46 AWESOME Things to Do in Belize (Best Tours and Travel Tips)

There are plenty of epic things to do and places to see in Belize. In this detailed Belize travel guide, we’re going to tell you about the 46 best things to do and places to see during a visit. This will include information about the best Belize tours and excursions. After telling you about all of the top things to do in Belize, we’ll cover some practical tips such as how to get there, how to get around, where to stay and what to pack. Let’s do it!

What Are the Best Things to Do in Belize?

Belize is only a relatively small country in Central America. But, there are loads of fun things to do in Belize. Positioned between the Caribbean Sea and dense subtropical jungle and rainforest, you really get the best of both worlds when it comes to activities in Belize.

On the Caribbean side, you’ve got the pristine Belize Barrier Reef and numerous mouthwatering cayes (islands), where there is ample snorkeling, diving and water sports to enjoy. Whilst, on the jungle side, in western Belize, you’ve got incredible Mayan ruins, nature reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, caves and waterfalls.

Undoubtedly, there are many brilliant things to see in Belize. We hope that this comprehensive Belize to-do list will help you figure out exactly what to see in Belize. Certainly, this travel guide will reveal the best places to visit in Belize to help you plan your trip.

Let’s get started with one of the most popular things to do in Belize – snorkeling.

1. Things to Do in Belize: Snorkeling

Without a doubt, snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef in the Caribbean Sea is one of the best Belize activities on offer. First, we’ll tell you a little more about visiting the world-famous Belize Barrier Reef and then we’ll look at the best snorkeling sites in the area.

1.1 Belize Barrier Reef

Belize has some of the best snorkeling in the world. After all, Belize is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world – the phenomenal Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System. Owing to the area’s rich marine life, the Belize Barrier Reef was designated UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1996.

Because much of the Belize Barrier Reef is protected, you’ll usually need a licensed guide or you’ll need to participate in a guided tour or excursion to visit many areas.

Undoubtedly, the two most popular places to visit in the Belize Barrier Reef to snorkel are the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. So, inevitably, two of the most popular excursions in Belize are snorkeling tours to these two locations. Let’s start by looking at the breathtaking Hol Chan Marine Reserve, where Shark Ray Alley is located.

Read more: Belize Snorkeling – The TOP 16 Snorkeling Spots in Belize

1.2 Hol Chan Marine Reserve

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is certainly one of the biggest Belize tourist attractions. At the marine reserve, you’ll explore an extraordinary underwater paradise full of spectacular marine life, coral reef, seagrass beds and mangrove forests. Indeed, the Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a must-see attraction in Belize and a place you’ll have to visit.

The Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a protected area. So, you can only snorkel there with a guide. Thankfully, there are many tour operators in Belize, specifically in both Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, offering guided excursions to the marine reserve.

Personally, Beck and I booked this excursion – the Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour From Caye Caulker on GetYourGuide. This excursion was run by the excellent guides at Salt Life Eco Tours, a highly reputable Belize tour company in Caye Caulker. Because we had a great time on this tour in Belize, we’re more than happy to recommend this excursion. Feel free to use this link on GetYourGuide to book your snorkeling excursion from Caye Caulker to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve in the Belize Barrier Reef.

Otherwise, you can also book this same snorkeling excursion on Viator.

If you’re looking for a snorkeling excursion to the marine reserve from Ambergris Caye, then you can book this highly-rated Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour From San Pedro on Viator.

Read more: The BEST Hol Chan Marine Reserve Snorkeling Tours From Caye Caulker

1.3 Shark Ray Alley

Snorkeling at Shark Ray Alley should definitely be on your Belize travel bucket list. Located in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley is full of nurse sharks and stingray. By visiting Shark Ray Alley, you can swim with docile nurse sharks and stingray, which is one of the most incredible experiences that you can have in Belize.

By doing a snorkeling tour of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, you’re guaranteed to visit Shark Ray Alley. Certainly, Shark Ray Alley is often the star attraction of a snorkeling excursion to the reserve in the Belize Barrier Reef. By doing GetYourGuide’s Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour From Caye Caulker, Beck and I visited Shark Ray Alley. Indeed, swimming with nurse sharks is one of the best things to do in Belize.

Read more: Shark Ray Alley Belize – Swim With Sharks in Belize!

1.4 Coral Gardens: Caye Caulker Marine Reserve

The Coral Gardens, located in the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, has one of the prettiest underwater landscapes in Belize. At the Coral Gardens, you’ll see a dense area of beautiful elkhorn coral, fire coral and brain coral. Other than the magnificent coral on display, it’s also a terrific place to see green sea turtles, and, if you’re lucky, seahorses!

