Belize holidays

Sitting between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize may be small, but few places on Earth can match its diverse natural beauty. From pristine reefs and tropical rainforests to mountains cradling Maya temples, a holiday to Belize offers endless adventures. And with the promise of Caribbean beaches and flavour-packed cuisine, it’s no wonder Belize has been dubbed the jewel of Central America.

Top destinations in Belize

Caye Caulker

Breathtaking Caye Caulker is the definition of an island paradise. Explore world-class coral reefs by day, then gear up for epic sunsets over the water.

Belize City

A gateway to tropical islands and deep sea adventures, Belize City boasts fascinating historic sites and fabulous local eats like ceviche and seafood fritters.

San Pedro

With the Belize Barrier Reef on its doorstep, San Pedro is a diving hotspot. But venture ashore for its lush mangroves, ancient sites and lively festivals.

Belize: fast facts

Language

English, Spanish

Currency

Belize dollar (BZ$)

Time zone

UTC-6 (CST)

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Belize holiday highlights

Belize

See coral reefs

Claiming the world’s second-largest barrier reef and 450 islands off its coast, Belize is a dream water sports destination. Dive or snorkel around the Hol Chan Marine Reserve’s colourful corals, or take a boat to the UNESCO-listed Great Blue Hole to swim among its rich marine life. If kayaking and paddle-boarding are more your speed, Glover’s Reef Atoll is a great choice.

Admire ancient ruins

Once part of the Maya Empire, Belize is home to ruins and archaeological sites that bring this ancient civilisation to life. Visit Altun Ha with its well-preserved central plazas, and admire the monumental frieze at Xunantunich. One of the most scenic but challenging Maya sites to reach is Caracol, set in a tropical rainforest at the base of the Maya Mountains.

Hike the jungle

If you’re interested in experiencing the country’s vibrant jungle, hiking is one of the best things to do in Belize. History lovers shouldn’t miss the Crystal Cave Trail’s Maya artefacts in St Herman’s Blue Hole National Park. And if you’re looking for a great view, hike the Ben’s Bluff Trail in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for vistas over the Stann Creek District.

Things to do in Belize

Belize

Top attractions

Explore ancient Maya history at Xunantunich, an archaeological site accessed by hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River. There are prehistoric wonders to discover in the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, which is said to be an entrance to the Maya underworld. Back above ground, take to the skies for an aerial tour of the Great Blue Hole, made famous by oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.

Beaches

While Belize is better known for its jungles than its beaches, you’ll find beautiful stretches of sand along the 28-kilometre-long Placencia Peninsula. Some of the country’s coral islands, or ‘cayes’, also boast great beaches. Despite its name, Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye is one of the most popular, known for its white sands, clear waters and beach bars.

Nature

One of Belize’s most famous natural wonders is the Great Blue Hole, an enormous underwater sinkhole treasured by experienced divers and snorkellers for its geological formations and marine life. Prefer spotting wildlife on land? Mayflower Bocawina National Park is one of the most scenic areas to hike in Belize, promising dense jungle, waterfalls and monkey sightings.

Culture and museums

Many of the most important museums in Belize are in Belize City. Housed in a 19th-century jail, the Museum of Belize provides an overview of the country’s history. For a different taste of culture, learn about rum at the Traveller’s Liquors Museum & Heritage Center. In Dangriga, the Pen Cayetano Studio Gallery displays artefacts and crafts by Garifuna artists.

Cuisine

Mexican, Caribbean and Maya flavours make up much of Belize’s cuisine. Expect to find restaurants in Belize serving dishes like rice and beans, tacos and chicken stew. ‘Cochinita pibil’ (slow-roasted pork) and ‘Johnnycakes’ (coconut milk bread) are also popular menu items. Love seafood? Tuck into conch fritters made with local Belikin beer or a plate of citrusy ceviche.

Family friendly

Step back in time at Cahal Pech, one of the oldest known Maya sites in the Belize River Valley. The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a great spot for birdwatching. Visit between November and May to see jabiru storks, the largest flying bird in the Americas. Travelling with older kids? Kayak down the Moho River, home to tropical birds and howler monkeys.

Find the best time to visit Belize

Weather in Belize

June – November: The rainy season brings heavy showers, mosquitoes and warm temperatures of 31°C. Some hotels and tourist attractions close for the season, especially between August and October, when the risk of hurricanes is greatest. It’s the best time to visit Belize on a budget, with many resorts offering discounted prices. Just don’t forget your waterproofs and insect repellent.

