Belize: Beyond The Shore

Belize is a tiny Central American country that has become a popular cruise destination. It boasts beautiful beaches, a rich culture, friendly locals, and an excellent exchange rate.

If you're looking for things to do besides shore excursions in Belize, there is plenty to explore. Belize has the highest concentration of Mayan sites in Central America, including the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins, Xunantunich, and Lamanai. For nature lovers, there's the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the Belize Zoo, and the Community Baboon Sanctuary, where you can see black howler monkeys up close.

Foodies can indulge in the local cuisine at Nerie's or Cafe Michel'le, and wash it down with some of Belize's own Belikin beer.

With its growing tourism industry, Belize offers a range of activities beyond shore excursions, ensuring that visitors can create their own unique and memorable experiences in this beautiful country.

Explore Belize's diverse ecosystems

Belize may be small, but it is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, from marine environments to terrestrial landscapes. The country's natural ecosystems are a major draw for ecotourists, who come to explore its lush rainforests, majestic reefs, and unique wildlife.

Marine Ecosystems

Belize's marine ecosystems include the open ocean, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. The Belize Barrier Reef is a World Heritage Site, stretching 300 kilometres and hosting a diverse array of flora and fauna. It is a premium tourist spot, especially for scuba diving and snorkelling. The reef is home to over 500 species of fish, 36 species of soft coral, 70 species of hard coral, and hundreds of invertebrate species.

The coastal ecosystems include mangroves, coastal savannahs, and wetlands. Mangrove trees, which grow in saltwater, play a crucial role in cleaning the water, mitigating erosion, and providing a safe haven for multiple species. They also help dissipate wave energy during hurricanes, so one-third of Belize's coastline is lined with these trees, creating a gorgeous and protective natural barrier.

Terrestrial Ecosystems

Belize's terrestrial ecosystems include broadleaf forests, pine forests, savannahs, and watersheds. Over half of the country is considered subtropical rainforest or jungle, with 75% of that area being protected by the government. The rainforests are home to unique wildlife, including jaguars, ocelots, pumas, tapirs, crocodiles, howler monkeys, and armadillos. They also contain hundreds of ancient Maya settlements, many of which remain undiscovered.

Belize has 27 major rivers, with four separate watersheds, that flow from the rainforests, through the mangroves, and into the sea. These rivers are the source of the country's hundreds of waterfalls. Some of these rivers pass through caves, offering a unique tubing experience for visitors.

The savannahs, or pine ridges, account for about a tenth of Belize's land area and are dominated by grasses, trees, and small plants. While wildlife may not be immediately visible, careful observers may spot the Belizean gray fox hunting marmots and insects. At night, armadillos and pumas become active.

Agro-Ecosystems

In modern times, many of Belize's ecosystems have been converted for agricultural purposes, yielding sugarcane, papayas, citrus fruits, shrimp, cacao, bananas, and corn.

Discover ancient Mayan history

Belize is often referred to as the "'Heart of the Maya' and has the highest concentration of Mayan sites in Central America. The ancient Maya calendar gives a creation date of 11 August 3114 BC, and traces of Maya habitation in Belize have been dated to around 2600 BC.

The Maya Early Preclassic period lasted from 1800-900 BC, with the civilisation continuing to grow throughout the Middle Preclassic Maya period (900-300 BC). By 800 BC, the Maya of the Guatemala Highlands controlled the jade and obsidian trade routes, and by 600 BC they were producing and trading cacao.

The Maya civilisation continued to flourish during the Late Preclassic Maya period (300 BC-AD 300) as trade routes expanded, and advances were made in the cultivation of corn and more complex agricultural practices. The Classic period of 250 to 900 AD saw the Maya establish themselves as one of the most advanced civilisations in the world, with the development of the written language, mathematics, and astronomy.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is one of the most famous Mayan sites in Belize. It consists of two main plazas surrounded by thirteen temples and residential structures. It once functioned as a coastal trade centre, and the Jade Head representing the Sun God, Kinich Ahua, was found here.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich is one of the most accessible ancient Maya sites in Belize. It is located across the river from the village of San Jose Succotz and overlooks the lush forests of Belize and neighbouring Guatemala. It was once a major ceremonial centre during the Classic Period, and today visitors can climb to the top of El Castillo, which stands at 135 feet tall.

