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Belize is a nature-lover's paradise. This tiny Caribbean nation (it's home to fewer than 500,000 people) not only has the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere, it's also home to a whopping 94 protected areas that include marine reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and archaeological sites. This country has it all, from Maya ruins and windswept atolls to jungle rivers and Indigenous villages.
When is the best time to visit?
The high tourist season occurs between December and May, which is the dry season in Belize. During this time, the sun is out and there's less rain than from June through November. Diving conditions are stellar, with visibility around 60-100 feet (18-30 m), and the pleasant weather means great conditions for other outdoor excursions like riverboat trips and hikes around Maya ruins. there's a bit of a shoulder season in July and August, when the rains slightly abate and the jungles and forests are teeming with wildlife. Learn more
Where should I go in Belize?
Divers and snorkelers should head straight to Belize's barrier reef, which stretches 180 miles (290 km) along the coast. There's an abundance of marine reserves and dive spots here, from the famous Blue Hole and Turneffe atolls to the waters around Half Moon Caye and Tobacco Caye. Beyond diving, other aquatic activities include kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and swimming with sharks and rays.
On the mainland, you can enjoy a leisurely boat ride down the Moho River while listening to the calls of green macaws and howler monkeys in the trees. There are also more Maya archaeological sites in this country than you might expect, with some of the best being Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Xunantunich. Some of these ruins date as far back as 1500 BCE.
How many days do I need?
The short answer: fewer than you'd think. Because of Belize's small size (it's just 8,867 sq mi/22,965 sq km), you can experience both mainland and island highlights in as few as five days. With more time, you could visit many more archaeological sites and islands. And in two weeks, you can do it all, from swimming with sharks, diving at various atolls, relaxing in beach bungalows, dining with Indigenous families, and enjoying nature hikes, boat rides, and tours of Maya ruins. Learn more
Getting around Belize
Driving is a good bet on the mainland. As for the reef, water taxis and ferries run to most of Belize's main islands and dive sites, as they're relatively close to shore. Some major islands, like Ambergris Caye, have their own airstrips and are serviced by small propeller planes. Note that the cost of an inter-island flight is significantly more expensive than traveling by boat.
Spend 10 days discovering Belize's greatest outdoor gems. Start out at a lodge in the heart of a rainforest. Then, spend some time in a Maya village, followed by a few days paddling and camping along the Moho River. Venture into the jungle, tour the Maya ruins of Lubaantun, and take a tour of a chocolate farm. The trip concludes with several days of free time to explore Glover's Reef Atoll—paddling, kayaking, and snorkeling at your leisure.
This seven-day adventure combines the best elements of Belize—the inland exploration of Maya ruins and rainforest caves, along with several days to discover the remote coral atoll of Glover's Reef. Perfect for active families and couples of all skill levels, this itinerary offers the flexibility to relax, paddle, snorkel, dive, and sea kayak, depending on your preference.
Spend one week discovering two different sides of Belize. Check in to your ecolodge within Mayflower Bocawina National Park, and enjoy a few days of adventuring in the rainforest—go zip lining, bird-watching, rappelling, and more. Then, head to Tobacco Caye, part of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, and enjoy some time on the pristine beaches. Laze in a hammock on your over-the-water deck, go snorkeling around the Southern Barrier Reef, and spend some time paddling and kayaking surrounded by the fresh ocean breeze.
On this seven-day tour of Belize's best islands, you'll spend time discovering underwater marine life while enjoying the pristine beaches. Begin at the Tropical Education Centre, where you'll embark on a nocturnal tour of the Belize Zoo. Then, head to Tobacco Caye to start exploring the mangroves and coral reefs. The trip continues to South Water Caye, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and dive your way through the Southern Barrier Reef.
Spend nine days exploring some of the best of Belize. Upon arrival, head to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary to do some birding and view the native wildlife, along with exploring two different Mayan ruins. Next, take a water taxi to the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and spend the next few days snorkeling, paddling, and relaxing beachside. Then, enjoy a final night on the town in Belize City.
