Belize's Underrated Surfing Scene

Belize is not known for its surf culture, but there are still some good surfing spots in the country. The Belize Barrier Reef, which is the longest in the northern hemisphere, blocks big waves from coming in, but it also provides priceless shoreline protection against storms. The one notable exception for surfers in Belize is Glover's Reef Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Long Caye, an island within the atoll, is a very small private island that has been described as Belize's only point break. The wave characteristics include a right-hand break that starts in 8-12 feet of water, a moderate to steep initial drop, and a fun, punchy, fast inner section. The bottom topography is eroded coral rubble, creating a safe but hard surface.

Glover's Reef Atoll is Belize's premier surf spot

Belize is not a well-known surf destination, but there is one exception: Glovers Reef Atoll, Belize's premier surf spot. Located in Belize's southern region, Glovers Reef Atoll is one of only four atolls in the Western Hemisphere and the most remote of Belize's three atolls. It is a designated National Marine Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a breathtaking and underexplored backdrop for surfing.

Glovers Reef Atoll is renowned for its vibrant, diverse, and colourful marine environment in the Caribbean Sea. It started as a volcanic island, with coral reefs thriving in the warm, shallow waters. As the island subsided, the coral continued to grow, forming a ring-shaped reef around a central lagoon. This unique underwater experience boasts a kaleidoscope of marine life, including graceful spotted eagle rays and vibrant living coral.

Long Caye, an island within Glovers Reef Atoll, is the ideal destination for surfing in Belize. The point break at Long Caye is almost always active, intercepting swells driven in by the trade winds. The wave characteristics include a right-hand break starting in 8-12 feet of water, with moderate to steep drops and a fun, punchy, fast inner section. The bottom topography is eroded coral rubble, creating a safe but hard surface.

Slickrock Belize Adventures offers an authentic glamping experience at Long Caye, with beachfront cabanas and all-inclusive packages covering lodging, meals, transportation, and guided activities. Their surf camp is suitable for experienced surfers who can demonstrate kayak and paddleboard surfing ability before graduating to board surfing.

In addition to surfing, Glovers Reef Atoll offers a range of other watersports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling, fishing, and windsurfing. The best time to visit is during Belize's dry season, from November to April, to indulge in watersports without the hindrance of rainfall.

Long Caye has Belize's only accessible and safe surf break

Belize is not usually considered a top surfing destination. The Belize Barrier Reef, the longest in the Northern Hemisphere, blocks big waves from forming along the country's 386km-long coastline. However, there is one spot that stands out for surfers: Long Caye, which has the only accessible and safe surf break in Belize.

Long Caye is part of Glover's Reef Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The reef here is made of hard coral rubble, creating moderate to steep drops and a fast inner section that is perfect for experienced surfers. The waves are consistent and moderate, reaching 2-4ft during the winter season, and are safe for surfers of all skill levels. The coral shoal is made up of old, dead corals that are not sharp and easily walkable, making it an ideal spot for beginners to try surfing or surf kayaking.

While the surf break at Long Caye is suitable for all skill levels, it is recommended that beginner board surfers first try kayak surfing or paddleboard surfing before attempting to surf on a traditional board. Experienced surfers can catch bigger breaks and enjoy long rides in favourable conditions. Boards are hand-picked for the wave and require trip manager/guide approval. Surfing lessons are occasionally available, but children under 12 are not permitted to use surfboards.

The best time to visit Belize for surfing is during the dry season, from December to March, when water waves and trade winds range from 2-4ft and the water temperature averages from 78-80°F. The ocean swells and north-east trade winds are consistent throughout the winter season, providing a long ride for surfers most days.

Belize's wind conditions are good for windsurfing and kitesurfing

Belize is a great place to visit for those interested in watersports. While the country is not known for its surf culture, there are plenty of opportunities to windsurf and kitesurf.

Belize has a tropical climate, with a wet season from June to November and a dry season from February to May. The average annual temperature is 26°C (79°F), and the humidity rate is 85%, moderated by eastern winds from the Caribbean Sea. These consistent winds, combined with the warm water and various access points to the sea, make Belize an ideal location for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Long Caye at Glover's Reef Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers excellent windsurfing opportunities for both novices and experts. The lagoon's calm waters and steady winds provide the perfect conditions for beginners to learn and improve their skills. More experienced windsurfers can also enjoy the waves and swells of the open sea.

Caye Caulker is another great location for windsurfing in Belize. Companies like Reef Break Surf Shop & Windsports offer windsurfing lessons and rentals, with a step-by-step method that makes learning easy and fun. They also provide off-island services, taking you to remote isolated areas to practice in nature away from high-traffic areas.

For those interested in kitesurfing, Belize has several schools and centres, including Passionkite Belize and Kitexplorer San Pedro, where you can learn how to control the kite and eventually add a board.

So while surfing spots may be limited in Belize, windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy their sports in this tropical paradise.

Surfing in Belize is best between November and May

Belize is a vibrant country with a wide array of biomes and a long coastline of 386 kilometers (240 miles). However, it is not a well-known surf destination, as the Belize Barrier Reef blocks any big waves.

That said, there is one notable exception for die-hard surfers: Glover's Reef Atoll, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Long Caye, an island within the atoll, is the only surf break in the country that is both accessible and safe. The wave here is a right-hand break that starts in 8-12 feet of water, ending in about 3 feet deep. The bottom topography is eroded coral rubble, creating a safe but hard surface. This may not be ideal for beginner board surfers, but the wave loses much of its force in the shallow water, reducing the chances of getting "pounded" by it.

The winter season in Belize, from November to May, offers warm temperatures and sunshine. During this time, surfers can expect moderate fetch trade-wind-driven waves, with the trades blowing at a near-constant 10-15 knots or more. While super glassy conditions are rare, they do occasionally happen.

So, if you're looking for the best time to surf in Belize, plan your trip between November and May, and head to Glover's Reef Atoll for the ultimate surfing experience in this beautiful country.

Belize's coastline is 386km long but it's not known for its surf culture

Belize has a coastline that stretches 386 kilometres (240 miles) long and holds the longest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. However, it is not known for its surf culture. The Belize Barrier Reef blocks any big waves from coming in, providing protection from storms.

While Belize does not have a big presence in the world of surfing vacations, there is one notable exception for die-hard surfers: Glover's Reef Atoll. This atoll is a designated National Marine Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it offers a breathtaking and underexplored backdrop for surfing. Long Caye, an island within the atoll, is the only surf break in the country that is both accessible and safe. The wave is a right-hand break that starts in 8-12 feet of water, ending in about 3 feet deep. The bottom topography is eroded coral rubble, creating a safe but hard surface.

The hard coral rubble may not be ideal for beginner board surfers, but once inside, the wave loses force in the shallow water, reducing the chances of getting "pounded" by it. Experienced surfers must first demonstrate kayak surfing and paddleboard surfing ability before they are cleared to use boards in the surf.

In addition to surfing, Belize offers a variety of other aquatic activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkelling, fishing, and kitesurfing. The wind conditions are good for sailing in the region, and there are also opportunities for exploring the ancient Maya and enjoying the tropical rainforest.

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