Belize
Belize, a laid-back country in Central America, attracts divers, ecotourists, and nature enthusiasts. Bordering Guatemala and Mexico, the country boasts a rich tapestry of diversity, wildlife, coral reefs, caves, forests, and ancient archaeological sites. Notably, it is the sole nation in the area where English serves as the official language.
Belize City has around two-thirds of the country's population and is home to the main airport (BZE).
Belize's capital city is Belmopan and is located in the Cayo District, around 1 hour from Belize City.
The Belize Zoo is a popular stop on the way to or from the Cayo District. The self-
proclaimed “best little zoo in the world” is fairly small and can be explored in just a few hours. Optional animal encounters led by wildlife experts let you get closer to jaguars,tapirs, boa constrictors, and other animal residents in a safe way. The zoo is a popular stop on combo tours that include other wildlife and outdoor adventures, such as the Baboon Sanctuary, cave tubing tours, and exploration of ancient Maya ruins.
From Belize City, a popular day tour includes a visit to Xunantunich (pronounced shoo-NAHN-too-nich) with the option to combine cave tubing.
Your exploration of the ruins begins with a river crossing to the Mayan site. Xunantunich covers about one square mile, featuring six plazas surrounded by over 26 temples and palaces, including the famous pyramid called "El Castillo," the second tallest structure in Belize.
As you head towards your Cave Tubing adventure, prepare to float on inner tubes guided only by your headlamp into a captivating underground world where rivers disappear. Drift past openings above, illuminated by jungle light, and navigate through river caves adorned with sparkling stalactites and stalagmites, ancient pottery shards, statues of fertility gods, and Mayan footprints. Experience the magic of an underground waterfall leading to the "Crystal Cathedral," a sacred space used by the ancient Maya.
Another well-known excursion from the city leads through numerous charming villages along the "Old Northern Highway" to reach the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins. Located around 30 miles north of Belize City, the journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour by car.
Altun Ha translates to "stone water" in Maya and is recognized as both a ceremonial and trading hub. At the heart of this significant ancient Mayan ceremonial site are three plazas and 13 structures that symbolize the civilization's rich history.
ATM is one of the most popular tours in the mainland area. The tour starts with an hour and a half ride from Belize City to the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. Once at the site you will do a hike through the wild jungle and rivers. At the end of the hike, you will arrive at
the entrance to The mouth of Actun Tunichil Muknal, where a short swim through the crystal blue water will lead you into this amazing realm.
San Pedro & Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye, the largest island situated in Northern Belize, spans approximately 25 miles with San Pedro as its primary town.
There are only a few street blocks packed with a wide range of restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, grocery stores, pharmacies, and banks. The airstrip is also located close to town which connects travellers to the island from mainland Belize.
There are three main roads in San Pedro and the locals refer to them as Front, Middle, and Back Street. However, on any map, they are usually listed as Barrier Reef Drive, Pescador Drive, and Almond Street.
You'll find very few cars in the area, instead, there are golf carts, bicycles, and pedestrians.
The people of the island are called "Sanpedranos" and they speak English, Spanish, Creole, and Maya all at the same time, creating their own distinct island dialect.
Visit Secret Beach where you can swim in beautiful crystal clear water. The area is also home to bars and restaurants.
Visit the Truck Stop which isn’t just a place to grab a bite or a drink but is also a food park with backyard games, a pool, and has events such as movie nights, live music, corn hole tournaments, farmers market’s and pig roasts.
Mexico Rocks, situated near the northern edge of Ambergris Caye, is a shallow patch reef within the Belize Barrier Reef system. This reef offers a tranquil environment with minimal currents and waves, making it ideal for snorkeling. With a depth ranging from 8 to 12 feet, this reserve is teeming with fish, turtles, sharks, and a variety of coral species.
Surrounded by the stunning reef system, the diverse cays in the area have made Ambergris Caye the diving and water sports capital of Belize.
