Belize: A Kid-Friendly Tropical Paradise

Belize is a great destination for a family vacation, with plenty of activities to keep both kids and adults entertained. The country offers a mix of beach relaxation and jungle adventure, with ancient Mayan sites, incredible animals, delicious food, and thrilling activities to explore. English is the official language, making it easy to navigate and interact with locals. Here are some highlights of what makes Belize a kid-friendly destination:

- Cultural Diversity: Belize is home to a diverse range of cultural groups, including Mayans, Creole, Meztisos, and Garinagu, who all live together in harmony and embrace each other's cultural differences.

- Nature and Wildlife: Belize boasts lush jungles, rainforests, aqua blue waters, white sand beaches, and some of the best diving spots in the world. The Belize Zoo is a unique experience, where rescued Belizean wildlife roam in large, natural enclosures.

- Historical Sites: Belize is home to impressive Mayan ruins, such as Xunantunich in Western Belize, Cahal Pech in San Ignacio, and Caracol, the largest Mayan ruin in the country. These sites offer a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization and are sure to spark children's imagination.

- Outdoor Activities: Belize offers a range of outdoor adventures suitable for families, such as cave tubing, zip-lining, horseback riding, and swimming in rivers and waterfalls. The Macal River in Cayo District is perfect for canoeing or tubing, and the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve has beautiful waterfalls for swimming.

- Family-Friendly Accommodations: Belize has a variety of family-friendly accommodations, including beach resorts, jungle lodges, and eco-lodges. The Lodge at Chaa Creek, located on the Macal River, offers treehouse accommodations and a range of activities for all ages.

- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Belize is known for its incredible snorkeling and scuba diving spots, such as Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim with nurse sharks and rays.

- Food and Drinks: Belizean food is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, and the country offers a variety of fruity drinks and local cuisine to enjoy.

Belize's beaches, marine life and ancient ruins

Belize is a small Central American country with a coastline along the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its beaches, marine life, and ancient ruins.

Beaches

Belize has golden and white-sand beaches that are accessible by boat or plane from Belize City. The Placencia Peninsula is home to the longest stretch of beach in mainland Belize, with quiet white sand beaches along Seine Bight and Maya Beach. Hopkins Village Beach is an uninterrupted, quiet 5-mile beach lined with coconut trees and colourful guesthouses. Lighthouse Reef on Half Moon Caye is a paradisiacal beach with magnificent white sand and turquoise waters. Ambergris Caye offers plenty of sand to relax on, and the area across from Ramon's Village Resort is a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. South Water Caye is known for its soft, white sand and crystal clear waters.

Marine Life

Belize is renowned for its diverse marine life. The Belize Barrier Reef, a magnificent reef just off the coast, is a popular spot for kayaking and snorkelling. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve, the country's oldest marine reserve, is a must-visit for snorkelers and divers who can observe 160 species of fish, 40 species of coral, and various sea turtles. Laughing Bird Caye and Silk Cayes, located in marine reserves, offer opportunities to explore the rich marine life.

Ancient Ruins

Belize is also known for its ancient ruins, particularly those of the Mayan civilisation. The Cahal Pech Archaeological Site, located near San Ignacio, is the oldest-known Mayan site in the Belize River valley. Xunantunich, another impressive Mayan archaeological site, offers stunning views of the border shared with Guatemala. The Mayan ruins at Mountain Pine Ridge feature cool caves and refreshing waterfalls. The ruins at Caracol, an ancient Mayan city, showcase the mathematical and astronomical prowess of the ancient Mayans.

Family-friendly activities in San Ignacio

San Ignacio, Belize, is a great place for a family vacation. Here are some family-friendly activities to do while in San Ignacio:

Explore Ancient Mayan Ruins

San Ignacio is close to several ancient Mayan ruins, including Xunantunich, Caracol, and Cahal Pech. These sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of the Mayan people. Cahal Pech is within walking distance of the town centre, while Xunantunich is about a 25-minute drive away. The largest Mayan ruins site in Belize, Caracol, is a 2-hour drive from San Ignacio and features the tallest man-made structure in the country.

Visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project

The Green Iguana Conservation Project, located at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, offers an opportunity to learn about the habitat, life cycle, and ecological importance of green iguanas. Visitors can even feed and hold these friendly reptiles.

Go Shopping at the San Ignacio Market

The San Ignacio Market is a great place to find local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs. It's especially lively on Saturdays when local vendors and musicians create a bustling, festive atmosphere.

Take a Chocolate Making Class

AJAW Chocolate & Craft offers a hands-on tour that teaches visitors how to make chocolate using traditional Mayan techniques. It's a sweet treat for the whole family!

Discover Majestic Waterfalls

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, about a 2-hour drive from San Ignacio, is home to several breathtaking waterfalls, including Big Rock Falls and Thousand Foot Falls. Big Rock Falls cascades over massive granite boulders into a calm pool perfect for swimming. Thousand Foot Falls, the tallest waterfall in Central America, plunges 1,600 feet into a deep pool.

Explore Caves

Belize is known for its extensive cave systems, and San Ignacio is a great base for exploring some of them. The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave is a popular tour that takes visitors deep into a cave once used for Mayan sacrificial rituals. Barton Creek Cave is another notable cave in the area, accessible by canoe, where ancient Mayan artefacts and human remains have been discovered.

