As the Belize tourism board boasts – Belize is unBelizeable!
While relatively unknown to the general public, divers from all over the world discovered Belize as a destination decades ago.
Located on Central America’s Caribbean coast, Belize offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. A short flight from major airports in the US and Canada is all that separates visitors from this tropical paradise.
While some travellers are introduced to Belize through a port day while on a Caribbean cruise, Belize deserves more exploration than a port day permits.
Places to Visit in Belize
Visiting Belize for the first time? Here are the most popular areas to visit depending on your interests:
Visit Placencia
If you’re looking for a beach getaway, then Placencia should be at the top of your list.
Home to the longest stretch of beach on the mainland, Placencia’s golden sand creates the ideal barefoot carpet.
Located on a peninsula between the Caribbean Sea and a lagoon, with the jungle on the third side, Placencia allows visitors to enjoy a little bit of everything Belize has to offer.
When taking a break from the beach, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary should be the first stop.
In addition to all the other animals being protected, visitors can explore the world’s first jaguar reserve. Ask about swimming in the cascading waterfalls at the sanctuary for a memorable experience.
Visit San Ignacio
Located inland, not far from the Guatemalan border, San Ignacio serves as an excellent home-base to explore the jungles of Belize.
If visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the town’s farmer’s market. Enjoy walking through the stalls displaying the local produce and products.
Or take a class to learn the traditional art of chocolate making, the Maya food for the gods.
From San Ignacio, investigate the ATM Cave (described below).
Or go cave tubing, where visitors can admire the beauty of stalagmites and stalactite formations while floating on inner tubes on rivers.
History lovers will appreciate the opportunity to explore the Maya sites of Cahal Pech and Xunantunich, still standing after thousands of years
Streets of San Pedro in Ambergris Caye
Visit Ambergris Caye
The most popular tourist destination in Belize is Ambergris Caye. Measuring 25 miles from north to south, Ambergris Caye is the largest Belizean island.
As the only town on the island, San Pedro, serves as the hub, and the start to many adventures.
Due to its location, Ambergris Caye is the perfect spot to explore Belize’s Barrier Reef (more details below).
The island is home to five-star resorts and hostels, and everything in between, and welcomes all.
Home to a large community of expats now owning businesses on the island, Ambergris Caye sometimes seems to have more foreigners than locals.
Whether you seek beaches, night action, plenty of restaurants, and things to do, Ambergris Caye has it.
Visitors planning on staying for more than a few days should consider renting a golf cart to get around though — they’re fun to drive and will save the aggravation of waiting for the handful of taxis on the island.
Visit Hopkins Village
This traditional Garifuna village offers a taste of laid back Caribbean life.
This fishing village serves as the epicentre keeping the Garifuna culture alive. Life is a bit slower, and cheaper, here.
Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Garifuna Afro-Caribbean culture and language has survived for centuries.
For the more adventurous, from Hopkins Village you can hike 1,000 ft waterfalls among Maya artefacts.
The Split, Caye Caulker
Visit Caye Caulker
The island whose motto is “Go Slow” is the perfect stop for relaxation on your visit to Belize.
The crowd tends to be young, international backpackers. Reach Caye Caulker by ferry from Ambergris Caye or Belize City or by a short flight from either town.
There are no vehicles on the island, other than golf carts.
The main areas are dotted with bars and restaurants.
It is the perfect spot to just hang out with your new friends from all over the world. Spend a day at The Split, playing beach volleyball, while sharing a Belikin. The beach in Caye Caulker is one of the best beaches in North America.
Or book a tour to snorkel the barrier reef.
Caye Caulker is a good place to just chill.
Belize Chocolate Company, Ambergris Caye
Unique Things to do in Belize
Visit the ATM Cave
Feed your adventurous and history-loving side with a visit to the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave, a Maya archaeological site.
Where else would you have to swim into a cave, climb up rocks, squeeze through tight tunnels, to gain access to a Maya site?
With entry severely restricted (careless visitors have damaged centuries-old pottery and skulls), a handful of guides lead small groups of eight guests at a time.
While somewhat physically demanding at times, time flies during this active excursion.
You’ll be within touching distance of Maya pottery and skeletons, remains of both cooking and ceremonial rituals.
Sadly, no cameras may be brought into the ATM cave in order to protect the artefacts, though you’ll need both hands to manoeuvre some of the obstacles in your path.
This unique experience should not be missed!
Hol Chan Reserve – Shark Alley
Explore the Belize Barrier Reef
The world’s second largest barrier reef lies just off the shores of Belize. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, conservation efforts have increased to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Due to the length of the barrier, access to one of the protected marine reserves can be easily gained from most of the Caribbean coast towns.
Divers follow in the footsteps of marine greats like Jacques Cousteau when exploring the Great Blue Hole.
The biodiversity and largesse of the Belize Barrier Reef mean divers never bore of exploring its mysteries.
Snorkelers likewise enjoy protected areas such as the Hol Chan Reserve where, in addition to the usual tropical fish, they can swim among nurse sharks.
The Great Blue Hole and Hol Chan Reserve are most easily reached from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Other beach towns offer access to different areas of the barrier reef.
Swim with Giant Whale Sharks
The Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve near the Placencia Peninsula is a protected marine reserve in the center of Belize’s Barrier Reef.
As home to the cubera, mutton, and dog snappers, these and other tropical fishes release their eggs within the waters of the reserve creating a smorgasbord for whale sharks.
Each year, during March through June, the gentle giant whale sharks migrate through the crystalline waters, and they’re a sight to see!
Divers and snorkelers alike can safely swim next to the giant whale sharks.
Because these gentle giants move slowly and feed by absorbing microorganisms through their filters, humans are not in danger.
Most opportunities to see these magnificent creatures depart from Hopkins Village or Placencia.
Visit Belize
Congratulations on your decision to consider Belize as your next destination!
Belize is one of the few countries to which I’ve returned multiple times, introducing new friends to everything this country has to offer.
There is always something new and exciting. This destination guide is only the tip of the iceberg to enjoying an unBelizeable vacation!
About the author:
Annick Lenoir-Peek loves coffee, craft beer, and exploring new places. Raised as a third-culture kid, she has traveled to over 35 countries and calls Durham, NC, USA, home. Follow her adventures at The Common Traveler.
