Belize's Ultimate Adventures: Exploring The Country's Must-Do Excursions

Belize is a tiny Central American country that has become one of the most popular cruise destinations. It is also a popular spot for vacationers who enjoy the outdoors, shore excursions, eco-adventures, culture, and history. With its friendly locals, beautiful beaches, rich culture, and excellent exchange rate, Belize is a great place to explore. Here are some of the must-do excursions in Belize:

- Snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley: Swim with stingrays, nurse sharks, and a variety of colourful fish at one of Belize's most popular snorkelling sites.

- Exploring Ancient Mayan Sites: Belize has the highest concentration of Mayan sites in Central America, including Altun Ha, Xunantunich, and Caracol. These sites offer a glimpse into the ancient Mayan culture and are a sight to behold.

- Cave Tubing: Float through underground cave systems, such as the Nohoch Che'en Caves, and explore the natural wonders of Belize's crystal caves.

- Zip-Lining: Soar through the treetops of the Belizean rainforest and combine it with cave tubing for an adrenaline-filled adventure.

- Beach Breaks: Relax on the white sandy beaches of Goff's Caye and Caye Caulker, and enjoy the sun and sea.

- Wildlife Encounters: Visit the Belize Zoo, Community Baboon Sanctuary, or Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary to see jaguars, howler monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.

- Diving at the Great Blue Hole: For divers and snorkelers, the Great Blue Hole offers an unforgettable experience as you swim alongside stingrays, sharks, and other marine life in this huge marine sinkhole.

Snorkelling and sailing

Belize is a snorkelling and sailing paradise. With its stunning barrier reef, Belize is home to a diverse array of marine life, including stingrays, nurse sharks, turtles, and an array of tropical fish. Here are some must-do snorkelling and sailing excursions in Belize:

Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected area renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Shark Ray Alley is a popular spot within the reserve where you can swim with nurse sharks and stingrays. Several tour operators offer snorkelling trips to these sites, often combined with a visit to the nearby Caye Caulker.

Mexico Rocks

Mexico Rocks, located off the northern coast of Ambergris Caye, offers pristine blue waters and stunning views. This area is known for its diverse marine life and vibrant coral, making it an excellent snorkelling destination. Some tour operators, like Catamaran Belize, offer day sails to Mexico Rocks, combining snorkelling with a relaxing sail and a delicious lunch.

Goff's Caye

Goff's Caye is a tiny island surrounded by the warm waters of the Caribbean and Belize's barrier reef. It's an easily accessible snorkelling spot, just a 30-minute boat ride from Belize City. You can explore the colourful coral gardens and swim among a variety of tropical fish.

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, boasts some of the country's most beautiful beaches. It's also a prime snorkelling and diving destination. Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve are popular spots located just off the coast of Ambergris Caye. You can also explore the Little Guana Caye Bird Sanctuary on a guided boat trip.

Sailing Tours

Belize offers a variety of sailing tours that combine the joy of sailing with snorkelling stops. La Gaviota Sailing Adventures offers private sail and snorkel tours, including a trip to Caye Caulker, Shark Ray Alley, and Hol Chan. Catamaran Belize also provides sailing and snorkelling tours, including a popular sunset cruise. These tours typically include refreshments, delicious meals, and knowledgeable guides.

Mayan history and culture

Belize is home to the heart of the ancient Maya empire, and three distinct groups of Maya continue to live in the country to this day: the Yucatec, Kekchi, and Mopan Maya people. The Maya civilisation began around 2600 BC and lasted for almost 2,000 years. At its peak, it spanned Central America, from Central Mexico down to El Salvador, and boasted a population of over a million people.

The ancient Maya were highly advanced for their time, with impressive engineering, mathematical, and astronomical knowledge. They built a network of trading posts, stone cities, pyramids, palaces, and irrigation networks, and developed a unique system of hieroglyphic writing. They also invented the concept of "zero", and their social structure included nobility, priests, merchants, skilled craftsmen, and labourers.

The Maya in Belize speak a variety of languages, including Yucateco, Mopanero, and Kekchi, and many also speak English and Spanish due to contact with people from Mexico and Guatemala. Their lives centre around agriculture, with corn being their staple food, although beans, pork, and fish are also commonly eaten.

