Belize Family Adventure: Where To Go

Belize is a small Central American country, formerly known as British Honduras, with a rich cultural diversity and a wide range of attractions for families. From ancient Mayan sites to incredible wildlife, Belize offers a unique blend of Caribbean and Central American cultures. Here's a quick introduction to some of the best places to visit in Belize with children.

San Ignacio in the Cayo District is a great base for families. It offers easy access to Mayan archaeological sites such as Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, as well as the Green Iguana Conservation Project. There's also the Butterfly Farm, perfect for learning about the life cycle of butterflies, and nearby waterfalls and rivers for outdoor adventures.

Ambergris Caye and its main town, San Pedro, are popular destinations for American families. They offer some of the best snorkelling opportunities at the Belize Barrier Reef, as well as luxurious beach resorts with kids' clubs.

Hopkins is home to the Almond Beach Resort, which provides family-friendly casitas and suites, and the Belize Botanic Gardens, where you can book a tamale-making experience.

Placencia is known for its beautiful beaches and amazing beach resorts. It's perfect for families seeking a slow-paced, relaxed atmosphere and quality bonding time.

With its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, Caye Caulker is ideal for older kids interested in snorkelling or diving. It also has a laid-back, car-free environment that's perfect for family bonding.

Whether you're looking for cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or beach relaxation, Belize has something for everyone in the family.

Mayan ruins in San Ignacio

Belize is a great destination for families, offering a mix of beach relaxation and jungle adventures. If you're looking for Mayan ruins to explore in San Ignacio, here are some options to consider:

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Xunantunich, located about 8 miles west of downtown San Ignacio, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. The site includes six large plazas and over 26 surrounding temples and palaces. The main temple, known as El Castillo, stands at 130 feet (40 meters) tall, making it the second tallest structure in Belize. Visitors can climb to the top of El Castillo for panoramic views of the surrounding Cayo District and, on a clear day, a glimpse of Guatemala in the distance. Xunantunich is easily accessible from Belize City and can be reached within 2 hours by car.

Cahal Pech Mayan Ruins

Cahal Pech is one of the finest Mayan ruins in San Ignacio and is dated to 1500 B.C., making it one of the oldest ruins in Belize. It features temples, plazas, and other areas to explore. Cahal Pech is located within walking distance of the town of San Ignacio, making it a convenient half-day trip.

El Pilar Mayan Ruins

El Pilar is one of the most extensive Mayan ruins in Belize, spanning over 100 acres with 25 separate plazas. It is believed to have been a central hydration point for the Mayans, as its name translates to "watering basin." El Pilar is a great option for those seeking a less crowded experience, as its remote location deters many travellers.

Caracol Mayan Ruins

Caracol is the largest Mayan ruin in Belize, once home to over 140,000 people. It features a gorgeous temple that rises above the jungle canopy. Visitors can climb to the top of the temple and explore the onsite museum, which showcases archaeological displays. Caracol is about a 2-hour drive from San Ignacio, and the journey involves travelling on bumpy, unpaved roads, adding to the sense of adventure.

San Ignacio offers a wealth of Mayan ruins to explore, providing a glimpse into the ancient history of Belize. These ruins are not only impressive structures but also serve as a testament to the mathematical, astronomical, and trade prowess of the Mayan civilisation.

Belize Zoo

The Belize Zoo is a fantastic place to visit with children. It is home to over 150 native wildlife species and is committed to conservation, education, recreation, and research. It is also the first nature destination in Belize that is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities.

The zoo is located about 47 kilometres west of Belize City on the Western Highway and is set in 12 hectares of land. It was founded in 1983 by Sharon Matola, who initially started a makeshift zoo to take care of 17 animals that were left behind after a documentary filming. Over time, the zoo grew and relocated to its current site, focusing on educating residents and visitors about native wildlife.

The Belize Zoo is unique in that it only houses native animals, and none of the zoo animals have ever been taken from the wild. The animals were either previously people's pets, donated, injured and brought in for rehabilitation, born at the zoo, or transferred from another zoological facility. The habitats are designed to mimic the animals' natural settings, providing an immersive educational experience for visitors.