You’ll find that most snorkeling excursions, from Caye Caulker in Belize, include a stop at the Coral Gardens. Indeed, the Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling Tour that we booked on GetYourGuide included a stop at the pristine Coral Gardens. We think the Coral Gardens are one of the most underrated attractions in Belize.

1.5 Mexico Rocks and Tres Cocos

Just a short boat ride from San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, you’ll find the incredible Mexico Rocks and Tres Cocos. The area is well known for having large brain coral and elkhorn coral along the reef. Given the shallow waters, the site is a fantastic place for beginner snorkellers.

You’ll find plenty of snorkeling excursions to Mexico Rocks and Tres Cocos on offer in San Pedro in Ambergris Caye, Belize. Indeed, when it comes to snorkeling tours from San Pedro, visiting Mexico Rocks and Tres Cocos is a popular option.

2. Things to Do in Belize: Diving

Of course, other than snorkeling, scuba diving is a popular thing to do in Belize. There are many awesome diving sites dotted throughout the Belize Barrier Reef. Let’s start with one of the most popular places to dive (and fly over) – the Great Blue Hole.

2.1 Great Blue Hole

The Great Blue Hole (AKA the Blue Hole Natural Monument and the Belize Blue Hole) is one of the most famous attractions to visit in Belize. The giant marine sinkhole with a perfectly circular body of water is surrounded by the mesmerising Lighthouse Reef Atoll.

You’ll find many tour operators offering diving excursions to the truly incredible Great Blue Hole in Belize. In addition, it’s possible to take either a scenic flight over the Great Blue Hole from Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye or Belize City.

Honestly speaking, taking a scenic flight is the best way to truly appreciate the scope of the incredible natural attraction. Head to the Tropic Air website to book this scenic flight.

We’ll now look at Belize’s three atolls, which are all great diving sites.

2.2 ​​​Lighthouse Reef Atoll

The Lighthouse Reef Atoll is not only home to the amazing Great Blue Hole but is home to roughly 200 species of fish, six cayes and plenty of stunning coral reefs.

Two of the most popular cayes at the Lighthouse Reef Atoll are Half Moon Caye and Long Caye. Half Moon Caye is a great place for beginner snorkelers as the area has shallow waters. Whereas, Long Caye (AKA the Aquarium) is more suitable for diving given the deeper waters and often-strong currents. At Long Caye, you’ll enjoy an array of tropical fish and unique coral formations.

Often, you’ll explore these other areas of the Lighthouse Reef Atoll, in Belize, during Great Blue Hole diving excursions.

2.3 Turneffe Reef Atoll

The Turneffe Reef Atoll is the largest of the three atolls in Belize and is certainly worth a visit. Given the area’s rich marine life, the atoll was named a marine reserve. The atoll features an incredible mixture of stony and soft corals, whilst the underwater landscape consists of mangrove shallows and seagrass beds.

There are some Belize tour operators that visit this reef from islands such as Caye Caulker. But, most people actually stay on Turneffe Island to snorkel or dive at the atoll to maximise their time out on the water.

2.4 Glover’s Reef Atoll

Glover’s Reef Atoll is one of the best areas to visit in the Belize Barrier Reef. The atoll is found on the remote Southwest Caye, where you’ll find some of the most ideal diving conditions in Belize. There are roughly 700 patch reefs and an incredibly diverse marine life to see.

Similar to exploring the Turneffe Reef Atoll from Turneffe Island, most people will actually stay on Glover’s Reef Island to dive at Glover’s Reef Atoll during a visit to Belize.

2.5 Gladden Spit Marine Reserve, Placencia

Located in the south of Belize near Placencia, Gladden Spit is the best place to visit to see the migratory whale sharks. Indeed, swimming with whale sharks at the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve would have to be one of the most exhilarating things to do in Belize. You’ll want to base yourself in or near Placencia to do a diving tour to Gladden Spit. Whilst, you’ll want to time your visit to Belize during the migratory season between March and June.

2.6 Silk Cayes Marine Reserve: Turtle Alley

Not far from Gladden Spit, you’ll find the gorgeous Silk Cayes Marine Reserve. The reserve is full of majestic healthy reef. But, the main attraction of Silk Cayes is Turtle Alley, where you’ll see loads of turtles! Although, by diving at Silk Cayes, you should also get to see different species of sharks and stingray. It’s best to base yourself in or near Placencia to visit Silk Cayes in Belize.

3. Things to Do in Belize: Watersports

Other than snorkeing and diving, there are plenty of other great watersports to enjoy if you travel to Belize. With this in mind, let’s look at canoeing at Barton Creek Caves – one of the most thrilling things to do in Belize.

3.1 Canoe at ​​​​​​​Barton Creek Caves

Barton Creek Caves (AKA Barton Creek Cave Reserve) is an extraordinary cathedral-like wet cave that’s commonly explored by canoe. Indeed, Barton Creek Caves is one of the most mindblowing caves to visit in Belize.

