Blessed with incredible nature reserves, white sand beaches and abundant wildlife, Belize should definitely be on your bucket list. Here are the best things to do in Belize, which will make your trip even more enjoyable.
The only Central American country whose first language is English, Belize is formerly known as British Honduras. There are several other recognized languages including Garifuna, Kriol and Mayan.
Fun Things to Do in Belize
The population density in Belize is one of the lowest in the world. However there are lots of attractions within the country, meaning that you can enjoy them without the crowds.
Belize is also an important eco tourism destination, for the diversity of its eco systems. Spot red-eyed tree frogs, tapirs, scarlet macaws and toucans in the dense jungle.
The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to sea turtles, whale sharks and many species of fish.
The country is bordered by Guatemala to the South and West, the Caribbean Sea to the East and Mexico to the Northwest.
Belize is a great family destination, with lots of activities suitable for kids, friendly locals and year-round sunshine.
1. Cave Tubing in Nohoch Che’en Caves
Belize is blessed with the largest cave system in Central America. Nohoch Che’en is part of this extensive network of limestone caves at Caves Branch.
Located 30 minutes from Belmopan, the capital of Belize, the archaeological reserve of Nohoch Cheʼen is popular for kayaking and spelunking. Tubing is a great way to see the caves, as you drift along with no exertion and can focus on the cave sights.
There are nine caves in all, with five caves forming an underground tunnel. Most of the tubing tours are through the last three caves and leave from Jaguar Paw Park Outpost, including ours with Chukka Tours which is popular as a cruise shore excursion.
After a safety briefing at the information centre, you’ll be given a life jacket, helmet with headlamp and a rubber ring to carry down to the cave. The ring is lightweight but a bit cumbersome. There’s a casual restaurant and gift shop on site, as well as changing rooms and restrooms.
Along the 20 minute walk, your guide will point out ants carrying leaves and other wildlife. When you arrive at the cave entrance, you can take a quick dip in Caves Branch River.
The guides will attach your ring to several others and you then float along while they point out stalactites, stalagmites and other interesting sights. The Maya believed that caves were a portal to the underworld and they conducted ceremonial rituals there.
2. Chilling out in Hopkins
There are some great beaches in Belize, and you’ll find one of the best in Hopkins. This laid back village is situated on the East coast of Belize.
Hopkins is known for its Garifuna culture, and also has an award winning hotel, The Lodge at Jaguar Reef. Guests can enjoy two swimming pools, lots of watersports activities and the Big Dock bar with its rope swing.
Some of the rooms have private plunge pools where you can admire the sunrise.
3. Cool Down at Mayan King Waterfalls
Belize has a subtropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 80o F. If you want to cool down, head to the coast for the sea breezes or to a waterfall such as Mayan King.
This Belize waterfall is less than half an hour from Placencia and close to orange trees and a bamboo canopy. If you stop for photos there, make sure to apply plenty of bug spray beforehand. Check out our Belize packing list for other travel essentials.
As this waterfall is located on private property, it doesn’t get too busy. For a small fee, you can enter and enjoy two cascading pools with ice cold water.
The water isn’t too deep but it’s a good idea to wear water shoes as the stones can be a bit slippy. There are restrooms and changing rooms as well as a covered eating area by the bottom pool.
4. Crystal Kayaking in Caye Caulker
Islands in Belize are known as cayes, and there are around 450 of them. They’re among the best islands to visit in the Caribbean.
One of the most popular Belizean islands, Caye Caulker has a laid back vibe. It has some great casual beach bars and restaurants such as Parrot Cove.
Cars are not allowed and people get around on golf carts or bicycles. There are many colorful houses lining the unpaved roads of Main Street, giving Caye Caulker a vibrant atmosphere.
It’s a great place to try crystal kayaking, as the sea is calm and there’s plenty of wildlife to admire. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced kayaker, this is a great way to see the mangroves and coast.
5. Drinks at The Split in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker was split in two by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. The channel was then widened by locals to allow small boats to pass through.
These days, the area is popular with visitors and residents who gather on the sandy beach and in the beach bars. You can also take a two minute boat ride to Koko King, a fun beach resort with a restaurant, rubber rings and swings. The boat is free if you spend over 10$ Belizean in the bar per person.
Why not try a passion fruit rum daiquiri, made with Belizean rum. It’s a perfect Summer cocktail.
