Belize: Best Time To Visit

Belize is a small Central American country nestled between Mexico and Guatemala. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its unspoiled natural beauty, including Mayan ruins, lush rainforests, and coral reefs. The easiest and most popular way to get to Belize is by flying into the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. This airport is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, British Airways, and Alaska Airlines. Direct flights to Belize are available from several cities in the United States, such as Miami, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles. From Europe, travellers can fly from London Heathrow with a short connection in Miami. The cheapest month to fly to Belize is usually August.

Which airlines fly to Belize?

There are 13 airlines that fly to Belize City, with Tropic Air, Maya Island Air, and United Airlines operating most flights to the destination. Here is a list of airlines that fly to Belize:

From the United States:

• American Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• British Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• Air New Zealand
• Sun Country Airlines
• United Airlines
• WestJet
• Southwest Airlines

Other popular airlines:

• Maya Island Air
• Transportes Aéreos Guatemaltecos
• Hahn Air
• Tropic Air
• Avianca
• Copa

By Destination:

Airlines flying to Belize City:

• Maya Island Air
• Tropic Air

Airlines flying to Caye Caulker:

• Maya Island Air
• Tropic Air

Airlines flying to Caye Chapel:

Maya Island Air

Airlines flying to Dangriga:

• Maya Island Air
• Tropic Air

Airlines flying to Independence:

Maya Island Air

Airlines flying to Placencia Village:

• Maya Island Air
• Tropic Air

Airlines flying to Punta Gorda:

Tropic Air

Airlines flying to San Pedro:

• Maya Island Air
• Tropic Air

What is the cheapest time to fly to Belize?

The cheapest time to fly to Belize is during the wet season, which runs from June to November. During this period, you can find low-cost airfare and better deals on flights. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cheapest month to fly to Belize can vary, and you should also consider the day of the week when booking your flight.

• On average, the cheapest month to fly to Belize is January, followed by February and August.
• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are typically the cheapest days of the week to book a flight to Belize.
• The cheapest day of the week to fly to Belize is usually Tuesday, while Saturday tends to be the most expensive.
• Booking your flight in advance can help you secure cheaper fares, especially if you're travelling during peak season.
• Consider using price alerts or flexible dates when searching for flights to find the best deals.
• If you're flexible with your travel plans, you can also consider flying into alternative airports in Belize, such as Dangriga Airport (DGA) or Belize City Municipal Airport, which may offer lower airfares.
• Keep an eye out for last-minute flight deals, as you may be able to find cheap flights departing within the next 72 hours.

By following these tips and monitoring flight prices, you can increase your chances of finding the cheapest flights to Belize and make the most of your travel budget. Happy travelling!

What are the attractions in Belize City?

Belize City is the largest city in Belize, known for its large Protestant churches, bustling open-air markets, and food stands specialising in traditional Caribbean cuisine. The city is a popular destination for those looking to enjoy the tropical weather and beautiful beaches, such as Old Belize.

The Museum of Belize is a great place to learn about the nation's history and culture. Once a British prison, this landmark now houses prized art, Mayan pottery, and jade pendants. You can also glimpse into one of the preserved cells to see the etchings of former inmates.

For nature lovers, the Belize Zoo is a great attraction. It is home to over 45 native species, most of which are rescue animals. You can see tapirs, toucans, howler monkeys, and all five of Belize's wildcats, including jaguars.

If you're interested in ancient indigenous history, you can explore Altun Ha, the ruins of an ancient Mayan city located 30 miles north of Belize City. Altun Ha features two main plazas and 13 structures, including the Temple of the Green Tomb.

For a more relaxing experience, you can visit the Old Belize Marina, a popular spot for sailors to dock their yachts. The marina also features a man-made beach, a zip line, a waterfall, and a private museum showcasing Belizean history.

Finally, for those interested in the arts, the Bliss Institute and Image Factory Art Foundation and Gallery offer a chance to view national and international works, including paintings and sculptures.

