Belize's Must-See Destinations

Belize is a small country, but there's plenty to see and do. From ancient Mayan ruins to pristine beaches, here's a rundown of the best things to experience in Belize.

First, there's the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, which offers paradisiacal spots for swimmers, snorkelers and scuba divers. It's also the oldest reserve in Belize and is known for its crystal-clear waters and abundant sea life.

Then there's the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, which is filled with relics left over from the Mayans. It's only accessible via guided tour, but it's well worth the effort to see the ancient Maya underworld.

For a more laid-back vibe, head to Caye Caulker, a small Caribbean island that embodies the island getaway lifestyle. Here, you can relax on the beach, enjoy fresh seafood and explore the Caye Caulker Forest and Marine Reserve.

If you're feeling adventurous, take a boat tour to Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim and snorkel with nurse sharks and stingrays.

To learn more about Belize's rich history, visit the Maya ruins at Caracol, one of the country's most impressive ancient Mayan cities.

For a unique shopping and dining experience, spend some time in the vibrant town of San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. And don't forget to try the local cuisine, including delicious lobster dishes!

Finally, nature lovers won't want to miss the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, home to a variety of wildlife species and the impressive Caracol Maya ruin.

Snorkel at Shark Ray Alley

Belize is home to a plethora of natural wonders, including the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a protected region that has become a top snorkelling location. Within this reserve lies Shark Ray Alley, a site that offers a rare opportunity to snorkel alongside stingrays, nurse sharks and turtles. Here are some insights and instructions to make the most of your snorkelling experience at Shark Ray Alley:

Location and History:

Shark Ray Alley is situated just one mile south of the Hol Chan cut and is designated as "Zone D" within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. This 1,280-acre protected area was once a place where fishermen cleaned their catches, attracting a variety of marine life. Today, it is a sought-after destination for snorkelers and divers alike.

What to Expect:

As you enter the water, you will find yourself surrounded by an abundance of nurse sharks and stingrays. These creatures are drawn to the noise of boat engines, so be prepared to jump in quickly to maximise your viewing time. You may also spot horse-eye jack, Bermuda chub, smooth trunkfish, and small barracudas, and the occasional sea turtle. The area has a consistent depth of 4-8 feet, with sandy and grassy beds.

Practical Information:

To reach Shark Ray Alley, you must join a boat tour. Most tours depart from Caye Caulker pier and often include snorkelling at nearby locations like South Channel and The Coral Garden. It is easily accessible from San Pedro, with a boat ride of approximately 15 minutes. The marine reserve entrance fee is $10 per person, and the snorkelling tour price is around $25 per person.

Tips:

• Get in the water as soon as your boat arrives to make the most of the experience.
• You can easily get close to the sharks and rays, but avoid making sudden movements, as they will swim away.
• Stingrays can be harmful if they feel threatened, so maintain a respectful distance.
• This location can get crowded, so be mindful of boat traffic and other snorkelers.
• Feeding and touching the marine life is highly discouraged to preserve their natural behaviour and ensure your safety.

Tour Options:

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve & Shark Ray Alley Snorkel Tour - Ambergris Caye
• All-inclusive Snorkelling at Hol Chan
• Hol Chan Full-Day Bucket List Snorkelling and Marine Life Tour
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkel and Caye Caulker Tour

Reviews:

Shark Ray Alley has received mixed reviews on TripAdvisor. Some visitors describe it as an "amazing experience" and a "bucket list" item, praising the clear waters and the opportunity to get up close to the marine life. However, other reviewers have expressed concerns about the ethical implications of feeding the sharks and rays, suggesting that it may alter their natural behaviour and create a dependence on humans for food.

Explore the ancient Mayan city of Caracol

Caracol is a large ancient Mayan archaeological site located in the foothills of the Maya Mountains in Belize's Cayo District. It is one of the most important Mayan sites in the country, and its central core consists of three plaza groups surrounding a central acropolis and two ball courts, along with several smaller structures. Covering an area of nearly 25,000 acres, Caracol is one of the largest ancient Mayan cities, with a population of over 100,000 people.

The site was first reported by a native logger named Rosa Mai in 1937 and was first noted and documented archaeologically in 1938 by A.H. Anderson, who gave the site its modern name. More extensive explorations and documentation of the site were undertaken by Linton Satterthwaite of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology from 1950 to 1953.