December – May: Belize’s dry season is characterised by warm sunny days and little chance of rain, making it a prime time for swimming, island hopping and exploring Maya ruins. But this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices on airfare and accommodation.

Events in Belize

Placencia Sidewalk Arts Festival (February): Head to the village of Placencia in southeastern Belize for this celebration of local art. Enjoy live music, cultural performances and vendors selling homemade food, drinks and crafts.

Chocolate Festival of Belize (May): Have a sweet tooth? Don’t miss this annual food festival in Punta Gorda, the ‘chocolate capital of Belize’. A celebration of all things cacao, this popular event features live music, family-friendly activities and local chocolatiers selling handmade treats.

Garifuna Settlement Day (November): Celebrated across the country, this festival honours the Afro-Caribbean Garifuna people’s arrival in Belize in the 19th century. Historical re-enactments on the coast are a big part of the festivities, along with parades, traditional drumming and lots of food and drink.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

It’s polite to greet people with a smile and a ‘hello’ when visiting a shop or restaurant. Casual attire is the norm, but clothing that is overly revealing is frowned upon. Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches or cultural sites. People tend to have a more relaxed approach to time. Being a little late is generally accepted.

Health and safety

Many advisories recommend getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus before you travel. Once you’re here, apply insect repellent to protect yourself against mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and chikungunya. Only drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice cubes and don’t eat raw or undercooked food. Heat exhaustion is a risk during the dry season, so stay hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water.

LGBTQ+ travel

Though the country is still developing laws to protect the LGBTQ+ community, Belize is generally a safe place for queer travellers. Still, conservative attitudes exist, so overt public displays of affection should be avoided. You’ll find a nice collection of gay-friendly bars in San Pedro Town. Time your visit with Belmopan’s Pride Week celebrations in August.

Budget

A cheap holiday to Belize is possible with some careful planning. When budgeting your trip, expect to pay about 16 Belize dollars ($) for an inexpensive meal and about $5 for a local beer. In general, a short taxi ride should set you back around $31.

Getting around Belize

Belize

Public transportation

Buses: Nearly all towns on the mainland are connected by bus routes, with the most frequent services operating along the western and northern highways. Major towns are served by express buses, while smaller villages often rely on slower local services. Tickets are generally purchased from the conductor.

Boats: You’ll need to rely on boats to visit Belize’s ‘cayes’ (islands). The two major ferry operators are Caribbean Sprinter and San Pedro Belize Express, which offer regular services on popular routes like Belize City to San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.

Domestic flights

Flying lets you move quickly between popular destinations like Corozal, San Pedro, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, Caye Caulker and Belize City. You’ll find frequent daily flights on the country’s two domestic airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air.

Find domestic flights

Driving

Hiring a car will give you the most flexibility, especially if you plan on exploring the scenic Hummingbird Highway. But be prepared to navigate potholes and unpredictable road conditions. Cars are only allowed on Ambergris Caye with a special permit. The best way to get around the island is by hiring a golf cart.

Check car hire

FAQs about Belize holidays

Belize is more expensive than some of its other Central American neighbours. But you can cut costs by visiting during the shoulder seasons and using public transport once here. To save even more, choose local restaurants and food trucks for budget meals.
Check your local government for travel advisories in Belize. Pickpocketing sometimes occurs in crowded tourist areas, so keep an eye on your personal belongings and avoid flashing valuables in public. If you plan to do any reef diving, be sure to connect with a licensed tour operator first.
You’ll use Belize dollars ($) while travelling, though most places also accept US dollars. ATMs are fairly easy to find throughout the country, and major credit cards are accepted in the main tourist areas. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it is appreciated — feel free to add a 10% gratuity for good service.
As the only former British colony in Central America, Belize’s official language is English. Spanish and Belizean Creole are also widely spoken. And Yucatec Maya, Mopán and Kekchí are spoken by
For dry, sunny weather, the best time to visit Belize is between December and April. The rainy season is from June to October, but storms generally last only a few hours. While diving conditions are great year-round, the best time to spot migratory sharks is between March and June.
History lover? Laid-back Corozal is close to the Cerros Archaeological Reserve and the Maya ruins of Santa Rita Corozal. If you prefer to pair your exploring with underwater adventure, head to Caye Caulker for some of Belize’s best diving spots.

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