The best way to visit and canoe inside the cave is to do a tour from San Ignacio. Viator offers this incredible Barton Creek Caves Half-Day Excursion From San Ignacio, Belize.

GetYourGuide offers a similar Half-Day Cave Canoeing Adventure Tour, departing from San Ignacio, Belize.

3.2 Kayak at The Split in Caye Caulker

Kayaking around Caye Caulker is certainly one of the best things to do in Belize. Beck and I thoroughly enjoyed kayaking around the north island and up towards The Split. Exploring the dense mangroves and shallow waters surrounding the island was extraordinary. Of course, you’ll want to spend time at The Split itself, which is a hub of bars and water-based activities where tourists, locals and expats hang out.

At The Split, you can also do paddleboarding, kiteboarding, windsurfing and platform diving. Otherwise, you can simply swim in the glistening Caribbean Sea in the passage dividing the south and north parts of the island.

When it comes to bars at the Split, the Lazy Lizard is one of the most well-known establishments. For sure, you can’t visit the Lazy Lizard without having the bar’s famous Lizard Juice. It’s packed full of rum and a good time! Otherwise, head to Sip ‘N’ Dip, where you can literally sip on cocktails, whilst chillin’ in a tube on the water.

Personally, we rented kayaks for free from our accommodation at Go Slow Guest House. You’ll find most accommodations in Caye Caulker include kayak rental in the price of the accommodation.

4. Things to Do in Belize: Cayes

Belize is home to many gorgeous cayes, which are islands based on the surface of coral reefs. Indeed, if you’re going to travel to Belize, you’ll want to visit at least one caye. The most popular cayes to travel to, in Belize, are Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. Let’s start by talking about Caye Caulker.

4.1 Caye Caulker: Go Slow!

Caye Caulker is a small island with a lovely tropical setting and an uber-relaxed Caribbean vibe personified by the mantra – ‘go slow’. It’s all part of the charm, being on island time during your visit to Caye Caulker in Belize. Certainly, the island is a great place to relax and enjoy the Belizean Carribean way of life!

Among backpackers, Caye Caulker has become a popular destination to visit along the Central America Gringo Trail. The island has a reputation for being affordable amongst shoestring travellers. But, by the same token, the island offers a level of luxury for couples and families wanting to enjoy a comfortable island stay.

Many people actually travel to Caye Caulker to do snorkelling tours and excursions to the Belize Barrier Reef. Certainly, Caye Caulker is one of the best bases in Belize for doing snorkeling tours and excursions. As mentioned, Beck and I did GetYourGuide’s Belize Barrier Reef Snorkeling Excursion from Caye Caulker. Of course, it’s also possible to do these excursions from Ambergris Caye in Belize.

Read more: Caye Caulker Belize – Everything You Need to Know

4.2 Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye, just north of Caye Caulker, is the biggest caye in Belize and is considered the bigger brother of Caye Caulker. Given its bigger size, Ambergris Caye, and its capital – San Pedro, see more visitors than Caye Caulker.

Certainly, there are plenty of neat things to do in San Pedro, Belize. But, similar to Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye is primarily used as a base for snorkeling and diving excursions and tours to the Belize Barrier Reef. Indeed, many visitors head to the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley from Ambergris Caye. Whilst, as previously mentioned, the Mexico Rocks and Tres Cocos is a popular snorkeling site to visit from this island.

Of course, most people exploring Belizean cayes will head to Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye. But, there are plenty of other exquisite cayes to travel to in Belize. Let’s look at some of the other best cayes to visit in Belize.

4.3 Laughing Bird Caye

Laughing Bird Caye National Park is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s protected areas and another epic snorkeling and diving site. Certainly, visiting Laughing Bird Caye is one of the best things to do in Belize.

Viator offers this highly-rated tour – the Laughing Bird Caye Snorkeling Excursion, which departs from Placencia in the south of Belize. By doing this tour at Laughing Bird Caye, you’re likely to see snapper, barracuda, nurse sharks, green sea turtles and Caribbean lobsters. You’ll also explore exquisite coral gardens and reefs.

4.4 Tobacco Caye

Tobacco Caye is located at the centre of the Belize Barrier Reef at the northern edge of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve. To travel to Tobacco Caye, you’ll need to catch a 30 minute boat ride from the coastal town of Dangriga, which is south of Belize City. Most people will stay on Tobacco Caye, where it’s possible to do some of Belize’s best offshore snorkeling.

4.5 Coco Plum Caye

Also located near Dangriga, Coco Plum Caye is yet another stunning island in Belize that offers awesome snorkeling and diving. At Coco Plum Caye, you’ll likely see green sea turtles, stingrays, groupers and reef shark. This idyllic destination is adult-only, so it’s a well-known place for honeymooners and couples to travel to in Belize.

