Belize is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful vacation destinations you can visit. Not only is it situated on the gorgeous blue waters of the Caribbean, it is FULL of a rich history with a million things to do for the adventure seeking traveler. Whether you are interested in exploring the country, or swimming with sharks in the ocean, there is something for everyone to enjoy. It’s not hard to see why you should go to Belize.

Belize has beautiful jungles to the west, and a breathtaking coast to the East (that offers incredible snorkeling and scuba diving, see more on that later), and a ton of excitement in between. Located in Central America, Belize borders Mexico and Guatemala, two amazing countries in their own right. You really do get the best of it all in Belize. Belize is also a very easy trip to take (especially if you live in the South Eastern US), and can be done in just a few days. Flights are typically under $400, and once there, it is relatively cheap (and a short flight, too). In fact, the US Dollar is worth TWO Belize dollars. Of course tourist attractions will cost you a fairly normal amount, but dining, for one, is much cheaper. Read on for 5 things to do in Belize to make your vacation unforgettable.

How to Get There:

When planning a trip to Belize, I would recommend flying into the Belize City, Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport. This is located in Ladyville, Belize, just outside of the main city. Don’t forget your passport!! Once there, you can take a taxi to wherever it is you need to go, and it’s not expensive at all! I would recommend having a plan in advance once you arrive. Know where you’ll need to go and how to get there.

Where to Stay:

Personally, I prefer staying on the islands of Caye Caulker and San Pedro for more of a tropical feel. These islands are easy to get to using the San Pedro Belize Express Water Ferry. At just under $20 per ride, it gives you stunning views of the islands from afar, and up close views of the stunning teal waters off the coast. Now- this does take quite some time (Budget 1-1.5 hours each way), and you may get wet…but this is definitely the best way to get to and from the islands. You can buy tickets online or at the station. You can also view their schedule at the link above.

There are plenty of amazing Airbnbs to stay in on the islands, and they aren’t super costly either. If you are planning to stay for around 5 days, a total Airbnb cost may run you $1,500. I would recommend an Airbnb instead of a hotel, for more of a private feel. PRO TIP: These islands are not what you may think of as “beachy”. There are limited options for beach lounging. If this is something you are seeking, you will definitely want to visit Placencia in the south of Belize.

As for the mainland, I cannot speak to this, but the general feel was that this area was more suited for day-trips and tours, rather than an overnight stay.

Things to Do:

Finally- my favorite part!! Belize was one of the most adventure packed places I’ve ever been. When deciding whether or not you should travel to Belize, consider the types of activities you like to do- and then book it, because Belize has something for everyone. Below are the top 5 things to do in Belize (as if you needed more convincing to go!), and recommendations for companies to book with:

1. Snorkeling in Belize:

If you do just ONE thing on your stay in Belize, please take a snorkeling tour with Caveman Snorkeling Tours. Seriously- I cannot speak more highly of this company. Not only are they professional, considerate, and kind, they truly give you the adventure of a life time. This Belize snorkeling tour departs from Caye Caulker, so if you are staying elsewhere, I advise you to plan ahead and know the taxi schedule so you aren’t late.

Caveman Snorkeling provides you with all of the gear you need (snorkel, fins, life jacket), as well as a DELICIOUS (really!) lunch. When you arrive, they will get you set with your gear, and have a brief meeting. You will then board a boat with other groups (up to 10 people). You’ll be driven out quite a ways to different locations, including a ship wreck, a nurse shark feeding area (they’re harmless- I think), and a ton of amazing coral reef foundations, including the Belize Barrier Reef. Fun fact- The Belize Barrier Reef is the second largest living coral reef system in the WORLD- right behind the Great Barrier Reef. And it is truly amazing.

When snorkeling in Belize, you will not only see sharks, but dolphins, sting rays, eels, fish, sea turtles, and even manatees. We saw all of this and MORE on our excursion. You can get up close to all of the marine-life, and if you’re brave, maybe even pet a shark or two. At just $45 for a half day, or $90 for a full day, you will never experience anything like it, highly recommend.

