Belize's Best October Vacation Spots

Belize in October may be the height of the rainy season, but the country is open for business all year round. It's a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices on hotel accommodations and tours.

October is one of Belize's rainiest months, but that doesn't mean it rains all day. The average daytime temperature is about 86°F (30°C), while nighttime lows are around 75°F (24°C). The humidity remains fairly high but is often tempered by coastal breezes.

There are plenty of things to do and see in Belize in October. Here are some suggestions:

- Snorkelling and diving the Belize Barrier Reef

- Discovering Belize's Mayan Heritage

- Exploring Belize's Jungles and Caves

- Lounging on the beach

- Halloween in Belize

- Sampling Belizean Seafood

Hotels and resorts with Gold Standard certification

Belize's Gold Standard Recognition program ensures travellers that their health and safety are the top priority of hotels and restaurants. The Gold Standard certificate is awarded to hotels that have adapted new behaviours and procedures while ensuring minimal impact on the guest experience. This includes social distancing, the use of face masks in public spaces, online check-in, contactless payment systems, hand sanitizing stations, enhanced room cleaning, daily health checks for guests and employees, and designated isolation rooms for suspected COVID-19 cases.

Ka'ana Resort & Spa in San Ignacio

Ka'ana Resort & Spa offers super private rooms that make guests feel immersed in the jungle. The resort features a heated pool, spa, and an on-site restaurant with a bar. During the low season in October, guests can enjoy discounted rates, with savings of up to $100 for last-minute bookings.

Other Gold Standard Certified Hotels in Belize

While I could only find specific information for the Ka'ana Resort & Spa, the Belize Tourism Board provides a list of Gold Standard-approved hotels that are updated regularly. This list includes hotels that have implemented the health and safety protocols outlined in the Gold Standard Recognition program.

For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to check the Belize Tourism Board's website or consult other sources that provide lists of Gold Standard-certified hotels in Belize.

Beachfront locations in Placencia, Hopkins, Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye

Placencia, Hopkins, Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are all popular destinations in Belize, each offering its own unique beachfront appeal.

Placencia is a three-hour drive or a 30-minute flight from Belize City. It boasts 16 miles of gorgeous white sand beaches and a pedestrian-only boardwalk that runs along the beach for miles, with restaurants, beach bars and souvenir shops. There is a wide range of accommodations, from luxury beachfront resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses.

Hopkins is a small Garifuna village with one of the best beaches in Belize. It is surrounded by mountains and the Cockscomb Basin, offering excellent day trip and hiking opportunities. Hopkins has a mix of high-end resorts and beachfront cabins, with over 60 listings on Vrbo, including oceanfront properties with private beaches.

Caye Caulker is an island accessible by water taxi or plane from Belize City. It embodies the motto "Go Slow", with a relaxed atmosphere and everything within walking distance. Caye Caulker has more backpacker guesthouses than luxury hotels, with some of the cheapest accommodations listed on Vrbo.

Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, accessible by water taxi or air. It offers amazing white sand beaches and is best explored by golf cart or bicycle. The main town of San Pedro has a variety of restaurants, shops, and hotels. Ambergris Caye has a mix of luxury condos and modern apartments, with the best selection and value found on Vrbo.

The Belize Barrier Reef for snorkelling and diving

The Belize Barrier Reef is the second-largest coral reef system in the world and a popular destination for diving and snorkelling. Stretching for about 190 miles (300 km) alongside Belize's coastline, the reef is home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea turtles, rays, eels, nurse sharks, goliath groupers, dolphins, and manatees.

October is one of the rainiest months in Belize, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy snorkelling and diving at the Belize Barrier Reef. Here are some tips and recommendations for exploring this underwater paradise:

• Weather Conditions: October is part of Belize's wet season, but it doesn't rain all day. You can expect intermittent rain showers, mostly in the afternoons or at night. The average daytime temperature is around 86°F (30°C), providing warm and pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
• Water Visibility: Despite the occasional showers, October offers stable conditions for snorkelling and diving. As long as there are no tropical storms, the waters remain calm and provide excellent visibility for underwater exploration.
• Popular Destinations:

• Hol Chan Marine Reserve: Located near Ambergris Caye, Hol Chan is a favourite among snorkelers and divers. Here, you can observe a diverse array of fish, nurse sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays.
• Mexico Rocks: Mexico Rocks is a patch reef area that caters to both beginners and experienced snorkelers and divers.
• South Water Caye Marine Reserve: As the second-largest marine reserve in Belize, South Water Caye offers spectacular diving and snorkelling opportunities.
• Lighthouse Reef Atoll: This atoll is home to the famous Blue Hole, one of the most iconic dive spots in the world. However, some experienced snorkelers suggest skipping it.
• Glover's Reef Atoll: Located further south, Glover's Reef Atoll is considered the best for snorkelling among the outer atolls. It offers shallow waters and an abundance of coral heads.