4.6 Goff’s Caye

If you’re based in Belize City, a snorkeling trip to Goff’s Caye is an easy way to escape the madness of the city. Goff’s Caye has some of the best offshore snorkeling in Belize with plenty of tropical fish and coral gardens to be found. Viator offers this Goff’s Caye Beach and Snorkeling Excursion from Belize City. Of course, many people choose to stay on the island, which allows even more time for offshore snorkeling and other water-based activities.

4.7 Harvest Caye: A Private Island

Harvest Caye is a recently built artificial island that’s privately owned by Norweigan Cruise Line. It’s actually only possible to travel to Harvest Caye, in Belize, if you’re on a Norweigan Cruise Line, Oceania or Regent Seven Seas cruise. The Norweigan Cruise Line does offer some of the best snorkeling excursions, in Belize, at Harvest Caye. Whilst it’s also possible to do some offshore snorkeling during your time on the island.

5. Things to Do in Belize: Caving

One of the most popular things to do in Belize is caving. And, of course, the best caving in Belize is on offer during the sensational ATM Cave tour.

5.1 ATM Cave

The Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, commonly shortened to the ATM Cave, is a famous cave located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. The cave is well-known for being a Mayan sacrificial site and is one of the most popular places to travel to in Belize.

Within the cave, you’ll find ancient Mayan artifacts, including skeletal remains, which are thought to be human sacrifices. A visit to the cave is one of the most extraordinary things you can do in Belize. Exploring the cave involves hiking, wading and swimming as well as caving.

You’re only allowed to visit the ATM Caves with a licensed tour operator and guide. MayaWalk Tours is the most reputable tour company in San Ignacio, Belize, and they offer a brilliant ATM Cave Excursion. We highly recommend booking this excursion on Viator as the cancellation policy is much better compared with booking directly with the tour company in Belize.

Read more: ATM Cave Belize – The Ultimate Guide to ATM Cave Tours

6. Things to Do in Belize: Cave Tubing

Belize has many fine caves to explore. Other than caving, cave tubing is another popular way to explore these natural attractions. Undoubtedly, Belize is one of the best destinations in the world for cave tubing. There are numerous cave tubing sites across the country. But, the most popular place to travel to in Belize for cave tubing is the Nohoch Che’en Cave (AKA Jaguar Paw).

6.1 Nohoch Che’en Cave (Jaguar Paw)

The Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is the best place to visit in Belize for cave tubing. Many people do cave tubing at Nohoch Che’en Cave on an excursion from Belize City. Viator offers this excellent tour – Cave Tubing Excursion From Belize City. Whilst, another popular excursion is to combine cave tubing with zip lining – this is another Viator tour departing from Belize City.

Additionally, another popular Belize tour option that involves cave tubing at Nohoch Che’en Cave is the Xunantunich and Nohoch Che’en Cave Tubing Excursion. By doing this excursion, you’ll really maximise your time exploring the best historical and natural attractions in Belize.

7. Things to Do in Belize: Mayan Ruins

Other than visiting natural attractions, many people travel to Belize to see Mayan ruins. We don’t intend to exhaustively list every single Maya ruin in Belize. Below, we’ll talk about the best Mayan ruins to visit in Belize as well as some of the easiest ones to visit.

7.1 Caracol Ruins

Located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, just south of the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, are the outstanding Caracol Ruins (AKA Caracol Natural Monument Reservation). Certainly, Caracol is one of the best Mayan ruins in Central America, let alone Belize.

Most tours to Caracol also involve visiting the sublime Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. After all, you’ll need to drive through the forest reserve in order to reach the Mayan ruins. So, tours often include a visit to some of the best natural sites in Mountain Pine Ridge either before or after visiting Caracol. Viator offers this excellent Caracol, Rio Frio Cave and Rio on Pools Excursion From San Ignacio, Belize.

Viator also offers another tour from San Ignacio, in Belize, that visits Caracol, Rio on Pools and Big Rock Falls. If you like chasing waterfalls, we recommend this option instead.

Alternatively, GetYourGuide offers a similar Caracol and Waterfalls Tour From San Ignacio, Belize, that visits Rio on Pools and Big Rock Falls.

Read more: Caracol Belize – Key Things to Know About Caracol Ruins Tours

7.2 Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

The Xunantunich Mayan Ruins are one of the most well-known Mayan sites in Belize. The ancient Mayan city once served as a ceremonial centre to the Belize Valley region. Nowadays, the ruins are one of the most popular places to travel to in Belize. Personally, Beck and I visited independently from San Ignacio. But, if you’d like to learn more about the Xunantunich Mayan Ruins in Belize, consider doing a guided tour.

