Belize, Your Way: Exploring Without A Tour Guide

Belize is a small country in Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It is a popular tourist destination, offering a wide range of activities for travellers who enjoy nature, history, and culture. Here are some of the best things to do in Belize without a tour:

- Explore the ancient Maya ruins of Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Caracol.

- Visit the Belize Zoo, home to over 120 species of native animals.

- Discover the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a sanctuary for stingrays, eels, and nurse sharks, among other creatures.

- Go scuba diving or snorkelling at the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef in the world.

- Experience the vibrant culture and natural beauty of San Ignacio, the heart of the Cayo District.

- Relax on the beaches of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, and enjoy water sports, snorkelling, and diving.

- Take a bioluminescence boat tour in Hopkins and witness the magical light produced by marine life.

- Go birdwatching—Belize is home to over 500 avian species, including keel-billed toucans and scarlet macaws.

- Visit Xunantunich, a prominent Maya site with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

- Explore the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, home to ancient Maya pottery and human skeletons.

Explore the ancient Maya ruins of Xunantunich

Xunantunich is one of Belize's most impressive and easily accessible Maya archaeological sites. The name Xunantunich means "Maiden of the Rock" in the Maya languages Mopan and Yucatec, and combines "Xunaan" (noble lady) and "Tuunich" (stone for sculpture). The site is located in western Belize, about 70 miles (110 km) west of Belize City, in the Cayo District.

Xunantunich served as a Maya civic ceremonial centre to the Belize Valley region in the Late and Terminal Classic periods. The core of the city covers about one square mile (2.6 km2) and consists of a series of six plazas surrounded by more than 26 temples and palaces. The site is divided into four sections – Group A, Group B, Group C, and Group D, with Group A being the most central and significant.

The shining star of this archaeological site is El Castillo, Spanish for 'the castle'. It is the second-largest building in Belize, standing at 130 feet (40 metres) tall, and served as a shrine, dwelling, and meeting place for the elite rulers of the city. El Castillo is believed to have been used for star-gazing, speaking, and sacrificial events. The structure features four sets of stairs leading to the top, and visitors can climb the ancient stairs to oversee the plaza.

Xunantunich is also known for its large carvings on the eastern and western sides of El Castillo. The original carvings are made of stucco and have been buried for preservation, with fiberglass replicas currently in their place. These carvings represent astronomical symbols of the moon god, world tree (Pax gods), and Venus.

To get to Xunantunich, you will need to take a hand-cranked cable ferry across the Mopan River, near the village of San Jose Succotz. The site is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Macal and Mopan Rivers, and even into Guatemala, which is only 0.6 miles (1 km) to the west.

The site has restrooms, picnic areas, and gift shops where you can purchase drinks, snacks, and souvenirs. It is recommended to wear shoes with good traction, sunscreen, and insect repellent when visiting.

Dive the Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole is a giant marine sinkhole near the centre of Lighthouse Reef Atoll, a small atoll off the coast of Belize, in the easternmost part of its barrier reef. The hole is almost perfectly circular, stretching 318 metres (approximately 1,043 feet) in diameter, and 124 metres (approximately 407 feet) deep.

The Great Blue Hole was made famous by Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who declared it one of the top ten best scuba diving sites in the world. It is the only blue hole that can be seen from outer space.

The Blue Hole was formed as a limestone cave system during the last ice age when sea levels were much lower. As the ocean began to rise, the caves flooded, and the roof collapsed.

The Blue Hole dive begins with a descent of 40 feet to a sandy limestone shelf. The shelf begins as a wall at about 1 foot and is covered with coral until about 18 feet where it becomes a gentle sandy incline that leads up to a dark abyss. As you descend, you will see Caribbean Reef Sharks circling in the watery void.

At about 60 feet, you will reach your maximum depth of 132 feet. Here, you will see enormous stalactites that hang like Stone Age chandeliers, formed from dripping water when the cave was above sea level.

The Blue Hole dive is about 30 minutes long, with 25 to 27 minutes being the norm. This dive is for advanced divers only and requires a certain level of experience and responsibility.

Party on Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is not known for its nightlife, but there are still plenty of options for a fun night out.

For a daytime party on the beach, head to Barrier Reef Sports Bar, which has been described as the "community living room" where "locals, expats, [and] tourists" can be found. Here, you can watch live music, play trivia, and dance.

If you're looking for a more relaxed spot, try The Dock, a bar and coffee shop, or one of the island's lounges and wine bars.

For something a little more upbeat, there's the Lazy Lizard Bar & Grill, a casual and comfortable restaurant and bar, and the biker bar, Southside Pizza.

Caye Caulker also has one nightclub, though its name is not given.

Visit the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a great place to visit, especially if you're an animal lover. It's located 29 miles from Belize City on the George Price Highway and is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (with the last admission at 4:00 p.m.) The zoo spans 29 acres of a forest oasis within tropical savanna and is home to over 150 animals, representing more than 45 native species.

The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who started with a handful of wild animals that were used in a natural history documentary. When filming ended, she decided to care for these animals and open a zoo. Today, the zoo is a world-renowned wildlife education centre and the oldest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Belize.

The zoo is unique in that it primarily houses rescued, orphaned, or rehabilitated animals, including jaguars, spider monkeys, keel-billed toucans (Belize's national bird), and tapirs (Belize's national animal). You can even get up close and personal with some of the animals, such as during the "Lindo Link" experience, where you can meet "Lindo," a rescued jaguar and one of the zoo's "jaguar ambassadors."

In addition to its focus on wildlife conservation, the Belize Zoo is also committed to accessibility. In 2014, it became the first nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.

The zoo offers a variety of experiences, including guided tours, a nocturnal tour, and the opportunity to feed some of the animals. There is also a Tropical Education Center/Zoo Lodge located a mile up the road from the zoo, providing accommodations and meals for those who want to extend their stay.

A visit to the Belize Zoo is a great way to learn about and connect with Belize's unique wildlife and natural heritage. It's an excellent choice for families, offering an immersive and educational experience for all ages.

Scuba dive at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

Scuba diving at Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a great way to experience Belize's incredible marine life and beautiful coral formations. The reserve is located off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye and is known for its diverse marine ecosystem. With over 160 species of fish, you can expect to see schools of horse-eye jack, snapper, blue tangs, triggerfish, hogfish, and parrotfish, among many others. The reserve consists of four zones, each offering a unique experience. Zone A is the coral reef, where you'll find vibrant coral and tropical fish like Blue Tang. Zone B is the turtle grass beds, a favourite feeding spot for green turtles. Zone C is made up of mangrove islands, providing a vital habitat for numerous species. Zone D is Shark Ray Alley, added to the reserve in 1999, where you can swim alongside nurse sharks and southern stingrays.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a great choice for divers and snorkelers of all experience levels. The reserve offers a shallow dive site with a maximum depth of 28 feet, making it ideal for beginners or those returning to the sport after a break. The tour typically starts in the shallow portion of the reserve, allowing divers to get comfortable with the conditions and equipment before exploring further. Experienced guides are always on hand to assist and ensure your safety.

In addition to the marine reserve, Ambergris Caye itself has plenty to offer. San Pedro Town, the island's main town, is worth exploring. The island is also known for its incredible range of activities, including kayaking tours, swimming with sharks, and manatee-watching tours. If you're visiting during the summer, don't miss Lobsterfest, a celebration of local music, beach parties, and delicious lobster dishes.

Whether you're a seasoned diver or a beginner, scuba diving at Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a memorable experience. With its rich marine life and stunning natural beauty, it's no wonder that this reserve is a top attraction for those seeking underwater adventures in Belize.

Frequently asked questions