The zoo is home to a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles, including Belize's national animal, the Baird's tapir, jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, monkeys, parrots, owls, crocodiles, and more. Visitors can opt for traditional daytime tours or arrange night tours to observe the activity of crepuscular and nocturnal animals.

The Belize Zoo is an excellent choice for families travelling with children, offering a fun and educational experience while supporting wildlife conservation efforts.

Snorkelling in Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is the biggest of over 200 islands off the coast of Belize and is a great place to snorkel. The island is still inside the vast Belize Barrier Reef, but only just—in some areas, the reef is just a mile from the island. The town of San Pedro is the hub for many snorkelling tours, which generally take less than half a day.

There are four major locations that most snorkel boat companies visit:

• Shark Ray Alley: A great shallow snorkel spot with nurse sharks, rays, large schools of fish, and coral areas.
• Hol Chan Marine Reserve: The most popular Ambergris Caye snorkelling spot, where you can see bigger species because of the current.
• Tres Cocos: This location is often combined with Mexico Rocks, offering the chance to swim with lots of fish and nice corals in shallow areas on the barrier reef.
• Mexico Rocks: An inner patch reef area with calmer waters, making it a good spot for beginners.

There are also a handful of other snorkelling spots around Ambergris Caye, including:

• Coral Gardens: Shallow waters just south of San Pedro, with wonderful corals and a variety of fish.
• Tuffy Rocks: Located next to the popular dive spot Tackle Box Canyons, with lots of fish and good visibility.
• Mata Cut: A cut in the reef with a shipwreck inside the reef, covered in corals and often teeming with fish. However, it is often rough with low visibility.
• Basil Jones: A full-day trip to the far north of the island, with good snorkelling in the lagoon and unique coral formations on the backside of the reef.
• Bacalar Chico: As far north as you can go, this new reserve has pristine reefs and unique snorkelling opportunities, including manatee sightings.

In addition to these spots, you can also take longer boat rides to the offshore atolls, though these are typically all-day trips.

Barton Creek Cave Tour

The Barton Creek Cave Tour is a great option for families travelling with children in Belize. The tour is both educational and highly enjoyable, with licensed guides who are trained in natural history and Maya cultural heritage.

The tour begins with a journey through farmland, where you can observe the Mennonite community of Upper Barton Creek and experience their traditional way of life. You will then reach the Barton Creek Cave, a ceremonial cave used by the ancient Maya. The cave is located inside a mountain and can only be accessed with a guide and by canoe.

As you paddle through the cave, you will be surrounded by breathtaking, intricate mineral, crystal, stalactite, and stalagmite formations. The cave is lit up by headlamps, and you will learn about its history and archaeology. The tour lasts around half a day, and there is an option to add on other activities, such as ziplining, visiting a butterfly farm, or exploring a waterfall.

The tour is accessible for most, with minimal physical exertion required. However, it is important to note that the cave ceiling is quite low in places, and all visitors should be comfortable in the dark. The road to the cave can also be bumpy, and a river crossing may be required, depending on the route taken.

Green Iguana Conservation Project

The Green Iguana Conservation Project is a great activity for families with children visiting Belize. The project is based in San Ignacio, at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. It is the number one activity in San Ignacio, according to TripAdvisor.

The Green Iguana Conservation Project was created in 1996 by Mrs Mariam Roberson and Daniel Velasquez to protect the green iguana species in Belize. The iguana's flesh and eggs are considered a delicacy in Belize, and prior to its protection, the iguana was heavily hunted, leading to a decline in its population. The project focuses on protecting the species and educating the community about its natural history and release program.

The Green Iguana Conservation Tour is offered daily, every hour on the hour, from 8 am to 4 pm. The tour starts in the hotel lobby and makes its way through the "jungle" to the iguana hatchery. Visitors can learn about the incubation, hatching, rearing, and releasing process of the iguanas, and even get a chance to feed them. The tour lasts about 45 minutes, and costs $11.25 per person.

The project also offers an "Adopt an Iguana" program, which helps raise funds for the project and provide scholarships for local children.

The San Ignacio Resort Hotel also offers tons of other unique onsite activities for kids, and is located near downtown San Ignacio.

Frequently asked questions