Belize offers countless chances to explore its glistening Caribbean shoreline, rainforests teeming with animals, coral reefs, and enigmatic underground cave systems. The Belize Zoo's spectacular jaguars, pumas, howler monkeys, and keel-billed toucans will astound wildlife enthusiasts.
Hence, Belize is a well-liked travel location for both land and water experiences. Its beaches and resorts are excellent for tourists who just wish to unwind and take in the tropical weather. So, we have listed some of the things to do in Belize below:
Shark Ray Alley (one mile south of the Hol Chan cut) is a shark and tiny stingray patrol, as the name implies. This is an opportunity for you to get up closely with these stunning creatures.
Along with a variety of other vibrant fish, you may also view fierce barracuda and gorgeous sea turtles here. Shark Ray Alley has grown to be a popular destination, making a substantial contribution to Belize's conservation and ecotourism initiatives.
With Xibalba, the fabled entryway to the underworld, apparently located there, Belize was once the epicenter of the Maya kingdom. The rocky remains of the past are amazing places to learn about Maya history, even if Maya culture is still present in Belize today.
From the easily accessible Altun Ha and Lamanai to the more isolated Caracol in Cayo, which is still Belize's highest man-made building, ruins may be found all across the nation.
The renowned Great Blue Hole might be the most exhilarating diving site of all, but deep-water fans are aware that Belize is a well-liked diving destination overall.
This perfectly spherical underwater sinkhole, which is situated in the middle of Lighthouse Atoll on the Belize Barrier Reef, offers a dark abyss where divers may investigate a unique environment that includes coral, tropical fish, and enigmatic stalactites up to 400 feet below the surface.
However, if you would rather remain on the surface, snorkeling here is also an exciting experience because the hole's wall is teeming with marine life.
Actun Tunichil Muknal offers the most breathtaking experience among Belize's many caverns worth exploring. Before reaching the mouth of the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, this guided excursion entails hiking through rivers and the jungle.
Entering the cave requires swimming, and after navigating through tight spaces, you reach the "dry chamber/cathedral" where you may see sacrifice remnants, ancient Maya pots and artifacts, and breathtaking cave formations. Try cave canoeing at Barton Creek for a more relaxed experience.
Backpackers and younger travelers in particular like gathering on Caye Caulker, a dusty island with a laid-back Caribbean environment. They may be found riding bicycles or walking on foot. Because its waters are clear of seaweed, Split Beach is the major attraction.
Crowds flock to the Lazy Lizard for its drinks, music, and breathtaking views from its second-floor terrace. Pasta Per Caso and other eateries ensure that everyone is nourished, while a number of pubs keep the fun going late into the night.
A great way to see Belize's abundant wildlife is to visit sanctuaries and nature reserves. But going to the Belize Zoo is the simplest method to view the country's fauna. It is the ideal pastime for families with children and animal enthusiasts, and it is regarded as the greatest little zoo in the world.
The Belize Zoo is not your typical zoo; it exclusively houses rescued local species in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitat. Wildlife protection and restoration, as well as conservation education, are the zoo's main priorities.
There is always water around in Belize, no matter where you are. This implies that there are always lots of chances to be on or close to the sea. Unbelievably, cave tubing is a remarkable way to experience Belize.
In order to river tube into a network of limestone caverns that the ancient Maya once utilized for ceremonies, one must travel to the Nohoch Che'en Caves Branch archeological reserve.
Cave tubing is therefore unquestionably one of the best activities in Belize and ought to be on your list of must-do activities.
The majority of Belize's more than 500 bird species are visible without venturing far into the forest. For instance, the national bird of Belize, the Keel-billed Toucan, is frequently spotted by the sides of the roadways in the Cayo and Toledo Districts.
Also, Crooked Tree Village is a great place to watch the graceful Jabiru Stork, the biggest flying bird in Central America. Indeed, the Wildlife Sanctuary near Crooked Tree may be the best place to go birding in Belize.
