Belize City Family Adventure

Belize is a great destination for families, with only 250,000 visitors per year, it offers a relatively untouched experience. The country has a diverse range of activities, from lush jungles and rainforests to aqua blue waters and white sand beaches. The first language is English, making it easy to navigate and chat with locals.

Belize City is a great starting point for families, with easy access to the ferry terminal and some nice restaurants. The Museum of Belize, Altun Ha & The Olde Belize River, and the Belize Sign Monument are some recommended attractions. The Belize Zoo is also a fun and educational experience for children, featuring only rescued Belizean wildlife in natural habitats.

For beach relaxation, San Pedro and Ambergris Caye are popular destinations. Xanadu Island Resort and Pirates Not So Secret Beach Bar are recommended places to stay and visit. For jungle adventures, the Cayo District is home to lush rainforests and ancient Mayan sites. The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a great place to stay, offering treehouse accommodations and a variety of activities such as tubing and canoeing on the Macal River.

Visit the Mayan Ruins

Belize was once the heartland of the ancient Maya Empire, and the country is dotted with ruins that offer a fascinating insight into this mysterious civilisation.

Belize is home to some of the most impressive Mayan ruins in the world, and they are a must-see for anyone visiting the country. The ancient Maya civilisation spanned several millennia and, at its height, the empire was made up of a patchwork of kingdoms and principalities that formed alliances or went to war with one another.

The civilisation began to break apart between 600 and 900 AD for unknown reasons, and the once-powerful cities were swallowed up by the jungle. By the time Europeans arrived on the continent, the Maya had almost completely disappeared.

Today, the ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, and many of the sites are still being excavated. Here are some of the top Mayan ruins in Belize that you can visit:

• Altun Ha: Located 31 miles north of Belize City, Altun Ha is a major ceremonial and trade centre during the Classic Period. The site features two principal plazas and is surrounded by rich wildlife, including armadillos, bats, squirrels, agouti, paca, foxes, raccoons, coati, tyra, tapir and white-tailed deer. The most significant find at Altun Ha is the Maya Jade Head, representing the Mayan Sun God, Kinich Ahua. It is the largest object carved from jade in the Mayan civilisation.
• Caracol: The largest Maya site in Belize, Caracol is an active archaeological site that is still revealing its secrets. The site features majestic temples that visitors can climb to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding Chiquibul Forest Reserve. Caracol is a challenging site to reach, but the trip is worth it for the scenic drive through the spectacular flora and fauna of the Chiquibul Rainforest.
• Cahal Pech: Located on a hill overlooking the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, Cahal Pech means "Place of Ticks" in the Yucatecan Maya language. The site features 34 structures, including temple pyramids, two ball courts, an altar and five plain stelae, all situated on just two acres. A royal burial chamber was found in one of the structures, containing shell and bone ornaments, pottery vessels, obsidian blades and jade objects.
• Xunantunich: Xunantunich was the first Mayan ruin to open to visitors in 1950. The site features six major plazas, more than 25 temples and palaces, and a new museum. The highest ruin is 133ft tall, making it the second-tallest temple in Belize. Well-preserved sun god masks decorate one side of the structure.
• Lamanai: Lamanai is the Maya word for "submerged crocodile" and is one of the only sites to retain its original name. It is also one of the largest Maya ceremonial centres, with more than 719 mapped structures, including two 16th-century Christian churches and an intact 19th-century sugar mill. Lamanai was inhabited for over two millennia, and the site offers a fascinating insight into different periods of Maya construction techniques.

These are just a few of the many Mayan ruins that can be found in Belize. Each site offers a unique glimpse into the ancient Maya civilisation, and they are a must-see for anyone interested in history, archaeology or cultural heritage.

Go to the beach

Belize is known for its lush jungles, rainforests, and aqua blue water with white sand beaches. The beaches in Belize are perfect for families, offering a mix of relaxation and water adventures.

If you're staying in the Cayo District, a two-hour drive from the airport, you can visit the beach resorts in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. The flight from Belize City to the Ambergris Caye Belize Airport in San Pedro is only 15 minutes, making it the quickest and easiest way to reach the beach.

One popular beach in San Pedro is Secret Beach, which is about a 45-minute golf cart drive from the town. Secret Beach offers a variety of restaurants and bars with complimentary sun chairs and umbrellas. You can relax on the beach, wade into the shallow waters, or float on rafts.

Another option for beach activities is to snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley, located just a few miles off the southeast coast of Ambergris Caye. This protected area is known for its crystal clear waters, colorful fish, eels, stingrays, and turtles.

If you're looking for more adventurous water activities, you can try deep-sea fishing or canoe and tube on the Macal River in the Cayo District.

