it is a fixed fare.

Renting a car in Belize is another option if you want to experience self-guided travel. Belize has a well-planned highway and road system, and all of Belize's mainland cities, towns, and popular attractions can be reached by car. Car rental agencies can be found in Belize City, as well as at the international airport and other tourist destinations such as San Ignacio and Placencia.

Water taxis and boat charters are the main way to get around Belize's numerous cayes. Water taxis make regularly scheduled trips between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. There are also daily charters to Porto Barrios, Guatemala, and Punta Gorda, as well as Chetumal, Mexico, from San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

So, whether you choose to fly, take a bus, taxi, rent a car, or hop on a water taxi or boat, getting around Belize is easy and offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Frequently asked questions