6. Experience a Belizean Sunset
At Black Orchid Resort in Burrell Boom Village, you can enjoy beautiful Belizean sunsets and hear the famous Belize howler monkeys. The Black Howler Monkeys are one of the 10 loudest animals in the world! The sounds is more like a grunt than a howl and very atmospheric.
Black Orchid Resort is only 15 minutes away from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. This eco friendly hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and is located on the banks of the Belize river. Guests can borrow kayaks to explore the river.
7. Feeding the Pelicans in Caye Caulker
If you’re on Caye Caulker in late afternoon, you can watch the pelicans being fed in front of the Iguana Reef Inn. These friendly birds love to eat sardines and will happily pose for photos ;-).
Iguana Reef Inn is actually a great place to stay on Caye Caulker. A laid back hotel, it’s right on the beach and has a nice swimming pool.
8. Flying Over The Great Blue Hole
Popularized by famous diver Jacques Cousteau in his television series in 1971, the Great Blue Hole got its name from the British diver and author Ned Middleton.
This natural wonder is the largest sea hole in the world, measuring 300 meters wide and 125 meters deep. Inside the Great Blue Hole there are giant stalactites, some which are more than 40 feet long.
The Great Blue Hole is a popular destination for expert deep sea divers. At certain times of the year you can swim amongst reef sharks.
If you visit the Great Blue Hole by plane, you’ll have a panoramic view of this natural phenomenon. The surrounding atoll of Lighthouse Reef is stunning too.
9. Garifuna Cooking Class
In Belize, the Garifuna people are famous for their unique culture. In fact, UNESCO declared Garifuna dance, language and music to be a “Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity” in 2001.
The Garifuna are descendants of West African exiles and the indigenous Arawak and Carib people. Garifuna cooking uses fresh spices and key ingredients such as cassava, coconut milk and plantains.
You can learn how to make some of the most popular Garifuna dishes at a cooking class in Hopkins village. Hudut is a tasty coconut milk and fish soup, which participants can taste during the class.
10. Garifuna Dancing and Drumming
Experience the magic of traditional Garifuna dancing and join in the drumming with the Lebeha Drummers in Hopkins. Located towards the northern end of the village, the Lebeha Drumming Center is the brainchild of Jabbar Lambey and Dorothy Pettersen.
The drums are made by Austin Rodriguez, from deerskin hides and mahogany and mayflower wood. In Garifuna drumming, there’s a Primero drum, also known as the male drum.
There are also rattles known as shakas containing fruit seedsinside a calabash gourd. Visitors are encouraged to have a go at either the dancing or drumming, which is a lot of fun.
11. Get up for a Belizean Sunrise
As we’ve seen, the sunsets in Belize are spectacular. Belize sunrises give them a run for their money though.
You can see some amazing sunrises in Hopkins village, at Ambergris Caye and in Placencia. Locals consider October to be the best month to experience truly awe inspiring sky displays.
12. Horseback Riding in Cayo District
One of the most well established riding stables in Belize, Hanna Stables is a family business run by Santiago Juan. We were fortunate to meet Santiago, who spent several years in England.
Hanna Stables also own an organic farm, where guests can enjoy a delicious lunch. They organize daily horse riding excursions, to Xunantunich Mayan ruins and around their farm. Hanna Stables also have an exclusive access tour to Actun Kan Mayan Ruins, an unexcavated Mayan temple.
They have 15 horses and will match you with an appropriate one for your height and riding ability. Riding helmets are provided and no previous riding experience is necessary.
On your riding tour to Xunantunich Mayan ruins, you will pass through scenic countryside and even cross the river with the horse on a pedestrian ferry.
13. Manatee Watching
Belize has the highest concentration of Antillean manatees in the world. This endangered species, also known as sea cows, can be observed from a boat in Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary.
It is not permitted to touch manatees or swim with them. If one approaches while you are snorkelling in Belize, it is best to keep a distance so as not to disturb it.
14. Maya Temples
Belize has around 900 Mayan sites, including:
- Xunantunich
- Caracol
- Cahal Pech
- Lamanai
- Altun Ha
In fact, the tallest building in Belize is an ancient Maya temple. The Maya people were the first to inhabit Belize, in approximately 1500 BC.
Xunantunich is one of the most impressive Mayan temples in Belize. The name means Stone Woman in Mayan and comes from a local legend.
There’s an entry fee to this archaeological site, which is very well excavated and maintained. It’s possible to climb to the top of El Castillo, the second tallest pyramid in Belize at 135 feet.