Belize is home to many well-preserved Maya ruins, including those at Altun Ha, Xunantunich, Cuello, Lubaantun, Caracol, and Lamanai. Visitors can explore these sites and learn about Maya history and culture through guided tours.

• Altun Ha Mayan Temples and Cave Tubing Paradise With Lunch: A 6-hour tour from Belize City that includes a visit to the Altun Ha Mayan archaeological site, where you can explore the Temple of the Sun God and see the famous Jade Head. The tour also includes cave tubing and a provided lunch.
• Altun Ha Mayan Site Tour from Belize City: This guided tour allows visitors to climb the temple to the Sun God of the Mayan Civilisation and explore the history of the site.
• Xunantunich and Cave Tubing Combo Tour from San Ignacio: A combo tour that explores the world of the ancient Maya, including a visit to the Xunantunich site and cave tubing in Belize.
• Lamanai Temples, River Cruise, Howler Monkeys: A tour led by expert guides that includes a river cruise and the opportunity to see howler monkeys, as well as exploring the Lamanai Maya site.
• Altun-Ha and Belize City Overview: A historical tour of Belize City and a visit to the Altun-Ha Mayan ruin site, which dates back to 200 BC.
• Altun-Ha and Jeep Adventure: This excursion includes climbing the temples at Altun-Ha, exploring a cave system, and a thrilling Jeep ride through the Belizean countryside.
• Adventure to Altun Ha: Stroll through the historic expanse of two main plazas and the Temple of the Sun God at the Altun Ha Mayan archaeological site. Witness the famous Jade Head and captivating views from the temple top.

Belize's wildlife

Belize is home to a rich variety of wildlife, from jaguars and ocelots to keel-billed toucans and black howler monkeys. Here's a closer look at some of Belize's incredible wildlife:

Jaguars

The jaguar is a member of the panther family of big cats and is the third-largest cat in the world. Their spotted coats provide excellent camouflage in the jungle, and they are often found near water sources as they enjoy swimming. While they typically hunt alone, female jaguars care for their young until they are a couple of years old.

Scarlet Macaws

With bright red, blue, and yellow feathers, these large colourful birds are a sight to behold. They can live up to 50 years in captivity but typically survive between 30 to 40 years in the wild. Efforts by organisations like Friends for Conservation and Development have helped increase their population in Belize.

Baird's Tapirs

The Baird's Tapir is Belize's national animal and is sometimes called the 'mountain cow' by locals due to its resemblance to an elephant. However, it is actually related to the rhinoceros and the horse. Tapirs are herbivores and excellent swimmers and climbers, despite their bulky size.

Jaguarundis

The Jaguarundi is a wild cat that resembles a weasel and is not much larger than a typical house cat. They are active during the day and feed on small animals, including rodents, reptiles, and birds. They have been known to hunt larger prey like rabbits and opossums when food is scarce.

Ocelots

Ocelots are smaller "big cats," sometimes referred to as "dwarf leopards." They have black spots on their fur, similar to jaguars, which provide excellent camouflage when stalking prey or hiding from enemies. Ocelots are excellent hunters with exceptional night vision due to the white rings around their eyes.

Black Howler Monkeys

Also known as "baboons" by locals, these primates are the largest monkeys in Belize and can grow up to three feet in height. They live in troops of four or more and are known for their loud guttural howls, which they use to mark their territory. They are strong swimmers and excellent climbers, often moving through the treetops.

Spider Monkeys

Like their cousins, the black howler monkeys, spider monkeys prefer the safety of the canopy and are highly agile, moving gracefully through the treetops. They are social animals, living in bands of 30 or more but foraging for food in smaller groups. They are considered intelligent and can vocalise a variety of sounds with specific meanings.

In addition to these unique creatures, Belize is also home to a diverse range of birds, with over 500 species, as well as various types of crocodiles, sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and snakes. The country's vast rainforest, coastal waters, and wildlife sanctuaries provide a natural habitat for these amazing creatures, making Belize a nature lover's dream destination.

Rainforest adventures

Belize's rainforests offer a plethora of activities for the adventurous traveller. Here are some ideas for rainforest adventures in Belize:

Hiking to Viewpoints

Hike to the top of Antelope Falls in Mayflower Bocawina National Park, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the emerald green pool. Alternatively, admire the stunning vistas from Cahal Pech Village Resort, overlooking the town of San Ignacio and the rolling hills of the Cayo District.