Read more: Xunantunich Mayan Ruins – The Ultimate Visitor’s Guide

7.3 Altun Ha

Alongside Caracol and Xunantunich, Altun Ha is one of the most popular Mayan ruins to travel to in Belize. Altun Ha actually inspired Belikin (Belize’s flagship brew) beer labels and Belizean banknotes. Given Altun Ha’s relatively small size, excursions visiting the ruins from Belize City, often include cave tubing at Nohoch Che’en Cave. Viator offers this Altun Ha and Cave Tubing Excursion from Belize City.

7.4 Cahal Pech

Cahal Pech is another outstanding Mayan ruin to travel to in Belize. Archaeologists believe that Cahal Pech is older than Xunantunich, despite Cahal Pech being a lesser-known site nowadays. The small Mayan site features temples, palaces and a ball court. From downtown San Ignacio, it takes around 10 minutes to walk to Cahal Pech.

8. Things to Do in Belize: Jungle and Rainforest

Many people travel to the western side of Belize to explore the breathtaking jungles and rainforests. San Ignacio is the cultural and economic hub in western Belize and the second biggest town in the country. Certainly, San Ignacio is a great base for exploring the Belizean jungle, including the beautiful Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve.

Read more: The 21 Best Things to Do in San Ignacio Belize

8.1 Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is one of the best places to travel to in Belize. The forest reserve has been a protected area since 1944, mainly because the area is rich in pine forest – a type of forest that is unique in Belize.

There are plenty of incredible things to do in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve in Belize. Let’s start by talking about the reserve’s best waterfall – Big Rocks Falls!

Read more: Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve – The 9 BEST Things to Do

8.2 Big Rock Falls

Big Rock Falls is one of the best natural attractions to travel to in Belize. Located in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, the captivating single-tier waterfall tumbles roughly 45 metres. Swimming in Big Rock Falls is one of the best things to do in Belize.

To visit Big Rock Falls in Belize, you’ll want to book one of the previously mentioned tours. These include Viator’s Caracol, Rio on Pools and Big Rock Falls Tour or GetYourGuide’s Caracol and Waterfalls Tour, both departing from San Ignacio, Belize.

8.3 Rio on Pools

Rio on Pools is another spectacular natural site in Mountain Pine Ridge. It isn’t a waterfall, but rather a series of cascades, flowing over granite boulders. It’s also possible to swim at Rio on Pools, or, you can just simply observe the pools from a lookout.

You’ll find most tour operators in Belize offer Rio on Pools in their Caracol and Mountain Pine Ridge excursions. Indeed, all of the tours we’ve mentioned above include visiting Rio on Pools.

8.4 Rio Frio Cave

Rio Frio Cave is another fantastic natural attraction to travel to in Belize. Undoubtedly, Rio Frio Cave is one of the finest caves in Belize. Best of all, it’s easy to access and explore.

Unfortunately, Rio Frio Cave isn’t usually included in Caracol and Mountain Pine Ridge tour itineraries as a focus tends to be towards visiting Big Rock Falls and Rio on Pools. This is a shame as we think exploring Rio Frio Cave is one of the best things to do in Belize. To visit Rio Frio Cave, you could do Viators’ Caracol, Rio Frio Cave and Rio on Pools Excursion From San Ignacio, Belize.

Alternatively, you could visit Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve without going to Caracol. That way, you’ll maximise your time seeing the natural delights of the reserve. This means you’ll have more time exploring Rio Frio Cave and swimming at Big Rock Falls and Rio on Pools. Viator offers this Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve Excursion from San Ignacio, Belize, which exclusively explores the forest reserve.

8.5 Thousand Foot Falls

Thousand Foot Falls is another waterfall found in Mountain Pine Ridge. The Thousand Foot Falls are actually the highest waterfall in Central America. Unfortunately, the waterfall is notoriously difficult to reach because of extremely poor road conditions. That’s why tour companies tend not to offer tours to visit this waterfall in Belize.

Unless you can negotiate a private trip with a tour company or hire a 4WD, then you may have to be content with just visiting Big Rock Falls and Rio on Pools (when it comes to chasing waterfalls in Mountain Pine Ridge).

8.6 Butterfly Falls

Butterfly Falls is yet another impressive waterfall within the forest reserve. The falls cascade 25 metres down into a turquoise-coloured pool. But, the waterfall is located on private property owned by the Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge. Basically, to visit Butterfly Falls in Belize, you’ll have to stay at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge. To get from the lodge to the waterfall, you’ll do an intense 30 minute hike.

8.7 St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park

Not to be confused with the Great Blue Hole, St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park is home to many stunning natural attractions. The national park includes two well-known caves called St. Hermans Cave and Crystal Cave. Whilst, the incredibly turquoise-coloured pool called Blue Hole is found deep within St. Hermans Cave.

