Belize's Photo-Worthy Spots

Belize is a photographer's dream destination. With its white sandy beaches, turquoise Caribbean waters, lush green jungles, and blue mountain views, there is no shortage of beautiful places to photograph. The country offers a range of ecosystems to capture, from underwater coral reefs to ancient Mayan ruins.

Belize is home to hundreds of offshore islands, pristine beaches, and the second-largest barrier reef in the world, making it a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. The country also boasts dozens of parks with trails winding through various jungle environments, ancient ruins, and wildlife preserves, such as the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve, where you can find jaguars, toucans, and monkeys.

Whether you're looking to capture the colourful Belize sign, the beauty of the offshore islands, or the ancient history of the Mayan civilisation, Belize has something for every photographer to enjoy and cherish.

The Great Blue Hole

The Hole is circular, with a diameter of over 300 metres and a depth of 124-125 metres. It is the largest natural formation of its kind in the world and was formed during the Quaternary glaciation when sea levels were much lower. Analysis of stalactites within the Hole indicates that it was formed in several stages, with the cave eventually becoming submerged as ocean levels rose.

When photographing the Great Blue Hole, capturing the contrast between the deep blues of the Hole and the lighter shades of the surrounding reef is key. Aerial shots are particularly striking, showcasing the circular shape of the Hole and the vibrant colours of the reef.

For those keen on underwater photography, the Hole offers a unique opportunity to capture the interplay of light and shadow within the underwater caverns. The stalactites, stalagmites, dripstone sheets, and columns provide fascinating subjects for detailed shots, highlighting the intricate beauty of the underwater world.

In addition to the main event, there are also nearby small islands or cays, such as Ambergris and Caye Caulker, that offer pristine beaches and the chance to capture the vibrant local culture.

Ancient ruins

Belize is home to more than 600 Mayan sites, making it the perfect destination for photographers looking to capture ancient ruins. Here are some of the best ancient ruins to photograph in Belize:

Caracol

Tucked inside the Chiquibul Forest, Caracol is one of the most important Mayan ruins in Belize. Once a bustling city home to over 140,000 people, Caracol now lies abandoned and partially claimed by the surrounding jungle. The site covers a staggering 25,000 acres, offering endless opportunities for exploration. The Canna ("Sky Palace") is a must-see—it's the tallest man-made structure in Belize, ascending 143 feet and housing four palaces and three temples. Caracol is also known for its ball courts, astronomic observatory, alters, reservoirs, and hieroglyphics.

Lamanai

Reaching the Lamanai Archeological Reserve is an adventure in itself. Located about two hours northwest of Belize City, the journey involves a bus ride to Orange Walk Town followed by a 26-mile boat ride up the winding New River. Lamanai is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize and is known for its beautifully preserved ceremonial buildings. The High Temple, with its 108-foot staircase, offers a breathtaking view of the jungle and the New River Lagoon. The Jaguar Temple, with its distinctive jaguar head, is another highlight. But the true star of Lamanai is the Mask Temple, featuring a pair of striking 13-foot-tall limestone masks adorned with crocodile headdresses.

Altun Ha

Altun Ha is one of Belize's most excavated and easily accessible Mayan ruins. Located just an hour's drive north of Belize City, it's the perfect day trip for those short on time. While smaller than other sites, Altun Ha boasts a variety of interesting structures, including over a dozen temples, pyramids, and residential buildings. The site also displays a replica of the most significant artifact found here: a 10-pound jade carving of "Kinich Ahau," the Mayan sun god. Altun Ha is also a great spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds in the surrounding area.

Xunantunich

To reach the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, you'll need to take a hand-cranked cable ferry across the Mopan River. The site is dominated by El Castillo ("The Castle"), a pyramid that served as an ancestral shrine for the ruling family. Climbing to the top of El Castillo offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding area, including the nearby Caracol and Guatemala on a clear day. Xunantunich is also known for its well-preserved ball courts and residential structures.

Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech, located near San Ignacio, is one of the oldest-known ruins in the Belize River Valley. This site features two ball courts and around 34 structures, including temples, residential buildings, and a sweat house, all connected by a series of interconnected plazas. Cahal Pech offers a glimpse into the complex residential architecture of the ancient Mayans. The hilltop location also provides panoramic views of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley.

El Pilar

El Pilar, located in the Cayo District, is an off-the-beaten-path destination that has yet to gain the same level of attention as other Mayan ruins. This site is believed to be three times the size of Xunantunich and continues to be excavated. El Pilar offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of the ancient Mayans, with temples, palaces, pyramids, ball courts, and water reservoirs. The site is also developing as a nature preservation area, making it a great spot for hiking and exploring the surrounding forest.

Wildlife

Belize is a nature photographer's dream, with its multifaceted ecosystems, from the sea to the beaches and jungles. The country is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including:

Jaguars

The jaguar is the largest wild cat in the Americas and Belize is one of the best places in the world to see them. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary and Jaguar Preserve on Ambergris Caye is a 388-square-kilometre section of rainforest that is home to the largest concentration of jaguars on the planet, with about 200 jaguars living in this preserve.

