Belize's Adventure Tours: A Guide

Belize is a Central American country with a Caribbean flavour, offering a blend of cultures and races, including Maya, Mestizo, African, European, and Asian. The country is known for its marine life, jungle vegetation, ancient Mayan ruins, and friendly people.

There are a variety of tours in Belize, catering to different interests and activity levels. Here are some of the most popular options:

- Mayan ruins and temple tours: Altun Ha, Xunantunich, Caracol, and Cahal Pech are some of the most popular Mayan sites in Belize. These tours often include exploring ancient temples, learning about Mayan history and culture, and discovering the natural surroundings.

- Cave tubing: One of the most unique and popular activities in Belize is cave tubing through underground cave systems and rivers. Tours usually include transportation, experienced guides, and lunch.

- Snorkelling and diving: With its stunning reefs and marine life, Belize offers world-class snorkelling and diving experiences. Popular spots include Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, and the Great Blue Hole.

- Wildlife tours: Belize is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including howler monkeys, manatees, sharks, stingrays, and a variety of bird species. Wildlife tours can include river cruises, jungle hikes, and visits to sanctuaries and national parks.

- City tours: Belize City, San Ignacio, and Ambergris Caye are popular destinations for city tours, offering cultural, historical, and culinary experiences.

- Zip-lining: For those seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, zip-lining through the Belizean jungle is a popular choice.

- Cultural experiences: From exploring Garifuna culture and cuisine to visiting local markets and museums, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in Belizean culture.

Mayan Temple, Cave Tubing and Zip Line Tours

Belize is home to a plethora of Mayan temples, caves, and zip line tours. Here is a detailed itinerary for a full-day exploration of these attractions:

Mayan Temple, Cave Tubing, and Zip Line Tours

Mayan Temple

Start your day with a visit to the ancient Mayan ruins of Altun Ha, located about 30 miles from Belize City. Climb the "Temple of the Masonry Altars" and follow in the footsteps of the ancient elite and shamans up to 50 feet to the top, where you can take in the scenic jungle view. Altun Ha was one of the longest-occupied Mayan sites, dating from the Pre-Classic period to the Late Classic Period. Archaeologists have uncovered many Mayan artefacts here, including the largest carved jade object of the Mayan world.

Cave Tubing

After exploring the Mayan ruins, head to Nohoch Che'en Park for a refreshing cave tubing experience. Gear up with a headlamp, helmet, life vest, and tube, and follow your guide along a 30-minute walk to the river. Once you reach the starting point, ease onto your tube and float through the cave system, taking in the stunning natural formations. The cave tubing portion will get you completely wet, so be sure to bring a change of clothes and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

Zip Line

After a delicious local lunch, it's time to soar through the treetops! Zoom from platform to platform at canopy level, taking in the beautiful views of the Belize jungle. This thrilling experience is a memorable way to end your day of exploration.

This tour is typically offered as a full-day package, including round-trip transportation from Belize City, a knowledgeable guide, park fees, and lunch. It is suitable for most travellers and often has a maximum group size of 15 people.

Tour Providers

Several tour providers in Belize offer this full-day exploration of Mayan temples, cave tubing, and zip lining. Here are some popular options:

• Salt Life Eco Tours
• UpClose Belize Tours Ltd
• Explore Belize Caves

Snorkelling and Sailing Tours

Belize is a small country with a lot to offer, including remarkable marine life, ancient Mayan ruins, and friendly people. Snorkelling and sailing tours are a great way to explore the country's stunning natural environment and experience its rich marine life. Here is some information on snorkelling and sailing tours in Belize:

Snorkelling and Sailing Tour Options:

• Full-Day Sailing and Snorkelling – Join a full-day sailing and snorkelling tour on the 38' catamaran, 'YOLO'. Sail through crystal blue waters, snorkel stunning patch reefs, and explore, swim, or lounge on a tropical island. The tour includes welcome drinks, local drinks and food, snorkelling equipment, and a traditional Belizean BBQ lunch on a white sand beach.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Snorkelling Tour – This tour takes you to two of the most popular snorkelling sites in Belize: Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. You'll get to swim with an array of marine life, including nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles, among the coral formations of the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
• Mexico Rocks Day Sail – Explore the pristine northern coast of Ambergris Caye with amazing blue waters and beautiful views. Snorkel and enjoy the day with unlimited drinks and a delicious Belizean lunch.
• Caye Caulker Sailing with Snorkelling Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley – This tour combines sailing to Caye Caulker with snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. It's a great option if you're looking for a relaxed and fun excursion, with plenty of time to enjoy the marine life and the beauty of Caye Caulker.
• Private Full-Day Reef Fishing Tour with Snorkelling and Beach BBQ – Combine fishing, snorkelling, swimming, and a beach BBQ on this private boat tour. You'll get to fish in the morning and then dine on your catch before heading to a semi-private island to relax and enjoy the afternoon.