Caracol

Caracol is the largest of Belize's Maya sites. It is located in the Chiquibul Rainforest and can be reached by car. The largest pyramid in Caracol is "Caana" (Sky Place), which rises 140 feet from its base and is the tallest man-made structure in Belize.

Lamanai

Lamanai is one of Belize's largest ceremonial centres, located on the New River Lagoon. It has one of the longest occupation spans and is home to numerous crocodiles. More than seven hundred structures have been identified, and visitors can also observe the remains of two Christian churches and a sugar mill.

La Milpa

La Milpa is the third-largest site in Belize and is a ceremonial centre with more than 24 courtyards and over 85 structures. It features the Great Plaza, one of the largest public spaces in the Maya world.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary offers a glimpse into ancient Mayan history, as well as the opportunity to observe the local wildlife.

Snorkel with sea turtles

Belize is a great place for snorkelling with sea turtles, with the Hol Chan Marine Reserve being a particularly popular spot. Here, you can snorkel with sea turtles in their natural habitat, as well as see a variety of other marine life, including stingrays and nurse sharks.

There are several tour companies offering snorkelling excursions in Belize, with most trips lasting around 5-6 hours in total. The excursions usually include a beach break on Caye Caulker Island, with the option to purchase food and drinks from a local restaurant.

Turtle Snorkel and Beach Break Excursion

This excursion begins with a boat ride from Belize City to Chapo's Turtle Garden, a reef just south of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Along the way, you'll receive snorkelling equipment, including a snorkel, mask, fins, and a life vest. At Chapo's Turtle Garden, a guide will accompany you in the water and point out areas of interest. You'll have 45 minutes to snorkel at this site, which is a regular hang-out spot for turtles.

Afterwards, you'll take a short boat ride to the Hol Chan Turtle Grass site, another sea turtle habitat. Here, you'll have another 45 minutes to snorkel with the turtles in water that is approximately 10-30 feet deep. A guide will be with you in the water to ensure your safety.

Finally, you'll enjoy a beach break on Caye Caulker Island, a rustic island known for its friendly people and unique shops. You can relax on the beach, explore the island, or purchase food and drinks from a local restaurant. The entire excursion takes around 6 hours, including the boat rides between locations.

Other Snorkelling Opportunities in Belize

Belize is also known for its barrier reef, which can be accessed from Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye. These islands offer some of the best snorkelling and diving spots in the country, with the opportunity to see a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish.

In addition to sea turtles, Belize is also home to manatees, which can be spotted on snorkelling tours departing from Caye Caulker Island.

Overall, Belize offers a range of snorkelling opportunities, allowing you to explore its vibrant marine life and pristine natural environments.

Visit Belize's wildlife sanctuaries

Belize is a nature lover's paradise, boasting a plethora of wildlife sanctuaries and an array of astounding creatures, from whale sharks to toucans and jaguars. Here are some of the top wildlife sanctuaries to visit:

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is the world's first and only known jaguar preserve. Located in the Stann Creek district, it is easily accessible off the Southern Highway. While spotting a jaguar is unlikely, the sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including pumas, margays, ocelots, kajous, deer, peccaries, and tapirs. The best chance to see a jaguar is by going on an evening guided tour. The sanctuary also offers fabulous birdwatching opportunities, with nearly 400 bird species to observe.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Located a bit further out from the center of Belize City, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a bird lover's paradise. Spanning over 16,000 acres, including more than 3,000 acres of lagoons, swamps, and marshes, it offers the chance to spot dozens of bird species, as well as howler monkeys, crocodiles, and more. The peak season for birdwatching is during the dry season, from November to May, but you're likely to see 20 to 40 different species on any given day.