What are the transportation options in Belize?

Belize has a variety of transportation options for visitors and locals alike. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the country with ease:

Air Travel

Belize is served by the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE), located near Belize City, which is the only international airport in the country. Local airlines operate small Cessna aircraft, also known as "puddle jumpers," offering convenient and fast connections to the major towns in the six districts of Belize. This is a pricier option but can save you time. Local airlines also provide regional connections to nearby countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Ground Transportation

Buses

Buses are a common mode of transportation in Belize and offer an affordable way to get around the country. The bus system covers extensive routes, running along major highways and connecting towns and villages. While buses are cheap, they can be slow and crowded. Most buses are repurposed North American school buses, and you can expect music, socialising, and a lively atmosphere on board. Bus tickets are affordable, with a trip from Belize City to San Ignacio costing around BZ$7. It's important to note that buses may not always run on time and can be unpredictable, so planning ahead is essential.

Taxis

Taxis are a prevalent form of transportation in Belize and can be found in most towns. They are identifiable by their green license plates. Taxi fares vary, with a ride from the airport to Belize City costing around BZ$50, while rides within the city typically range from BZ$5 to BZ$10. It is common to share taxis with other passengers.

Car Rentals

Renting a car is another option for getting around Belize. However, it can be expensive, with daily rates ranging from BZ$70 to BZ$125. When renting a car, it is important to consider the condition of the roads and plan for extra fuel, as gas stations can be scarce in rural areas. Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Thrifty are among the car rental companies operating in Belize.

Shuttles

Private shuttles are also available in Belize and offer a comfortable and convenient way to travel between destinations. They can be booked for transfers to and from different districts and provide a safer and more personalised experience than public transportation.

Water Transportation

Water Taxis

Water taxis, or boats, are a vital means of transportation in Belize, especially for those living along the coast or on the cayes (small, low-elevation islands). Belize City has water taxi services to popular destinations such as Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and St. George's Caye. Dangriga also offers chartered boats to destinations like Tobacco Caye and Glover's Reef. Water taxis are generally affordable, with fares ranging from BZ$10 to BZ$15 for a one-way trip. They provide a unique travel experience and are an excellent way to explore the country's beautiful coastline and islands.

Other Options

In addition to the above, horses are also mentioned as a means of transportation in Belize, offering a unique and adventurous way to explore the country.

What are the best flight deal tips?

Finding a good flight deal can be tricky, but there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of scoring a bargain. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Keep your searches top secret

Flight prices can increase when a particular route is repeatedly searched. To avoid this, always search for flights in incognito or private browsing mode. This will allow you to see the lowest prices without the site knowing your browsing history.

Use the best flight search engines

Not all flight search engines are created equal. Some sites, like Expedia, consistently inflate flight costs more than others. It's worth familiarizing yourself with sites that offer the best prices, like Skyscanner, Momondo, and Google Flights.

Identify the cheapest day to fly out

It's usually cheaper to fly out on a weekday, but this isn't always the case. To find the cheapest days to fly for your specific route, use a tool like Skyscanner to get a quick visual of prices for a whole month.

Fly for free with points

Signing up for a travel rewards credit card can earn you bonus points, which can often be redeemed for a free flight. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, which is enough for an international flight.

Befriend budget airlines

Budget airlines, like Spirit Airlines and Air Transat, offer significantly cheaper tickets than their full-service counterparts. Just be aware that this usually comes with compromises such as less legroom and no free food or drink on board.

Search for airline error and sale fares

Airlines sometimes make mistakes when posting their fares, resulting in seriously discounted flights. To find these deals, you can use sites like Going and Dollar Flight Club, which track sale and error fares. You can also use tools like Google Flights and Airfarewatchdog to monitor prices and spot any anomalies.

By following these tips and doing a little extra research, you'll be well on your way to finding the best flight deals to Belize or any other destination. Happy travelling!

Frequently asked questions