Belize: A Solo Traveler's Paradise?

Belize is a vibrant and historic country in Central America, full of adventurous things to do. It is generally considered safe for solo travel, but there are some precautions to be taken, especially in Belize City, which has a high crime rate.

The country has a rich mix of Latin, Caribbean, Rasta, English, African, Indian and Chinese cultural influences, and is popular with backpackers, divers, honeymooners and vacationers. English is the primary language, so there is no language barrier.

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crime is on the rise, especially in urban areas. However, tourists are rarely the target of such crimes. The main danger for visitors is petty theft, which can be avoided by not wearing valuable items and keeping valuables secure.

Belize City, the former capital, has a high rate of assault, break-ins and murder, and should be avoided, especially at night. The rest of the mainland and the Cayes are considered safe.

Other tips for staying safe in Belize include travelling in groups, sticking to well-lit areas with lots of people, and taking taxis after dark.

Avoiding isolated areas

Belize is generally considered safe for solo travellers, but it's important to take some precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. One of the main dangers in Belize is petty theft, so it's important to be vigilant and keep your valuables secure at all times, especially in crowded areas. It's also recommended to avoid isolated areas, as this increases the risk of getting robbed, especially at night and in cities. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while travelling solo in Belize:

• Stay in well-reviewed and social hostels or guesthouses to keep your belongings safe and meet other travellers.
• Do your research and use well-reviewed tour companies, restaurants, and accommodation.
• Try to blend in by wearing what the locals wear and avoiding flashy items like jewellery or expensive watches.
• Stick to busy, tourist areas and avoid exploring side streets on your own.
• Avoid going to the beach or swimming alone at night.
• Take a taxi instead of walking alone at night. Only use licensed taxis with green license plates.
• Avoid isolated, secluded spots, and only use restaurants, ATMs, and accommodation that are in public view.
• If you're travelling alone as a woman, be aware of catcalling and verbal harassment, especially on the islands. While this is usually harmless, it's important to ignore it and not find yourself alone in isolated areas.

Avoiding Belize City

Belize City is the country's largest city and has the highest crime rate in Belize. It is known for its gang culture and violent crime, including muggings, robberies, and murders. The US Travel Advisory classifies the city as Level 3: Reconsider Travel, and the Canadian government advises avoiding non-essential travel to Southside Belize City.

If you must travel to Belize City, there are several precautions you should take:

• Avoid travelling at night.
• Stick to the tourist areas and well-lit public spaces.
• Do not wander into the Northern part of the city or Southside, which is notorious for gang activity.
• Do not wear any flashy items or expensive jewellery.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid isolated areas.
• Use only licensed taxis with green license plates.
• Keep your money in a money belt or a hidden pocket.
• Stay in well-reviewed accommodation to reduce the risk of theft.
• Keep your valuables secure and out of reach, especially in crowded areas.
• Follow local laws and avoid public drinking.
• Do not resist if you are a victim of robbery; hand over your valuables instead.

Taking taxis at night

Taking a taxi is the recommended way to get around Belize at night. It is safer than any public transportation and is affordable.

To ensure your safety, only take taxis with green license plates, as these are authorised taxis. If you are a solo female traveller, it is recommended to travel with other people at night, even in taxis.

• Ask your accommodation to call a taxi for you, so you can be sure of getting a reputable driver.
• Track the route on your smartphone and, if the driver seems to be going off the route, speak up and ask why they are taking a different direction.
• Always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out.
• Be aware that there is no standardised look for taxis in Belize. They can be old or new, sedans or vans, and are often in some stage of disrepair.
• Licensed taxis may have roof ornaments or "TAXI" written on the doors.
• Very few taxis use meters, so be sure to negotiate your fare in advance.
• If you need to call a cab, try Cinderella Plaza Taxi Stand, Taxi Garage Services, or Majestic Taxi.
• If you are travelling with valuables, keep them secure and out of sight.
• Avoid wearing flashy items, such as jewellery or watches, and try not to wave your phone around.
• Keep a spare wallet with a small amount of cash, and only carry the minimum needed for the day.
• Keep the rest of your cash and valuables locked up back at your accommodation.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your taxi rides at night in Belize are safe and enjoyable.

Avoiding flashy items

Belize is generally considered a safe destination for solo travellers, but petty theft is common, so it's important to take precautions to avoid becoming a target. Here are some tips to help you avoid drawing attention to yourself and protect your valuables:

• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches: Leave your valuable jewellery at home, and opt for inexpensive costume jewellery instead. If you choose to wear your engagement ring, turn the stone towards your palm when in crowded areas or using public transport.
• Don't carry an expensive phone: If possible, use a cheaper phone for your trip, or keep your phone out of sight when travelling.
• Be mindful of your clothing choices: Avoid wearing revealing or form-fitting clothing that might make you stand out or attract unwanted attention. Opt for modest, conservative attire that blends in with the local style.
• Use a cross-body bag: Keep your valuables secure in a cross-body bag, which is harder for thieves to access than a shoulder or hand bag.
• Leave your fancy tech at home: Walking around with a large camera or a selfie stick will make you stand out and may attract thieves. Use your phone or a small camera to take pictures instead, and keep them stored safely in your bag when not in use.
• Use a scarf with hidden pockets: A scarf with a hidden pocket can be a great way to discreetly carry your valuables, such as cash, keys, or even your phone.
• Be cautious with luggage: Avoid bringing flashy or expensive luggage, and consider using compression bags to save space and stay organised.
• Use a luggage tracker: Attach a smart luggage tag to your bags so that you can track them if they get lost.
• Be mindful of your surroundings: Always be aware of what's going on around you, especially in crowded areas or when travelling alone at night.

Joining a tour group

G Adventures is a popular choice for solo travellers, with the company specialising in small group tours. Their Belize tours have received excellent reviews, with one traveller commenting that the trip was a "wonderful holiday! It was brilliantly organised and most enjoyable". G Adventures offers a range of tours in Belize, from a 9-day Classic Belize & Tikal adventure to a 33-day Best of Central America trip that includes Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

Intrepid Travel is another highly regarded tour company that caters to solo travellers. Their Belize tours have an average of 12 people and tend to use more comfortable accommodation. Intrepid offers an 8-day Land of Belize tour, as well as a 65-day Complete Central America trip.

For those looking for a more luxurious option, Mystic River Resort Adventures offers small group tours with a focus on comfort and relaxation.

If you're interested in a more active and adventurous trip, Bookmundi offers a range of small group tours in Belize, including hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring ancient ruins.

Frequently asked questions