Tips for Snorkelling and Sailing Tours:

• Wear sunscreen and bring towels to protect yourself from the sun.
• Bring your own snorkelling gear if you have specific preferences or requirements, such as prescription goggles.
• Be open to different snorkelling locations, as some spots may be better than others depending on the season or weather conditions.
• Consider combining snorkelling with other activities, such as sailing, fishing, or exploring Mayan ruins, to make the most of your time in Belize.

Nature and Wildlife Tours

Belize is a small country in Central America that is rich in natural beauty and wildlife. Nature and wildlife tours are a popular way to explore the country and there are many options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular nature and wildlife tours in Belize:

Lamanai Temples, River Cruise, and Howler Monkeys

This tour takes visitors to the Lamanai Temples, which are located in the Belizean jungle. The temples are a testament to the Maya Sites, Cultures, and Ecosystems that can be found in Belize. The tour also includes a river cruise, where you can see birds and other wildlife.

Xunantunich and Cave Tubing Combo Tour

This tour combines a visit to the ancient Maya site of Xunantunich with a cave tubing adventure. Visitors can explore the temples and learn about the history of the Maya people, and then float through natural caves in an inner tube.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkeling Tour

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected area that is home to a variety of marine life, including coral, fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. This tour takes visitors snorkeling in the reserve, where they can get up close to the marine life and explore the coral formations.

Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave Tour and Picnic

Actun Tunichil Muknal is a cave system that was once used by the ancient Maya as a spiritual site. This tour takes visitors on a hike through the cave, where they can see crystalline rock formations and the remains of ancient ceremonial victims.

Caye Caulker Sailing and Snorkeling

This tour combines sailing and snorkeling, with stops at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Visitors can explore the marine life and coral formations of Hol Chan, and then swim with nurse sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley.

These are just a few examples of the many nature and wildlife tours that are available in Belize. Other popular options include jungle horseback riding, birdwatching, and river cruises.

City Tours

Belize City is a great place to start your adventure in Belize. The former colonial capital has a lot to offer, from cultural and historical landmarks to beaches and nature walks. Here are some city tours you can take to explore Belize City:

Belize City and Zoo Combo

This tour combines a walk on the wild side of Belize with a visit to the Belize Zoo and a tour of Belize City. See the top attractions, including St. John's Cathedral, and learn about the history and culture of this fascinating city.

Altun-Ha and Belize City Overview

This tour offers a historical insight into the Mayan ruin site of Altun Ha, dating back to 200 BC, along with an overview of Belize City. Explore the ancient temples and learn about the significance of this ceremonial site, then head back to the city for a refreshing beverage.

City Sightseeing and Highlights

Capture stunning city views, spend time on the beach, and visit cultural attractions like Memorial Park and the Baron Bliss Lighthouse. This tour is a great way to get an overview of the city and its highlights.

Belize City and Rum Factory Tour

If you're short on time but want to experience the best of Belize City, this 2-hour tour is perfect. Hop on a coach and explore the city, including a stop at a rum factory for a tasting. Learn about the history of rum production in Belize and sample some of the local spirits.

Belizean Bits & Bites Food Tastings and City Tour

This city tour covers all aspects of Belize, from its history and culture to its delicious cuisine. Led by a knowledgeable and easy-to-communicate guide, this tour takes you off the beaten path to show you the real Belize in a fun, educational, and flexible setting.

Mayan Ruins and Cave Tours

Belize is known for its Mayan Ruins, which were once the heartland of the ancient Maya Empire. The land boasts a number of significant Maya archaeological sites, ancient cities, Mayan Ruins, and sacred cave complexes.

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Xunantunich, or Maiden of the Rock, is a famous Mayan ruin located across the river from the village of San Jose Succotz in the Cayo district. It is most known for the large temple, El Castillo, which is more than 130 feet tall (30 meters), making it the second-tallest building in Belize. Xunantunich was a major ceremonial center for the ancient Maya and was the first Mayan site in Belize to open for public viewing in 1954.

Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins

Cahal Pech, meaning "place of ticks" in modern-day Maya, was the royal acropolis-palace of an elite Mayan ruling family who lived there during the Classic period. The site consists of seven plazas and over 30 structures, including temples, residential buildings, ball courts, an altar, and a sweat house, all situated on just 2 acres.

Caracol Mayan Ruins

Caracol is the largest known Maya site in Belize and one of the biggest in the Maya world. It is located deep within the Chiquibul Forest Reserve in the Cayo District. The site features majestic temples that modern visitors can climb to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding forest reserve.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha was a major ceremonial center and a vibrant trading center during the Classic Period (250-900 A.D.). It is known for the largest carved jade object, a jade head, found there.

Lamanai

Lamanai, or Submerged Crocodile, is one of Belize's largest Mayan ceremonial centers located in the Orange Walk district on the New River Lagoon. It is characterized by exotic styles of ancient Mayan art and architecture.

Barton Creek Cave

Barton Creek Cave is known for its vast cave system, which includes some of the most striking architectural elements in Belize. As the caves were used for Mayan rituals, ceremonies, and sacrifices, visitors can expect to see everything from human remains and hearths to artifacts.

Frequently asked questions