Viator offers this St. Herman’s Blue Hole National Park Belize Excursion.

9. Things to Do in Belize: Seeing Wildlife

By exploring the Belizean jungles and rainforests, you’ll naturally come across sensational wildlife. Of course, there are some specific places to travel to in Belize for wildlife watching. Let’s start with the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

9.1 Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to travel to in Belize to see jaguars, pumas, tapirs, black howler monkeys, parrots and toucans. Located in the Stann Creek District of south-central Belize, the protected area is truly a haven for wildlife.

Viator offers this excellent Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary Belize Excursion.

9.2 Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 2002, the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary was set up to protect West Indian manatees in Belizean waters. The wildlife sanctuary is located near Belize City and can be visited on a tour from Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye or Belize City.

FYI – manatee spotting is often included in most full-day snorkeling tours of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, departing from Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. So, it may be possible to see West Indian manatees during these tours without necessarily needing to take a specific tour to the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary.

9.3 Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center

Admittedly, Beck and I aren’t a huge fan of zoos. But, undoubtedly, the Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Center is one of the best places to travel to in Belize to see wildlife. Additionally, the zoo does seem to be involved with conservation, education and research. The zoo has over 150 species of animals and around 45 of these species are native.

9.4 Community Baboon Sanctuary (Howler Monkey Sanctuary)

Funnily enough, the Community Baboon Sanctuary isn’t home to baboons, but rather howler monkeys. Simply, locals use to call howler monkeys by the incorrect name of baboons! Anyway, the Community Baboon Sanctuary (AKA the Howler Monkey Sanctuary) isn’t located too far from Belize City and is home to more than 3,500 howler monkeys and over 250 species of birds.

9.5 Green Iguana Conservation Project

The Green Iguana Conservation Project is a great wildlife conservation initiative to visit in Belize. You’ll find an educational exhibit set up at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, which tells you more about the endangered Green Iguana. The staff at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel are involved with the conservation of this amazing creature, so paying for a tour at the site helps support this initiative.

9.6 Stingray Beach

Located at Iguana Reef Inn, Stingray Beach is a popular place to visit in Belize to see, feed and even swim with stingrays. Because the staff of the Iguana Reef Inn feed the stingray several times a week between 4–6pm, that’s when loads of stingray show up at the beach.

Right next to Stingray Beach, you’ll also find the Seahorse Ranch Reserve otherwise known as the Seahorse Viewing Platform! Basically, the wooden jetty at the Iguana Reef Inn acts as a haven for seahorses!

FYI – we highly recommend heading to Iguana Reef Inn to watch sunset. It’s definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Belize.

9.7 Tarpon Feeding Dock

Feeding tarpons from the Tarpon Feeding Deck is an iconic thing to do in Caye Caulker. Upon arrival, you’ll usually pay around $2.50USD ($5BZ) to get a bowl of sardines. You can then hold the fish in between your fingers, hover your hand over the water and wait for a tarpon to leap out of the water to snatch the fish from your hand.

FYI – many snorkeling tours from Caye Caulker visit this tarpon viewing area near the end of their tours. That’s what Beck and I experienced near the end of our Caye Caulker Snorkeling Tour. Instead of accessing the feeding dock, you’ll simply admire the tarpons from the boat.

9.8 Horseback Riding

Although it’s not technically wildlife watching, horseback riding is a great thing to do in Belize if you love animals. The Xunantunich and Horse Riding Tour is one of the most popular ways to experience horseback riding in Belize. By doing this tour, you’ll not only enjoy a guided tour of Xunantunich, but you’ll get to ride a horse to the Mayan ruins! Indeed, horse riding through the jungle of the ancient Maya city is one of the best things to do in Belize.

10. Things to Do in Belize: Birdwatching

Similar to other countries in Central America, Belize is famous for its birdwatching. One of the best places for birdwatching is in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Otherwise, if you’d like to learn more about the birdlife in Belize, we recommend that you visit the Belize Raptor Centre.

10.1 Birds of Prey at the Belize Raptor Centre

The Belize Raptor Centre is an educational and animal rehabilitation centre located just outside of San Ignacio in the Cayo District. Visiting the Belize Raptor Centre is a fun ecotourism activity, where you’ll learn about birds of prey such as owls, kites, hawks and eagles. It’s an interactive experience, which is donation-based.

11. Things to Do in Belize: Culture and Food

Last but not least, experiencing culture and eating traditional cuisine is one of the best things to do in Belize. Below, we’ll look at some typical things to do that’ll help you experience Belizean culture and food.