Explore the ATM Cave

Actun Tunichil Muknal, or ATM Cave, is a must-see for any intrepid family visiting Belize. Located in the heart of the Belizean rainforest, this ancient Mayan cave is filled with relics and offers a unique, eerie experience.

The tour begins with a 45-minute hike through the jungle, including three crossings of the Roaring River. The cave itself involves swimming, wading through water, climbing, and squeezing through tight spaces. It is not for the faint-hearted or those with mobility issues, but for adventurous families, it promises to be an unforgettable experience.

The cave is filled with ancient Mayan artefacts, including ceramics, stone tools, and skeletons. The most famous skeleton is the Crystal Maiden. Your guide will explain the history of the cave and the rituals that took place there, including bloodletting and human sacrifice.

The tour takes around six hours in total, including the hike to the cave and the time spent inside. It is important to note that no cameras are allowed inside the cave, so be sure to leave them behind. You will also need to bring a change of clothes, a towel, and suitable footwear that can get wet, such as water shoes or old trainers.

There are various tour companies offering trips to the ATM Cave, with prices starting at around $120 per adult. It is recommended to book in advance, especially if you want to secure a particular guide. Some companies also offer the option to book a private tour.

Snorkel Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley

Snorkelling in Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley is a popular activity for families visiting Belize. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is considered the most popular snorkelling site in Belize, and it's easy to see why. The Reserve is home to over 160 species of fish, nearly 40 species of coral, and an abundance of other marine life, including sea turtles and southern stingrays. The Reserve is also known for its vibrant coral formations, with crevices and overhangs that provide a habitat for green eels and lobsters.

A snorkelling tour of Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley typically includes a stop at each site, with a guide to point out the various species and features of the Reserve. The sites are located just off the southern tip of Ambergris Caye, about 4 miles south of San Pedro Town, and can be reached by boat in about 15 minutes. The shallow waters and white sands make this an ideal tour for inexperienced snorkelers, with up to 100 feet of visibility.

If you're looking for a more adventurous experience, you can also scuba dive at Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley. This activity requires dive certification and includes a 30-foot dive at Hol Chan, followed by a snorkelling stop at Shark Ray Alley.

Take a boat tour

Belize has a lot to offer when it comes to boat tours and water sports. Here is a detailed itinerary for a family vacation in Belize, focusing on boat tours and water activities:

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration in Belize City

• Arrive at the Belize City Airport and take a taxi to the ferry terminal (approximately 25 minutes).
• Take the ferry to San Pedro, which takes around an hour.
• Spend some time exploring Belize City, visiting landmarks such as the Belize Sign Monument and the Baron Bliss Lighthouse.
• Consider staying in a secure and comfortable accommodation like the Renaissance Towers, located just a few minutes from the town centre.

Day 2: Boat Tour to the Islands

• Take a boat tour to the islands off the coast of Belize City, such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker.
• Enjoy the world-renowned barrier reef and relax on the beautiful beaches.
• Try snorkelling at Mexico Rocks, one of the best snorkelling spots accessible from San Pedro.
• Indulge in the local cuisine and explore the town of San Pedro.

Day 3: Boat Adventure on the Macal River

• Head to the Cayo District, known for its lush rainforests and waterways.
• Stay at a resort near the Macal River, such as The Lodge at Chaa Creek, which offers tubes and canoes for guests to explore the river.
• Spend the day tubing and canoeing on the Macal River, a leisurely and relaxing experience.
• Hike back to the resort or take a short boat ride back.

Day 4: Boat Ride to Lamanai Archaeological Reserve

• Take a boat ride to the Lamanai Archaeological Reserve, a unique way to learn about Mayan history and culture.
• Enjoy the river ride and keep an eye out for wildlife along the banks of the New River.
• Explore the ancient ruins and learn about the impressive structures built by the Mayans.
• Consider booking a tour with a local guide, such as "Mission," who can provide interesting insights and information.

Day 5: Island Hopping and Beach Relaxation

• Take a boat or ferry to one of the nearby islands, such as Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker.
• Rent a golf cart to explore the island and enjoy the beach.
• Visit Secret Beach and choose from a variety of restaurants and bars offering complimentary sun chairs and umbrellas.
• Relax on the beach, float in the shallow waters, or enjoy water sports activities.

Day 6: Snorkelling Adventure at Hol Chan Marine Reserve

• Go snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, one of the best places in Belize for snorkelling and underwater exploration.
• Book a tour with a knowledgeable guide like Lil' Alphonse, who can enhance your experience by pointing out and explaining the marine life.
• Combine your Hol Chan snorkelling trip with a visit to Shark Ray Alley, where you can swim with nurse sharks.

Day 7: Departure from Belize

Take a boat or ferry back to the mainland and depart from the Philip S. W. Goldson Airport in Belize City.

Frequently asked questions