It’s thought that the site was built over 2,000 years, from approximately 1200 BC to 900 AD. At one time there were around 10,000 Mayans living here.
As for the purpose of the site, archaeologists believe that it was a major burial ground.
15. See Rare Green Iguanas in San Ignacio
The green iguana is an endangered species in Belize, and protected under the Belize Wildlife Protection Act. The Green Iguana Conservation Project is the most popular TripAdvisor rated attraction in San Ignacio.
An initiative of the San Ignacio Resort Hotel, this educational exhibit allows you to take a closer look at these fascinating reptiles. The expert on site guide will teach you about their incubation, hatching, rearing, and the releasing process.
We recommend staying at San Ignacio Resort Hotel, which is conveniently located for Xunantunich and Cahal Pech. Observe the parakeets and toucans as you swim in the pool or dine on their delicious local cuisine on the restaurant terrace.
16. Snorkelling at Laughing Bird Caye
Blessed with the second largest barrier reef in the world, Belize has a huge variety of fish. There are over 400 species to be found along the 185 mile Belize Barrier Reef.
Belize is also making a big effort to regrow coral reefs via a conservation program. While you’re snorkelling there, you may even notice conservation workers taking notes about the coral underwater!
Laughing Bird Caye National Park takes its name from the laughing bird gull that breeds on the island. It covers only 1.8 acres, teeming with marine life and wild birds.
There’s a small fee to dock at Laughing Bird Caye which contributes to the conservation work. This caye is generally less crowded than others nearby, making it one of the best places to snorkel in Belize.
There are restrooms as well as a shady area with benches. Boat tours can be booked via Splash Dive Center tours and usually include lunch on the island.
All equipment is provided and no prior snorkelling experience is required, as long as you’re reasonably fit. The water is quite clear, and it’s possible to spot a lot of different fish as well as purple colored coral.
17. Spot Jaguars in a Wildlife Reserve
Belize takes the protection of its wildlife very seriously. The country was forward thinking enough to set up the first jaguar reserve in the world, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.
CBWS for short, the reserve covers 150 square miles and boasts spectacular nature trails, lush waterfalls and vegetation. The reserve isn’t just designed to protect jaguars in their natural habitat but also to encourage biodiversity of other wild species.
Jaguars themselves are quite rare to spot here, however you may well see howler monkeys, coatamundi, peccaries and jaguarundi, small wild cats.
18. Stargazing Sunset Cruise in Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is one of the most charming Belize islands. The atmosphere is similar to Key West, Florida, before it became so popular.
For a romantic and fun way to see the island and shoreline, take a sunset and star gazing sailboat cruise. It’s organized by E-Z Boy Tours, a fifth generation family owned business.
There’s a restroom and plenty of seating space. Taste fresh seafood ceviche and rum cocktails while the captain tells you all about the history of the island.
If you’re lucky, you may see an unusual phenomenon in the sky, a perfect diagonal line. No one knows the causes of these perfect geometric lines but according to a local they’ve started appearing quite recently.
One thing is for sure, you’ll see a lot of stars! Belize is known for its star gazing, as there is hardly any light pollution.
19. Hol Chan Marine Reserve
Nicknamed Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan Marine Reserve spans 18 square kilometers. Located between Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye, this is the most visited diving and snorkeling area in Belize.
The marine reserve is split into 4 zones, teeming with over 160 species of fish and forty types of corals. There are often nurse sharks in zone D, which are generally harmless to humans. You can also spot sea turtles, sting rays, West Indian manatees and two species of dolphins.
How to Get to Belize
- By Air – There are regular flights from Cancun, Houston and Miami to Belize City. The airport is currently being expanded.
- By Road – Drive from Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala or Chetumal, Mexico to Belize.
- By Sea – Belize is a popular cruise destination and there are also daily boats to Punta Gorda from Puerto Barrios in Guatemala and Puerto Cortes in Honduras.
How to Get Around Belize
There’s a good network of flights by operators such as Tropic Air. Even tiny islands have their own airstrip with regular flights from Belize City. Dangriga Town is a handy internal airport if you’re heading to Caye Caulker.
Final Thoughts on Fun Things to Do in Belize
Belize is a unique destination with plenty to offer tourists. From cave-tubing and zip-lining to exploring ancient ruins, there is something for everyone in Belize.
If you are looking for an exciting and exotic vacation destination, be sure to add Belize to your list. And while you’re planning your trip, be sure to check out our other travel articles for more great ideas on where to go and what to see around the world.
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