11.1 Caribbean: Jerk Chicken or BBQ Lobster

If you’ve travelled to and are staying on the Belizean coastline, you’ll have to tuck into some Caribbean cuisine. Whether it’s jerk chicken or barbecued lobster, you’re going to enjoy some scrumptious food. During our stay in Caye Caulker, Beck and I particularly enjoyed the barbecued lobster at Roy’s Blue Water Grill and Wish Willy Bar and Grill. Expect to pay as little as $12USD ($24BZ) for barbecued lobster in Caye Caulker!

11.2 Fishing Tours: BBQ Your Catch!

Doing chartered fishing trips is another popular excursion to do in Belize. The best part is that you’ll even get to cook your catch of the day. Included in most chartered fishing trips is a BBQ lunch where your guide will cook your catch in the Caribbean style.

11.3 Placencia Lobsterfest

When it comes to the best things to do in Placencia, Belize, the Placencia Lobsterfest will have to be high on your agenda. The annual event, beginning in 1998, is a fun weekend cultural experience. Of course, expect to eat plenty of yummy lobster cooked in the Caribbean style.

11.4 Mayan Chocolate Making and Tasting Tour

AJAW Chocolate and Crafts offer fantastic chocolate making and tasting tours in San Ignacio, Belize. They also offer combined chocolate making tours with wine tasting as well as tours with a visit to their cacao farm.

So, there you have it – all of the best things to do in Belize, including the best tours, excursions and places to visit! Now, we’ll look at some practical tips and tricks to help you plan your visit to Belize!

How to Get to Belize

To get to Belize from abroad, you’ll need to fly to the Belize International Airport located in Belize City. When booking flights, you should definitely use Skyscanner to search for the cheapest flights. That’s what Beck and I always do.

Getting Around Belize: Chicken Buses

Public transport, in the form of chicken buses, is the cheapest way to get around the country. In fact, getting around as the locals do is a cultural experience in itself. It’s fairly easy and straightforward to catch a chicken bus to most major towns and hubs in Belize.

Otherwise, if you’re looking for the quickest and easiest way to get around Belize, you might consider domestic flights or private transportation.

Viator offers excellent shared and private shuttle services from Belize City International Airport. For instance, this shared shuttle service from Belize City to San Ignacio is the most highly rated on Viator.

Last but not least, you could definitely hire a car in Belize City and drive yourself around. For car hire in Belize City, we highly recommend using DiscoverCars.com. You’ll find a wide variety of cars on Discover Cars for reasonable prices. Also, the website is user-friendly and booking online is super easy.

To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.

Where to Stay in Belize

Where you stay in Belize will obviously be dictated by exactly where you travel to! Of course, when it comes to experiencing the best places to stay in Belize, we feel there are two ideal accommodation options – beachfront hotels or jungle lodges. Below, we’ll look at the best beachfront hotels and eco-friendly jungle lodges.

Accommodation: Beachfront Hotels

Let’s look at the best beachfront hotels in the most popular Belizean cayes.

• Caye Caulker – Iguana Reef Inn: this is where the famous Stingray Beach is located. Additionally, you’ll want to hang around the beachfront at Iguana Reef Inn later in the day as it’s the go-to place to watch sunset!
• Ambergris Caye – Tranquility Bay Resort: in terms of offshore snorkeling in Ambergris Caye, you can’t beat the highly-rated Tranquility Bay Resort. Located in the north of the island, the beachfront hotel offers superb accommodation.
• Glover’s Reef Island – Glover’s Reef Resort: as opposed to Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, Glover’s Reef Resort is a bit more off the beaten track. So, Glover’s Reef Resort offers a more secluded and chilled vibe. And, with the sensational Glover’s Reef Atoll on your doorstep, Glover’s Reef Island is truly an idyllic place to travel to and stay in Belize.
• Turneffe Island – Turneffe Island Resort: this resort is a great base for snorkeling and diving in Belize. Turneffe Island Resort is the most highly rated accommodation option on the island. Although, if Turneffe Island Resort is booked out, we recommend staying at Belize Dive Haven Resort & Marina.
• Coco Plum Caye – Coco Plum Resort: without a doubt, Coco Plum Resort is one of the best beachfront hotels in Belize.
• Tobacco Caye: this is another beautifully secluded island with plenty of great beachfront hotels. The most popular places to stay on Tobacco Caye include Tobacco Caye Paradise, Pelican Beach Resort and Blue Marlin Beach Resort.

Accommodation: Eco-Friendly Jungle Lodges

The most popular eco-friendly jungle lodges are found in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. Indeed, there are many beautiful eco-friendly lodges and resorts in the reserve to choose from. Below, we’ll look at the best eco-friendly lodges and resorts in the area.