• Accommodation: Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are the most popular hubs for scuba diving and snorkelling. They offer easy access to popular attractions like Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Great Blue Hole. However, if you prefer a less touristy option, consider staying at smaller cayes like Turneffe Atoll or Glover's Reef, which provide a more remote experience with opportunities to swim and encounter exotic marine life.
• What to Wear: For snorkelling and diving in Belize, it is recommended to wear a lightweight wetsuit or a spandex/lycra dive suit to stay warm and protect yourself from sunburn. Alternatively, you can opt for polypropylene or capilene long underwear.
• Best Time to Visit: While Belize can be visited year-round, the dry season (November to May) is generally considered the best time for snorkelling and diving due to calmer surface conditions and excellent visibility. However, October falls within the wet season, which means fewer crowds and more affordable prices.

Ancient Mayan ruins, including Altun Ha and Xunantunich

Belize is home to several ancient Mayan ruins, including Altun Ha and Xunantunich. These sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's rich Mayan history and are definitely worth visiting in October, despite the occasional rain.

Altun Ha

Located just an hour north of Belize City, Altun Ha is one of the most popular and easily accessible Mayan ruins in Belize. Covering an area of about three to five square miles, the site features two large central plazas surrounded by mid-sized pyramids and mounds. While only a few temples, tombs, and pyramids have been uncovered and rebuilt, hundreds more are believed to lie beneath the jungle foliage.

Altun Ha is notable for the discovery of exotic trade items, including the largest jade artefact known from the Maya area—a carved jade head of the Mayan sun god, Kinich Ahau, weighing nearly 11 pounds. The site also includes a large reservoir constructed by the Maya and lined with a clay bottom to hold water.

Xunantunich

Xunantunich, located in San Ignacio, Belize, is another impressive Mayan archaeological site. The name, translated as "stone woman", refers to the ghost of a woman claimed to inhabit the site. Xunantunich was used as a civic and ceremonial site during the late and terminal classic periods in the Belize valley region.

One of the largest Mayan structures in Belize, Xunantunich rises 40 meters above plaza level, offering a breathtaking view of the entire river valley. To reach the site, visitors can take a daily hand-cranked river ferry across the Mopan River, followed by a one-mile drive up to the entrance.

Other Mayan Ruins in Belize

In addition to Altun Ha and Xunantunich, Belize is home to several other notable Mayan ruins, including Lamanai and Caracol. Lamanai, meaning "submerged crocodile", was once a major city of the Mayan civilisation and is renowned for its exceptionally long occupation, spanning three millennia. Caracol, located in the southern part of Belize, is known for its impressive pyramids and plazas, as well as its intricate network of causeways connecting various parts of the site.

Eco-lodges in Mayflower Bocawina National Park

Belize is open for business all year round, but October is one of the rainiest months. However, this is also one of the best times to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices.

The Mayflower Bocawina National Park in the Stann Creek District of Southern Belize is a great option for eco-lodges. The park consists of over 7,000 acres of pristine lowland broadleaf forest, refreshing waterfalls, and evidence of an ancient Mayan city. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including over 300 species of birds and mammals such as pumas, jaguars, howler monkeys, tapirs, spider monkeys, ocelots, pacas, and armadillos.

Within the park, there are two lodging options: the Bocawina Rainforest Resort and backcountry camping. Bocawina Rainforest Resort is an eco-friendly lodge that obtains its energy from solar panels and hydropower. The resort offers jungle accommodations, adventure tours, and a restaurant serving Belizean and international cuisine. The resort also provides an all-inclusive experience that includes accommodation, meals, transfers, daily onsite activities, and unlimited onsite adventures. Guests staying four nights or more will also be offered off-site tours.

The Mayflower Bocawina National Park has something for everyone, from leisurely hikes to challenging trails, and is a great choice for those seeking an authentic natural rainforest experience.

Frequently asked questions