Community Baboon Sanctuary

The Community Baboon Sanctuary, located in the village of Bermudian Landing, is home to thousands of black howler monkeys. These monkeys are not kept in cages; instead, the sanctuary spans over 20 miles, with landowners from seven villages voluntarily conserving their land for the protection of the black howler monkey habitat. In addition to the vocal and playful monkeys, you might also spot dazzling hummingbirds, parrots, river turtles, and even a Morelet's crocodile, armadillo, or anteater.

Belize Zoo

Dubbed "The world's Best Little Zoo" by locals, the Belize Zoo is about an hour away from Belize City. It cares for orphaned, rehabilitated, and rescued animals, including jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, and more. The zoo offers interactive tours where visitors can get up close and personal with the animals. It's a great option for those who want to see Belize's wildlife without venturing too far from the city.

Green Iguana Conservation Project

Located in San Ignacio, the Green Iguana Conservation Project aims to conserve and protect the endangered Green Iguana species in Belize. Visitors can interact with these wonderful reptiles and learn about their incubation, hatching, rearing, and releasing processes. The project also provides educational opportunities for the local community, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve

With its coastline fringed by the world's second-longest barrier reef, Belize is a diver's and snorkeler's paradise. Hol Chan Marine Reserve, located off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye, is a protected area known for its colourful fish, corals, moray eels, turtles, dolphins, and manatees. It is also home to nurse sharks and southern stingrays, offering close encounters with these toothy predators.

Take a food tour of Belize City

Belize City is the second-smallest country in Central America, and while its cruise and tourism industries are growing, the country remains largely unspoiled. The city boasts friendly locals, beautiful beaches, a rich culture, and an excellent exchange rate.

If you're a foodie, you're in luck! Belize City offers a variety of culinary delights that will tantalize your taste buds. Here's a guide to help you navigate the best food and drink experiences in Belize City:

Taste Bud Explosion Food Tasting City Tour

This tour is a foodie's jackpot, offering a glimpse (and taste) into Belize's diverse culinary culture. Start by sampling delicious Belizean patties, then visit a rum factory to get a behind-the-scenes look at how this popular local spirit is made. Wander through a fresh fruit market, inhaling the sweet aromas of tropical fruits, and pop into a bakery to treat your taste buds to some freshly baked goods.

The main event is a sit-down meal at a local restaurant, where you'll indulge in a feast fit for royalty. On the menu are coconut rice, fried plantains, whole fish, rice and beans, tamales, cow foot soup, oxtail, chimole, and more. This tour is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and connect with fellow food enthusiasts.

Restaurant Recommendations

If you're looking for specific dining options, here are some top-rated restaurants in Belize City:

• The Smoky Mermaid: This seafood restaurant serves up fabulous lobster and fresh fish dishes, and even offers breakfast all day on Saturdays.
• Nerie's: With two locations in Belize City, Nerie's offers reasonably priced Belizean fare. Sample local favorites like rice and beans, stewed pork, or a fish burger. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Cafe Michel'le: A popular spot among locals, Cafe Michel'le serves tasty burritos, paninis, wraps, salads, and smoothies. It's cash only, so it's a great place to spend those Belizean dollars you have leftover from souvenir shopping.

Drinks

When it comes to drinks, Belize has a variety of options to quench your thirst. Here are some recommendations:

• Belikin Beer: Sample Belize's own Belikin beer, available at bars within the Tourism Village and most restaurants in town.
• Rum Punch: Rum punch is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.
• Wet Lizard: This happening spot inside Tourism Village offers a lively atmosphere with a DJ and a $5-a-spin wheel for rum body shots and other exciting drink options.

So, whether you're a foodie looking for a culinary adventure or simply seeking some tasty treats and refreshing drinks, Belize City has something to offer for every palate.

Frequently asked questions