Not only are the friendly locals known for their warm hospitality, but Belize truly offers something for everyone from outdoor adventurers to history enthusiasts. Having explored it all, including the incredible natural beauty, with lush rainforest, strikingly clear turquoise water for snorkeling and diving, and rich culture enjoyed through traditional Garifuna music, Creole villages, and ancient Mayan temples, we can help you make the most of your time here through these essential Belize travel tips.
When to Go
The peak tourist season in Belize is December through April, which also coincides with the dry season. There's plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall during this time, ideal for outdoor activities like visiting the ruins, exploring the jungles, swimming, and snorkeling. Of course, as the busiest period of the year, prices are typically higher and you're likely to encounter bigger crowds.
Many visitors that frequent Belize feel the months just outside of the peak season, November and May, are the best time to visit Belize. Sunshine is still abundant but there's less competition for hotel rooms and space on the beaches. Between June and October, part of the rainy season, costs are typically the lowest of the year and there will be fewer visitors, but be aware hurricanes can occur with a higher risk from August through October. While bargains are more easily found, you'll need to keep a close eye on the forecast and be sure you purchase travel insurance. It's a necessity any time of year but with the risk of interruption higher now, it's critical.
Safety
Like all destinations, taking common-sense precautions is a must when visiting Believe. While the country is generally safe for visitors, especially in popular tourist destinations like Ambergris Caye, as you would anywhere, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, keep all valuables secure, and avoid isolated areas after dark.
Entry Requirements
Most nationalities, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, do not need a visa for a stay of less than 30 days. If you're arriving from another country, check the official immigration site to see if it qualifies for visa-free entry.
You will need to have a valid passport that doesn't expire for at least three months after your planned departure date and proof of onward travel such as an airline ticket. Although rarely checked when arriving by plane, you may also be asked for proof of sufficient travel funds to cover your stay.
How to Get There
Traveling to Belize is relatively easy with direct flights to Belize City (Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, BZE) from Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas. Most travelers take connecting flights from a major hub in the U.S. Canadians can book non-stop seasonal flights (November through April) from Toronto and Calgary.
How to Get Around
When exploring the mainland, renting a car will provide the most flexibility. There are ferries and water taxis that will take you to the islands from Belize City, including Ambergris Caye. Flying is possible too, although it's the priciest option, with Tropic Air and Maya Island Air the country's two domestic airlines. It's possible to fly between Belize City and Caye Caulker, Ambergris Caye, Placencia, and Corozal. Once on Ambergris Caye, golf carts are the most popular mode of transportation.
Where to Stay
The best area to stay in Belize depends on what you plan to do, but Ambergris Caye is one of the top choices, renowned for its outstanding snorkeling and scuba diving, while home to vibrant San Pedro town. Placencia offers excellent fishing while providing a laid-back alternative for enjoying the long, sandy beaches. Those who want to focus on the jungle and Mayan ruins should consider the Cayo District.
What to Do
The list of things to do in Belize is nearly endless, with something for nearly every type of traveler, but some of the top to consider include the following.
Snorkel or Dive the Belize Barrier Reef
Located about a half-mile off the windward side of Ambergris Caye, Belize's barrier reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the largest in the Western Hemisphere at 700 miles in length. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the turquoise waters are crystal-clear providing clarity that's ideal for snorkeling or diving. Corals and conches inhabit the reef with all sorts of colorful fish and crustaceans while green turtles, moray eels, eagle rays, sharks, and even dolphins can often be spotted. While snorkeling is something even beginners can easily enjoy, there are many tour operators if you'd like a guided experience.
Explore Mayan Temples
One of the most extensive concentrations of Maya temples and underground ritual chambers can be found in Belize, along with remarkable repositories of art. As the country is the epicenter of the ancient Mayan world that once housed more than two million Mayans, it's arguably the best place to explore the Mayans' elaborate stone carvings, paintings, pottery, and works made of gold, obsidian, and jade. Some of the most well-known sites include Caracol, Xunantunich, Lubaantun, and Altun Ha. Xunantunich can be reached by ferry, just across from the village of San Jose Succotz, hosting El Castillo which stands 130 feet high above the main plaza providing a panoramic view of the Cayo District, the Mopan River, and Guatemala.
Belize Zoo
The Belize Zoo is often called the "best little zoo in the world." Centrally located on the mainland, it's worth making time for. As many of the mammals in Belize are nocturnal, they tend to be difficult to see in the wild but here you'll be able to get up close and personal. It makes for great photo ops with over 125 different mammal species from dolphins and manatees to monkeys, coatimundis, and five types of wildcats, including some you've probably never heard about like the big-eyed margay and jaguarrundi.
Visit The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve
Surrounded by the Cockscomb Mountains, the unique Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary covers 150 square miles of tropical forest and is home to the world's only Jaguar Preserve. Not only will you have the chance to see the largest cat in Belize while walking some of the most extensive jungle hiking trails in Belize, but you can also see all sorts of other fauna and flora. The sanctuary also protects over 128,000 acres of lush jungle with tours available from the Maya Center.
Learn about Traditional Chocolate at the Belize Chocolate Company
Learning can be a fun thing to do on vacation, especially when the topic is chocolate. The Belize Chocolate Company in San Pedro makes artisanal chocolates with unique flavors using organic beans from indigenous farmers in Southern Belize and sugar from cane farmers in Northern Belize. It also offers chocolate-making classes where you'll discover how traditional chocolate is made from bean to bar, and enjoy samples for an especially unique and tasty experience.
Good to Know
There are a few other things you should know before traveling to Belize for a smooth and stress-free trip.
Driving tips
Driving on the mainland vs. Ambergris Caye is quite a bit different. If you plan to rent a car to explore the mainland, avoid driving at night as it can be too difficult to see potential hazards like potholes with some roads in poor condition, especially in more rural areas. When it's dark it also makes it very difficult to see animals like tapirs that frequently cross John Smith Airport Link Road or coatimundis that traverse the Hummingbird Highway.
While on Ambergris Caye, driving a golf cart can add to the fun but it's important to follow the rules and stay alert. Be sure to obey speed limits, especially in populated areas, while watching out for dogs, cyclists, pedestrians, and other golf carts. Don't exceed the cart's passenger capacity, and of course, never drive while intoxicated.
Tap Water
Stick with bottled water for drinking. With a single-use plastic ban in effect, it's best to bring a reusable bottle. Most hotels and resorts provide large dispensers with filtered water where you can refill for free.
Belize Dollars
If you're traveling from the U.S., you're in luck, as U.S. dollars can be used almost everywhere despite the Belize Dollar being the official currency. It's best to bring some small denominations for tips, such as $1 and $5 bills, as well as for smaller purchases.
By embracing the spirit of adventure and following our Belize travel tips, this country is sure to captivate your heart. In fact, fair warning, you might just find yourself returning again and again to enjoy this tropical paradise.