If you are passionate about diving, don't miss the chance to explore the Great Blue Hole at Lighthouse Atoll. The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours each way, depending on your starting point, and involves a full day by boat for a two or three tank dive. Along the route, you may encounter pods of dolphins and occasionally whales. The Great Blue Hole is the deepest at 130ft with sheer walls offering glimpses of Caribbean Reef Sharks and Stalactites. The Half Moon dive ranges from 40-60ft and showcases vibrant sponges and abundant marine life. Enjoy lunch at Half Moon Caye and a short 10-minute walk to visit the bird sanctuary. Another dive site, the Aquarium, a 20-50 ft dive located 10 minutes away from Half Moon Caye, features Sponges, Gorgonians, and a variety of fish species.
Turneffe Islands offer exceptional diving opportunities on both sides of the Atoll. It's perfect for enjoying a mix of scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing. There are excellent chances to reel in Black Groupers, Snappers, King Fish, and Nassau Groupers. Dive depths range from 30 to 100 feet, allowing you to select the perfect depth for your adventure.
Only a 30-minute water journey from San Pedro is the island of Caye Caulker, which is less developed, has a more extensive sandy beach to relax on, and exudes a small-town charm.
Enjoy snorkeling at two marine parks on a combo tour. Your first stop will be at Hol Chan Marine Reserve where you'll get to see all kinds of colorful fish and corals. Then head to the second marine park, Shark Ray Alley. Here you get to swim with stingrays and nurse sharks.
Orange Walk Town
Orange Walk Town is the fourth largest town in Belize, and is located on the left bank of the New River, 53 miles north of Belize City and around a 20 minute flight from San Pedro.
Situated here on the shores of the New River Lagoon, the vast site of Lamanai contains the impressive Temple of the Rain God built in 100 B.C which rises nearly 33 meters above the jungle floor. Lamanai flourished as one of Belize’s largest ceremonial centers and displays all major phases of architecture from the Preclassic to Post-classic era.
A quick 10-minute drive from town takes you to the river where you can get on a boat and travel along for approximately 1hr and 20mins. Along the way your guide will point out flora, fauna and other points of interest and visit the attraction.
Placencia
Placencia is a beach resort on the Caribbean coast of Belize. It’s at the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula, known for its palm-lined beaches.
With its proximity to the Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, divers can
explore a vast array of marine life, vibrant coral formations, and underwater caves. Popular
dive sites in Placencia include Laughing Bird Caye, Silk Cayes, and Gladden Spit, known for
encounters with whale sharks during certain times of the year.
Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is recognized internationally as the world’s first
jaguar preserve. It is also known for its spectacular waterfalls, mountain views, nature
trails, and rich diversity of neo-tropical birds, not to mention the occasional encounter of
land animals such as Gibnut, coatimundi, and various other wildlife.
Visit a traditional Mayan village before hiking through the jungle. See wildlife, learn about
local medicinal plants and the park’s history, and hear about the efforts to save the jaguars.
Average flying times from BZE
Punta Gorda 45 min
Placencia 30 min
Hopkins 20 min
San Pedro 15 min
Average driving times from BZE
Punta Gorda 5 hrs
Placencia 2-3 hrs
Hopkins 2.5 hrs
San Ignacio 2.5 hrs
While the official language of Belize is English, Belizeans speak the Kriol language and many are also Spanish-speaking.
The currency of Belize is the Belize dollar (BZD). Currency exchange in Belize is extremely easy for American visitors as the Belize dollar is locked at $2 Belize = $1 USD. Nearly every place readily accepts USD currency.
Country Call Code: +501
The standard voltage is 110 / 220 V and the frequency is 60 Hz.
(same as US)
The Belize climate is subtropical, with a cooling breeze from the Caribbean Sea. Belize has an annual average temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer high temperatures seldom exceed 94 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter lows are rarely below 60 degrees Fahrenheit - even at night.
The Belize rainy season is between June and August and is the most beautiful time of year when the rainforests come to life and burst of mid-afternoon rain serves to cool. The dry season is from February through May.
