Belize City: Adventure And Relaxation

Belize City is the country's only international airport, so it's often the first stop for travellers. However, there aren't many top tourist attractions in the downtown core. Instead, there are plenty of things to do near the city.

If you're looking for a relaxing day, head to Old Belize, a popular marina with a man-made beach, zipline, waterfall, restaurant and private museum. Or, for a picnic, head to Goffs Caye, where you can eat fresh BBQ lobster, conch or fish and drink rum punch.

For nature lovers, there's the Belize Zoo, which is considered one of the best small zoos in the world. It's also one of the only zoos in the world that only features animals native to the country. Nearby is the Tropical Education Centre, where you can see animals in their natural habitats while hiking or canoeing.

For history buffs, there's the Museum of Belize, which is housed in a former colonial prison, and St John's Cathedral, the oldest Anglican church in Central America.

If you're looking for adventure, try cave tubing and ziplining in the Belize rainforest, or head to the islands for snorkelling and diving.

Explore the Belize rainforest by going cave tubing

Belize is known for its cave tubing, an activity that involves floating above underground rivers inside caves using specially designed inflatable tubes or tire inner tubes. The activity is a unique and adventurous way to explore the pristine landscapes of the Belize rainforest.

One of the most popular cave tubing tours in Belize is the River of Caves Seven-Mile Cave Tubing Tour. This tour allows visitors to float down more than seven miles of underground caves, admiring the amazing geological structures and ancient Maya artifacts along the way. The tour is offered by Caves Branch Jungle Lodge and includes inner tubes, headlamps, safety helmets, life vests, and a packed lunch. It is important to note that this tour is only available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with advanced booking of four or more participants. During the dry months (usually February to June), the tour is replaced by the Caves Branch River Cave Expedition, which combines cave tubing and hiking inside a cave.

Another popular option for cave tubing is the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, located about an hour from Belize City. This reserve features a mile-long cave system with a lazy river running through it. Visitors can explore the caves and float down the river, taking in the stunning natural surroundings.

Most cave tubing tours in Belize also include a short hike through the rainforest to the site, which typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes. The entire experience, including transportation from Belize City, can be completed in approximately four hours. Tour companies provide all the necessary equipment, including tubes, life vests, and headlamps. Visitors are advised to wear lightweight clothing that can get wet, sturdy footwear, and insect repellent.

In addition to cave tubing, Belize also offers zip-lining in the rainforest, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience for those seeking more thrill. This activity can often be combined with cave tubing for a full day of adventure.

Visit the Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Belize City. The zoo is located roughly halfway between Belmopan and Belize City, and is only a 30-minute drive from the international airport. It is the first nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.

The zoo is home to over 150 native wildlife species and is the perfect place to get up close and personal with Belize's fauna. The zoo is also one of the finest small zoos in the world, and the only zoo in the country that does not breed animals for captivity and profit. All the animals in the zoo are rescues, having been injured, orphaned, or confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade. The zoo is also involved in wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, education, recreation, and research.

The zoo offers a variety of unique tours and encounters with the animals, including a VIP tour which offers intimate animal experiences. The Tropical Education Centre (TEC), located a mile away from the zoo, offers lodging options, meals, and airport transfers.

The zoo is open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on Sundays, with the last admission at 4:00 pm on weekdays and 3:30 pm on weekends. The zoo is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Tour St. John's Cathedral

St. John's Cathedral is the oldest Anglican Church in Central America and is a must-see for anyone interested in British colonial architecture or the role the church played in Belizean history. The cathedral is located in the heart of Belize City and is one of the few physical reminders of the country's long period as a British colony.

History

Built in 1812, St. John's Cathedral was once used to crown four different native kings of the Miskito tribe in lavish ceremonies. The bricks used to build the cathedral were brought over from Europe as ballast in ships. The church is also the only Anglican church outside of England where kings have been crowned. Today, it is the oldest surviving building constructed by Europeans in Belize.

What to See

The cathedral features a hardwood interior made from sapodilla and mahogany wood, colonial-era tombstones, an antique pipe organ, and lavish accouterments. The church is still a functioning place of worship and is open seven days a week from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. There is no entrance fee.

Location

St. John's Cathedral is located in downtown Belize City, a few hundred feet west of the Government House. It sits at the intersection of Albert and Regent Streets, directly across from the House of Culture.

Tours

There are no guided tours of the cathedral, but visitors can explore on their own. It is recommended to visit when there are no religious services underway, and to allow 30 to 60 minutes to fully explore the church and its grounds.

Check out the Belize Museum

Set inside the historic Queen Elizabeth's Prison, the Museum of Belize is perfect for anyone interested in learning about Belize's history and culture. The museum is located in a heritage-style building with a nice lawn in front for great photo opportunities.

The museum features various small exhibits, including ancient Mayan relics, an insect gallery, a stamp collection, and vintage photos. You can also learn about Belize's colonial history, with an emphasis on slavery, and see text-and-sketch depictions of piracy. There is also a temporary exhibit of beautiful works by Belizean contemporary artist Pen Cayetano and a small exhibit on the Birds of Belize.

The museum has good air conditioning, clean restrooms, and two levels to explore. The entry fee is very reasonable at $7 US, and it will take you no more than 1-2 hours to explore.

Take a day trip to a nearby island

Belize City is a great starting point for travellers to Belize, as it is home to the country's only international airport. While there aren't many tourist attractions in the downtown core, there are plenty of things to do near the city. One option is to take a day trip to a nearby island.

Caye Caulker is a car-less island that can be reached by water taxi from Belize City. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs $20 per person. Once on the island, you can walk, rent a bicycle, or take a golf cart to get around. There are plenty of places to stay on Caye Caulker, including Colinda Cabanas, Blue Zen, Sea Dreams Hotel, and Weezie's Ocean Front Hotel and Garden Cottages.

During your day on Caye Caulker, you can relax on the beach, go snorkelling in the Belize Barrier Reef, or hang out at the Split, a popular spot on the island formed by a hurricane. You can also find street food, souvenir shops, and chill bars along the beach.

If you're looking for more adventure, you can book a snorkelling tour with Caveman Snorkeling Tours or another local company. These tours typically include small groups, lunch and refreshments, expert guides, and snorkelling equipment. You'll have the chance to swim with sea turtles, tropical fish, nurse sharks, rays, eels, manatees, and more.

So, if you're looking for a day trip from Belize City, a visit to Caye Caulker is a great option. You can enjoy the island life, go snorkelling in the Belize Barrier Reef, and experience the local culture and cuisine.

Frequently asked questions