Swimming In Belize: Where To Dive In

Belize is a tropical paradise, boasting beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls. With its Caribbean coastline, abundant coral reefs, and over 200 offshore islands, it's no surprise that Belize offers countless swimming spots to cool off in its tropical climate. From the popular Placencia Peninsula to secluded waterfalls in protected parks, here's an introduction to some of the best places to take a dip in Belize.

Mayflower Bocawina National Park

The Mayflower Bocawina National Park is a nature lover's paradise, with over 7000 acres of pristine tropical rainforest, waterfalls, and ancient Mayan ruins to explore. Established in 2001, the park is located in the Stann Creek District of southern Belize, just a short drive from the coastal towns of Hopkins and Dangriga.

Hiking and Wildlife

The park offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from leisurely walks to challenging treks, making it an excellent choice for both leisure and adventurous explorations. The Antelope Trail, for example, leads to stunning waterfalls surrounded by tropical rainforest vegetation. The first part of the hike is relatively flat, while the second half is steeper and more difficult. Once you reach the falls, you can take a dip in the natural pool and even rappel down the rocks. Other popular trails include the Bocawina - New Waterfall Trail, which is less difficult, and the Big Drop Falls Trail, which is a strenuous hike leading to a spectacular waterfall.

The park is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and birding. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including toucans, trogons, orioles, and hummingbirds. Mammal species observed in the park include jaguars, ocelots, deer, howler monkeys, and tapirs.

Mayan Ruins and Waterfalls

In addition to its natural beauty, the Mayflower Bocawina National Park is also home to several Mayan sites, including the Mayflower Plaza, Maintzunun temple mound, and Tau Witz. The park has two unexcavated Mayan temple mounds and a small teaching centre with exhibits on the ancient Maya and modern man's impact on the area.

The park is also known for its beautiful waterfalls, including Bocawina Falls, Three Sisters Falls, Antelope Falls, Peck Falls, and Big Drop Falls. Bocawina Falls and Three Sisters Falls can be reached via an easy hike on a flat jungle trail, while Antelope Falls offers a more challenging hike with incredible views from the top.

Lodging and Dining

For those wishing to stay within the national park, there are two lodging options: the Bocawina Rainforest Resort, an eco-friendly lodge that provides jungle accommodations and adventure tours, and backcountry camping options for a more rugged experience. The Wild Fig Restaurant, located within the resort, serves fresh, local cuisine as well as international dishes.

Five Blues Lake National Park

The park is easily accessible from Mile 32 on the Hummingbird Highway, about 22 miles from Belmopan. Visitors can reach the park by bus from Dangriga or Belmopan, but it leaves a few miles of walking to the park. Alternatively, mountain bikes can be hired at the headquarters near the turn-off. The park has a basic visitor centre, where visitors can purchase a trail map for $10, and kayaks are also available for hire.

The lake is surrounded by deciduous forest and lime-loving vegetation, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the park, including water birds such as the Sungrebe. The park is also home to various wildlife, including howler monkeys, tapirs, peccaries, and armadillos. White Hawks and Black Hawk Eagles can be spotted on the limestone cliffs, and the lake has an island, Orchid Island, known for its abundance of wild orchids.

Big Rock Waterfalls

Big Rock Falls is a 150-foot-tall waterfall located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve of the Cayo District in Belize. It is formed by the Privassion River, which runs through the reserve. The waterfall is characterised by water crashing down onto large black rocks and collecting in a deep, round pool at the bottom. The pool is suitable for swimming and offers impressive views of the waterfall.

How to Get There

Big Rock Falls is considered a hidden gem, located deep within the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The closest large town is San Ignacio, from where you can get a guide to take you to the site. The journey to the waterfall involves driving on winding red-dirt roads and navigating steep, rickety, and sometimes slippery stairs. The trek can be challenging, especially after heavy rain, but it is well worth the effort.

What to Do There

Big Rock Falls caters to both adrenaline-seekers and relaxation enthusiasts. For those seeking thrills, you can dive off the rocky cliffs into the pool below. If you prefer a more tranquil experience, you can wade among the rocks or dip into the cenote at the foot of the falls. Floating on your back and gazing at the sky while letting the cascades wash over you is a recommended way to enjoy the waterfall.

The waterfall is usually not crowded, giving you the opportunity to appreciate nature's beauty and serenity. You can spend half a day at Big Rock Falls before heading to nearby attractions such as Rio on Pools.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature reserve in the Stann Creek District of south-central Belize. It is the world's first and only Jaguar Preserve, established in 1986 to protect the forests, fauna, and watersheds of the eastern slopes of the Maya Mountains. The sanctuary covers around 150 square miles of tropical forest and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal life, including the elusive jaguar.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary offers nearly 20 miles of marked hiking trails, many of which lead to swimming holes and waterfalls. One such trail leads to Tiger Fern Waterfall, a scenic waterfall located about three miles from the park entrance. Visitors can take a self-guided hike or opt for a guided tour to this waterfall, where they can cool off with a swim in the natural pool.

Another popular trail leads to Ben's Bluff, which offers a challenging hike through varying terrain. Along the way, hikers will encounter a refreshing waterfall and swimming hole before reaching the bluff, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, there is the option to hike in and rent a tube to float down the river. This allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the river and surrounding forest at a leisurely pace.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary also has a variety of accommodation options, including dormitory-style lodging, a campground, and private cabins. Visitors can also take a slide show presented by the wardens, learn about the topography and history of the area at the Education Centre, and purchase souvenirs at the gift shop.

The sanctuary is accessible via a low-intensity trail system, and the best time to visit is during the rainy season, especially at the beginning (June/July), as this is when wildlife is most active.

Ambergris Caye

The island has three distinct parts, with San Pedro being its only town. San Pedro has a lively, energetic downtown area with shops, bars, restaurants, docks, and beach bars. Golf carts are the main mode of transportation along the sandy roads, and the preferred method of transport for exploring the island.

For swimming spots, the west side of the island features Secret Beach, with calm, crystal-clear waters. It is a popular spot with beach bars and restaurants, and its shallow waters are perfect for kids and adults alike.

The east side of the island, also known as the reef side, is where most of the action happens, including world-class snorkelling and diving sites. Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a must-visit spot for snorkelling, with the opportunity to see fish, rays, eels, and even manatees. Shark Ray Alley, located nearby, offers an exhilarating experience of swimming with a school of nurse sharks.

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