The best family resorts in Belize

Belize is a great destination for families, offering a unique blend of Caribbean and Central American cultures. The official language being English is also a bonus for English-speaking tourists. Here are some of the best family resorts in Belize:

Almond Beach Resort at Jaguar Reef

Located in Hopkins, Almond Beach Resort is part of The Belize Collection, which offers two adjacent resorts that share the same scenic beach. Families can find private casitas and family suites equipped with amenities catering to all ages. The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, its neighbouring resort, provides modern luxury accommodations, including family suites with private plunge pools, perfect for family-friendly fun in a secluded setting.

Ramon's Village Resort

Ramon's Village Resort in San Pedro offers families the flexibility of choosing between beachfront rooms or jungle cabanas. The resort also provides suites with kitchenettes, allowing families the convenience of preparing their own meals, which can be especially useful for those travelling with young children.

Grand Caribe

Grand Caribe offers a range of accommodations, from large family suites to a spacious five-bedroom villa perfect for extended family gatherings. Additional family-focused amenities include a kids' club, a game room, and a kids’ pool, ensuring that younger family members are entertained.

Pelican Reef Villas Resort

Pelican Reef Villas Resort in Ambergris Caye is one of the highest-rated properties in Cristo Rey. It offers a range of amenities that families can enjoy, including paddleboards, a kayak, and a corn hole game.

Mystic River Resort

Mystic River Resort is a great option for families with young children. The resort offers all-inclusive options and has a nice pool on site, tubing on the river, and nice hikes. They also provide shuttle services to/from Belize City.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

This luxury jungle lodge in the Cayo District offers a range of eco-adventures and experiences tailored for families, such as a butterfly farm, archaeological sites, and an on-site organic garden.

San Ignacio Resort Hotel

This family-owned boutique hotel in San Ignacio provides a cozy, intimate setting on a 17-acre private estate. Families can easily explore local attractions, and the resort offers an award-winning restaurant and an on-site tour company for family adventures. A highlight is the Green Iguana Conservation Project, an interactive and educational experience for kids.

The best time to visit Belize with kids

Belize is a small Central American country with a rich cultural diversity and a wide range of attractions, making it a great destination for families. The best time to visit Belize with kids depends on your preferences and budget. Here is a guide to help you decide:

Dry Season (December to May)

The dry season in Belize is from December to May and coincides with the country's high tourism season. This period offers sunny and clear weather, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities and exploring the beaches. It is also the best time to visit if you want to avoid rain. However, it is important to note that this is the busiest time for tourists, and accommodation prices tend to be higher. The single biggest wave of tourists is between December 15 and January 15, and during the Easter season in April. If you plan to visit during this period, booking in advance and hunting for specials can help you save money.

Wet Season (June to November)

The wet season in Belize is from June to November and is characterised by higher rainfall. While this is the low tourism season, it has its advantages. Hotel and tour prices are generally cheaper, and the weather can still be pleasant, with rain typically lasting only a few hours a few days a week. However, some outdoor activities and remote areas may be affected by the rain. For example, dirt roads can become muddy, and some caves may be closed for safety reasons. If you plan to visit during the wet season, May and June, when rainfall is just starting, can be good months to consider.

School Holidays

If you plan to visit Belize with school-aged children, the summer holidays (July and August) can be a great time to go. During this period, you can take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy the beaches, rivers, and outdoor activities. It is also the low season for tourism, so you can find more privacy and better deals on accommodation.

Christmas and Easter Holidays

If you plan to visit Belize during the Christmas and Easter holidays, be prepared for crowds and higher prices. These are peak tourism periods, and tourism lodges charge premium rates. However, if you book well in advance and make a deposit, you may be able to find some discounts.

Lobster Fest

If you're looking for a unique experience, consider visiting Belize during the summer for the Lobster Fest. This is when the local lobster season opens, and the country hosts its signature seafood event.

Other Considerations

When planning your trip to Belize with kids, consider the activities you want to do and your budget. For example, if you want to go snorkelling, timing your trip between December and August can increase your chances of swimming with manatees or whale sharks. Additionally, if you're looking for the best deals on accommodation, visiting after Easter to US Thanksgiving can offer significant savings.

How to get to and around Belize

Belize is a small country, so it's easy to get from one spot to another within a few hours. Here are some of the best ways to get to and around Belize:

By Plane

Belize only has one international airport, Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), so anyone flying into the country will arrive here. From there, you can either take a domestic flight to your destination or catch ground transportation, such as a taxi, shuttle, or rental car. Local airlines fly small Cessna aircraft (puddle-jumpers) to the major towns, which is the fastest and most convenient way to get around, although it can be expensive. There are also commuter airlines that make travelling throughout Belize hassle-free, such as Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.

By Taxi

Taxis are a popular mode of transportation in Belize, especially in Belize City and larger towns like San Pedro and San Ignacio. They are affordable and easy to flag down, with fares typically ranging from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approximately $5 to $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 in.

By Water Taxi

Water taxis are the best way to access Belize's numerous cayes. They are also the most affordable way to travel to popular destinations like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. There are water taxi services in Belize City, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker, with daily shuttle services between these locations. Tickets typically cost between $21 and $31 one-way.

By Car

Renting a car is a great way to visit harder-to-reach destinations and make multiple stops along the way. However, be prepared to navigate potholes, random rainstorms, and the occasional Mennonite horse cart. It is recommended to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle, as some roads can be rustic and rainy weather can make for challenging driving conditions. An international driving permit is required to drive in Belize.

By Bus

Taking the local bus is a good-value way to get to most major towns and villages and experience local life. The bus companies are private and use retired Bluebird buses painted in Caribbean colours. Buses run on a schedule that is mostly adhered to, with the cost varying by distance, usually no more than a few dollars. However, buses can be jam-packed and slow, and there is no standard bus system in Belize City.

Frequently asked questions