Keel-billed Toucans

The Keel-billed Toucan is the national bird of Belize and can be spotted in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Scarlet Macaws

Head to the small town of Red Bank to photograph these bright red birds. Ask anyone in town and they will point you to the caretaker of the macaw preserve; for a small fee, you can hike up to a viewing area. The best time to see the macaws is typically from January through March.

Monkeys

Belize is home to black howler monkeys, also known as "baboons". You can spot them in Spanish Lookout, Cayo District.

Iguanas

Belize is also home to black spiny-tailed iguanas, which can be found on Caye Caulker in the Belize District.

Birds

Belize has a plethora of birds, including the osprey, veined frog or pepper treefrog, birdwing grasshopper, Mexican tree frog, red-eyed tree frog, masked tityra, Yucatan vireo, and yellow tree frog.

Marine Life

Belize's offshore islands and the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest in the world, are home to an abundance of marine life, including whale sharks (which peak in April and May), sea turtles, and plenty of other photogenic species.

Beaches

Belize has a magnificent coastline along the Caribbean Sea and more than 200 offshore islands, many of which are encircled by white-sand beaches. The beaches in Belize are diverse, with some having white sand and others being rocky.

Placencia Beach

The Placencia Peninsula is home to the longest stretch of beach in mainland Belize. It is a popular sea and sand getaway in the country, stretching across three villages: Maya Beach, Seine Bight, and Placencia Village. Placencia Village has a tourist strip with bars and restaurants along its golden sandy coastline, while Seine Bight and Maya Beach offer quieter, finer, white sand beaches. Placencia Beach is a great spot for lounging and watching the local fishers come in and out, as well as taking dips in the water.

Hopkins Village Beach

Hopkins Village Beach is located in the eastern Garífuna village of Hopkins, a 40-minute drive south of the town of Dangriga. This quiet, uninterrupted, 5-mile beach is lined with coconut trees, colourful guesthouses, and local eateries. The waters are clear and refreshing, although not as turquoise as some other beaches in Belize. Hopkins Village Beach is predominantly sandy, although the entry to the water can be steep in some places.

Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye

San Pedro on Ambergris Caye is the top tourism destination in Belize, and Secret Beach, a formerly local spot, has become a popular and accessible beach destination. It has calm, clear, and shallow waters, which are great for snorkelling and other water activities. It can be a little rocky, and stingrays hide in the seagrass, so waterproof footwear is recommended.

South Water Caye

South Water Caye is an island off the coast of Hopkins and Dangriga, with soft, white sand beaches. It is home to two resorts, Pelican Beach and Blue Marlin Lodge, which offer tranquil beach experiences, including easy snorkelling access. The island is a worthwhile day trip from Dangriga or Hopkins, and day trips can be arranged from these towns.

Half Moon Caye, Lighthouse Reef

Half Moon Caye, part of Lighthouse Reef, offers paradisiacal views of Caribbean waters and a crescent-shaped beach of magnificent white sand, dotted with coconut palms. The beach is also a protected turtle-nesting site, and the other half of the caye is a littoral forest, home to a protected red-footed booby sanctuary.

The Split, Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a backpacker's favourite, with the motto "go slow". The island is split in two by a channel called The Split, which is a great place to swim, snorkel, or lounge and grab drinks at The Lazy Lizard bar and restaurant. The water is clear and clean as it is impacted by the tides, and it is free to access.

Jungles

The steamy green jungles of Belize offer a delightful contrast to its turquoise Caribbean waters and blue mountain views. The dense rainforests and mountains of Belize are home to a plethora of exotic birds and wildlife, as well as adventure activities.

One of the most popular destinations in Belize is the Mountain Pine Ridge, known for its dense pine forests, cascading waterfalls, caves, and smooth granite boulders. The Rio Frio Cave in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a stunning example of a cave complex, with a massive stone cathedral open at both ends, connected by a quarter-mile brook. The cave is faintly lit, requiring long exposure shots, and a tripod is necessary to ensure sharp images.

For those seeking adventure, the Mayflower Bocawina National Park offers hiking trails to five beautiful natural waterfalls, including the Antelope Waterfalls, which provide a refreshing emerald green pool at the top. The park also has a challenging hike to the Tiger Fern Waterfall, which rewards visitors with a double waterfall and a swimming hole.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a 150-square-mile sanctuary, is another must-visit destination. It protects the eastern slopes of the country, where ancient Maya cities were built thousands of years ago. The sanctuary is known as the world's first jaguar preserve, and while sightings are rare, it offers the opportunity to catch a glimpse of these stealthy felines.

Birdwatching is also a popular activity in the jungles of Belize, with over 500 species to spot. Aguacate Lagoon, Shipstern Nature Reserve, and La Milpa are excellent spots to see some of the most exotic birds, including the Azure-crowned Hummingbird and the Keel-billed Toucan.

For a unique dining experience, there are several restaurants nestled in the jungle, such as the Wild Fig Jungle Bistro & Bar at Bocawina Rainforest Resort and the Mariposa Restaurant at Chaa Creek.

The jungles of Belize offer a wealth of photographic opportunities, from the lush greenery and wildlife to the ancient Maya ruins hidden within. With its diverse ecosystems and natural beauty, it is a dream destination for photographers.

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