Take the road less traveled on this weeklong journey through Belize. Each of these seven days is packed with activities and adventures that range from kayaking along tropical rivers to snorkeling around the Western Hemisphere's largest barrier reef. You'll also indulge your inner Indiana Jones on a tour of the remote Maya ruins at Xunantunich.
In a week, you can enjoy the best of Belize, from its world-class diving to the inland Maya ruins. Stay longer to explore all of this tiny Afro-Caribbean nation as you visit...
With one week in Belize, you can spend three days each exploring the Maya ruins around San Ignacio and the Caribbean waters around Caye Caulker on a highlights tour....
With 10 days in Belize, you can cover three to four destinations. Consider a classic route of caves, Maya ruins, and snorkeling around Ambergris Caye, or spend time in the Cayo...
With two weeks in Belize and Guatemala, you can visit up to seven destinations. For a history and culture-focused itinerary, include Livingston for an encounter with...
Belize in January is a relatively mellow time to visit, as many tourists have gone home after the December holidays. Plus, it's well into the dry season, meaning the sun is out...
There may be no more ideal time of year to visit Belize than February. During this month the sun is ever-present, there's little rain, and the northern winds are mild. It's a...
March is the apex of Belize's dry winter months. It also marks the height of the tourist season, when travelers are eager to take advantage of all the nature excursions the...
Belize in April is the perfect time for an island getaway. Diving and snorkeling conditions are ideal, the coastal breezes offset the higher temperatures, and marine wildlife is...
This eight-day Belize itinerary offers a blend of adventurous exploration and beachside relaxation. Kick things off in San Ignacio before hopping across the Guatemalan border to Tikal National Park, where you'll zipline over an ancient Maya city and seek out jungle ruins. Return to Belize for underground adventures and river tubing in the caves of Actun Tunichil Muknal and Nohoch Che'en, then wind down on the laid-back island of Caye Caulker, with snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef and plenty of beach time.
This quick, five-day getaway combines cultural exploration with natural wonders in Belize's Cayo District and its largest island, Ambergris Caye. Begin in San Ignacio with an intrepid horseback ride to the Maya ruins of Xunantunich. Then, go inner tubing through an ancient cave network before jumping on a ferry to the island town of San Pedro. Snorkel or dive in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, and if you're feeling brave, end your adventure swimming with nurse sharks and southern stingrays in Shark Ray Alley.
With one week in Belize, you can spend three days each exploring the Maya ruins around San Ignacio and the Caribbean waters around Caye Caulker on a highlights tour. Alternatively, if you're a marine life enthusiast, San Pedro and Placencia are excellent bases for snorkeling excursions. Other options include an off-the-beaten-path adventure with a three-day stay in Hopkins Village and a fast-paced trip that includes time in Guatemala's Tikal National Park and Antigua.
My passion for showing the beauty of Guatemala began when I was traveling in Guatemala as a tourist in my own country. After working in several hotels and other tourism related businesses, I...
read more...I create personalized tours based on our travelers' passions to show them the real Guatemala. I take care of logistics, organizing and confirming every single detail needed to make your experience...
read more...I am passionate about adventure travel and feel very lucky to be able to share that passion with others through Old Town Outfitters. I'm originally from Savannah, Georgia but have been living...
read more...Having grown up and lived my entire life in a place as special as Antigua Guatemala, has allowed me to involve myself in the world of travel and tourist experiences. My family is from this area and...
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Hola Christopher and Danielle,
Thank you again for your kind words! I’m so glad your Belize getaway was such a great experience from start to finish. It means a lot to know the guides made the adventures both informative and fun, and that snorkeling trip is definitely one for the books!
Whenever you’re ready for your next adventure, I know Kimkim would be great for another fantastic trip. Perhaps, if you’re open to ideas, Guatemala could be a fantastic option, and I'll be happy to make it memorable.
It would be a pleasure to help you explore it someday!
Happy trails!
Alex
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