The biggest concentration of jaguars in the world can be found in Belize, and although they are quite hard to find, the best way to do so is to explore the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern Belizean rainforests.
Similarly, DTOURZ provides both day and evening experiences that include adventure in addition to the hunt for jaguars. There are plenty of other wildlife to observe, such as 290 different bird species, black howler monkeys, and snakes, even if no large cats show up.
The ideal wellness getaway is a yoga retreat on a secluded Caribbean island.
The opulent Ray Caye Resort, The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, The Gaia Riverlodge, and the Tanager Rainforest Lodge are just a few of the venues where Placencia's own Brice Dial organizes these soul-soothing events throughout the year. These multi-day experiences include yoga, meditation, and chakra balancing.
In addition, visitors may enjoy the island's well-known water slide, eat at the delectable Lionfish Grill, and engage in water sports like diving or snorkeling. For the ideal weekend rejuvenation, add a therapeutic massage.
Bonefish, tarpon, and permit are the three Caribbean fish one angler must capture in a single day to achieve a grand slam - are abundant in Belize.
Resorts like Turneffe Island Resort are excellent at matching guides with visitors for unique fly-fishing experiences in the atoll's neighboring saltwater flats, which fosters a sense of connection between people and the abundance and beauty of the ocean.
It is profoundly meditative. Being on or on the water is a peaceful experience. Being physically surrounded by nature makes it a potent way to enjoy it.
This extremely demanding excursion into Actun Tunichil Muknal, which is around 19 miles from San Ignacio, is one of the most well-liked and unforgettable experiences in Belize. ATM was regarded by the ancient Maya as the Xibalba, the underworld.
To explore the archeological site, which features skeletal remains with tales to tell, hire a guide with MayaWalk Tours. You have to see it to believe it since photography is forbidden because someone once dropped their camera directly upon a skull.
The three hours you spend within the cave will require you to maneuver through confined corridors and regions that are wet. Rainfall that is too heavy may result in the cancellation of tours.
The mainland resort town and fishing village of Placencia have all the amenities you could desire for a restful getaway, including immaculate white sand beaches, excellent dining options, opulent lodging, and a plethora of nightlife.
Placencia's multicultural population makes it the ideal destination for anybody wishing to experience a wide range of foreign, Garifuna, Creola, and pan-Belizean cultures. Also, Placencia is a fantastic starting place for seeing neighboring cayes.
One of the top things to do in Belize is to visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project. The endangered green iguanas, which are essential to the biological balance of Belize's river ecosystem, have been protected by the San Ignacio Resort Hotel since 1996.
Visit there and observe these amazing animals up close. The project iguana's incubation, hatching, upbringing, and release procedures will be explained to you. Further, the "Adopt an Iguana Program," run by the Green Iguana Conservation Project, earns funds for the group and offers local children scholarships.
One of Belize's most well-known reserves is Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, which is situated in the Cayo District's colder highlands.
The reserve, which is Belize's biggest and oldest preserved wooded area, is home to some of the nation's most amazing flora and wildlife, including tall pine trees, tumbling waterfalls, glistening rivers, Maya temples, natural swimming pools, an abundance of nature paths, and unique birds.
It's safe to say that a trip to Belize must include seeing the Pine Ridge peak.
The Rio Frio Cave should be on your Belize bucket list if you haven't done enough cave exploration yet. One of the numerous natural beauties of the Pine Ridge mountain range is this enormous limestone cave.
Known as a holy Maya burial site, the cave is now regarded as one of Belize's greatest and easiest-to-access cave systems. Entering will present you with breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites, climbing rocks, breathtaking photo opportunities, and a refreshing break from the Belizean heat.
Because a river flows through the cave, the floor may be quite slick in certain areas, so make sure to pack a flashlight and use caution.
Don't miss Battle of the Drums, one of the highlights of Garifuna Settlement Week in Punta Gorda, if you're ever in Southern Belize in November. Watch as some of the world's greatest Garifuna-style drummers vie for the top honor.