Find a Hidden Waterfall and a Secret Swimming Spot

Explore Belize's numerous waterfalls, such as those found at the Hidden Valley Inn, a private nature reserve spanning 7,200 acres in the Maya Mountains.

Experience Birding at Sunrise

With over 600 bird species in Belize, you're likely to spot something new. The Mayflower Bocawina National Park is an excellent location for birdwatching, with more than 290 species identified in the area.

Wine and Dine in the Rainforest

Indulge in culinary delights at restaurants nestled within the rainforest, such as The Wild Fig Jungle Bistro & Bar at Bocawina Rainforest Resort or La Ranita Restaurant at Mystic River Resort.

Visit a Butterfly Farm

Learn about the 700 butterfly species found in Belize by visiting a butterfly farm, such as the Blue Morpho Butterfly Farm at Chaa Creek.

Rappel Down a Waterfall

For adrenaline seekers, waterfall rappelling in Belize is a must-do activity. Start with a hike through the rainforest, and then rappel down Big Drop Falls into the pristine blue pool below.

Night Zipline and Jungle Hike

Experience the nocturnal creatures of the Belize rainforest, such as howler monkeys, foxes, and bats, with a night zipline and jungle hike. This activity is even more spectacular during a full moon.

Cave Tubing

Belize is one of the few places in the world where you can go cave tubing through ancient underwater caves. Combine it with ziplining for the ultimate adventure!

Beach breaks

Belize has a magnificent coastline along the Caribbean Sea and more than 200 offshore islands, at least 20 of which are inhabited. The beaches are usually a boat or plane ride away from Belize City. Here are some of the best beach breaks in Belize.

Placencia Peninsula

The Placencia Peninsula is home to the longest stretch of beach in mainland Belize. It's dubbed "barefoot perfect" and is the country's most popular sea and sand getaway. The beach stretches across three villages: Maya Beach, Seine Bight, and Placencia Village. Placencia Village has several bars and restaurants along its golden sandy coastline, while Seine Bight and Maya Beach offer quieter, fine, white sand beaches. Placencia is also a great choice for its top-notch food, accommodations, nightlife, and mix of travelers and locals.

Hopkins Village Beach

Hopkins Village Beach is located in the eastern Garífuna village of Hopkins, a 40-minute drive south of Dangriga. This quiet, uninterrupted 5-mile beach is lined with coconut trees, locals' homes, colorful guesthouses, and local eateries. The waters are clear and refreshing, although not Caribbean turquoise. Experience Garífuna culture with a plate of hudut (fish soaked in a coconut stew served with mashed plantains) at Innie's Restaurant, drumming lessons at the Lebeha Drumming Center, or a game of dominoes with residents. You can also bike to neighboring False Sittee for more glorious, bare stretches of beach facing resorts, bars, and restaurants.

Lighthouse Reef on Half Moon Caye

Half Moon Caye offers paradisiacal views of Caribbean waters and a crescent-shaped beach of magnificent white sand dotted with coconut palms. It's also a protected turtle-nesting site. The other half of the caye consists of a littoral forest, home to a protected red-footed booby sanctuary. Climb the observation tower for birdwatching above the canopy.

Ambergris Caye

While you won't find the perfect beach in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye offers plenty of sand to lie on. Seagrass populates the shores due to a magnificent barrier reef just half a mile away. The most popular sunning and swimming section is across from Ramon's Village Resort, with raked sands and clear waters. However, the best and most isolated stretches are south and north of the island. Banyan Bay Villas is a short walk from town and faces a beautiful beach, while Tranquility Bay Resort is a stunning north-side retreat just a short boat ride away.

South Water Caye

Located 14 miles from Dangriga's coast, South Water Caye boasts soft, soothing, powdery white sand. Visitors can enjoy this perfect stretch of beach beside Pelican Beach Resort, dotted with a maze of coconut trees and hammocks. Stay in a cabana for a splendid view of the reef and beach below, and don't miss stargazing from your balcony at night. South Water Caye is also a worthwhile day trip from Dangriga or Hopkins.

Laughingbird Caye and Silk Cayes

An easy and popular day trip from Placencia, Laughingbird Caye and Silk Cayes are located 11 miles away and are marine reserves with beaches less than a mile long. Visitors can spend the day sunning by the Caribbean Sea or exploring the rich marine life with no one else in sight. Overnight stays are not permitted.

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