• Blancaneaux Lodge: this is one of the best lodges in western Belize. The lodge is beautifully set within dense pine forest, offering a sanctuary for birdwatching.
• Gaia Riverlodge: this is another gorgeous lodge found in Mountain Pine Ridge. Offering a mixture of air-conditioned cabins, villas, bungalows and suites, there are plenty of great accommodation options at the lodge.
• Pine Ridge Lodge: this is yet another highly-rated eco-lodge in the forest reserve, located near Blancaneaux Lodge. The lodge has all the necessary amenities and facilities you’ll need during a remote forest stay. Certainly, you’re guaranteed an excellent stay at Pine Ridge Lodge.

What to Pack For Belize

Let’s talk about the things you’ll need to wear and pack for your visit to Belize.

• Swimming gear: whether it’s swimming in waterfalls, caving at the ATM Cave or snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef, you’ll need your swimmers!
• Microfibre towel: a small lightweight microfibre towel is a great addition to dry off after swimming.
• Reef-safe sunscreen: you’ll want to apply sunscreen to protect your skin. But, of course, we want to conserve the coral reef, so a reef-safe sunscreen is ideal when exploring the Belize Barrier Reef.
• GoPro and other accessories: although many snorkeling tours include a guide taking photos, using your own action camera to photograph marine life is part of the fun!
• Waterproof phone case: this is a wise choice to protect your phone whilst you’re out on a boat.
• Sea sickness tablets: if you tend to get seasick, we recommend taking travel motion sickness tablets before going on the boat as a precaution.
• Hiking Boots: you’ll need decent hiking boots when exploring jungles and forests in Belize.
• Waterproof jacket: you’ll want a waterproof jacket when exploring Belize during the rainy season.
• Sunscreen, hat and insect repellant

Travel Insurance For Belize

You’ll need travel insurance during a visit to Belize, especially if you’re doing adventurous activities that are off the beaten track.

Heymondo is one of the best budget travel insurance providers on the market. They provide comprehensive travel and medical insurance that won’t break the bank. Whether it’s single trip insurance, annual multi-trip insurance or long stay insurance, Heymondo offers affordable travel and medical insurance to suit all of your needs. Personally, we use Heymondo travel insurance and highly recommend it. To find out more about Heymondo travel and medical insurance, read our Heymondo travel insurance review.

FAQs About Visiting Belize

Below, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about visiting Belize.

What Is Belize Best Known For?

Belize is well-known for its world-class barrier reef, jungles and forests.

Is Belize Expensive to Visit?

Compared with other countries in Central America, Belize is certainly more expensive.

How Many Days Is Enough For Belize?

This really comes down to personal preference. To enjoy both the Caribbean (eastern) and jungle (western) sides of Belize, you’ll want to spend at least one week in Belize. Ideally, 10 days will allow you enough time to see most of the main attractions in the sea and in the jungle!

What Is Belize Like For Tourists?

Belize is an adventurous and special place to visit for most tourists around the world. As long as you demonstrate common sense and exercise reasonable caution, most tourists will have an enjoyable stay without any safety issues.

Bonus Tips

• Visit Tikal National Park from San Ignacio: one of the most popular things to do in San Ignacio is to do a day trip to Guatemala to see the famous Tikal ruins. Viator offers this excellent and highly-rated San Ignacio to Tikal Day Trip.
• Things not to do in Belize: sure, this travel guide has covered what to do in Belize. But, are there any things or places to avoid during a visit to Belize? Well, many of you will initially fly into Belize City as that’s where the only international airport is located. Keep in mind, there are not many things to do in Belize City itself. It’s actually a bit of an unsavoury and unsafe place. Basically, Belize City is the gateway to this beautiful country. But, as soon as you arrive, we recommend heading straight to your holiday destination elsewhere in the country.
• Visit in the off-season to save money: honestly speaking, Belize is an all-year round destination. So, consider visiting outside of the peak season during the rainy season (June to November) for cheaper accommodation.

Central America Guides

• Mexico: we spent a month exploring incredible Mayan ruins and breathtaking cenotes. Read about the 13 Best Mayan Ruins and 25 Best Cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula.
• Guatemala: we also spent a month in Guatemala, exploring all of the main natural attractions. Read our 17 Best Hikes in Guatemala guide.
• El Salvador: we spent around three weeks trekking some lesser-explored volcanoes in El Salvador. For more information, read our 20 Epic El Salvador Hiking Trails Not to Miss.
• Nicaragua: we spent another three weeks exploring Nicaragua. Read about the 16 Best Hikes in Nicaragua and the 4 Best Hikes on Ometepe Island.
• Costa Rica: we explored the most popular waterfalls and volcanoes in Costa Rica. Read about La Fortuna Waterfall, the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Poas Volcano and Irazu Volcano.

Hopefully, we’ve answered the question – what is there to do in Belize? Bookmark this in-depth Belize travel guide so that you have easy access to this resource when you plan your visit.