Toledo's well-known Cacao Fest (Chocolate Festival), which takes place in May, honors the area's cultural and economic ties to cacao while showcasing the finest chocolate goods from regional manufacturers.
The annual celebration starts with chocolate, regional crafts, and entertainment in the heart of Punta Gorda and ends in the neighboring Mayan ruins of Lubaantun.
Spending time with the locals is perhaps one of the most unforgettable things to do in Belize. Although a genuine understanding of "Belizean culture" is practically difficult to get, the customs and culture of the Garifuna people could be the most approachable for temporary tourists.
The Garifuna are not just extremely proud of their past, but they also have a very interesting one. They are eager to spread it via festivities, music, dancing, and cuisine.
Hopkins and Punta Gorda may be the best places in Belize for tourists to get a taste of Garifuna culture. The world-famous Battle of the Drums, a highlight of Garifuna Settlement Week, is held in Punta Gorda every November and is enthusiastically celebrated across Southern Belize.
The little coastal community of Hopkins is well-known for its bioluminescence at night and its Garifuna culture during the day. On a nighttime trip, you may witness the phenomena of the aquatic life here producing a mystical glow. The entire event may seem less genuine than a dream.
It is quickly becoming a popular destination for tourists who want all the beaches without the crowds. Hopkins, which is home to the Garifuna tribe, was once a quiet fishing community and is today renowned for its rich cultural legacy.
Get to Know Belize Adventures offers an evening pontoon safari that takes you into the mangroves to observe the luminous aquatic life from January through May when the moon isn't too bright.
Instead of arid desert towns, the Cayo District is a cowboy country with lush vegetation. Get into your saddle and ride into the jungle to witness Central American fauna, waterfalls, and mountain views.
Riding miles of natural jungle paths beneath towering cohune trees and over crystal-clear mountain streams is a great way to spend a day. Additionally, you may combine your ride with a jungle excursion to a secluded waterfall and swimming hole or a climb to a viewing tower.
Not only do the adjectives "tangy" and "spicy" describe Belize, they also describe the nation's popular hot sauce. The distinctive Caribbean taste of Marie Sharp's habanero-based mixes has made them a global hit in recent years, igniting cuisine all around the world.
It won't be difficult to sample a taste because spicy sauce is served on every table in the nation and a firm facility in the southern town of Dangriga gives free tours. The well-liked condiment is a great memento to bring home, and you can also visit a local market to get travel-sized varieties at a lower cost.
Dangriga factory visits are normally offered Monday through Saturday; reservations are needed.
The pride and pleasure of Belizean cuisine, fry jacks are more than just a puffed-up piece of tortilla bread. You may find these golden pockets all across the nation, sometimes with cheese and beans (and obviously, a little Marie Sharp's), and other times with jam and honey.
Try the Fry Jack House in San Pedro, Pop's Restaurant in San Ignacio, and Errolyn's House of Fry Jacks on Caye Caulker, regardless of your preference for savory or sweet foods.
Despite not being very beachy, Ambergris Caye is the most popular resort in Belize. As an island, there is a lot of coastline to explore, but ten years ago, aside from a few hotel-built spits of sand, it was difficult to find a beach close to San Pedro, the major town.
Here comes Secret Beach, a quickly growing area on the island's west side that offers entertainment, food, and drink. For the 4.5-mile trip north of San Pedro, renting a golf cart is thus the most convenient method to get there.
Since Belize is also regarded as a Caribbean nation, rum is easily accessible, and Copalli Rum is among the best in the nation. Go south to Punta Gorda to visit the distillery at Copal Tree Lodge to sample it and witness how it's made.
Surrounded by jungle, this isolated region of the nation is nevertheless deeply connected to its Maya heritage. Rum lovers will love Copalli Rum's smooth, potent drink, which derives its taste from its surroundings.