The largest temple at Caracol is "Caana" or "Sky Place", which rises over 140 feet above the jungle floor and is the tallest man-made structure in Belize. Caana contains four palaces and three temples, and the palace rooms were originally coated with white stucco and decorated with red paint. Over 100 tombs have been found on the site, as well as a rich array of hieroglyphic inscriptions.

Caracol is known for its impressive size and advanced agricultural system. The site has an extensive network of causeways and terraces, and archaeologists have found evidence of an elaborate city planning system. The invention of LiDAR technology has helped archaeologists discover more living areas and increase the estimated population of the city.

Excavations at Caracol have uncovered pyramids, royal tombs, dwellings, monuments, and a ball court, as well as artefacts such as ceramics, murals, altars, and carvings. Mayan glyphs found at the site suggest that Caracol flourished during the middle Classic period (c. 6th century CE) and replaced Tikal as the major regional power around 562 CE. After a period of decline, the city rose to power again around 800 CE.

Caracol is one of the most pristine and well-kept Mayan sites in Belize and is definitely worth a visit to learn more about the country's rich history and culture.

Take a sunset cruise on Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a small, sun-soaked island boasting superb diving and snorkelling spots and a relaxed tropical ambiance. The island is mostly uninhabited by locals, but its northern tip is dotted with restaurants, shops, and hotels. The area, known as the Split, is also a popular spot for water sports.

One of the most popular activities on Caye Caulker is a sunset cruise. The trip typically starts around 45 minutes before sunset and lasts no longer than two and a half hours. As you sail along the front of the island, you'll cut through the Split and watch the sun go down. As the stars light up the sky, you'll be treated to a relaxing dinner and drinks on board. It's the perfect way to experience the magical beauty of the Caribbean Sea at sunset.

One popular choice for a sunset cruise is Raggamuffin Tours. Their trip includes a delicious dinner of freshly made ceviche, as well as rum punch and other drinks. The crew is known for being accommodating and knowledgeable about the area. You can also book a sunset cruise through Anywhere.com, which offers transportation pick-up and drop-off options.

Go scuba diving in Belize

Belize is a prime scuba diving destination, with its barrier reef, three atolls, and over 450 coral cays and islets. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is the second-largest living barrier reef in the world, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. It stretches for nearly 700 miles, with an impressive variety of corals and a hotspot for biodiversity.

The Great Blue Hole is perhaps Belize's most famous dive site, attracting divers from across the world. It is a giant marine sinkhole near Lighthouse Reef, with a depth of 442 feet and a width of 1030 feet. Jacques Cousteau popularised this site in the 1970s, and divers can expect to see stalactites and possibly blacktip reef sharks.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is another popular spot, with crystal-clear waters and an abundance of sea life, including stingrays, eels, and nurse sharks. It is divided into four parts: the mangroves, the reef, the sea-grass beds, and Shark Ray Alley.

For those seeking a more remote experience, Glover's Reef, located nearly 50 kilometres off the coast of Placencia, offers some of the country's most dramatic walls and the chance to spot whale sharks, reef mantas, and lemon sharks.

Belize's southern region, around Placencia, Southwater Caye, and Glover's Reef, boasts some of the country's most dramatic walls and big fish action, but it takes longer to get there with open ocean conditions and long boat rides.

The best time to visit Belize for diving is in May, when you can enjoy excellent diving conditions and low tourist numbers, and it is also whale shark season!

Visit the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a must-see for anyone visiting the country. The zoo is located about 29 miles west of Belize City on the Western Highway and is set across 29 acres of natural, dense vegetation that is only broken up by gravel trails through the forest. The zoo was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who was left with a handful of wild animals after a natural history documentary was filmed on-site.

The zoo is home to over 150 animals, representing 43 native species, including Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, and the five wildcat species found in Belize: jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis. Other animals include various species of monkeys, deer, peccaries, agoutis, otters, coatis, and tapirs. The zoo also features several species of parrots, owls, and raptors, as well as a wetland aviary.

The Belize Zoo is unique in that it feels more like a wildlife preserve than a commercial zoo. The habitats designed for the animals reflect their natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors. The zoo is also accessible to persons with physical disabilities, with rustic paths that wind through the forest.

When planning your visit, it is recommended to go in the morning when the animals tend to be more active. The zoo offers both daytime and night tours, with the latter providing an opportunity to observe the crepuscular and nocturnal animals, such as tapirs, jaguars, and howler monkeys.

The Belize Zoo is not just a place to see animals but also an educational centre committed to conservation and rehabilitation. It is a great way to learn about Belize's natural heritage and get up close with some of the country's most fascinating creatures.

Frequently asked questions