Seriously though- I cannot hype this up enough. My only advisements are as follows: If you get sea sick- do not attempt this. The seas are super choppy, especially on a small boat. We watched many couples disappointedly escorted off back to shore due to nausea. Another thing- if you are not a strong swimmer, I also would not advise this excursion. As I said, the seas are very choppy and it can get very overwhelming and very tiring FAST.

All in all- I encourage you to book a Belize snorkeling tour for your Belizean get-away! *Pro-tip: the marine life was especially active in May.* If this first one isn’t convincing you that you should travel to Belize, keep reading.

2. River Tubing Through Belizean Caves

As I said, Belize is amazingly geographically diverse. Spending some time on the western part of the country is a must. A super fun excursion on the mainland is river tubing. Your tour guide will pick you up from the port in Belize City, and will drive you about an hour out to the jungle. Here you will pick up your tube and trek through the jungles of Belize (beautiful) along side your experienced tour guide. Butts Up Cave Tubing is a GREAT tour group. They are extremely knowledgeable and make you feel very safe. At just $50 USD, this tour is worth every penny.

After your trek through the jungle (see the photo on the left, below), you will enter a river and traverse through unique cave systems, listening to the stories and educational instruction of your tour guide. By far one of the neatest and most unique experiences to have. If you have a chance, request Jimmy as your tour guide. He was AMAZING.

The website lists what you may need- but speaking from experience- buy water shoes. The ground is very rocky and the walk is far, it’s good to have something that can withstand both land and water. If you want to take pictures, bring a waterproof plastic phone holder. You WILL get wet, and everything you have will as well. Your tour will end with a savory lunch of chicken, rice, and beans back at the base camp.

3. Visit the Mayan Ruins

Our wonderful tour guide, Jimmy, also took us on an excursion to the Mayan ruins of Altun-Ha in Western Belize. Here you can explore the ruins and even climb on top of them, while your guide gives you a complete history of the area. I will admit, these ruins are a lot smaller than what you may imagine, so if you are looking for something more substantial, I would recommend checking out the Tikal Ruins in Guatemala. You can get there by driving or joining a tour group.

4. Explore the Islands

One of my favorite parts of the trip was renting a golf cart on San Pedro and driving around to explore the area. I always promote safety in numbers here, especially if you are exploring after dark. It can be very dark and you may get lost, so always have a buddy. While exploring, please also remember to respect the locals! You will notice on Caye Caulker and San Pedro that the tourist areas are also residential areas. Respect the laws and be kind to those who reside there.

A bike or golf cart rental is a great way to find hidden gems on the islands, maybe a cute cafe tucked away in an alley, or a beautiful sunset view on the coast. See for yourself what these islands have to offer.

5. EAT Good Food

If you are on San Pedro, I recommend checking out “The Truck Stop“. This is arguably one of the cutest locations on the island. It is complete with a variety of truck stops with food ranging from tacos to curry. There is also an area to play games, and a large theater type area with a movie screen. If it was 2019, I’d recommend you watch the Game of Thrones season finale here (yes, we did, and yes, it was life-changing). This area sits right against the coast, so you get a nice ocean breeze while you enjoy your night.

I would also recommend trying a Pupusa. These are doughy and round and often filled with meats, cheese, and veggies. They are a must have in Belize. If you want more authentic Belizean foods, definitely visit the markets/shops near the port in Belize City. You’ll get to meet some friendly locals and try some delicious and unique things.

Booking Your Next Trip to Belize

I have such a love for Belize that I would love to plan a trip yesterday to go again. There are many things outside of this list I would encourage you to look into, including visiting the beaches of Placencia in Southern Belize and going Scuba Diving in the Blue Hole. Belize is a beautiful and culturally enriching get-away that does require some planning. Always be sure to book through reputable and safe companies (always check reviews), and bring a friend! Belize has so much to offer, so grab a Belikin beer, do some research on snorkeling in Belize (you won’t regret it) and book your trip NOW! If you need anymore reasons to travel to Belize, visit Travel Belize for more information and tips to start planning your trip to Belize. Oh, and don’t forget to get your free itinerary planner here. See you soon!